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This study examines the contribution of vegetable production to household poverty reduction. It was conducted in Njombe region, using Ludewa District as a case in point. Specifically, the study intended to: identify types and quantity of vegetable grown in the study area, establish the contribution of vegetable production to household income, compare income from agricultural activities (i.e. farming) with income from vegetable and non vegetable farmers. It was to find out the effects of vegetable production on income poverty in the district. Simple random and purposive sampling techniques were used to get a total of 70 respondents. Data were collected through questionnaires, semi- structured interviews and checklists. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used to analyze data.
The results of the study showed that, vegetable production contributes to the increase in the income of vegetable producers (smallholder farmers). On the side of non-income poverty, there is increase in quantity of vegetable production, increase in food security, as well as improvement in access and affordability of health and education services. Thus, this study has established that there is significant contribution of vegetable production to household income, hence poverty reduction. It can be concluded that there is huge potential in using horticulture for poverty reduction.
To make horticulture activities sustainable, it is recommended that, there must be deliberate efforts in improving access to land by legally allocating special area for horticulture. Since most of the farmers are found in rural areas there is a need to improve infrastructure for easier rural transport. |
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