Ronald Kabbiri

Title: Economic Analysis of Draught Animal Power in Tanzania

Author: Ronald Kabbiri

Issue Date: 31 October 2009

Publisher: VDM Verlag Dr. Muller Aktiengesellschaft & Co. KG

Paperback: 152 pages

ISBN: 978-3-639-21359-1

Abstract:

This book was written basing on a study, which was conducted in Tanzania, on economic analysis of draught animal power (animal traction). The study was carried out in three regions: Dodoma, Kilimanjaro and Tanga. Structured questionnaires were used in data collection. Factors which influence utilization of animal traction, identified by the study are farm size, yield, produce prices, fertilizer use and unavailability of labor. The number of animals a farmer owns and the number of plots he/she cultivates are significant predictors of utilization of animal traction. Use of animal traction increases farm sizes of the farmers. The study further proved that draught animal power is profitable, but more profitable if farmers use it together with agricultural inputs (e.g. improved seeds and fertilizers). The book recommends governments and non-governmental organizations (e.g. world vision) to encourage farmers, especially those in semi – arid areas, to adopt the technology since it is profitable. Limiting factors in the development of the technology are high initial investment costs, limited scientific research, education and training and lack of credit facilities.

Description: The work was published as a book.

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Title: The Informal Seed Sector in Tanzania

Author: Ronald Kabbiri

Issue Date: 22 February 2010

Publisher: VDM Verlag Dr. Muller Aktiengesellschaft & Co. KG

ISBN: 978-3-639-24065-8

Abstract:

The formal seed production and supply system has for many years been unable to satisfy the seed requirements in Tanzania. This book was written basing on a study which was designed to compare the quality of the vegetable seeds produced and supplied by the informal seed sector with those produced and supplied by the formal seed sector. The informal seeds were collected from markets whereas the formal seeds were collected from stockists. Seed samples were analysed for purity, moisture content, germination capacity and vigour. All the seed lots from both sectors differed significantly in terms of the quality aspects tested with seeds from the formal seed source having higher purity than those from the informal seed source. Informal vegetable seeds had higher moisture content and germination abilities than the formal seeds. Possible explanations for these results and their implications are well discussed in the book. The book concludes, among others, that despite the significant differences between seed quality results of the vegetable seeds from both sources, vegetable seeds from the informal seed source can have as good seed quality as those seeds from the formal seed source.

Description: The work was published as a monograph.

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Mountains of the Moon University

Ronald Kabbiri