Choice of green manure technology on smallholder maize production systems in Tanzania: a case of Mkinga district, Tanga region
| dc.contributor.author | George, William Juma | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2025-11-11T09:44:15Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2025-11-11T09:44:15Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2009 | |
| dc.description | Dissertation | |
| dc.description.abstract | In Mkinga maize-based farming systems, intercropping of maize with green manure have been increasingly been one of the strategies to revive the declining maize production caused by increasing pests infestations and low soil fertility. This study was conducted to evaluate economic viability of green manure utilization on farmers’ livelihoods. The specific objectives of the study were: (i) to measure the accrued costs and benefits of green manure in maize production systems on farmers’ livelihood; (ii) to undertake investment analysis in maize cropping with green manures systems: (iii) to establish farmers' own perceptions on the use of green manures in soil fertility improvement for maize production: and (iv) to propose the best alternative options for green manure utilization for sustainable maize production. Data for the study were collected using household survey from a total of 120 households randomly selected from two villages found in similar agro-ecological zone. Descriptive analysis, gross margin analysis, partial budgeting and benefit-cost analysis were used as analytical tools.Results show that fanners adopted two planting options of green manures that is (Mucuna/maize intercrop or Mucuna/maize staggered). The average maize grain yield over the five years was 906Kg/acre, 374Kg/acre and 304.2Kg/acre in Mucuna/maize intercrop and Mucuna/maize staggered and with no green manure respectively. The gross margin in maize./Mucuna intercrop, Mucuna!maize staggered and without green manures was Tsh 215 920 per acre, Tsh 58 620 per acre and -3 945.6 per acre respectively. Mucuna/maize intercrop yields a high NPV of Tsh 612 807 and BCR of 2.43 at 20% interest rate. The shift from sole crop to maize cropping with green manure is profitable by Tsh 231 833. Future research in pursuit of improving availability of green manure seeds, produce outlets and integrated nutrient management strategics tapping on farmer innovations is required to ensure sustainability of the production system. | |
| dc.description.sponsorship | Belgian Technical Cooperation (BTC) | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://www.suaire.sua.ac.tz/handle/20.500.14820/7140 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | Sokoine University of Agriculture | |
| dc.subject | Maize production systems | |
| dc.subject | Production systems | |
| dc.subject | Green manure technology | |
| dc.subject | Farmer innovations | |
| dc.title | Choice of green manure technology on smallholder maize production systems in Tanzania: a case of Mkinga district, Tanga region | |
| dc.type | Thesis |