Contribution Of Sunflower Farming To The Wellbeing Of Small Scale Farmers: A Case Of Chemba District, Dodoma Region, Tanzania

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the contribution of sunflower farming to the well-being of small scale farmers in Dalai and Mondo wards, Chamba district, Dodoma region, Tanzania. Specifically, the study identified the sunflower farming activities adopted by farmers, examined the challenges faced by small scale farmers in the sunflower production and examined how sunflower production contributes to smallholder farmers’ wellbeing (that is food security, ability of farmers to access health services and ability to pay children school fees. Methods for Data collection were key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and survey. The data were collected from 7 key informants using checklist questions, 16 focus group members (i.e. 2 groups of 8 members each) using interview guide and 77 respondents using questionnaires. The study involved a cross sectional research design and both qualitative and quantitative data were collected. The qualitative data was analysed using the content analysis and Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 20 software was used to analyse quantitative data. The study revealed that different sunflower production activities were practised by farmers including land preparation planting, harvesting and processing as well as marketing. Challenges faced by the farmers were; inadequate farming tools, manpower, land size funds to buy inputs, processing machines, and they were facing price fluctuation. The sunflower contributed positively to the farmers well-being whereby the farmers’ food security status, ability to access health services and to pay school fees for their children had increased after been engaged in sunflower production. This implies that sunflower is an important crop in improving farmer’s wellbeing in the study area. The study recommends farmers to be provided with vi adequate improved tools including machines for sunflower processing, enough land, and facilities for credit acquisition and irrigation schemes in order to improve sunflower production.