Avocado Households Farmers Decision Making in Southern Highlands of Tanzania: A Case of Njombe Urban

Abstract

This article aimed at gaining understanding of avocado farming among household farmers in Tanzania, in particular in Njombe Urban. Specifically, the article assessed on who and how decisions are made in households about farm utilization in general and avocado farming in particular. In methodology, the article adopted a cross-sectional research design with both quantitative and qualitative approach. Data were collected by using questionnaire to 75 smallholder farmers, and in-depth interview to 5 actors of avocado farming (Avo Africa organization). Analysis of the study was done descriptively, whereas frequency and percentage were used, however inferential analysis involved bivariate analysis with chi- square (X2). The qualitative data analysis was done by using content analysis. The study found that decision making made in households for farm utilization is affected by how and who makes decision on income use from avocado farming, plot size for farming, farm activities or tasks and type of crops to be farmed as most decisions are made by Men. The study concluded that decision making on avocado farming in household have a low or unequal level of decision-making on all aspects of avocado growing at the household level. Which leads to bias where mostly decisions are made by men and women are implementers of the decisions made. It is recommended that local government authorities especially sector of agriculture should deliver seminars in local community to emphasize the households to avoid bias in decision making concerning agricultural activities.