Economic analysis of virus free sweet potato production in the lake and coastal zones of Tanzania
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Date
2021
Authors
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Publisher
Sokoine University of Agriculture
Abstract
A study was carried out to analyze the economics of virus free sweet potato and vine
multiplication by smallholder farmers in two selected agro-ecological zones of Tanzania
namely; Lake Victoria Zone and Coastal Zone. Specifically, the study aimed at analyzing
yields of sweet potatoes and vines production of virus free varieties, analyzing cost and
benefits of virus free sweet potato vines production by smallholder farmers and analyzing
costs and benefits of sweet potato production of virus free varieties. Primary data were
collected from 495 producers of virus free sweet potato and vines by means of survey
questionnaire. Sampling procedures involved multistage sampling and simple random
sampling techniques. About 362 farmers producing virus free sweet potato and 133
farmers producing vines were chosen from each zone using simple random sampling
technique. The findings of the study showed that the benefit of virus free sweet potato
production in Lake Zone was TZS 1 284 666 per hectare and that in Coastal Zone was
TZS 1 159 525 per hectare. Furthermore, it was found that benefit of virus free sweet
potato vine multiplication in Lake Zone was TZS 219 087 per hectare and in Coastal
Zone was TZS 305 949 per hectare. The Benefit Cost Ratio obtained from virus free
sweet potato production in Lake Zone was 5.04 and Coastal zone was 3.71. The Benefit
Cost Ratio obtained from virus free sweet potato vine multiplication in Lake Zone was
2.91 and Coastal zone was 2.11. Furthermore, the study revealed that the yield and benefit
of virus free sweet potato variety were relatively higher compared to local variety, hence
the likelihood to attract farmers to continue producing sweet potato using virus free sweet
potato variety planting material. Therefore, an investment in virus free sweet potato tuber
production and vine multiplication is worth undertaking in both Lake Victoria and
Coastal zones since farmers generate income and enhance food security.
Description
Dissertation
Keywords
Sweet potato production, Lake Victoria Zone, Coastal Zone, Sweet potatoes, Vines production, Tanzania