Factors affecting sisal production by smallholder farmers in Korogwe district, Tanzania
Loading...
Date
2022
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Sokoine University of Agriculture
Abstract
In Tanzania, smallholder sisal farmers contribute much to the total fibre produced
countrywide and their contribution should not be underrated. This study which was
conducted in Korogwe District aimed at investigating socio-demographic factors affecting
sisal production. Specifically, the study sought to (i) determine the level of sisal
production among smallholder farmers, (ii) examine smallholder farmer’s knowledge and
skills on sisal production, (iii) identify the farmer’s sources of knowledge and skills in
sisal production, and (iv) examine socio-demographic factors influencing sisal production
in the study area.
The study involved three villages Mabogo, Chekeleni and Mswaha in Magoma,
Makuyuni and Ngombezi wards in Korogwe District, Tanzania. In each village 30 small
sisal farmers were selected randomly from the Tanzania Sisal Board database making a
total of 90 respondents, in addition, six Key Informants (two from each village were
included in the study. A cross sectional research design was applied where both
quantitative and qualitative data were collected. Different data collection techniques were
used including: Focus Group Discussions, Key Informant interview and questionnaire. It
was also supplemented with direct observation for six weeks consecutively. It was found
that only 35.6% of the respondents were knowledgeable on sisal production. To a large
extent, respondents utilized only one source of information (extension delivery services).
Socio-demographic characteristics of respondents, other factors, recent availability of
market, advice and support received from Katani Limited, sharing of knowledge and
experience among farmers themselves had influence on sisal production. However,
shortage of capital, bush fires, pests, diseases and vermin were the major challenges
facing smallholder sisal farmers in the study area. Therefore, the study concludes that small scale farmers need to be supplied with adequate knowledge and support from
responsible ministry (Ministry of Agriculture) and other stakeholders for increased sisal
production as stipulated in the second goal of the National Development Vision 2025
Description
Dissertation
Keywords
Sisal production, Smallholder farmers, Korogwe District, Tanzania, Sisal