The Role of Socio-Economic Groups on Rural Irish Potato Seed Obtainability in Lushoto District, Tanzania

Abstract

Quality Irish potato seeds play a significant role on improving productivity and ensuring food security to satisfy local and international market demands. The use of low-quality Irish potato seeds by smallholder farmers results into low productivity of Irish potatoes. This study aimed to assess the role of socio-economic groups on improving Irish potato seed obtainability. A cross sectional research design was used, four villages namely; Milunguli, Boheloi, Kwekitui and Maringo was purposively selected based on areas under potato crop cultivation in Lushoto district, Tanga region. A Cochran (1977) formula was used to calculate the sample size where each village had a representative sample of 100 to make a total of 400 farmers. Primary data were collected using questionnaire and key informants’ interview from leaders of seed producer groups. The study was guided by the High Payoff Input Model (HPI) and Socio-economic Theory (SET). Findings revealed that through farmers socio-economic groups; seed production, storage, marketing, input procurement and resources mobilization were made possible; marketing services were enhanced where group members used the seeds and <40% non-members in the study area accessed the seeds at affordable prices. It is recommended that district government and private landowners be encouraged to lease out their arable lands to groups for seeds multiplication; provision of trainings and skills to potato producers on sustainable agricultural production, agribusiness and entrepreneurship skills to enhance seed productivity and obtainability.