Abstract:
The study was carried out to investigate the production potential for oil crop called
jatropha (Jatropha curcas) in Arumeru district. A total of 111 farmers were randomly
selected for interview. The study involve estimates of profitability of jatropha
farming compared with maize farming, investigating household factors that influence
adoption of recommended jatropha cultivation practices and identify opportunities
and challenges for the development of jatropha industry in Tanzania. The data were
collected from primary and secondary sources. The tools of analysis used include
descriptive statistics, logistic regression and cost benefit analysis. A binary logistic
regression employed to test the influence of household factors on the adoption of
recommended cultivation practices in the study area. The cost benefit analysis used
to estimate relative profitability of jatropha enterprise against maize enterprise.
Survey results show that average seed yield per jatropha tree was 2 kg for the 1 st
harvest and 1 000 kg for 1 ha of maize field. The BCR of 1.76, NPV of TZS 55 199
and IRR of 58% were obtained when jatropha enterprise was discounted at 20%.
Results show that BCR of 1.06, NPV of TZS 34 713 and IRR of 27% were obtained
when maize enterprise was discounted at 20%. The logistic regression showed that
household factors such as education, land availability and extension services
influence farmer’s adoption significantly at p < 0.05 level. The results show that
jatropha production opportunities include rural income generation, domestic energy
security, utilization of waste lands, employment opportunities whereas the challenges
include land availability and food security. The study concluded that jatropha
production was found to be profitable compared to maize production. Furthermore,
the study recommends that Tanzania government needs to review its role iniii
promoting jatropha industry through technology development. Secondly, non-
governmental institutions should support Government’s efforts in promoting jatropha
crop.
