Factors affecting adoption of agroforestry farming system in Turiani division, Morogoro rural district
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Date
2000
Authors
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Publisher
Sokoine University of Agriculture
Abstract
A study to identify factors affecting the adoption of agioforestry (AF) fanning system
in Morogoro Rural District was conducted in Turiani Division so as to recommend
strategies for improvement of the prevailing farming systems. A cross sectional
research design was adopted so as to collect information at a single point in time. In
data collection a structured questionnaire was administered to a sample of 180 farmers,
ensuring equal number of adopters and non-adopters of AF innovations. The data were
analysed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) computer software.
The results have shown that the most common AF system practised in the study area
was the homegarden. In the homegardens, trees or shrubs and agricultural crops were
found to interact with livestock thereby enhancing sustainability of the system. Dairying
was significantly (P<0.001) associated with AF adoption. Therefore, dairy cattle
keepers were found to play a key role in environmental protection by planting a variety
of fodder trees thereby contributing greatly to sustainability of the homegardens.
Farmers' awareness and the innovation's benefits were identified as the major
motivating factors in adoption of AF. Major benefits that were found to gear adoption
include simplicity of the innovation, control of termites and the provision of such items
as fuelwood, livestock fodder, construction materials, fruits and nuts.
The major factors, which were found to limit adoption of AF innovations, include lack
of awareness and land scarcity. Lack of motivation and inadequate extension services
are among the reasons causing poor participation of farmers in AF practices. It was also
Description
Masters' Theses
Keywords
Agroforestry farming system, Agroforestry, Agroforestry practices, Farming system