Improved rice seed use and drivers of source choice for rice farmers in Tanzania

Improved rice seed use and drivers of source choice for rice farmers in Tanzania

Returns on investment into development of new rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties are realized when the varieties are widely used by farmers to enhance crop productivity. This study was conducted to investigate the dynamics in the use of improved varieties/seeds and the sources preferred by farmers. Th...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of crop improvement Vol. 32; no. 5; pp. 622 - 634
Main Authors: Kangile, Rajabu Joseph, Gebeyehu, Setegn, Mollel, Herman
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: Philadelphia Taylor & Francis 03-09-2018
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Subjects:
Adoption
Agricultural production
Aroma
Crop production
Crops
Data analysis
Data processing
Farm management
Farming
improved variety
Investment
Logit models
Marketability
Oryza sativa
Private sector
Random sampling
Rice
seed utilization
seed variety
Seeds
Specialization
Statistical analysis
Statistical sampling
value chain
Tanzania
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Summary:Returns on investment into development of new rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties are realized when the varieties are widely used by farmers to enhance crop productivity. This study was conducted to investigate the dynamics in the use of improved varieties/seeds and the sources preferred by farmers. The study employed formal survey and a multistage, random sampling to obtain data from 360 rice farmers from Kyela, Kahama and Kilombero districts of Tanzania. Descriptive statistics and multinomial logit model were used for data analysis. Results highlighted that nonavailability of improved seeds, lack of awareness about improved seeds and low specialization in rice production were the major factors responsible for little or no use of improved seeds by farmers. Perceived utility drivers in the choice of rice varieties to be used by farmers were yield, market appeal (marketability), taste, aroma and milling quality. Furthermore, 90% of rice seed used by farmers came from farmer-managed seed systems. The driving factors for the choice of source of rice seeds used by farmers were crop establishment method used, access to credit and high level of specialization of farmers (p < 0.05). The study suggests that extensive promotion of improved varieties by public and private sector actors can considerably enhance the use of improved rice seeds in the country. Regular monitoring of variety adoption and strengthening of the improved rice seed supply system to foster efficient and effective use of improved seeds should help ensure returns on investment into variety development.
ISSN:1542-7528
1542-7536
DOI:10.1080/15427528.2018.1483457