Theses and Dissertations Collection

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Access to niche markets and efficiency of smallholder broiler producers in Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2016) Mbwana, M.
This study was conducted to examine the possibilities of integrating smallholder broiler producers into the niche market supply chains for improving their efficiency and incomes. Specifically the study: i) characterize the broiler supply chains with particular emphasis on requirements of participating in the niche market supply chain; ii) analyse technical and cost efficiency of broiler producers; iii) compare the level of benefits realized by broiler producers supplying to niche and conventional retail market outlets; and iv) and analyse the farmers‟ preferential choice decision of supplying to niche markets. Data were collected using checklists and questionnaires where descriptive statistics, stochastic production and cost functions, discounted cash flow and preferential choice analyses were used to analyse the data. The results showed that the structure of supply chain is described in terms of live bird and dressed bird supply channels, where minimum level of coordination existed in both chains. The estimated farm level technical efficiency ranged from 37% to 97% with a mean technical efficiency of 74%. Day old chicks, flock-size and feed intake were critical variables that affected farmers output at 1 percent and 5 percent respectively. Participation by farmers in niche markets significantly influenced technical efficiency and increased output (P<0.01). Farmers were cost inefficient (P<0.05), high cost of feeds, day-old chicks and low price of broiler chicken in the output market are principal causes of the inefficiency. Average return on investment for the farmers supplying to niche markets was significantly (P < 0.01) higher than that of farmers supplying to conventional broiler markets. The net present value (Tshs 5 036 179), benefit cost ratio (1.22) and internal rate of return (46%) for farmers selling to niche markets were higher than accordingly, Tshs 793 938; 1.09; and 30% for farmers selling into conventional broiler markets. Farmers‟ perceptions regarding niche markets indicated that they had positive attitude to participate in these markets. To increase efficiency and access to niche markets, the study recommends that: policy and institutional supports that would increase investment and innovation in the broiler supply chain deserves priority for enhancing chain‟s efficiency, productivity and income.
Adaptive adoption of rainwater storage systems by farmers
(Sokoine Universitry of Agriculture, 2008) Mihayo, Denis. G
Water is vital for every human community and is essential resource for economic development, agricultural productivity, industrial growth and above all human well- being. Availability of clean, safe and secure water source will always be a major concern for human populations. Access to adequate fresh water is limited, yet crucial for the survival of the inhabitants. Rainwater harvesting and storage appears to be an alternative for supplying water in the face of increasing water scarcity and escalating water demand in Makanya. The main objective of this study was to assess the adaptive adoption of rainwater storage systems by farmers. The study was done in some villages at Makanya ward. The study objectives were: (1) to determine factors influenced adaptive adoption of rainwater storage systems to farmers (ii) to assess adaptive adoption of rainwater storage systems by farmers and (iii) to find out reasons for adaptation of rainwater storage. Sixty seven households were surveyed. Purposive sampling was used to select villages for data collection and simple random sampling was employed in selecting adopters of rainwater storage systems in the study area. The data were coded and analyzed. Data analysis entailed descriptive statistics including frequencies, cross tabulation and chi-square tests. A logit model was used to assess objective of this study. Results revealed that major factors influenced farmers’ adaptation were water problems to adopters, education, sex, income and household size. It was revealed again that income, technological awareness and knowledge on technology have significantly influenced the adaptation of rainwater storage systems (p<0.05). This suggests that the water problems and income level of farmers have facilitated the adaptation of rainwater storage system by farmers. Therefore, it recommended that farmers should be given an opportunityiii to participate and decide to their needs rather than being required to accept what is not of their interest.
Adoption and impact of soil and water conservation on current food insecurity and vulnerability of farming households in Eastern Ethiopia
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2019) Haile, M. S.
