Key maize production constraints and farmers’ preferred traits in the mid-altitude maize agroecologies of northern Tanzania

Abstract

Maize productivity in Tanzania is very low, owing to various biotic and abiotic production constraints. Examining production constraints and farmers’ preference in maize-growing agroecologies will assist in designing improvement strategies based on farmers’ priorities. The objective of this study was to determine farmers’ preferred traits of maize and prioritise farmers’ perceived constraints that limit potential maize production in northern Tanzania. Twelve maize-growing villages from Babati, Arumeru and Hai districts were surveyed using participatory rural appraisal, involving a total of 500 farmers across the study area. Data collected were analysed using a semi-structured questionnaire, focus group discussions, transect walks, matrix scoring and pair-wise ranking. The most preferred traits were high yield (71.9%), disease resistance (70.0%), drought tolerance (69.9%), good grain milling quality (65.3%), grain palatability (60.7%), dense grain (59.0%) and early maturity (55.8%). Other important traits were large grain size, intercropping suitability, large cob size, storage pests’ resistance and multiple ears. Major biotic and abiotic constraints limiting maize production are identified. The results of this study will assist breeders in defining their maize breeding strategies.