Factors Influencing Avocado Farming and Decision Making Among Smallholder Avocado Farmers in Southern Highlands of Tanzania A Case of Njombe Urban.

Abstract

The study aimed to gain an understanding of avocado farming among smallholder farmers in Tanzania, particularly in Njombe Urban. Specifically, the study identified factors influencing households to engage in avocado farming. The study also assessed how decisions are made in the households about farm utilization avocado farming. Finally, the study identified challenges that farmers face in making decisions about farm utilization in Njombe Urban. In methodology, the study adopted a cross-sectional research design with both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Moreover, the study applied a total sample size of 80 participants, in a division of 75 smallholder farmers and 5 actors of avocado farming (Extension officers and NGOs manager). Additionally, data were collected by using questionnaires and key informant interviews. Analysis of the study was descriptive, whereas frequency and percentage were used. The qualitative data analysis was done by using content analysis. The study found that there are factors which influence avocado farming in households in Njombe. The factors include; income, market opportunity, and land availability. In addition, the study found that decision-making made in households for the utilization of family farms is affected by who makes decisions for farming, as most decisions are made by fathers. Moreover, the results also indicate that avocado farmers are challenged with the problems of fund access, decision-making decisions in cash crops, and inadequate marketing skills and knowledge. The study concludes that avocado farming can be a good source of income for households also there is gender inequality in avocado farming in the study area. Moreover, the study recommends the government to deliver seminars to educate society about the effects of gender issues in agriculture activities.