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.
Description:
Presented at REPOA’s 18th Annual Research Workshop
held at the Kunduchi Beach Hotel, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania;
April 3-4, 2013