Abstract
This study explores the perceptions of smallholder farmers in semi-arid areas of Chamwino District, Tanzania, regarding the adoption of improved maize seeds as an adaptation strategy to climate change. It aims to explore whether farmers view the use of these seeds as an asset that helps them adapt to climate change, or as a liability that presents challenges resulting from the adoption of improved seeds. The study employs both quantitative and qualitative methods for data collection and analysis. Data were collected from 125 smallholder farmers across six study villages through household surveys, in-depth interviews, field observation, and document review. Participants were obtained through simple random sampling and purposive sampling. The findings reveal that some smallholder farmers perceive improved seeds as an asset, while others perceive them as a liability. Those who perceive improved seeds as assertive argue that they improve seed varieties, enhance yields, are drought resilient, have high market demand, and have early maturity: thus, ensuring food productivity. On the other hand, those who perceive improved seeds as a liability cite factors that undermine these benefits, which include high cost of purchase, limited availability, contribution to the deterioration of soil fertility, and susceptibility to pests and diseases. These drawbacks offset the perceived benefits and limit the seeds’ potential as an effective adaptation tool. The study concludes that economic constraints and access barriers limit the benefits of improved seeds despite their general acceptance as a climate adaptation tool in semi-arid regions. Policies should address these challenges by improving education on conservation farming, seed access, and financial support to maximize the potential of improved seeds for climate adaptation.
Recommended Citation
Sawe, Jackson Raymond
(2025)
"Asset or Liability?
Farmers’ Perceptions of Improved Maize Seeds
as a Climate Change Adaptation Strategy in Semi-arid Areas
of Chamwino District, Tanzania,"
Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences: Vol. 14:
No.
1, Article 9.
DOI: 10.56279/0fadeq50
Available at:
https://commons.udsm.ac.tz/jhss/vol14/iss1/9