Socio-Economic Factors Influencing Adoption Of Improved Technologies For Maize Farming In Karatu District, Tanzania

ABSTRACT 

This study attempted to assess socio-economic factors influencing adoption of improved technologies for maize farming in Karatu District. Specifically the study identified the types of maize production technologies used in Karatu District; analyzed socio-economic characteristics of maize farmers in Karatu District and identified socio-economic factors for adoption of maize production technologies in Karatu District. The study employed both probability and non-probability sampling methods to select a sample of 100 heads of households and 17 key informants as respondents. Data was collected using interviews, observations, Focused Group Discussion and secondary data reviews. Questionnaires and checklists were used as tools to collect data from the heads of households and key informants respectively. Data collected was descriptively analyzed using means and percentages with the help of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software. Results were cross tabulated to compare between and within the groups. Results indicate that the major types of technologies and proportion of users include improved seeds (87.6%), oxen plough (81.6%), insecticides (76.3%) and tractors (63.3%). Least used technologies are fertilizers (14.4%) and power tiller (18.4%).Results revealed that majority of maize farmers in Karatu district are male (63.0%), married (89.0%), with primary school education (50%) and age of 41-50 years. Socio-economic factors that influence adoption of improved technologies are educational level, marital status, age, sex and farm size. Other factors include location, place of birth, market situation, training and availability of extension services. Options to increase adoption included awareness creation on improved technology practices, provision of training and extension services. Finally the study concluded and recommend to the district authority to prepare incentive policies motivating farmers for adoption of improved vii technologies such as subsidizing distribution of chemical fertilizer to farmers at village agricultural offices in every planting season.