Authors :
Joyce Fidelis Rutatina; Justin K. Urassa
Volume/Issue :
Volume 8 - 2023, Issue 1 - January
Google Scholar :
https://bit.ly/3IIfn9N
Scribd :
https://bit.ly/3Y2vcjO
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7587970
Abstract :
Legumes are an important and affordable
source of protein for the majority of poor Tanzanians. In
addition, intercropping legumes and cereals improves
soil fertility and increases farmers’ productivity.
However, smallholder farmers remain poor, mostly
producing at the subsistence level. Therefore, the study
aimed at assessing gender disparities in the adoption of
legumes (pigeon peas and lablab), using the Singida-
RECODA-Farmer Research Network (FRN) project as a
case study. Specifically, it determined the project’s
gender sensitivity, differences in adoption of pigeon peas
and lablab and the associated challenges faced by the
project beneficiaries. The study adopted a cross-sectional
research design, whereby a questionnaire was used to
collect primary data from 205 randomly selected
respondents; this was complemented by focus group
discussions and key informant interviews. In addition,
secondary data was obtained from the project’s
documents. IBM-SPSS and content analysis were used to
analyze quantitative and qualitative data respectively.
The question to whether the RECODA-FRN Project was
gender sensitive was answered through study findings
which shows that the RECODA-FRN Project was gender
sensitive, and it created an equal opportunity for all
gender groups to fully participate, thus, enabling them to
adopt the legumes. In addition, the question to how
adoption of legumes differ in terms of sex was addressed
as findings show a positive and significant (p ≤ 0.05)
association between ones sex and adoption of pigeon
peas, unlike lablab. Nonetheless, one’s age was not
significantly associated with the adoption of either
pigeon peas or lablab. Additionally, in identifying
challenges faced by the RECODA-FRN project
beneficiaries, the study findings show that farmers faced
many challenges in cultivation of the legumes these
include pests, limited availability of seeds, the legumes
not being preferred for household consumption, limited
availability of land, and lack of markets. Thus, it is
recommended that women’s access and control over land
needs to be improved to enable them engage better in
legumes production for their households improved well-
being. In addition, the RECODA-FRN project and
Singida district council’s agricultural department need
to educate the farming community about lablab's
potential and how to produce it in such a way that it does
not interfere with the growth of other crops. Lastly, the
farmers need training on better, environmentally
friendly ways of controlling the pests and diseases
currently affecting the productivity of pigeon peas and
lablab.
Keywords :
Smallholder farmers, Gender disparities, Adoption, Legumes, pigeon peas, labla, Tanzania
Legumes are an important and affordable
source of protein for the majority of poor Tanzanians. In
addition, intercropping legumes and cereals improves
soil fertility and increases farmers’ productivity.
However, smallholder farmers remain poor, mostly
producing at the subsistence level. Therefore, the study
aimed at assessing gender disparities in the adoption of
legumes (pigeon peas and lablab), using the Singida-
RECODA-Farmer Research Network (FRN) project as a
case study. Specifically, it determined the project’s
gender sensitivity, differences in adoption of pigeon peas
and lablab and the associated challenges faced by the
project beneficiaries. The study adopted a cross-sectional
research design, whereby a questionnaire was used to
collect primary data from 205 randomly selected
respondents; this was complemented by focus group
discussions and key informant interviews. In addition,
secondary data was obtained from the project’s
documents. IBM-SPSS and content analysis were used to
analyze quantitative and qualitative data respectively.
The question to whether the RECODA-FRN Project was
gender sensitive was answered through study findings
which shows that the RECODA-FRN Project was gender
sensitive, and it created an equal opportunity for all
gender groups to fully participate, thus, enabling them to
adopt the legumes. In addition, the question to how
adoption of legumes differ in terms of sex was addressed
as findings show a positive and significant (p ≤ 0.05)
association between ones sex and adoption of pigeon
peas, unlike lablab. Nonetheless, one’s age was not
significantly associated with the adoption of either
pigeon peas or lablab. Additionally, in identifying
challenges faced by the RECODA-FRN project
beneficiaries, the study findings show that farmers faced
many challenges in cultivation of the legumes these
include pests, limited availability of seeds, the legumes
not being preferred for household consumption, limited
availability of land, and lack of markets. Thus, it is
recommended that women’s access and control over land
needs to be improved to enable them engage better in
legumes production for their households improved well-
being. In addition, the RECODA-FRN project and
Singida district council’s agricultural department need
to educate the farming community about lablab's
potential and how to produce it in such a way that it does
not interfere with the growth of other crops. Lastly, the
farmers need training on better, environmentally
friendly ways of controlling the pests and diseases
currently affecting the productivity of pigeon peas and
lablab.
Keywords :
Smallholder farmers, Gender disparities, Adoption, Legumes, pigeon peas, labla, Tanzania