Commercial farming models, smallholder farmers’ choices and sustainability in the highlands agro-ecological zone in Njombe District, Tanzania
2020
Shelembi, Musa Nkuba
Sustainability outcomes in smallholder commercial farming in developing economies are worth to be understood. This aim is met by investigating on drivers for smallholders’ choices of commercial farming models and considerations of sustainability in the Highlands Agro-Ecological Zone in Njombe District, Tanzania. The Institutional Analysis and Development and Social-Ecological Systems (IAD-SES) Framework was adopted in conceptual and empirical inquiries. Parallel mixed methods design with qualitative and quantitative data inquiries and analyses were used. Smallholder commercial farmer groups which partner with agribusiness formed cases for the study. Four commercial farming models are found in which economic factors, other factors and land use governance factors strongly influence smallholders’ choices of the models. Moreover, smallholders’ considerations and perceived performance of sustainability criteria are higher in ecological criteria followed by social and economic criteria in the models. Specific actions to policy makers, agribusinesses, initiatives and smallholders are opined to enhance sustainability in commercial farming.
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