Browsing by Author "Lyatuu, Gabriel Godwin Idikiael Solomon"

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The role of credit in the adoption of improved agricultural techniques by small scale farmers: a case study of maize growers in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania.
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 1994) Lyatuu, Gabriel Godwin Idikiael Solomon
The study sought to determine the role of credit in the adoption of improved agricultural techniques by small farmers. The specific objectives were to: determine the need for credit by the farmers and the extent the need has been fulfilled; find out the sources of credit by the small farmers; distinguish the major factors limiting access to credit by small farmers, and determine how adoption of improved agricultural techniques is related to availability of credit. A questionnaire was used to collect relevant information from the respondents. Formal interviews and discussions were conducted with key informants in the villages and government offices to supplement the data obtained through interviews. The data were then analyzed statistically and obtain frequency distribution, percentage and cross-tabulations. The study established that, farmers need credit to purchase inputs and pay for additional labor required as a result of using the recommended farming techniques. Some farmers are informed of the existence of credit giving institutions; however, few have benefited from institutional credit. Informal sources, mainly friends and relatives, constitute the main source of credit for the majority of the respondents. The complicated lending procedures and demands by the banks from the farmers seeking credit have largely contributed to the limited access to credit to majority of small farmers. The results of the study also show that credit facilitates the adoption of improved farming techniques. Recommendations from the study include involvement of village authorities in the appraisal of credit requirement by the farmers and educating farmers on the procedures and conditions to follow to qualify for credit. Other recommendations include the use of simple collateral such as assessment of borrower's farming business and possessions, involving the extension services and other related institutions to ensure the use and repayment of the loans, and encouraging the establishment of rural savings and credit schemes.