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Micro-Investment by Tanzanian Smallholders’ in Drip Irrigation Kits for Vegetable Production to Improve Livelihoods: Lessons Learned and a Way Forward

Author

Listed:
  • Muhammad Azher Bhatti

    (Department of International Environment and Development Studies (Noragric), Norwegian University of Life Sciences, 1432 Ås, Norway)

  • Sosheel Solomon Godfrey

    (School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Gulbali Institute (Agriculture, Water and Environment), Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2678, Australia)

  • Shai André Divon

    (Department of International Environment and Development Studies (Noragric), Norwegian University of Life Sciences, 1432 Ås, Norway)

  • Julie Therese Aamodt

    (Department of International Environment and Development Studies (Noragric), Norwegian University of Life Sciences, 1432 Ås, Norway)

  • Siv Øystese

    (Norwegian Church Aid (NCA), Bernhard Getz’ Gate 3, 0165 Oslo, Norway)

  • Peter C. Wynn

    (School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Gulbali Institute (Agriculture, Water and Environment), Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2678, Australia)

  • Lars Olav Eik

    (Department of International Environment and Development Studies (Noragric), Norwegian University of Life Sciences, 1432 Ås, Norway)

  • Øivind Fjeld-Solberg

    (Norwegian Church Aid (NCA), Bernhard Getz’ Gate 3, 0165 Oslo, Norway)

Abstract

Food security in sub-Saharan Africa is one of the major issues confronting the continent. Innovative use of fresh water, the world’s scarcest food production resource, is vital for family-run small-holder agricultural systems, which supply up to 80% of the world’s food. Agriculture employs 70% of Tanzania’s rural population and supplies 95% of the country’s food. The goal was to measure the impact of smart drip irrigation kits on smallholder farmers’ resilience and rural poverty in Tanzania. A household survey was conducted using an exploratory sequential design in four districts (Babati, Hai, Kasulu, and Kilosa) in Tanzania. A total of 383 respondents (Micro-investing (MI) farmers, n = 195; control, n = 187) were randomly selected from a pool of 3444 farmers. Partial budgeting and enterprise economic analysis were used for the calculation of gross margins, and multivariate analysis was used for poverty analysis. Gross margin analysis showed that communities using drip-irrigated vegetable farming are more profitable. Partial budgeting analysis showed that micro-irrigation increased the revenue generation for most vegetable varieties. However, multivariate analysis was unable to confirm that household poverty was markedly reduced through the adoption of this technology. Half of the MI farmers could afford an education for their children due to the extra income generated from MI. This investment strategy has the potential to improve smallholder livelihoods and resilience to climate change.

Suggested Citation

  • Muhammad Azher Bhatti & Sosheel Solomon Godfrey & Shai André Divon & Julie Therese Aamodt & Siv Øystese & Peter C. Wynn & Lars Olav Eik & Øivind Fjeld-Solberg, 2022. "Micro-Investment by Tanzanian Smallholders’ in Drip Irrigation Kits for Vegetable Production to Improve Livelihoods: Lessons Learned and a Way Forward," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 12(10), pages 1-26, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:12:y:2022:i:10:p:1732-:d:948041
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Phemelo Tamasiga & Helen Onyeaka & Adenike Akinsemolu & Malebogo Bakwena, 2023. "The Inter-Relationship between Climate Change, Inequality, Poverty and Food Security in Africa: A Bibliometric Review and Content Analysis Approach," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(7), pages 1-35, March.
    2. Dickson Mgangathweni Mazibuko & Hiroko Gono & Sarvesh Maskey & Hiromu Okazawa & Lameck Fiwa & Hidehiko Kikuno & Tetsu Sato, 2023. "The Sustainable Niche for Vegetable Production within the Contentious Sustainable Agriculture Discourse: Barriers, Opportunities and Future Approaches," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-25, March.

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