Assessment of Vegetable Gardening and Its Contribution to Household Income in Tabora Municipality, Tanzania

Abstract

This study investigated the contribution of vegetable gardening to household income among vegetable growers in Tabora Municipality, Tanzania. Despite the potential of vegetable cultivation to improve livelihoods, many households remained reliant on limited income sources. This study aimed to ascertain the contribution of vegetable gardening to the household income in Tabora Municipality, Tanzania. Specifically, the study identified the major vegetables grown in the area and examined the relative contribution of income from vegetable sales compared to other income sources. This study employed a cross sectional study design with a mixed method approach during data collection whereas both qualitative and quantitative data were collected. A structured questionnaire was administered to 120 respondents purposively selected from three wards: Ndevelwa, Mlisha, and Kabila. Qualitative data were gathered through focus group discussions and key informant interviews. The findings revealed that a significant majority – 55.3%, 55.5%, and 80.5% – of vegetable growers acknowledged the critical contribution of vegetable gardening to their household income across three consecutive cropping seasons (2021/2022, 2022/2023, and 2023/2024). Notably, the income generated from vegetable gardening surpassed that from any other household income-generating activities. However, the study also highlighted substantial constraints: most respondents operated on small plots of land (<0.6 acres) and frequently failed to implement recommended agronomic practices effectively. These factors limited the overall productivity and profitability of vegetable production. To enhance yields and improve household income, it is essential for vegetable growers to expand their gardening plots. Furthermore, it is recommended that the Tanzanian government, through regional or local authorities, provide targeted capacity-building training on best agronomic practices and their associated benefits.