Socio-economic and Institutional Factors Influencing Adoption of Improved Maize Varieties in Hai District, Tanzania

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore households’ socio-economic characteristics as well as institutional factors influencing the adoption of improved maize varieties (IMVs), using a cross-sectional data collected from a survey of 160 maize growing households in Hai District, Tanzania, using logistic regression model. Empirical result from the study show that off-farm income, access to extension services, access to credit, farmers membership of groups/association and participation in on-farm trials/demonstrations are statistically significant factors influencing the adoption of IMVs. The results suggest that improving smallholder farmers’ basic education, access to extension service and credit facilities, and the promotion of farmers’ groups/association could increase adoption of improved agricultural technologies. There is need for research institutes and extension services to increase on-farm trials/demonstrations on improved agricultural technologies, in-order to enhance farmers’ awareness and adoption of technologies.