Adoption of seaweed improved farming techniques among farmers in Zanzibar: An Application of Adoption and Diffusion Outcome Prediction Tool

Abstract

This study aimed at predicting adoption of learned improved seaweed techniques among seaweed farmers in Zanzibar. Specifically, it predicts the adoption rate of improved seaweed farming techniques among farmers. Secondly, it analyses factors affecting the adoption of learned farming techniques. Finally, sensitivity analysis to examine the magnitude to which identified factors could affect the adoption rate. The study adopted cross section design to draw a sample of 233 respondents. A survey, a series for Focus Group Discussions (FGD) and Key Informant Interviews (KII) and ADOPT were applied for data collection and analysis respectively. The results revealed that learned seaweed farming techniques are likely to be adopted by 28% of the farmers after 13 years provided the current farming status remains the same. Based on sensitivity analysis, adoption of learned farming techniques may reach to 50% or decline to about 11% within 13 years. Profit and productivity orientation by farmers, local community benefit orientation, seaweed production scale, relative upfront cost/investment costs, profit and productivity benefit in the first year of use, community costs and benefit, risk and ease and convenience are potential factors for learned techniques uptake. It is concluded that, seaweed training programme is potential and there is high likelihood of adoption and hence improved income among farmers. This research provides clear insights on the adoption of learned seaweed farming techniques as the path to harnessing the blue economy in Zanzibar.

Keywords

• Seaweed
• Farming techniques
• Adoption
• Adoption and Diffusion Outcome Prediction Tool