Browsing by Author "Mugula, Joseph J."

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Adoption intensity of bundled sustainable agricultural practices among small-scale maize growers in Morogoro region, Tanzania
(East African Journal of Management and Business Studies, 2023) Mugula, Joseph J.; Kyaruzi, Athman A.; Msinde, John; Kadigi, Michael
The study examined the adoption rate and intensity of bundled sustainable agricultural practices (SAPs) among smallholder maize farmers in Tanzania. The SAPs considered include crop rotation, intercropping, manure, improved seeds and crop residual. Using descriptive techniques and ordered probit model, data was collected from 470 farming households from Kilosa and Mvomero Districts through a multi-stage sampling procedure. The results show that education level, occupation, farming experience, sex of the household head, farm size, plot ownership, geographical location, membership in farmers’ organization and production diversity had significant impacts on the adoption intensity of multiple SAPs. In addition, there were greater disparities in the adoption intensity than in the adoption rates; the awareness and recognition of SAPs did not necessarily translate into increased usage. The study recommends that the interdependence nature of agricultural innovations should be considered in designing strategies dissemination of SAPs to provide farmers with a choice among different sets of practices that possess desirable traits. Given that diverse factors influence the usage of different combinations of SAPs, it is important that policymakers should take into consideration the significant factors to ensure that farmers can maximize the benefits of SAPs through provision of training programs to enlighten farmers on the benefits of SAPs.
Economic impact of adopting bundled SAPs on crop yield and household incomes among smallholder maize farmers in Morogoro region, Tanzania
(International Journal Of Research In Business And Social Science, 2023) Mugula, Joseph J.; Ahmad, Athman K.; Msinde, John; Kadigi, Michael
This paper uses a multinomial endogenous treatment effect model and data from a sample of 470 farming households to assess the impacts of adopting sustainable agricultural practices (SAPs) on farm yield and household incomes among smallholder maize farmers in Morogoro region. Results show that combination of improved maize and crop residual significantly increased maize yield by 46%, while intercropping with crop residual (65%), improved maize seeds with manure use (58%), and maize rotation with intercropping (57%). The model estimates indicate that individual elements of SAPs increased yield by crop residual (30%), crop rotation (38%), improved maize varieties (85%), intercropping (58%), and manure (43%) whereas, the application of bundled SAPs had significant impacts on the household income via the following combinations; maize-legume rotation and crop residual (50%), improved maize and crop residual (46%), improved maize and manure (70%), maize- legumes rotation and improved maize (46%), maize rotation and intercropping (68%), maize rotation, improved maize, crop residual, and intercropping (41%), and lastly improved maize, intercropping, manure, crop residual, and crop rotation (55%). The study recommends actors involved in the design, promotion and dissemination of SAPs to find a suitable mix or combination of these practices that will enhance maize productivity and incomes, while simultaneously addressing issues related to the dis- adoption of SAPs, and climate change, by raising awareness and educating to farmers about the benefits of using SAPs and implementing mitigative measures for climate change. This includes providing of financial incentives such as loans and subsidies, as well as conducting policy reforms to evaluate and adjust policies that currently favor the use of conventional practices in Tanzania.
Impacts of sustainable agricultural practices on food security, nutrition, and poverty among Smallholder maize farmers in Morogoro region, Tanzania
(African Journal of Empirical Research, 2023) Mugula, Joseph J.; Ahmad, Athman K.; Msinde, John; Kadigi, Michael
The study utilized data from adoption pathway survey and utility maximization theory to examine the impacts of adopting sustainable agricultural practices (SAPs) on food security, nutrition, and poverty among smallholder maize farmers in the Morogoro region of Tanzania. The SAPs considered include manure, crop rotation, intercropping, crop residuals, and improved maize varieties. Using the endogenous treatment effect model, data collected from 470 farming households in Kilosa and Mvomero districts through a multi-stage sampling procedure were analyzed. Prior to data analysis, weak instrument and zero first-stage tests were employed to test the robustness and validity of the selected instruments, with results deemed satisfactory. The empirical findings indicate that the application of improved maize varieties, crop residual, and crop rotation practices had positive and significant impacts on the household’s food security and nutrition. Notably, the usage of improved maize varieties alone demonstrated positive and significant impacts on poverty indicators, suggesting its potential to alleviate poverty among smallholder farmers. The study recommends the development of agricultural productivity enhancement programmes. These programmes should feature a precise targeting strategy aimed at food-insecure households and poor farming households, with the goal of eradicating hunger and nutrition deficiencies within these vulnerable groups. Furthermore, the poverty-alleviating impacts of SAPs, such as improved maize varieties, are expected to grow with increased adoption. Consequently, it is crucial to prioritize significant investments in agriculture. Strengthening and improving maize seed systems becomes imperative, aiming to guarantee the availability and affordability of enhanced maize varieties for smallholder farmers in Tanzania. This step will facilitate wider adoption and contribute to poverty reduction among farming communities.