Determinants of participation in collaborative agribusiness models among young potato smallholder farmers in Wanging’ombe, Tanzania

Abstract

This study was conducted examine study the determinants of collaborative agribusiness models among young potato producers in Wanging’ombe, Tanzania. A multistage sampling technique and a semi-structured questionnaire were used to collect data from members and non-members of collaborative agribusiness models. This study employed a chi square test, t-test and a probit regression model to analyze data. The findings suggest significant differences between participant and non-participants of collaborative agribusiness models in terms of quantity of inputs purchases and application, cost of inputs, amount of potato harvested-sold, revenue, profit, total farm and plot size allocated for potato production. On the other hand, gender, plot size allocated for potato production, cost of basal fertilizer, quantity of basal fertilizer purchased and profit generated from potato production significantly associated with young smallholder farmers’ participation in collaborative marketing of potatoes. The results further show that, young potato smallholder farmers’ participation in farm business trainings negatively associated their involvement in collaborative marketing of potatoes and procurement of inputs. Thus, this study provides several policy implications. First, the need of continued awareness campaigns targeting young smallholder farmers especially women, regarding the benefits of collaborative potato marketing. Second, farm business training manuals should incorporate modules on collaborative agribusiness models. Third, government policies should focus on improving land access and ownership for young potato smallholder farmers to enhance their participation in collaborative marketing arrangement. These implications will strengthen collaborative agribusiness models and promote sustainable youth engagement in agriculture.