Gender Intra-Household Dynamics Comparison of Paddy Profitability Due to the Adoption of Improved Agriculture Technology

Abstract

To compare gender intra-household dynamics of paddy profitability due to the adoption of improved agriculture technology. The study used secondary information gathered from 1,184 Tanzanian households in 2020. The gross margin return was used, and a two-sample t-test with equal variance was used to compare profitability between males and females with regard to the intra-household dynamics. The findings revealed that males are dominant in the intra-household dynamics. There was a significant difference in profit between Male (M = [-80009.6], SD = [719178.8]) and Female (M = [-120980.8], SD = [371716.2]); t(7937) = [2.9561], p = [0.0031] for decision on input use. In farm plot ownership there was a significant difference in profit between Male (M = [-79309.96], SD = [717650.8]) and Female (M = [-134222.8], SD = [179688.6]); t(7951) = [3.7523], p = [0.0031] and For the role in land preparation there was a significant difference in profit between Male (M = -75546.25], SD = [7445178]) and female (M = [122535.2], SD = [358831.1]); t(7937) = [3.4394], p = [0.0006].In addition, the study has found that smallholder farmers, in general, are making a loss in production, although females are making higher losses compared to males. Farmers should use improved agricultural technology in package thus combining technology such as use of improved seeds, fertilizers, herbicide, labor saving machine and irrigation. Also empower female paddy producers by offering agricultural credits to smallholder farmers with favorable terms such that farmers can adopt improved agricultural technologies that will improve their rationality and, hence, the economic well-being of their households.