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This paper validated the Perceived Self-Efficacy (PSE) scale as a measurement tool for
farmers’ self-efficacy. From the social cognitive theory, self-efficacy is the key determinant
of many social-cognitive behaviours, including the adoption of farming technologies. In
this paper, PSE was adopted and tested in a two-stage study among cassava farmers in
Mara, Mwanza, and Kagera regions of Tanzania. In the first stage, 200 respondents in
Serengeti District of Mara region were exposed to the 13 items of PSE scale, while in the
second the adopted tool with 11 items was administered to a total of 360 participants in
Mara, Mwanza, and Kagera regions. The Principle Component Analysis (PCA) was
performed, which was later followed by the Monte Carlo Parallel analysis. Results indicate
that the 11 items of the PSE were relevant in measuring farmers’ self-efficacy. Further, the
moderate discriminant validity (r = 0.48), and good internal consistency (α = 0.85) of the
adopted PSE were found. It was concluded that PSE is an effective instrument in assessing
individual differences in perceived self-efficacy. The study recommends the adoption of
PSE as an effective tool for measuring farmers’ self-efficacy. |
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