Abstract
The study was carried out to investigate constraints and determinants of high tunnels adoption for tomato production in the North-East District of Botswana, using household survey data sourced directly from 116 horticultural farmers during the months of May and June 2017. Descriptive statistics and a binary probit regression model were employed to analyze constraints and determinants of high tunnels adoption for tomato production. The prohibitive cost of high tunnels, inadequate knowledge on high tunnels, inadequate capital and markets were identified as major constraints that hinder high tunnels adoption. The adoption of high tunnels was found to be positively influenced by years of education, access to extension services and farm size. The findings suggest that encouraging tunnel designers to consider constructing the structure using local materials could be ideal to cut down on the startup cost. Strengthening extension service and re-engineering of the current extension system is necessary to improve the adoption rate of the technology.
 Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 10(2): 100-109, December 2020
Highlights
High tunnels are plastic-covered, passive solar heated houses used to modify the growing environment (Wells and Loy, 1993; Carey et al, 2009; O’Connell et al, 2012)
Female farmers had a slight edge in high tunnels tomato production, with almost 15% of females partaking in the technology compared to 12% males
The results indicated that the majority (61.2%) of tomato growers was married and this was true for high tunnels adopters at 20.7%
Summary
High tunnels are plastic-covered, passive solar heated houses used to modify the growing environment (Wells and Loy, 1993; Carey et al, 2009; O’Connell et al, 2012). The benefits associated with high tunnels include opportunities for season extension, improved yield, and quality, crop risk reduction (weather and diseases related risk) and intensive production capabilities on the limited land area (Waterer, 2003; O’Connell et al, 2012; Drost and Wytsalucy 2014). High tunnel technology has proved to be a viable alternative to open-field tomato production. Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) is one of the main economic crops in the world. It is a versatile fruit consumed in diverse ways including raw (salads), as an ingredient in many dishes and sauces, making it the most consumed fruit in the world.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
