Farmers’ perceptions, production constraints and variety preferences of rice in Tanzania

Abstract

ABSTRACT Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a major food and cash crop cultivated under diverse farming systems in Tanzania. The objective of this study was to assess farmers’ perceptions, production constraints, variety preferences and breeding priorities of rice in selected agro-ecologies in Tanzania to guide variety development and release. A participatory rural appraisal study was conducted involving 180 participants using a structured survey. Focus group discussions were held with 90 discussants in the Mvomero, Kilombero and Kyela districts of Tanzania. Survey results indicated that rice was the most important food and cash crop, followed by maize (Zea mays L.), cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz), sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas [L.] Lam.), sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.), pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.), cowpea (Vigna unguiculata [L.] Walp), simsim (Sesamum indicum L.), beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.), banana (Musa acuminate L.), groundnuts (Arachis hypogaea L.), and palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.). Majority of respondents used saved seed from previous harvest. Major constraints limiting rice production and productivity in all studied areas were disease, insect pests, recurrent drought, non-availability and high cost of fertilizers, a lack of improved cultivars, poor soil fertility and bird damage. The farmers preferred rice varieties with high yield, disease resistance, drought tolerance, high market value, early maturity, aroma, and local adaptation. A systematic rice breeding program, aimed at improving yellow mottle virus resistance and incorporating farmers’ preferred traits, should be designed and implemented to increase productivity and adoption of new cultivars by the farmers across rice-growing areas of Tanzania.