ISSN 2375-1231
African Journal of Crop Science ISSN 2375-1231 Vol. 3 (6), pp. 183-189, August, 2015. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Contribution of sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas) to household food security among farmers in Kilosa District, Tanzania
Davis F. Mwakanyamale*, Geoffrey S. Mkamilo and Bernadetha P. Kimata
Naliendele Agricultural Research Institute, P.O.Box 509, Mtwara, Tanzania.
Corresponding author E-mail: [email protected]
Accepted 25 May, 2015
Abstract
The study was conducted to assess the contribution of sweetpotato to food security among farming households in Kilosa District in Eastern Tanzania. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data from 120 randomly selected households. Descriptive statistics were employed to analyze socio-economic characteristics of the selected households whereas logistic regression was used to test variables that determined household food security in the study area. Results showed that the size of farm devoted to sweetpotato cultivation contributed positively and significantly to household food security. Household heads’ age, gender, years of schooling and off-farm income were also significantly impacting household food security. This study, therefore, recommended emphasis on favourable land policies to sweetpotato growers, enhancing accessibility of improved sweetpotato technologies, training programmes on good agricultural practices and creation of income generation opportunities in order to improve household food security in Kilosa District.
Key words: Households, sweetpotato, food security, determinants, logistic regression.