Impact of Northern Tanzania Potato Systems Improvement Project on Agricultural Technology Adoption in Potato Farming in Arusha District

Abstract

The adoption of advanced agricultural technologies is essential for enhancing crop productivity and improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers, yet its uptake remains limited in regions like Sub-Saharan Africa, including Tanzania, where adoption rates hover around 23%. This study evaluates the effectiveness of the Northern Tanzania Potato Systems Improvement Project in promoting advanced potato production technologies in Arusha District, Tanzania, guided by the High Payoff Input Model. Using a cross-sectional design, data were collected from 192 potato farmers, including project participants and non-participants. Descriptive statistics and inferential methods, such as binary logistic regression and Propensity Score Matching, were employed to assess adoption outcomes. Results show that project participants were significantly more likely to adopt improved seed varieties (ATT = 0.33), including the Obama variety (ATT = 0.35), engage in multi-season farming (ATT = 0.30), use fertilizers (ATT = 0.30), join cooperatives (ATT = 0.43), and access markets (ATT = 0.27). Higher adoption of extension services (ATT = 0.28) and access to credit (ATT = 0.28) were also observed. However, mechanization adoption was negligible (ATT = 0.00), highlighting systemic barriers such as high costs and limited training. These findings emphasize the need to strengthen input delivery systems, promote affordable mechanization solutions, and enhance community-based financing to ensure sustained adoption and maximize the project’s contribution to regional agricultural transformation.