Factors influencing adoption of soil conservation measures sustainability and socio-economic impacts among small holders farmers in Mbeya rural district, Tanzania
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Date
2014
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Publisher
Sokoine University of Agriculture
Abstract
Soil degradation attributed by erosion threatens agriculture production in many regions of
Tanzania, consequently food insecurity and drawback poverty reduction efforts. Though
various soil conservation measures (SCM) have been introduced and practiced by
farmers, the extent of their adoption and sustainability are not clear. The objective of this
study was to assess the factors influencing adoption of soil conservation measures, their
sustainability, and socio-economic impacts among small-holder farmers in Mbeya Rural
District. Specifically, the study aimed at assessing, quantifying and documenting factors
that influence adoption of SCM, farmers’ opinions on sustainability of SCM and the
impacts of the existing SCM on crops yields. Shibolya and Usoha Muungano villages in
Tembela ward were selected on the basis of SCM project receivers. A sample of 100
smallholder farmers was selected randomly. Primary data were collected through semi
structured questionnaire. Secondary data were collected from various documents and
sources. Descriptive analysis such as frequencies, cross tabulations, chi-square test were
performed, t-test and linear regression were used for yield comparison of adopters and
non-adopters and relationship establishment between adopters and socio-economic
characteristics of farmers respectively. Results showed significant influence on personal
factors (age and education) socio-economic factors (non- farm activities, farm size and
fertilizer use), institutional factors (technical support, distance to market and training),
biophysical factors (topography, types of soil erosion and soil fertility) among farmers.
About 58% of opinions in regards to sustainablility of the SCM required regular soil
management, 23% suggested more education on SCM. Adoption of SCM increased
farmers’ maize and pyrethrum yield by an average of 27.8% and 26.8% respectively
above non-adopters. Thus, SCM have resulted into substantial improvement in farm
yields. Educating farmers regularly, consideration of farmers’ opinions and
implementation of SCM are recommended.
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Keywords
Soil conservation, sustainability, small-holder farmers, Soil conservation, sustainability, small-holder farmers