Browsing by Author "Urassa, J. K"
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Item Determinants of smallholder farmers’ adoption and willingness to pay for improved legume technologies in Tanzania(TAJAS, 2021) Lugamara, C. B; Urassa, J. K; Dontsop Nguezet, P. M; Masso, C.Generally, legumes are critical in improving nutritional status, enhancement of ecosystem resilience and reduction of poverty for rural households. However, limited information is available concerning smallholder farmers’ adoption and their willingness to pay for improved legume technologies in Tanzania. Therefore, this paper assesses the determinants of smallholder farmers’ adoption of improved common bean seeds (Uyole Njano, Lyamungo 90 and Rose-coco/Red bean) and willingness to pay for improved common bean seeds, Basal fertilizers (NPK; DAP), Boosting fertilizers (UREA), Pesticides, Herbicides and Anti-fungal). The study adopted a cross-sectional research design whereby data from 400 respondents were collected once from Gairo and Mvomero districts, Tanzania through a questionnaire, key informant interviews and focus group discussions. A third of the respondents were from the non-intervention area. Data were analysed using SPSS and STATA whereby descriptive and inferential statistics were determined. The results show that there were statistically significant associations between the adoption of improved common bean seeds and availability of legume technology intervention (p<0.05), the total area cultivated (p<0.01) and size of the household (p<0.05). In addition, being a member of a farmers’ association (p<0.05) and visits by extension officers (p<0.01) were statistically and significantly associated with willingness to pay for improved legume technologies available in the study area. It can be concluded that, availability of legume technology intervention, the total area cultivated and size of the household determines adoption of improved legume technology, being a member of a farmers’ association and visits by extension officers determines willingness to pay for improved legume technologies. Therefore, the government and other stakeholders need to further promote improved legume technologies’ intervention, formation of farmers association as well as extension services to enhance adoption and willingness to pay for improved legume technologies.Item Off-farm employment response to idiosyncratic shocks to crop income in Kilombero valley, Tanzania(2018) Msinde, J.; Urassa, J. K; Nathan, I.This paper investigates the mechanism in which off-farm employment offsets the effect of crop income shocks. Using data collected from paddy farming households in Kilombero Valley, Tanzania, we examine the interaction between seasonal farm and off-employment activities and how this interaction enables households to address crop income shock. A set of participatory rural appraisal approaches supported by economic estimation is used. Results from focus group discussions and seasonal calendars show that, availability of some off-farm incomes such as those related to farm wage do not covary with farm income, a feature that is critical for ex post shock strategies as it enables households to smooth income during the farming season. Evidence from econometric estimation showed that engagement in non-farm self-employment, which is largely available during the farming off-season, plays an essential risk management role and cushions against crop-based income shocks. These findings imply that insurability of off-farm employment depends not only on the type of off-farm activities, but is also shaped by seasonality. Therefore, given the prevailing condition of imperfection in credit and crops insurance marketin rural areas, formulation of policies that enhance growth and diversification of income sources out of farming is of utmost importance in addressing crop related susceptibility.Item Off-farm employment response to idiosyncratic shocks to crop income in Kilombero valley, Tanzania(WDR. wloclawek, 2018) Msinde, J.; Urassa, J. K; Nathan, I.This paper investigates the mechanism in which off-farm employment offsets the effect of crop income shocks. Using data collected from paddy farming households in Kilombero Valley, Tanzania, we examine the interaction between seasonal farm and off-employment activities and how this interaction enables households to address crop income shock. A set of participatory rural appraisal approaches supported by economic estimation is used. Results from focus group discussions and seasonal calendars show that, availability of some off-farm incomes such as those related to farm wage do not covary with farm income, a feature that is critical for ex post shock strategies as it enables households to smooth income during the farming season. Evidence from econometric estimation showed that engagement in non-farm self-employment, which is largely available during the farming off-season, plays an essential risk management role and cushions against crop-based income shocks. These findings imply that insurability of off-farm employment depends not only on the type of off-farm activities, but is also shaped by seasonality. Therefore, given the prevailing condition of imperfection in credit and crops insurance marketin rural areas, formulation of policies that enhance growth and diversification of income sources out of farming is of utmost importance in addressing crop related susceptibility.Item Pathways for addressing gender-based constraints for effective participation in profitable crop value chains in Tanzania(Climate change management, 2019) Mnimbo, T. S; Lyimo-Macha, Joyce; Urassa, J. K; Mutabazi, K. DGender-based constraints in crop value chains are important considerations for equitable and sustainable participation of men, women and the youth. Women and youth make vital contributions to the agricultural sector despite the many gender-based constraints (GBCs) they face in accessing resources. The study on which the chapter is based aimed at analysing constraints that men, women and youth face, which hinder their participation in the profitable crop value chains (CVCs). Specifically, it analysed intra-household decision-making, assets associated with gender-based constraints and socio-economic factors influencing participation in profitable CVC and determined the pathways for addressing GBC. The study adopted a cross-sectional design whereby data was collected from 594, i.e. 295 and 299, from Chamwino and Kilosa Districts, respectively. Study results show that women use more time in performing agricultural activities such as planting, harvesting and post-harvesting activities, except for post-harvesting in Chamwino. Results further show that lack of wage labour, gender norms and household responsibilities negatively and significantly (p ≤ 0.05) influence one’s participation in the CVC. Generally, an increase in income was associated with participation in the profitable nodes of the value chain. The chapter concludes that the current gender inequalities and stereo types perpetuate an ‘exploitative status quo’ which is depriving women and youth of opportunities to properly engage in the more profitable nodes of the CVC. To address the above, the study recommends the adoption of gender-transformative strategies.Item Perceptions on resilience to climate change variability among farmers in Meatu and Iramba districts, Tanzania(IOSR, 2016-11) Nyangas, J. A.; Chingonikaya, E. E.; Urassa, J. K; Mbwambo, J. S.Though knowledge on climate change has increased over time, previous studies showed that knowledge on farmers’ perception on resilience to climate change and its variability was lacking. This study examined farmers’ perceptions on resilience to climate change and its variability in Meatu and Iramba districts, Tanzania. A cross-sectional research design was used whereby, information was collected from 183 randomly selected households using a questionnaire. In addition, key informant interviews and focus group discussions were used to collect data. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyse quantitative data. In addition qualitative data were analyzed by using content analysis. Over 73% of household heads perceived to be highly resilient. Among the socio-economic factors for perceived household resilience, household head’s income levels (χ²=30.16; df=6; p=0.000), marital status (χ²=27.78; df=2; p=0.000) and land ownership (p=0.000) were statistically significant. Based on the results it can be concluded that most important socio-economic factors of perceived household resilience were, income levels, marital status and land ownership of the household heads. This study therefore, recommended that there is need for provision of training which would enable household members to engage on various non-farm economic activities, provision of access to agricultural extension to the households.