Global Value Chains and the Uptake of Innovative Technology in Vanilla Production among Women Smallholder Farmers in Bukoba Rural District, Tanzania.

Abstract

Integration into the global value chain (GVC) is a crucial step for smallholder women farmers to attain its innovation inspiration. Despite geographical and technological limitations, a global investigation proved that GVCs are the stimulant of innovation across sectors, including agriculture, where firms have access to new markets, information, and technologies. These innovations have promoted the value chain of agriculture through the adoption of innovative technology in crop production, which has the potential to improve productivity and bring production efficiency to smallholder women farmers. Nevertheless, its potential research on the relationship between global value chains (GVCs) and the adoption of innovative technology by smallholder farmers is inconclusive. To this end, this study intends to investigate the global value chain and the uptake of innovative technology in vanilla production among women smallholder farmers in Bukoba Rural District, Tanzania. The study is quantitative in nature, involving a survey in data collection while utilizing a cross-sectional research design. Also, the multistage cluster sampling technique was employed; the study focused on wards with significant vanilla production and women's participation in agricultural cooperatives. Data analysis utilized descriptive statistics, including percentages, frequency, mean, graphs, and charts, using SPSS version 25. Results indicate high awareness (97.1%) and adoption (90%) rates of innovative technology among women smallholder farmers. Furthermore, it was revealed that the most adopted technologies in vanilla production were pollination technology (25.1%) and farm preparation technology (24.4%). Key findings highlight the significance of technology adoption in enhancing value-added production. The study underscores the role of factors such as export standards, government support, and technical assistance in motivating technology adoption. Moreover, it reveals that technology adoption positively impacts productivity and product quality, with farm preparation and the production process identified as major contributors to value addition. This research provides insights into the crucial nexus between GVCs, technology adoption, and the empowerment of women smallholder farmers in vanilla production.