Factors affecting the adoption of improved maize seeds in Tanzania: a case study of maize smallholder farmers

The study aimed at analyzing the factors affecting the adoption of maize seeds among the smallholder farmers in Tanzania. With much effort undertaken by the government and private organizations to resolve seed sector, still adoption is low in Tanzania. Specific objectives were estimation of rates of adoption and non-adoption of household heads’ characteristics, and determining the factors affecting the extent of adoption of improved maize seeds. This study uses (NPS) data collected in three waves; 2008/09; 2010/11; 2012/13 with sample of 1,482 households’ smallholder farmers along with the Probit model to estimate the likelihood of household head adoption of improved maize seed at the national level in all agro ecological zones. The Probit results indicate that household head’s age, education, distance from the plot to the market, harvest market value as well as regions receiving large amount of rains (1500mm and above) annually (agrozone3) variables are significant and positively associated with maize seed adoption technology. The study findings recommend that the government should set favorable market prices for maize crop through Tanzania maize board to encourage smallholder farmers adopt improved seeds to increase output. Direct the government to put a great deal of stress on improving the literacy rate among household heads and members if higher adoption rates are to be achieved, promote agricultural irrigation schemes in all agro ecological areas especially those areas receiving higher rainfall per annum so as to overcome challenges of climate variations.