Determinants of the Implementation of Agroecological Practices among Smallholder Farmers in Singida District, Tanzania

Abstract

Agroecological farming is considered to be among the suitable approach toward sustainable food systems and environmental conservation. Characteristically agroecology is at low cost as it does not depend on expensive external inputs. Similar to other forms of more sustainable agriculture, implementation of its practices is generally low. There is scant information regarding the causes for its low implementation. This paper, therefore, looks into the determinants of the implementation of agroecological practices among smallholder farmers in Singida District, Tanzania. Specifically, the study uses data from household survey, focus group discussions, and key informants’ interviews. The study employed both descriptive and inferential analysis to establish determinants of the adoption of agroecological practices. A multiple linear regression model was employed to analyze the factors for decision to use agroecological practices, using a cross-sectional data from 160 randomly selected households. Thematic analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. The study findings indicate that the dominant agroecological practices are the application of organic fertilizers (such as farm yard manure, composite and green manure), intercropping, and crop rotation. The results, also show income, education level of the household head, distance from homestead to the farm, training on agroecology and land ownership were found to be associated with the implementation decision of agroecological practices by farming households. Besides, about 75% of farmers who decide to implement agroecology practices were those who access to training supports from FRN project. Based on the study findings, The Government and other stakeholders should insist more on improving training services to increase the implementation of agroecological practices. Also, the study recommends diversification of income sources on the farmers’ side by engaging in both on-farm and off-farm activities such as petty business to increase income which in turn will enable them to invest in the implementation of agroecology practices.

Farmers’ Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Regarding the Use of Agroecological-Based Pest Management Practices in Crucifers and Traditional African Vegetable (TAV) Production in Kenya and Tanzania

“…Training is particularly important in equipping farmers with awareness and knowledge in agroecological production, since this requires an attuned understanding of existing climatic and plant relationships [66,67]. Kanjanja et al found that the awareness that farmers had of agroecological production increased after the farmers received training from extension officers and that this training had the potential to change their behavior and attitudes toward agroecological practices [33]. Our study revealed that despite commendable efforts by the government, non-governmental organizations, and farmers themselves to provide training in recent years, only a small number of the farmers in Kenya and Tanzania had participated in these programs.…”

“…Several studies underscore a transition toward agroecological production as a path to achieving numerous Sustainable Development Goals [29,30]. However, many of these practices are not achieving their maximum potential impact due to low rates of adoption by smallholder farmers in developing countries like Kenya and Tanzania [31][32][33][34]. Increasing accessibility and adoption of agroecological production methods will require major adjustments to policies, institutions, development agendas, and research [35].…”

Farmers perceptions towards the implementation of agroecological practices for enhancing food availability in Singida Rural District

“…However, agroecology differs from organic farming and conservation agriculture, in that it achieves the goal by developing agroecosystems with minimal dependence on external inputs (Mockshell and Villarino, 2018). Conservation Agriculture promotes the maintenance of permanent soil cover, minimal soil disturbance, and diversification of plant species (Mockshell and Villarino, 2018 as cited in Kanjanja et al, 2022). Unlike organic and agroecological farming, conservation farming allows the use of external inputs (inorganic fertilizer, genetically modified crops, and industrial pesticides.…”

“…In the agricultural sector, farmers may choose to use either all or just a few of taught agricultural practices, depending on their willingness, ability, and perception. However, farmers argue that its implementation is intensive in terms of labour, and time (Kanjanja et al, 2022). Several studies show that implementation of agroecological practices enhances soil health and subsequently increases crop and animal yields, which contributes to food availability and food security (Silici, 2014;(Third Word Network (TWN), 2015;Oteros-Rozas et al, 2019;Kerr et al, 2021).…”

“…Besides, the FRN project supports farmers by providing credit to help farmers in both on-farm and non-farm activities. As Kanjanja et al (2022) argue the implementation of agroecological practices has not been straightforward; it has often resulted in indifferent and unexpected outcomes. Nevertheless, studies on farmers' perceptions of the benefits of implementing agroecological practices in connection to enhancing food availability are missing, in Tanzania in particular.…”