Economic Analysis of Draught Animal Power in Tanzania

This book was written basing on a study, which was conducted in Tanzania, on economic analysis of draught animal power (animal traction). The study was carried out in three regions: Dodoma, Kilimanjaro and Tanga. Structured questionnaires were used in data collection. Factors which influence utilization of animal traction, identified by the study are farm size, yield, produce prices, fertilizer use and unavailability of labor. The number of animals a farmer owns and the number of plots he/she cultivates are significant predictors of utilization of animal traction. Use of animal traction increases farm sizes of the farmers. The study further proved that draught animal power is profitable, but more profitable if farmers use it together with agricultural inputs (e.g. improved seeds and fertilizers). The book recommends governments and non-governmental organizations (e.g. world vision) to encourage farmers, especially those in semi arid areas, to adopt the technology since it is profitable. Limiting factors in the development of the technology are high initial investment costs, limited scientific research, education and training and lack of credit facilities.

Autorentext

He was born on 9th January 1979 in Sironko district, Uganda. He is married, has two degrees, MSc Agricultural Economics and BSc Horticulture. He acquired both degrees at Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro - Tanzania. Currently, he is a lecturer in the Department of Horticulture, Mountains of the Moon University, Fort Portal - Uganda.