Socio-economic and Institutional Factors Influencing the Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Production at Smallholder Farmers Level in the Gicumbi District in Rwanda

Abstract

The potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) yield in Rwanda is low. It is around 9 tons per ha compared to potential yield estimated at 40 tons per ha. The causes of low yield are not fully known. This study analyzed the socio-economic and institutional factors influencing the potato production at smallholder farmers level in Gicumbi district. Primary and secondary data were used. Primary data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered to a sample of 120 smallholder farmers. Secondary data extracted from existing publications and database on potato. The Probit regression was used in data analysis. The results show that gender, age, family size, farming experience, cows and small livestock ownership, total area cultivated and farm gate prices positively influence the crop production. The cost of land and labor do negatively influence the potato production. The institutional factors comprising of fertilizer credits, access to credits and extension services, training on farm records, fertilizer use and planting and weeding techniques positively influence the potato production. The distance to market and natural control of pest and diseases influence negatively the potato production. The factors with positive impact on production should be enhanced while those with negative impact should be addressed so that they could positively impact on potato production.

Keywords

• potato production
• socio-economic and institutional factors
• smallholder farmers
• Gicumbi district
• Rwanda