Agronomic and socio-economic constraints to high yield of upland rice in Tanzania

A field survey was conducted in March 2009 in upland rice growing agro-ecosystem of four districts in Tanzania namely Ulanga, Kyela, Morogoro and Korogwe to investigate the agronomic and socioeconomic factors which influence rice productivity and suitability of these areas for NERICA cultivation so as to increase rice productivity. Questionnaire was used to gather primary information from ten farmers from each district. Secondary information was obtained from district agricultural offices and weather data from Tanzania Meteorological Agency. A composite soil sample was collected from upland rice fields of sampled farmers and analyzed for complete soil fertility. The findings showed that rice is the most important crop in all areas as both food and cash crop. However, rice yield is as low as 1 tha-1. Low yields are attributed to diseases and pests, poor inputs, insufficient water, poor soil fertility, short supply of fertilizers and use of low yielding traditional varieties, among other factors. The soils are potentially low in nitrogen and phosphorus and therefore N and P fertilization is recommended. Rainfall and temperature pattern is adequate for NERICA cultivation which gives higher yields compared to traditional upland varieties under stress-prone environments such as poor soil fertility, disease and pests and moisture stress which characterize the upland agro-ecosystem.