Determinants of Improved Vegetable Seed Propagation Technologies in Tanzania: Evidence from Arumeru and Mvomero Districts

Abstract

Improved seed propagation technologies (ISPTs) curb the shortage of quality seedlings for vegetable farmers. This study examines factors that influence the choice of improved vegetable seed propagation technologies in Arumeru and Mvomero districts, Tanzania for nursery beds and seedling trays. Descriptive statistics and a logit model are used to analyse data from 240 randomly sampled farmers. The results show that seedling trays are used by only 13% of all vegetable farmers, despite the technology’s higher productivity and efficiency; and nursery beds are used by 87% of all farmers. The binary logit model results show that the choice of ISPTs is determined by access to seedling trays, credit, extension services and marital status. Thus, to increase the efficiency of transplant production and yield, the use of seedling trays for propagating vegetable seedlings should be promoted by increasing the availability of seedling trays and availing credit and extension services to vegetable farmers.

Keywords: seed propagation, seedling trays, adoption, random utility

JEL Classification: Q12, Q16, Q18