Socio-economic Determinants of Sustained Adoption of Climate-smart Agricultural Technologies in the West Usambara mountains, Tanzania

Abstract

This study examined the influence of socio-economic factors on the sustained adoption of climate-smart agricultural technologies in the West Usambara Mountains, Tanzania. A sample of 124 households was selected through simple random sampling from a population of 140 farming households involved in the Climate Change Agriculture and Food Security Project between 2011–2019. Data were collected through household surveys, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. The analysis employed the Multivariate Probit Model and thematic analysis. The study found that age, gender, education, income, and household size influenced the adoption of weather information services, improved seeds, organic fertilisers, terraces and tree planting. Access to credit, technical training, and social organisations also played key roles in sustained adoption. This study concludes that socio-economic factors are crucial for the sustainable adoption of climate-smart agricultural technologies. Policymakers and agricultural extension workers should consider these factors when designing and implementing climate-smart agricultural interventions to ensure their long-term success.