*Institute of Rural development Planning, Department of Population Studies, P.O.Box 138, Dodoma
**Community Resource Development and Management, P.O.Box 2211, Dodoma
Online published on 21 November, 2013.
This study was conducted to assess the utilization of draught animal for improving agriculture production in Dodoma Region. It was conducted at Msisi ward in Bahi District. It included Msisi and Mchito village.
Findings indicated that 55% of respondents who own cattle use them in agriculture activities. Where by 11.7% of respondents own cattle but they do not use them for agricultural activities. About 65% of respondents own cattle while 35% of respondents do not own cattle. It was 98.3% of respondents who were aware of the use of work animals in agriculture. Only 1.7% of respondents was not aware and has never heard about animal traction technology. Adaptation of that technology had enabled 39.8% of farmers to increased production, while 11.8% of respondents had expanded their farms and other many benefits. About 36.7% of respondents associated poverty with the adaptation of the technology. Another 25% of respondents pointed low income as one of the hindrances toward adoption of animal traction technology. Also 28.0% of respondents claimed that drought discourages people from adopting the technology.
It was concluded that, many households fail to adopt animal traction technology, since they lack money for purchasing cattle, equipments or both. Seminars and tour system was suggested by farmers to be conducted because it enable them to share ideas and experience on animal traction technology. Markets and price for agricultural products should be improved by the government (Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Cooperation). This will enable farmers to improve their income and in turn alleviate poverty which hinders them from adaptation of animal traction technology.
