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Adoption of organic fertilizer and its impact on income generation among smallholder farmers in Tanzania: A pathway to sustainable Agriculture
Abstract
This study examines the determinants of organic
fertilizer adoption and its effects on the welfare of
smallholder farmers in Tanzania, utilizing secondary
data from the National Agriculture Sample Census
Survey 2019/20. Employing a non-experimental
research design, the study applies a probit model to
estimate the factors influencing organic fertilizer
adoption and uses Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) to
analyze the impact of adoption on farmers' income. The
results revealed that female-headed households, larger
household sizes, separated marital status, selfemployment, and membership in farmers' cooperatives
significantly increase the likelihood of organic fertilizer
adoption. Conversely, urban residence, land ownership,
primary education, receipt of extension services, and
lack of market access reduce the probability of adoption.
The study further indicates that while organic fertilizer
adoption is not directly associated with income gains,
factors like access to credit, proximity to farms, and
education positively impact farmers' welfare. The study
suggests policy measures to strengthen cooperative
unions, enhance gender-responsive support for female
farmers, improve extension services to promote organic
practices, develop market access, and provide tailored
financial services to encourage sustainable agricultural
practices. These insights aim to improve the livelihoods
of smallholder farmers and advance sustainable
agriculture in Tanzania.