Abstract:
This paper examines the contribution of vegetable farming to livelihood outcomes among
the youths in Ihumwa and Mtumba wards in Dodoma City. The paper employed a crosssectional
research designs whereby a mixed methods research approach was adopted. The
approach involves combining or integration of qualitative and quantitative research and
data (Cresswell, 2014). Quantitative data were obtained by administering interview
schedules to the youth vegetable farmers while qualitative data from Key Informant
Interviews (KIIs) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were collected using interview
guides. A livelihood outcome index was developed to measure the livelihood outcome
levels of the youth involved in vegetable farming. The index sought to measure whether
engagement in vegetable production improved human capital, social capital, assets,
household food security and a household’s income. Each livelihood outcome indicator was
measured by three sub-indicators which were measured in a 3 point Likert scale (low,
medium and high livelihood outcomes) and coded as 1, 2 and 3. Ordinal logistic regression
model (OLRM) was employed to determine the chances of the youths’ livelihood outcome
levels being high due to vegetable farming. This paper concludes that a greater proportion
(58.4%) of the youth was categorized into the high livelihood outcomes. This means
vegetable farming contributes highly to the livelihood outcomes of the youth. With regard
to the factors contributing to this, the results from OLRM revealed that land size, access to
credit, vegetable variety and education were the most significant (p≤ 0.05) predictors of the
livelihood outcomes. Thus, it is recommended that the government in collaborations with
other development partners and the youth address these factors when designing
intervention for improving the livelihoods of youth engaged in vegetable farming.
