Institutional and socio-economic factors influencing adoption of conservation agriculture with trees in Karatu and Mwanga districts, Tanzania
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Date
2013
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Sokoine University of Agriculture
Abstract
A study was carried out to assess institutional and socio-economic factors influencing adoption of Conservation Agriculture with Trees (CAWT) in Karatu and Mwanga districts in Tanzania. Ten (10) villages practicing CAWT were purposively sampled 5 from each district and a total of 100 respondents were randomly selected for household survey from village register. In addition Focus Group Discussions in PRA and desk reviewing of major policies related to CAWT were employed. Logistic regression model was used to determine the influence of socio-economic factors on CAWT adoption and results indicate farmer‟s age influences CAWT packages adoption. Age was found statistically significant (P<0.05) on Minimum Tillage/No soil Turning signaling an indicator that socioeconomic factors contribute to slow CAWT adoption rate. Sex and education level were found to be statistically insignificant (P<0.05) but significant (P<0.1) for Cover Crop and Crop Rotation implying less influence to CAWT adoption. Education level and farm size did not vary much from one household to another due to elite rural-urban migration and women are highly dominated by men. Content analysis and in-depth review of the major policies showed that, Agricultural and Livestock Policy 1997, Livestock Policy 2006, National Land Policy 1997 and National Forest Policy 1998 do not have provisions on CAWT. Implementation of policy provisions however, mention pillars of CAWT as Minimum Tillage, Use of cover Crops, Crop Rotation and Farm-Trees integration in their statements. Policy analysis shows few SSFs with title deed, weak market links with less access to CAWT inputs which are not affordable. Institutional frameworks analysis shows poor coordination of CAWT amongst stakeholders and political support. The study recommends that, policy improving interventions be made, formation of CAWT coordinating body at national level, and farmers and extension officers be trained to increase awareness and knowledge on CAWT for speeding up its adoption rate.
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Keywords
Socio-economic factors, Conservation Agriculture with Trees (CAWT), Karatu district, Mwanga district