Understanding the livelihoods related impacts of soil and water conservation and decision behaviours of smallholder farmers would be a significant step toward improving environmental conditions, while ensuring sustainable and increased agricultural production. Hence, the objectives of this study include: analysis of households‟ food insecurity and vulnerability to food insecurity and its influencing factors; assessment of factors affecting choice decision of soil and water conservation structure, and evaluation of impact of soil and water conservation adoption on food insecurity and related vulnerability outcomes of farming households. A multi-stage stratified sampling procedure was used to identify a sample of 408 sample households (200 adopters and 208 non- adopters) and also 790 plot-level observations from three districts in eastern Ethiopia. The study used both primary and secondary data. To address the research objectives, the study used descriptive statistics and various econometric models. The logit model results show that food insecurity of farm households was significantly influenced by age of household head, family size in adult equivalent, use of irrigation, adoption of soil and water conservation, and coping strategies. The Three-step Feasible Generalized Least Squares estimation results indicate that age of household head and family size were found to have a negative and significant influence on expected food consumption expenditure. Furthermore, using improved seed, total cultivated land, using soil and water conservation, received credit were significant predictors with positive influence on expected food consumption expenditure. Based on the intensity of their vulnerability, households were grouped as chronic food insecure (24.27 %), transient food insecure (11.77 %), highly vulnerable-food secure (18.38 %), and low vulnerable-food secure (45.59 %). Moreover, the study indicated that 54.01 % of households are vulnerable to food insecurity, which is by higher than the current incidence of food insecurity (36.02 %). The multivariate probit estimation results indicated that out of hypothesized explanatory variables education level, family size income, contact with development agent and erosion problem, livestock ownership, age and sex of household head, number of plots, off-farm activity and received credit were significant factors for farm-level adoption of stone bund, soil bund and bench terracing conservation technologies. Endogenous switching regressions and propensity score matching result indicated that, adoption of soil and water conservation not only positively impacts the per capita food consumption expenditure and net crop value, but also significantly reduced the probability of farmers being food insecure, vulnerability to food insecurity, as well as being transient and chronically food insecure.
Adoption and impact of treadle pump on farm productivity: A case of Mbarali District, Mbeya Region
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2006) Nassoro, Hussein Nzao
This study was undertaken with a view of assessing factors determining adoption of treadle pump and how it impacts farm productivity in Mbarali district, Mbeya region. The specific objectives were: to identify factors determining adoption of treadle pump; analysing financial and economic performance; examining relationship between treadle pump adoption and farm productivity; determining whether treadle pump complements adoption of other improved technologies and finally to make suggestions on sustainable usage and dissemination of the treadle pump. Nature of the study was descriptive and exploratory involving both primary and secondary data. Prior to data collection, rapid rural survey was conducted. Purposive and simple random sampling techniques were employed to get adopters and non-adopter of treadle pump. The study employed Probit model, Cobb- Douglass production function, Chi-square and gross margin as analytical tools for addressing the specific objectives. Analytical results showed that, household size and presence of male members in a household have a positive influence on adoption of treadle pump. Such an observation reflects labour intensity of the treadle pump where the technology is more suited to man. On the other hand increased education, age and income reduce the chances of adoption. At farm level, treadle pump contributes to farm productivity and has positive gross margin. Results indicated that, adoption of treadle pump has complemented adoption of insecticide used at farm level. From the survey, treadle pump is associated with vegetable grown year round and agro-pastoral fanning system. From the study findings it is recommend that, manufacturing of the treadle pump be improved to avoid gender biasness associated with the present model, which is labour intensive. Current distribution channel should be improved to insure that, product reach the end users. The project should be replicated to other areas with similar conditions and neediii of addressing poverty. Policy makers should recognize and orient resources towards the technology as one with potentials of improving crop production and alleviating poverty among the smallholder farmers in Tanzania.
Adoption of high tunnels for tomato production in North East District, Botswana
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2018) Badimo, D.
High tunnel technology has been heralded as the panacea to propel medium and small scale tomato production due to high levels of efficiency and the potential to support sustainable socio-economic development in the face of current daunting challenges and opportunities to which farmers respond. However, despite the comparative advantages offered by the technology, its adoption by farmers has been far less than satisfactory. A study was therefore carried out to investigate constraints and determinants of high tunnels adoption for tomato production in the North East District of Botswana. In addition, evaluation of profitability of the high tunnels technology in the study area was carried out. A questionnaire was used to elicit primary information from 119 horticultural farmers in the district. The study employed both descriptive statistics and binary probit regression model to analyze determinants of adoption of the high tunnels for tomato production. From the study, prohibitive cost of high tunnels, inadequate knowledge on high tunnels, inadequate capital and markets were identified as major constraints that hinder high tunnels adoption. The adoption of high tunnels was found to be positively influenced by years of education, access to extension and farm size, but negatively influenced by farmer’s experience. The net profit for high tunnels was approximately BWP 388 783.97 (U$D 37712.05) compared to BWP 24 088.72 (U$D 2336.61) for open field in the 2015/16 production period. The study recommends tunnel designers to consider constructing the structure using local materials to cut down the startup cost. Furthermore, extension service organizations should be strengthened and the services and the extension system be improved to make their innovations relevant and up to date.
