Influence of Vegetable Farming Practices on Smallholder Farmers’ Wellbeing in Moshi District, Tanzania

Abstract

The current research focused on the influence of vegetable farming practices on smallholder farmers’ wellbeing in Moshi district, Kilimanjaro region. Specific objectives were to: Examine the vegetable farming practices, determine the influence of vegetable farming practices on farmers’ wellbeing and examine the challenges facing vegetable. A cross-sectional research design on 201 smallholder farmers was deployed while survey, key informants’ interview (KIIs) and focus group discussions were used as data collection methods. The study adopted qualitative and quantitative data. A descriptive statistic was deployed to analyse quantitative data while thematic analysis was used to analyse qualitative data. The results show that: the odds of increased wellbeing were associated with use of fertilizer for planting [(95% CI) = 2.69 (0.33–5.06)], manure [(95% CI) =7.81 (3.2–12.3)], herbicides [(95% CI) = 4.4 (0.98– 7.11)], disease-tolerant variety [(95% CI) = 6.19 (1.98–10.4)], pesticides [(95% CI) = 5.3 (2.05–8.56)], and improved seeds [(95% CI) = 7.13 (2.96–11.31)]. Similarly, increased wellbeing was associated with weed control [(95% CI) = 4.3 (1.47–7.19)]. Findings also show that the major challenges facing vegetable farming include limited access to agricultural inputs, climate variability, and limited access to credit. Adoption of improved practices increases the odds of improved household wellbeing. It is recommended that the Local Government Authority should enhance extension services to farmers to be able to provide technical support to farmers on all matters related to vegetable farming. Further, the Government in collaboration with the private sector should increase access to improved seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides by establishing reliable and affordable supply chains. On the other hand, farmers should be encouraged to form cooperatives. The cooperatives will serve as a vehicle for accessing agricultural support services