Socio-Economic Factors Limiting Smallholder Groundnut Production in Tabora Region

Abstract

Groundnut is among the dominant crops in Tanzania which enables most smallholder farmers earn both food and income. It is among main sources of fats, protein, carbohydrates, and vitamins for human consumption. The crop is also a source of nutritious minerals for humans as well as manufactured animal feeds. This study identifies factors which contributes to stagnation of groundnut production among smallholder producers in Tabora region. Multistage, simple random and purposive sampling were applied. Qualitative data were collected using focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and personal observation while, quantitative data were gathered using documentary review and survey. A total of 400 smallholder farmers were involved in the study. Multivariate regression technique was used to capture socio-economic factors influencing small scale groundnuts production in the district. Besides, profitability of various crops produced in the study area was assessed using gross margin analysis. Results indicate that sex of the farmer; cultivated land size and price of the previous season significantly limit groundnuts production in the area. Furthermore, groundnut was the third most profitable crop in the area after beans and rice. In addition, it was also found that there was gender disparity in land-ownership in which very few women owned land despite of being major provider of family labour. It is recommended that among other things, the government through extension department should ensure that smallholder groundnuts farmers have access to high yielding groundnuts seed varieties, agro chemicals, improved farm inputs, storage and marketing facilities.