Adoption of high tunnels for tomato production in North East District, Botswana
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2018) Badimo, D.
High tunnel technology has been heralded as the panacea to propel medium and small scale tomato production due to high levels of efficiency and the potential to support sustainable socio-economic development in the face of current daunting challenges and opportunities to which farmers respond. However, despite the comparative advantages offered by the technology, its adoption by farmers has been far less than satisfactory. A study was therefore carried out to investigate constraints and determinants of high tunnels adoption for tomato production in the North East District of Botswana. In addition, evaluation of profitability of the high tunnels technology in the study area was carried out. A questionnaire was used to elicit primary information from 119 horticultural farmers in the district. The study employed both descriptive statistics and binary probit regression model to analyze determinants of adoption of the high tunnels for tomato production. From the study, prohibitive cost of high tunnels, inadequate knowledge on high tunnels, inadequate capital and markets were identified as major constraints that hinder high tunnels adoption. The adoption of high tunnels was found to be positively influenced by years of education, access to extension and farm size, but negatively influenced by farmer’s experience. The net profit for high tunnels was approximately BWP 388 783.97 (U$D 37712.05) compared to BWP 24 088.72 (U$D 2336.61) for open field in the 2015/16 production period. The study recommends tunnel designers to consider constructing the structure using local materials to cut down the startup cost. Furthermore, extension service organizations should be strengthened and the services and the extension system be improved to make their innovations relevant and up to date.
Adoption of high tunnels for tomato production in North East District, Botswana
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2018) Badimo, D.
High tunnel technology has been heralded as the panacea to propel medium and small scale tomato production due to high levels of efficiency and the potential to support sustainable socio-economic development in the face of current daunting challenges and opportunities to which farmers respond. However, despite the comparative advantages offered by the technology, its adoption by farmers has been far less than satisfactory. A study was therefore carried out to investigate constraints and determinants of high tunnels adoption for tomato production in the North East District of Botswana. In addition, evaluation of profitability of the high tunnels technology in the study area was carried out. A questionnaire was used to elicit primary information from 119 horticultural farmers in the district. The study employed both descriptive statistics and binary probit regression model to analyze determinants of adoption of the high tunnels for tomato production. From the study, prohibitive cost of high tunnels, inadequate knowledge on high tunnels, inadequate capital and markets were identified as major constraints that hinder high tunnels adoption. The adoption of high tunnels was found to be positively influenced by years of education, access to extension and farm size, but negatively influenced by farmer’s experience. The net profit for high tunnels was approximately BWP 388 783.97 (U$D 37712.05) compared to BWP 24 088.72 (U$D 2336.61) for open field in the 2015/16 production period. The study recommends tunnel designers to consider constructing the structure using local materials to cut down the startup cost. Furthermore, extension service organizations should be strengthened and the services and the extension system be improved to make their innovations relevant and up to date.
Adoption of improved maize varieties in northern and Eastern zones of Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2016) Mwakatwila, Atupokile
This study analyzed the factors that influence the adoption of improved maize varieties and the extent of adoption in northern and eastern zones of Tanzania. Data were collected from a sample of 548 households in northern and eastern zones by adoption pathway project in 2013 by using household survey questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were employed to determine the improved maize varieties adopted in the two regions and Heckman two stage sample selection model was used to determine factors influencing the adoption and extent of adoption of improved maize varieties. Results from stage one of the Heckman model indicate that respondents who had 7 years and more in school and those who had communication and transportation assets were more likely to adopt improved maize varieties and was significant at (p ≤ 0.05), and respondent’s income and savings also significantly influence the adoption of improved maize varieties at p (≤ 0.1). The results of the second stage of the Heckman model indicate that respondent’s income and the difference in the two zones are significantly influencing the extent of adopting improved maize varieties. It is therefore concluded that farmers’ education, income, savings, zones and access to transportation and communication assets are the major factors influencing extent and adoption of improved maize varieties. And it is recommended that government and other development organization should create a favorable environment like subsidization of the farming technologies, improvement of rural infrastructures and strengthening farmers’ knowledge on modern agriculture production as the way of improving farmer’s adaptation to agricultural intensification practices.
Adoption of quality protein maize technology in Tanzania: the case of Northern zone
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2010) Gregory, Theresia Leopold
Quality protein maize (QPM) contains nearly twice as much usable protein more than normal maize. Since 2001 QPM varieties have been disseminated in the country to small scale farmers for production and adoption. The thrust of this study was to determine the adoption of (QPM) technology and examine the factors that influence its adoption by farmers. Primary data was collected from randomly selected 120 smallholder maize farmers in four villages of northern Tanzania (Babati and Hai) districts. Data collected from formal and informal surveys were analysed using descriptive and quantitative methods to asses the rate of adoption. Logit model was used to determine factors that influence adoption of QPM technology in the study area. Study findings revealed that the rate of adoption of QPM technology was 25%. QPM seed unavailability was the major reason for not adopting reported by nonadopters. The regression results indicated that education of the household head, farmers’ participation on demonstration trials, attendance to field days, and number of livestock owned positively influenced the rate of adoption of QPM technology. Lack of special QPM product market and agricultural production credit facilities negatively influenced the likelihood of farmers to adopt QPM technology in the study area. The study therefore indicated that the adoption rate of QPM technology was low across the study area. It is therefore recommended that the Ministry of Agriculture to put efforts to ensure efficient input output linkage for QPM production. Maize breeders incorporate a special marker in QPM that can differentiate it from normal maize.The formal credit system to address the agriculture credit constraints of small-scale farmers, and make it available for agricultural production.
Adoption of sustainable land management technologies: revisiting impact to community livelihood in west Usambara mountains, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2013) Temu, Emmanuel John
This study attempts to revisit and to assess the adoption impact of sustainable land management technology practices on community livelihood in West Usambara Mountains. Primary data were collected through household questionnaires, focus group discussions, key informants interviews and personal observations while secondary data were collected from relevant local authority reports and records. A total of 160 households were interviewed. Descriptive statistics, binary logistic regression, multiple linear regression, household dietary diversity and independent T-test statistics were used to analyze the data. Research findings found that, the area is still experiencing soil erosion problem i.e. about 61.9% is still facing it. The binary logistic regression model reveals that total number of household members; farm total size and average income per year have significant positive impact on the adoption of sustainable land management. Furthermore, multiple linear regression model reveals that household head age, farmland ownership and household income have significant positive impact on improving community livelihood while sustainable land management non-adopters deteriorate it. The computed independent T-test for the mean income difference was statistically highly significance between adopters and non-adopters, suggesting that adopters were in better-off position to improve their livelihood. The study concluded that both adoption and practicing of sustainable land management (SLM) should simultaneously be taken for sustainable community livelihood. As they both significantly develop community livelihood. Despite the fact that sustainable land management is multifaceted and seemed to require formal knowledge or at least assistance from extension providers to farmers, the study recommended that policy makers in collaboration with the government should work on improving skills for quality extension staff specifically on land conservation practices, enhancing provision of land title, enhancing improvement of road quality and initiate farmer group markets, these will help farmers both on more produces and good SLM practices and hence improved community livelihood.
Adoption of system of rice intensification and impact on yield in Mbarali District In Mbeya, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2018) Ndabila, A.
Rice yields in developing countries in general and specifically in Tanzania remain low due to limited adoption of new innovations by smallholder rice farmers. The System of Rice Intensification (SRI) is believed to have promising potential for increasing rice yields. However, the factors influencing the adoption decisions as well as adoption impacts have been a subject of debate. This study was conducted to analyse the adoption of SRI and its impact on rice yields in Mbarali District. Specifically, the study focused on determining the extent of SRI components adoption by smallholder rice farmers, analysing the factors affecting SRI components adoption decisions and determining the impacts of adopted SRI component combinations on rice yields. Data were collected from three irrigation schemes involving 318 smallholder rice farmers. The extent of SRI components adoption was estimated as a percentage of area under rice production allocated to SRI by smallholder rice farmer. Multinomial endogenous treatment effect model was used to analyse the determinants of SRI component combinations adoption and the impact of the adopted packages on rice yields. The study findings indicate that on average SRI adopters allocate about 73% of rice cultivated land on SRI. The likelihood of smallholder rice farmers adopting SRI component combinations is significantly determined by education level of the household heard, active family labour force size, experience in rice production, access to off farm activities, farm size, farm level status, adequate availability of water for irrigation, access to credit facilities and information from formal sources. Furthermore, the results reveal that all SRI component combinations have a positive and significant impact on yields although on their impact differ in magnitude. The highest rice yields (41%) are obtained when the full package comprising all components (plant, soil and water management) is adopted, hence future interventions with comprehensive SRI package are recommended.
Aflatoxins contamination in raw and locally processed cashew nuts and the associated human health risks:
(Sokoine University Of Agriculture, 2022) Akwilapo, Catherine Leonard
Aflatoxins (AFs) are one of the mycotoxins which are secondary metabolites of various fungi species; Aspergillus flavus, A. parasiticus and A. nomius. There are about eighteen types of aflatoxins that have been identified, but only four are found in food and feed: B 1 , B 2 , G 1 and G 2 . Aflatoxin B 1 is the most toxic and classified as group one carcinogen. Aflatoxins cause serious health problems and have high potential effects on liver cancer, therefore, numerous investigations have been conducted worldwide. The aim of this work was to determine the contamination levels of raw and roasted cashew nuts sold in Masasi and Newala districts of Mtwara region in Tanzania, evaluate the factors associated with the contamination and estimate human exposure to aflatoxin through consumption of contaminated cashew nuts. Determination of total aflatoxins levels in raw and roasted cashew nuts samples was carried out at Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) food laboratory in Dar es Salaam by using immuno-affinity high performance liquid chromatography. A total of 60 samples were collected and the highest concentration of aflatoxins recorded for raw cashew nuts was 3.29 μg/ kg in Masasi and 3.24 μg/kg in Newala. None of the samples had total aflatoxins contamination greater than the recommended maximum residues of 4 μg/kg set by European Commission (2010) or 10 μg/kg set by FAO and WHO. All roasted cashew nut samples had total aflatoxins less than 3 μg/kg while about 86% of raw cashew nut samples had total aflatoxins less than 3 μg/kg. The overall results of the tested samples indicated that the rate of contamination was very minimal for cashew nuts especially roasted nuts but raw cashew nuts showed higher contamination. A cross-sectional survey was conducted to assess awareness among cashew nuts stakeholders (smallholder farmers, traders and consumers) on aflatoxins contamination, demographic characteristics, handling practices and eating habit. The study showed that the cashew nuts value chain is highly dominated by females (64%), whose education level was primary school (58%). Very few respondents (<20%) in either category have heard ofiii aflatoxins in their lifetime or almost all were among those who have had either a secondary school or a college level of education. This study revealed that education level of the respondents was directly related to aflatoxins awareness. The human exposure to aflatoxin through consumption of contaminated cashew nuts in the study area was also estimated, whereby data on the rate of consumption was obtained through a structured questionnaire which involved 120 respondents. The results were used to calculate the Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) and the Hazard Index (HI). The risk assessment for aflatoxins was evaluated by the qualitative Margin of Exposure (MOE) approach and the quantitative hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk approach. The estimated cancer risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in this study ranged from 0.006 to 0.394 cancers per year per 10 5 individuals, upon consumption of cashew nuts with aflatoxin B 1 greater or equal to LOQ to highest contaminated samples, respectively. Since roasted cashew nuts which have less contamination level are highly consumed than raw (more than 50%), exposure to aflatoxins is very minimal to cashew nuts consumers. Although estimation of the margin of exposure and risk HCC revealed that cashew nuts, may pose health risks to consumers depending on the rate of consumption of the contaminated cashew nuts and the amount consumed.
Aggregate acreage response of cashew nut and sesame to commodity price and non price factors in southeastern Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2013) Fabian, Devis
This study aimed at investigating the impact of price and non-price factors on cashew and sesame acreage in Nachingwea and Mtwara rural Districts. Growth rates analyses were also conducted through linearlized exponential growth model to trace the trends for area, yield (productivity) and production of the two crops for the period 1995-2010. The general trend showed positive growth rates in area, yield and production, but with few exceptions. Meanwhile, the logarithmic functional form of the linear Nerlovian adjustment model was employed on time series data from 1995-2010 to estimate acreage response to price and non-price factors. Results revealed that there was a positive and significant relationship of sesame acreage with price, and non-significant relationship with rainfall (non-price factor) in both districts. Similarly, cashew acreage was observed to have positive and significant relationship with price and positive but insignificant relationship with rainfall in Nachingwea District. In Mtwara rural, positive relationship existed between cashew acreage and price, while with rainfall the relationship was negative. The study further established that short and long run price elasticities of sesame acreage were 0.264 and 0.515, respectively in Nachingwea, whereas short and long run price elasticities in Mtwara rural were 0.478 and 1.65, respectively, which implies that farmers are more responsive to price changes in the long run than they are in the short run. Similarly, non-price short and long run elasticities for sesame were 0.035 and 0.06, respectively in Nachingwea; and 0.032 and 0.11, respectively for Mtwara rural District. For cashew acreage, the short and long run price elasticities were 0.326 and 1.364, respectively for Nachingwea while in Mtwara rural short and long run price elasticities were 0.37 and 0.885, respectively. Meanwhile the study found that short and long run non price elasticities for Nachingwea were 0.033 and 0.049, respectively. However, the elasticities though positive, they generally fell in the inelastic range suggesting that price incentive in itself is essential but not sufficient.
Aggregate cocoa supply response to government expenditure in Ghana
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2019) Jonathan, A.
The cocoa sub-sector of Ghana is a major employer and source of income for most smallholder farmers as well as a major export earner for the government. The importance of the cocoa sub-sector has resulted in government committing over 50% of agricultural expenditure to the sub-sector in an attempt to increase annual output. Despite the large share of government agricultural expenditure on the sub-sector, studies have found the productivity level in the cocoa sub-sector to be amongst the lowest in the world. This study was conducted to find out how responsive cocoa supply was to government expenditure on the sub-sector. Specifically, the objectives of the study were to explore the composition of expenditure on non-research activities and then to determine the responsiveness of cocoa supply to research and non-research expenditures. The study employed the vector error correction model, using time series data from 1996 to 2016 to estimate both the short- and long-run elasticities. Results show that in terms of composition and pattern of non-research expenditure, larger share was dedicated to administrative work while training of field and technical staff received the least expenditure over the study period. Further, the findings show that expenditure on research positively impacted the level of cocoa supply in both the short- and long-run. Non- research expenditure on the contrary had a negative effect on cocoa supply in the short- run but showed a positive effect in the long-run. The empirical results showed that cocoa supply was more responsive to research expenditure than to non-research expenditure. The study recommends the need for increased research expenditure and the need for right targeting of non-research expenditure to ensure the best possible aggregate cocoa supply response.
Agricultural diversification determinants and contribution to small holder farmers' incomes
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2010) Masoud All, H
This study attempts to analyse how smallholder farmers allocate their limited available resources optimally in order to maximize their farms' total net returns and to investigate the factors which determine their agricultural diversification process. The survey covered 150 farmers. Field data was complimented with secondary data collected from key organisations. A pre-tested questionnaire was used to interview smallholder farmers. A logistic regression model was used to determine factors that influence agricultural diversification process. The results show that, the socio-economic factors determine the agricultural diversification, where about seventy one percent of the variability was explained by the included variables. The off- farm income variable has shown high significant level toward diversification. A gross margin analysis was used to examine and compare competitiveness of a set of selected crops having the potentials for diversification. The analyses show that banana has high returns relatively to rest crops. This situation is probable influenced by growth of general demand of agricultural commodities. Therefore, the crops grown by farmers are purely competitive. Furthermore, a linear programming model was used to investigate how farmers allocate their resources in order to maximize farm's total net returns. The results indicate that smallholder farmers' optimal allocation of resources is attained only on banana which maximize net returns to farmers. The maximum net returns per acre are banana 319 953 Tshs, cassava 49 972.00 Tshs, paddy 37 076.00 Tshs, beans 5 368.00 Tshs and sweet potatoes 64 806.00 Tshs. As a result, diversification has been the farmers' major strategy to deal with risks and uncertainties related to weather and marketing system. Therefore, the general conclusion from this study is that, diversification is an inevitable strategic action for smallholder farmers in order to reduce those risks associated to the mono-cropping system, whilst increasing food security and ultimately improving people’s standard of living.
Agricultural marketing and economic development: a brazilian case study
(1965) Smith, Gordon Whitford
This is a study of agricultural marketing and economic develop ment in a rapidly industrializing and urbanizing low income region, the Center-South of Brazil. It analyzes the trends in structure and effi- ciency of the marketing systems through wholesale of Brazil's two most important domestically produced staple food goods, rice and beans. The results of this study cast serious doubt on the hypothesis widely acepted among Brazilian economists that agricultural marketing, by increasing in gross margins considerably in the period since 1950, has retarded the growth of food production, and thus has strongly contri buted to an apparent real rise in food prices in urban areas in the late 19S0's and early 1960's. Both qualitative and quantitative evi- dence indicates that for rice and beans increases in marketing effi- ciency have been substantial and that farmers today (1965) receive a significantly large proportion of the whole sale price than 15 years earlier. Trends in Marketing have thus contributed to non-inflationary growth by increasing fans price incentives without a corresponding rise in urban food prices.
An analysis of consumption patterns of major food items in Morogoro district
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 1984) Mrema, May Joyce Nyakasero
Response studies relating changes in food consumption patterns to relative changes in income and prices, and as influenced by sociodemographic factors are lacking in Tanzania. Food demand projections and the evaluation of the impact of alternative food policies on consumers and producers1 welfare, and the cost for complementing them require parameter estimates based on food demand studies. The study examines food consumption patterns of major food items, in Morogoro district for the year 1983. The influence of income, sociodemographic factors and government policies on food consumption patterns are considered. Budget shares, income elasticities, and marginal propensities to consume by income groups are determined. In addition to the analyses based on individual food items, an investigation based on aggregated classes is also conducted the aggregation being based on the nutritional value of the food items. The nutritional classes considered are (i) Energy (maize, rice, sorghum, wheat flour, cassava, bananas and sugar), (ii) Proteins (Milk, meat, beans and fish), (iii) Vegetables and (iv) Fats. The data was gathered from both primary sources (through a questionnaire administered to a sample of 120 households randomly selected from both the urban and rural areas), and secondary sources (Government reports, Population Census). regression and tabula analyses. The data was analyzed by The model used in the regression analysis evolved from the static theory of consumer behaviour. For per capita expenditure, on food income and education level, nature of employment and residential area are the factors considered. Four functional forms (i.e. linear, quadratic, semilog and double log) were identified for the analysis. The linear form was selected for subsequent analysis as most of its coefficients conformed to a priori expectation, it had the highest R , and relatively lower standard errors than the other functional forms. The study has established that lower income households have higher budget shares on food than the higher income households (84 per cent and 50 per cent respectively), whereas rural households and farmers have higher budget shares than urban households and non farmers (79 and 89 percent respectively, and 55 and 54 per cent respectively). This is because of lower incomes of the rural and farming households compared to the urban and non farming households. The lower income group spend a higher budget share on energy items (58 per cent), whereas the higher income groups spend a higher budget share on proteins (23 per cent). Households with 0-3 years of education spend 75 per cent of their incomes on food with 52 per cent being spent on energy items, whereas those with 15 - 25 years of education spend only 44 per cent on food and 20 per cent on protein. The study also shows that the total mean expenditure on food increases with an increase in the household size. Mean expenditure on food, increases with an increase in the age of head of household up to the age of 45 years and then declines thereafter. Qualitative analysis shows that the urban households prefer maize, rice, wheat flour, cassava and bananas,while the rural house holds prefer maize, rice, sorghum and cassava. Falling real income and cronic food shortages have resulted in below the required calorie and protein intake for all income strata, and has increased expenditure on cassava and bananas by the urban residents. Engel curve results indicate that per capita income was the only factor affecting per capita, total food expenditure significantly, it affected two food catagories (energy and protein) and three selected individual food items (maize, rice and meat) significantly. The level of education of the head of household affected significantly the vegetables category only, whereas area of residence was found to affect significantly the protein category (mainly meat) and sorghum. The nature of employment factor had no significant effect on the consumption expenditure of any of the food classes considered. Marginal propensities to consume (MPCs) and income elasticities decline with an increase in income level. The MPCs for the most preferred food items (maize, rice and meat) are higher than for the less preferred food items (sorghum, banana, and beans) Those MPCs for protein and energy food categories are higher than those for fats and vegetables. Income elasticities for maize, rice, meat and beans are generally higher than for sorghum and bananas, and those for energy and protein categories are higher than for vegetables and fats. This indicates that a one per cent increase in income will increase the expenditure on the more preferred food items by a higher percentage than the increase in the less preferred items. Maize., rice, meat and beans are luxury commodities for 20 per cent of the sampled households while meat is a luxury commodity for 80 per cent of the sampled households.
