Economic analysis of the adoption of inorganic fertilizers and improved maize seeds in Tanzania
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Date
2018
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Publisher
University of Dar es Salaam
Abstract
The adoption of improved seeds and inorganic fertilizers is still very low in Tanzania compared to other countries with related conditions. This has led to both low crop productivity and production. This study analyzes the factors influencing the adoption of improved seeds and inorganic fertilizers by smallholder maize farmers in Tanzania. Specifically, the study estimates the rates of non-adoption and adoption of inorganic fertilizer, improved seeds and interaction of both technologies among smallholders’ farmers and examines the factors affecting adoption decisions of individual and package technology. This study uses secondary data from National Panel Survey collected in three waves; 2008/2009; 2010/2011; 2012/2013 with a sample size of 1,551 farming households’. Probit model was used to estimate the likelihood of household head adoption of agricultural technologies. Probit regression model results found the adoption rate is still low at 14% and indicated that age, household size, primary and secondary education, accessibility of agricultural inputs on credit, extensions services, ICT, short and moderate distance from maize cultivated plot to the market had a positive and significant influence on adoption of individual technologies. Short distance, household size, age, secondary education, access to ICT and extension services had a positive and significant influence on package technology while farm size and non-formal education level had a negative and significant influence on the adoption of individual and package technology. The study recommends for joint efforts from both the government and private sectors to promote the extension services, rural credit markets, provision of education and training and enhancing communication services, especially in rural areas.
Description
Available in print form, East Africana Collection, Dr. Wilbert Chagula Library, Class mark (THS EAF HD1476.A4.T34L37 )
Keywords
Agriculture, Economic aspects, Fertilizers, Maize seeds, Tanzania
Citation
Lasway, J.A (2018) Economic analysis of the adoption of inorganic fertilizers and improved maize seeds in Tanzania.Master dissertation, University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam.