Adoption of improved technologies for sorghum and pearl millet production in Dodoma region in central Tanzania.
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Date
2002
Authors
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Publisher
Sokoine University of Agriculture
Abstract
A study on adoption of improved technologies for product ion of sorghum and pearl millet
was conducted in Dodoma region in Tanzania. A two stage cross sectional research design
was adopted for data collection. A stoictured questionnaire was administered to a random
sample of 240 fanners. The results shows that 88% of sampled household heads were
aware of improved sorghum and 48% were aware of improved pearl millets varieties.
About 49%, 36%, and 4% of sampled sorghum farmers were growing Pato, Tegemeo,
and Macia respectively. Only 10% of pearl millet fanners were growing Okoa. Results
fiom logistic curve estimation showed that the annual rate of adoption for improved
sorghum varieties was 0.56, 0.79 and 0.53 for Pato, Tegemeo and Macia respectively.
Okoa was adopted at an annual rate of 0.46. Adopters of Pato were characterized by
being younger, with lower fanning experience and had more years in formal school
compared to non-adopters. Adopters had more number of livestock, larger farm size and
more non-livestock wealth value than non-adopters. M<yor factors, which were, found to
limit adoption of sorghum and pearl millet innovations, were: Lack of market, lack of
credit facility, low varietal turn over rate, weak seed supply system, and lack of
appropriate extension messages. Other factors include age of households' head, years in
fbnnal schools, capacity to hire labour, exposure to research intervention, number of
tropical livestock units (TLU), and opportunities for non farm income. Based on the
empirical findings of tliis study it is recommended that seed development and release
process should be improved. Breeding work should target the end users. Private sector
and processors should be involved in research on the use the two crops in brewing, food
and animal feed industries. Special program in collaboration with sorghum and millet
program in Central and Eastern zones should focus research on post harvest processing
and product utilization. Market development bureau should look tor external markets to
encourage export of sorghum and pearl millet. Marketing promotions are required to
encourage local consumption of sorghum and pearl millet products.
Description
Dissertation
Keywords
Food security, Pearl Millet Varieties, Sorghum production