Determinants of Maize Yields among Small-Scale Farmers in Mbinga District, Tanzania

Abstract

Maize plays a significant role in food security strategies in the world. It is the world’s most important food crop to majority of communities since it provides cheap source of essential calories as compared to other sources of protein foods. It has the potential of being grown in a variety of agro-ecological zones with varied yields per hectare. The main purpose of this study was to analyse the determinants of maize yields among small-scale farmers in Mbinga district, Ruvuma region, Tanzania. This cross-sectional study employed a multistage sampling method to select 120 farmers in the study area. Semi-structured questionnaires and key informant interviews were used for data collection. The data was analysed by descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis (double-log model). The results indicate that farm size, amount of seed, fertilizer and labour were the significant determinants of maize yields among small-scale farmers in the district. The study recommends that; the government should ensure access to quality and affordable inputs to farmers by employing effective price control mechanisms on fertilisers and improved seeds which are imperative in improving the yields. Farmers should be capacitated on accessing affordable loans through financial inclusion programs and expand market access that can be reliable through the formation of farmers’ associations. Farmers should be exposed to better farming techniques such as the rational application of inputs through effective provision extension services.

Factors Affecting Maize Production in Kiteto District, Manyara Region, Tanzania: Cross Sectional Design

“…The result demonstrates that the region is predominantly characterised by households led by males. In addition, Utonga (2022) discovered that the number of years experienced in farming had a positive and significant effect on the amount of maize produced. These findings suggest that experienced farmers who have spent a significant amount of time cultivating maizedevelop a deep understanding of the local climate patterns and are skilled at managing maize diseases.…”

“…Tanzania's smallholder farmers, who are the primary producers of maize in the country, continue to struggle with low production levels despite the significant contribution of maize to the country's economy (Xiong & Tarnavsky, 2020). Currently, Tanzanian maize production stands at 1.2 to 1.5 tonnes per hectare, which is considerably less than the recommended global average yield of 4.3 tonnes per hectare (Utonga, 2022;Fumbwe et al, 2021). The limited production leads to various shortcomings, including a decrease in personal and national income, amplified food insecurity among Tanzania's growing population, and an escalation in levels of poverty within the country (Lobulu, 2019;Kitole, 23).…”

“…Tanzania has implemented several initiatives and strategies to address the challenges affecting maize production, aiming to enhance maize production among smallholder farmers, who are the primary maize producers in the country (Utonga, 2022). The new seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), which include ending hunger, achieving food security, improving nutrition, and promoting sustainable agriculture, serve as the foundation for some of these initiatives.…”

“…The Tanzanian government has taken several measures to boost maize production and agriculture at large in order to ensure economic development and the availability of food. The country introduced some institutional initiatives, including the National Strategy for Growth and Reduction of Poverty one and two (NSRGP I & II), the introduction of District Agriculture Development Plans (DADPs), and the establishment of the Agriculture Sector Development Programme (ASDP), whereby all these strategies aimed at the transformation of agriculture, promoting yields, including increased maize yields in the country, and promoting livelihood and economic growth (Utonga, 2022;Kitole & Utouh, 2023;Utouh, 2024).…”

Adoption of Quality Protein Maize Technology in Hai and Babati Districts, Tanzania

“…Maize is Tanzania's most important staple food, with over 80% of the country's people depending on it for food and income [3,4,5]. In Tanzania, maize provides more than 35% of the population's usable protein and 60% of their daily calories [6,7].…”