An Analysis of the Key Factors Influencing Farmer's Choice of Crop, Kibamba Ward, Tanzania

Laura Greig

Journal of Agricultural Economics, 2009, vol. 60, issue 3, pages 699-715

Abstract: The need for further research into indigenous knowledge, in the context of agrarian development strategies, led to this investigation of one aspect of local knowedge; that of crop choice. Through the use of point score analysis, research was conducted in the Kibamba Ward located in the peri-urban zone of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The main aims were to investigate the key factors underlying farmers' choice of crop as well as to assess the differences in the decision-making process between commercial and subsistence farmers. Vegetable cultivation was observed as the main practice, influenced particularly by the physical environment, the availability of machinery as well as certain economic factors. A significant difference in decision making among subsistence and commercial farmers was found. Subsistence farmers placed greater emphasis on the taste of the crop, whereas commercial farmers were predictably more influenced by the market. In addition, this study highlights several practical areas of concern regarding water resources, basic machinery and the lack of formal extension provision in the area. Although the complexity of crop choice is portrayed, a need for future research in different geographical contexts is noted. Copyright (c) 2009 The Author. Journal compilation (c) 2009 The Agricultural Economics Society.

Date: 2009

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