Factors Influencing the Adoption of Sustainable Onion Seed Production Practices by Smallholder Producers in Karatu District, Tanzania

Abstract

This study investigated the factors influencing adoption of onion seed production practices by smallholder producers for enhanced sustainable seed production in Mang’ola,Karatu district Tanzania. The study employed a cross-sectional design, utilizing quantitative and qualitative data collected from 86 onion seed producers through questionnaires, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. Findings through Binary Logistic Regression revealed that socio-economic factors such as education level and access to agricultural extension services statistically influenced smallholder producers’ use of sustainable onion seed production practices. In addition, Kandall's Correlation Coefficient indicated an association of socio-economic characteristics of respondents, such as age, marital status, education level, and farm size, having statistical influence on onion seed production per acre. Notably, married farmers and those with larger landholdings tend to produce higher yields. Gender disparities are evident, with male farmers dominating higher production categories, indicating unequal access to resources. The study recommends, improving access to education opportunities, and strengthening agricultural extension services for enhancing use of sustainable onion seed production practices.