What matters in adoption of small-scale rain water harvesting technologies at household level? Evidence from Charco-dam users in Nzega, Tanzania

Any effort to improve irrigation water availability has an advantage in the crop production processes. Small-scale rainwater harvesting technologies like Charco-dams (Malambo) in Swahili (the language used by most the Tanzanians) are among the interventions proven to overcome agricultural water shortage. Despite its importance in overcoming water stress in most arid and semi-arid areas of Tanzania, some farmers in the areas are still reluctant to adopt such technology. In this regard, this analyzed and discussed the factors influencing the adoption of the Charco-dam rainwater harvesting technology by smallholder vegetable producers in Nzega district, Tanzania. A survey was used to collect the required information from 528 smallholder vegetable producers in the district. A structured questionnaire was employed to collect data from 220 Charco-dam adopters and 308 non-adopters who were used for the analysis. The data collected was substantiated by six focus group discussions (FGDs); one at council headquarters and five at the village level. The Probit model with instrumental variables was used to identify and analyze factors influencing adoption. The study revealed that socioeconomic, farm level and information sharing factors are all important to improve the adoption of Charco-dam technology. The results suggest that any strategy, innovation or policy aimed at increasing the adoption rate of small-scale rainwater harvesting technologies should be designed or formulated by considering socioeconomic, farm-level, environmental, and information sharing aspects.

Automated summary

This study analyzes and discusses the factors influencing the adoption of the Charco-dam rainwater harvesting technology by smallholder vegetable producers in Nzega district, Tanzania. Socioeconomic, farm level, and information sharing factors are all important in improving the adoption rate of this technology.