Influential Factors in Agricultural Technology Adoption by Maize Farmers in Tanzania: Insights from the 2020–21 National Panel Survey

Abstract

In many developing countries, agriculture remains a vital source of food, employment, and income. The adoption of agricultural technologies can boost farm revenue and productivity, reduce food insecurity, and lessen poverty. This study investigates the main factors influencing farmers’ decisions to adopt fertilizers, improved seeds, soil conservation practices, and pesticides in Tanzania. The analysis uses cross-sectional data from the fifth wave of the Tanzania National Panel Survey (TNPS), and employs an ordered probit model. The findings revealed that access to extension services, higher household years of schooling, poor soil quality, livestock ownership, and use of hired labour significantly increase the likelihood of adopting agricultural technologies. Conversely, a larger household size significantly reduces the likelihood of adopting technologies. To boost agricultural productivity, it is recommended that the government and relevant stakeholders should educate farmers, expand access to quality extension services, include livestock management best practices in agricultural technology packages, and also develop and share soil restoration tools that directly address poor soil conditions.