An Economic analysis of factors influencing Flue-cured Tobacco production in Tanzania: A case study of Iringa district
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 1992) Mwikila, Theophil Ruttashubanyuma
The study tobacco focuses production emphasis is on fluctuations on factors in Iringa factors yield The Tanzania. District, responsible which are in tobacco flue-cured affecting for wide small-scale in both and large-scale farms. Two types of data namely primary and secondary were collected. Structured questionnaires were used to collect most of from two the primary data and small-scale large-scale selected samples farmers. Discussions of with relevant authorities and use of relevant office documents were the main of sources secondary analyses , multiple regressions, programme planning are the data. budgeting techniques Descriptive and direct in used the analyses. Results indicate tobacco individual production maize and in significant that working capital, influencing small-scale f arms. were tobacco Total areas under statistically production tobacco yield on is highly associated with both tobacco planted area and the amount of working capital spent for tobacco inputs used. Positive correlation exists between tobacco area planted, tobacco yield per ha and the amount of capital employed while negative correlation is observed between tobacco yield per ha and maize area planted. For large-scale farms, tobacco farming experience and total tobacco area planted are important parameters explaining the variations in tobacco yield per hectare. Tobacco yield per ha is highly correlated with tobacco farming experience. tobacco Also, area planted positively correlated with farmer’s experience. is Shortage of firewood, inaccessibility of credit facility from banks and low soil fertility particularly in large scale farmers were the common problems. Recommendations encourage cultivation include of Government manageable policies farm sizes that and intensification of agricultural extension services. Others include prompt payment of sold tobacco, special credit scheme to tobacco farmers, introduction of liberalization of tobacco market and encouragement of research that aims at solving the firewood problem.
An economic analysis of the small-scale coffee-banana holdings in Moshi Rural. District, Tanzania.
(University of Nairobi, 1979-11) Msechu Adam R. M.
This study was undertaken with the major objectives of assessing resource availability and resource use by small-scale farmers in Moshi rural district of lanzania, with the view to identifying the critical constraints leading to low farm incomes in the area. In this respect, an attempt was made to find out whether the available resources could be re-allocated between- alternative uses in order to maximize total farm gross margins. A sample of 46 farms were surveyed from four villages in the district. The data were summarized and agregated to form a representative farm model for the area The empirical analysis of the input-output data included gross margin calculations of the important farm enterprises, and linear programming analysis, under the existing and improved technologies. The results of the survey showed that land was the most scarce resource. Farmers were also lacking important inputs and tools for most of their crop and livestock activities. The results of the fidndings in the empirical analysis, as well as experience, indicates that under the existing technology, farmers in the district were efficiently utilizing the available farm resources and that there was little potential for increasing farm incomes through re-organization of the current farms set—up. However, under mixed and improved technology farmers could greatly improve their farm incomes through greater intensity in use, improved methods of production, and raising productivity per unit area or animal. Under all the improved and mixed technology optimal farm plans, excess labour supply was revealed to be available in most months of the year on the farms. It was therefore, concluded and recommended that government in conjunction with other agricultural development institutions should strive to improve the quality and quantity of the extension staff. These institutions should also review the present heavy export-tax on coffee in order to make the crop more profitable to farmers. Research priority should be given to investigations on the coffee-banana inter-relationships as practiced by the small-scale farmers in the district. If farmers were to adopt the mixed and improved technologies optimal farm plans, the findings of the empirical analysis indicates that such optimal plans would generate excess labour supply on the small-holder farms which implicitly could profitably be employed through establishment of off—farm activities such as small scale indust ./es in the villages.
An economic assessment of invasive shrubs and grasses on pastoral grazinglands of ruhaama county, Uganda.
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2010) Kagwa, Tugeineyo Apollo
The need to achieve improved and sustainable range and grazingland conditions is an ideal to meet pastoralists income in the pastoral economy. Range and grazinglands of Uganda and Ntungamo district in particular, are of great significance to livestock production and pastoral economy. Rangelands of Uganda on which grazing activities are generally based, support about 90% of the national cattle population. However, massive shrub/grass invasion appears to be. causing severe environmental and economic loss to the pastoral economy. Based on this ground, the study was conducted in pastoral communities of Ruhaama county to assess economic effects of invasive shrubs and grasses onto cattle rearing and pastoralists income. A hundred twenty pastoral households were surveyed, sixty of which were grazing on cleared farms and the other sixty grazing on bushy farms. Data was analysed using both qualitative and quantitative techniques under Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) and excel computer programs. Binary logistic regression and gross margin techniques were used to evaluate shrub effects, pastoralists income, production efficiency and profitability respectively. The household obtained gross margin of Ush 5 822 052 on cleared farms while on bushy farms was Ush 1 655 418 per annum. The TR/TVC ratio of 2.5 on cleared farms was considered desirable and economically efficient given a minimum level of variable inputs in farm improvement compared to 1.6 on bushy farms. It is recommended in this dissertation that there is a need to have more comprehensive research on the real magnitude of environmental and economic losses caused by shrub encroachment to cattle production and national economy as whole. There is also a need to obtain detailed information on causative factors of shrub/grass invasion and pastoralists to establish alternative sources of income to improve their livelihood and farms other than over depending on cattle as main source of income.

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