Adoption level and challenges of drip irrigation system as a climate change adaptation strategy in agricultural production in Kilosa district
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Date
2014
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Publisher
University of Dar es Salaam
Abstract
Drought impact on agriculture production can be overcomed by continuous adoption of water efficient irrigation system like Drip Irrigation System. Objectives of this study were to analyze the adoption level of Drip Irrigation Systems, determinant factors, challenges and benefits associated with the adoption. The study employed 120 small scale farmers from Kibaoni and Rudewa-Batini villages in Kilosa District who were purposely selected basing on the water related measures they used in agriculture. The Participatory Rural Appraisals techniques including Focus Group Discussion, Household Interview, Key Informant Interview and Direct Observation were used to collect data from the respondents. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression models to obtain meaningful results. Key findings show that, adoption level of Drip Irrigation System is low compared to Furrow Irrigation System due to lack of sufficient knowledge and farmers’ familiarity with the technology that goes with it. As a result, agriculture production has remained low due to drying of crops before maturity thus incurring huge losses because of the investment made on the farms. It is because of this background that adoption of Drip Irrigation System becomes necessary for communities. It is therefore recommended that local governments need to develop and encourage polices that support the adoption of Drip Irrigation System. They should also set out innovative financial mechanisms that will assist in empowering small scale farmers with more knowledge on adaptation strategies. This can be done through additional trainings and formulation of cooperative groups where lessons and success stories will be shared by the small scale farmers.
Description
Available in print form, East Africana Collection, Dr. Wilbert Chagula Library, Class mark (THS EAF QC903.2.T34J637)
Keywords
Climate changes, Agriculture, Tanzania, Irrigation, Microirrigation, Kilosa district
Citation
Johnson, N.(2015) Adoption level and challenges of drip irrigation system as a climate change adaptation strategy in agricultural production in Kilosa district, Master dissertation, University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam