Early view

JOHN KIGWINYA, CHARLES OLAMBO, ATHUMAN MAHINDA

Abstract

Despite the registration of 17 improved potato varieties in Tanzania, potato yields remain low (5–10 t ha⁻¹), partly due to limited adoption of improved varieties. This study examined the institutional and socioeconomic factors influencing the adoption of improved potato varieties among smallholder farmers in Mbeya and Rukwa regions. A cross-sectional survey of 240 randomly selected potato farmers was conducted and data were analysed using descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression. Only 12.9% of the surveyed farmers had adopted improved potato varieties. Access to agricultural training, farming experience and access to improved seed were positively and significantly associated with adoption. In contrast, potato price/bag and farmer group membership were negatively associated with adoption. These findings highlight the importance of strengthening farmer training, improving access to affordable certified seed and addressing price constraints to accelerate the uptake of improved varieties and enhance potato productivity in Tanzania.

Keywords

Technology uptake, Potato productivity, Agricultural training, certified seed, seed accessibility

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