Unlocking the drivers of smallholder farmers’ adoption of improved seed varieties in Kilosa District, Tanzania

Maria Shishira; Davis Meela; Mkubya Wambura

doi:10.51867/AQSSR.3.3.20

Authors

Maria Shishira Jordan University College, Tanzania Author
Davis Meela Jordan University College, Tanzania Author
Mkubya Wambura Jordan University College, Tanzania Author https://orcid.org/0009-0004-2265-7051

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51867/AQSSR.3.3.20

Keywords:

Adoption, Improved Seed Varieties, Multivariate Probit, Tanzania, Smallholder Farmers

Abstract

This study examines the determinants affecting the adoption of improved seed varieties of maize, rice, and sunflower among smallholder farmers in Kilosa District, Tanzania. Data were collected from a cross-sectional household survey of 243 farmers, who were randomly selected. Descriptive statistics and multivariate probit analysis were employed for data analysis. The findings revealed a significant negative association between the adoption of improved maize and improved rice varieties, indicating that the adoption-enhancing factors of either improved maize or improved rice varieties would negatively impact adoption in the other. Conversely, the adoption of improved sunflower varieties was not interdependent. However, the adoption of improved maize varieties was positively influenced by farm size and the level of education and extension contact. Nevertheless, extension contact and household size positively influenced the uptake of improved rice varieties, while the effect of education was marginally positive. Regarding sunflower varieties, education was the significant factor, and the availability of credit was marginally significant. The study recommends that improving agricultural extension services and enhancing the accessibility and provision of information to farmers would greatly impact the uptake of improved seed varieties and the increased agricultural output of smallholder farmers in Tanzania.

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