FACTORS AFFECTING ADOPTION OF IMPROVED MAIZE SEEDS AND USE OF INORGANIC FERTILIZER FOR MAIZE PRODUCTION IN THE INTERMEDIATE AND LOWLAND ZONES OF TANZANIA

This paper examines factors influencing the adoption of improved maize seeds and the use of inorganic fertilizer for maize production by farmers in the intermediate and lowland zones of Tanzania. The results indicate that availability of extension services, on-farm field trials, variety characteristics and rainfall were the most important factors that influenced the extent of adopting improved maize seeds and the use of inorganic fertilizer for maize production. Farmers preferred those varieties which minimize field loss rather than maximizing yields. Future research and extension policies should emphasize farmer participation in the research process and on-farm trials for varietal evaluation and demonstration purposes.