Browsing by Author "Absanto, Gerald"

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Economic Viability of Micro-Irrigation Technologies in Smallholder Horticultural Farming: A Comparative Study with Traditional Furrow Irrigation in Northern Tanzania
(Global Academic Journal of Economics and Business, 2025-03-21) Nyangarika, Anthony; Absanto, Gerald; Mkunda, Josephine
This study investigated the economic viability of Micro Irrigation Technologies (MITs) compared with traditional furrow irrigation in smallholder horticultural farming in northern Tanzania. Using a quasi-experimental cross- sectional design, data were collected from 540 farmers, divided into adopters and nonadopters of MITs. Economic metrics, including net present value (NPV), the benefit‒cost ratio (BCR), and the internal rate of return (IRR), were analysed over a five-year investment horizon through statistical methods in SPSS and Microsoft Excel. The results indicate that MITs, particularly drip and sprinkler systems, increase the productivity and profitability of high-value crops such as onions and tomatoes, yielding significantly higher NPVs than furrow irrigation does. Despite their high initial costs, these technologies demonstrated long-term economic benefits, including improved water efficiency and labour cost savings. Regression analysis further revealed that both crop type and irrigation technology significantly influence economic outcomes. Onions and tomatoes under MIT presented the highest financial returns, whereas peppers under furrow irrigation achieved better cost efficiency. This study underscores the transformative potential of MITs in enhancing horticultural productivity and sustainability in water-scarce regions. The study recommends targeted interventions, including subsidies, financial incentives, training programs, and policy support, to scale up the adoption of MITs.
Modern Versus Traditional Irrigation Systems: Implications for Technical Efficiency and Input-Output Relationship in Northern Tanzania’s Horticulture Sector
(GAJEB, 2025-02-10) Absanto, Gerald; Mkunda, Josephine; Nyangarika, Anthony
This study evaluates the technical efficiency (TE) of modern and traditional irrigation methods and their subsequent impact on farm productivity, profitability, and sustainability. The research uses a sample of 540 smallholder farmers from water stress region of northern Tanzania. The study reveals significant differences between adopters of modern irrigation techniques (MITs) and non-adopters using furrow irrigation: tomato yield was 732.94 kg vs. 387.35 kg, onion yield was 2952.57 kg vs. 395.53 kg, and pepper yield was 552.34 kg vs. 505.02 kg; input usage also varied, with adopters using 1.58 vs. 1.38 acres (tomatoes), 1.30 vs. 1.50 acres (onions), and 1.56 vs. 1.18 acres (peppers), as well as differences in seed, fertilizer, and agrochemical quantities. Using Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA), this study estimated the technical efficiency scores for farmers, the findings reveal that land cultivated (β1=0.537, p=0.000) and fertilizer use (β3=0.353, p=0.000) were significant drivers of productivity, indicating that increasing these inputs substantially boosts agricultural output. In contrast, herbicide use negatively impacts productivity (β6=−0.268, p=0.005), suggesting a need for more efficient or reduced usage of herbicides. The inefficiency effects model highlights that farming experience (δ2=10.53, p=0.012) positively influences technical efficiency, underscoring the value of practical expertise in optimizing resource use. The technical efficiency of the farmers varies widely, with a mean of 88.43%, a minimum of 45.28%, and a maximum of nearly 100%, suggesting room for improvement in less efficient operations. The analysis of technical efficiency across irrigation methods shows a significant advantage for modern irrigation techniques over furrow irrigation. For onions, sprinkler irrigation achieved a mean technical efficiency of 0.928 (p=0.000) compared to 0.589 under furrow irrigation. Similarly, for tomatoes, drip irrigation resulted in a mean efficiency of 0.850, substantially higher than 0.430 for furrow irrigation (p=0.000). For peppers, drip irrigation also outperformed furrow irrigation with mean efficiencies of 0.813 and 0.338, respectively (p=0.000). The study also revealed that while traditional irrigation methods had lower efficiency scores, proper management of resources such as fertilizers and pest control was crucial in mitigating inefficiency. The results highlight the importance of efficient farm management practices, including the use of appropriate technologies and optimized resource allocation, in achieving higher technical efficiency. The study recommends targeted subsidies, capacity-building programs, improved infrastructure, and public-private partnerships to promote the adoption of modern irrigation technologies among smallholder farmers.
Toward an Ideal Framework for Assessing Economic Viability of Micro-Irrigation Technologies: A Systematic Review
(2025-02-10) Absanto, Gerald; Mkunda, Josephine; Nyangarika, Anthony
Micro irrigation technologies (MITs), such as drip and sprinkler systems, have been recognized as transformative solutions for enhancing agricultural productivity, optimizing water use, and promoting environmental sustainability. However, their adoption among smallholder farmers remains limited due to a complex interplay of economic, social, technical and environmental constraints. Traditional frameworks for assessing economic viability of these technologies often focus narrowly on financial metrics, neglecting critical factors such as water availability, market dynamics, and the technical and socioeconomic contexts. A systematic review of the literature from 2014 to 2024 was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Articles were sourced from major databases, including Scopus, Taylor and Francis, IEEE Xplore, and Web of Science, yielding a final dataset of 69 relevant studies from an initial pool of 719 articles. The analysis of selected studies highlights key trends, including a growing focus on economic and water management aspects and the role of institutional and policy support in MIT adoption. A novel framework is proposed that integrates dimensions such as water availability and management, market dynamics, socioeconomic factors, and environmental sustainability. This comprehensive approach addresses limitations in traditional financial metric-based evaluations, offering actionable insights to policymakers and stakeholders. The findings aim to advance the adoption of MITs by aligning technical and market strategies with the needs of smallholder farmers, contributing to global food security and environmental goals. Keywords: Micro irrigation technologies, Economic viability model, Smallholder farmers, Conceptual framework, Systematic review
Transforming Smallholder Agriculture Amid Water Scarcity: A Systematic Review of the Socio-Economic Benefits of Micro-Irrigation Technologies
(GAJHSS, 2025-02-06) Absanto, Gerald; Mkunda, Josephine; Nyangarika, Anthony
The review focuses on the socio-economic benefits of micro-irrigation technologies (MITs) for smallholder farmers, highlighting their potential to transform agricultural practices and enhance sustainability. The review synthesizes empirical evidence from Africa and Asia, providing a comprehensive overview of how MITs can positively impact smallholder agriculture. Findings reveal that the adoption of MITs leads to significant improvements in agricultural productivity and enhanced water use efficiency, which contributes to reduced operational costs. Additionally, the financial resilience of smallholder farmers improves as they become better equipped to navigate market fluctuations and economic challenges. These benefits not only bolster individual livelihoods but also promote broader economic stability within rural communities. The review recommends several strategies for effective implementation. These include promoting awareness and adoption among farmers, enhancing access to finance, building technical capacity, supporting research and innovation, enacting supportive policies, and establishing models to assess the economic viability of MITs.