Economics Of Small Holder Common Beans Production In Mbeya, Tanzania

ABSTRACT

Common bean is a major source of food and income for smallholder farmers in Tanzania.The national average yield for common beans which ranges from 0.72 to 1.10 tone/ha, is far below potential yields recommended by agricultural research (1.5 – 3 tones/ ha) using improved varieties. Low common bean yield is contributed by several factors which lower farmers` profit. This study examined the economics of smallholder common beans production in Mbeya, Tanzania. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed to analyse the data collected from a sample of 120 bean farmers. Gross margin was used to estimate profitability of common beans production. On the other hand, multiple linear regression and logit models were used to determine the influence of socio-economic factors on common beans profitability and the factors influencing improved common bean varieties adoption respectively. The results show that the average gross margin was TZS 309 214per acre which indicates that common bean farming in Mbeya district is profitable and contributes significantly in creating cash income and employment.Multiple linear regression results indicate that farming experience, land size, access to credits and household size have significant influence on profitability of common beans in the study area. Moreover, the results of binary logistic regression show that age, household size, land size, access to extension services, off-farm income activities and distance to the nearest market have significant influence on the adoption of improved common bean varieties. Moreover, the results show that the crop pests and diseases, unreliable rainfall, high price of farm inputs, unreliable market, shortage of land, price fluctuation and low capital are the major challenges faced beans producers in the study area.The present study concludes that common beans production is profitable and contributes significantly in creating cash income and employment in the study area. It is recommended that extension services and credit systems should be

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improved by the governmentso as to expose farmers to modern improved agricultural production technologies.