Adoption of organic fertilizer and its impact on income generation among smallholder farmers in Tanzania: A pathway to sustainable Agriculture

This study examines the determinants of organic fertilizer adoption and its effects on the welfare of smallholder farmers in Tanzania, utilizing secondary data from the National Agriculture Sample Census Survey 2019/20. Employing a non-experimental research design, the study applies a probit model to estimate the factors influencing organic fertilizer adoption and uses Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) to analyze the impact of adoption on farmers' income. The results revealed that female-headed households, larger household sizes, separated marital status, self-employment, and membership in farmers' cooperatives significantly increase the likelihood of organic fertilizer adoption. Conversely, urban residence, land ownership, primary education, receipt of extension services, and lack of market access reduce the probability of adoption. The study further indicates that while organic fertilizer adoption is not directly associated with income gains, factors like access to credit, proximity to farms, and education positively impact farmers' welfare. The study suggests policy measures to strengthen cooperative unions, enhance gender-responsive support for female farmers, improve extension services to promote organic practices, develop market access, and provide tailored financial services to encourage sustainable agricultural practices. These insights aim to improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and advance sustainable agriculture in Tanzania.