How does Farmer’s Preference for Seed Attributes and Support Service from Grain Traders Influence the Adoption of Improved Varieties in Tanzania?

Abstract

This study examined the joint association of grain traders’ support services and seed attribute preferences on the adoption of improved sorghum, beans, and groundnut seed varieties in Tanzania. While previous studies have typically examined farmers’ seed preferences or institutional support separately, little is known about how market-based trader support services interact with seed attribute preferences to influence farmers’ adoption. The study employed a cross-sectional research design and involved 961 farmers selected through a multistage random sampling approach from major production districts of beans, sorghum and groundnuts. 315 bean, 317 sorghum, and 329 groundnut farmers from 12 districts (4 districts per crop) in Tanzania. Data collection was conducted using a household survey via Survey CTO, and data analysis was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Results show that credit on improved seed such as sorghum and groundnuts significantly enhances adoption when paired with key traits such as high yield, grain price, grain size, drought tolerance, and pest-disease resistance. Market-based supports like market guarantee and market linkage also demonstrate strong joint effects with traits like attractive price, grain color, and maturity time, particularly in common beans and groundnuts. These findings underscore the importance of aligning traders’ support services with farmers’ preferred seed traits to enhance adoption of improved varieties. Strengthening grain trader-farmer partnerships and embedding credit access, market linkages, and price assurance within seed delivery systems would help accelerate technology uptake and improve smallholder productivity.