Smallholder Farmers’ Perceptions on Effective Farming Practices in Semi-Arid Areas of Tanzania

Abstract

Crop farming in semi-arid agroecological zones is underperforming based on several constraints including longer dryness, low soil nutrient levels and poor farming practices being the core. The study was conducted to identify essential farming practices potential for semi-arid crop farming. The study was carried out in rural semi-arid regions of Tanzania using Sanjaranda and Ipande villages as cases adopting cross-sectional design employing both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The sample size was 137 heads of households being 10% of total target population. Findings identified effective farming practices which revealed a significant correlation (P< 0.05) with increasing crop production based on farmers experience and perceptions. Effective practices included zero tillage to some localities, minimum tillage, use of cover crops, crop rotation practice, intercropping practice, farming through ridges and terraces. Furthermore, use of farmyard manure, appropriate spacing and management of crop residues in farm were also found effective to increasing crop production. The study recommends to enhancing higher production and capacitating smallholder farmers in semi-arid areas with extension knowledge and assistance on potential farming practices and in terms of agricultural technology.