Adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices by grape-producing smallholder farmers in Dodoma, Tanzania

Abstract

Sustainable agricultural practices are vital for enhancing productivity, resilience, and sustainability among smallholder farmers in developing countries like Tanzania. Various factors frequently constrain the adoption of such practices despite their importance. This study examined the factors influencing the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices (CSAPs) among smallholder grape farmers in Dodoma, Tanzania. We analyzed data collected from 120 farmers, selected through a multistage sampling procedure, using descriptive statistics and a multivariate probit model. The analysis assessed the effect of various factors on the adoption of crop rotation, crop diversification, intercropping, pest and disease management, and water and nutrient management. The findings reveal that access to finance, while negatively associated with crop diversification, significantly promoted the adoption of crop rotation. Male-headed households were less likely to adopt crop rotation, whereas married households were more inclined to adopt intercropping, water and nutrient management, and pest and disease management practices. Interestingly, increased grape yield and access to training slightly discouraged the adoption of intercropping and water management practices. Additionally, access to extension services positively influenced the adoption of pest and disease management, contributing to more sustainable farming practices. This study recommends that policymakers work with financial institutions to enhance financial access by providing affordable input loans. To effectively engage both male and female farmers, development practitioners should design gender-sensitive outreach programs and strengthen extension services. Furthermore, local governments and NGOs should implement targeted interventions to encourage widespread adoption of CSAPs, fostering sustainability and resilience in grape farming.