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.