Impacts of sustainable agricultural practices on food security, nutrition, and poverty among Smallholder maize farmers in Morogoro region, Tanzania
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Date
2023
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
African Journal of Empirical Research
Abstract
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.
Description
Journal article
Keywords
Endogenous treatment effect model, Food Security, Nutrition, Poverty, Sustainable Agricultural Practices, Tanzania