Economics of On-Farm Climate Smart Agricultural Practices in Crop-Based Farming Systems in Morogoro Rural District

Abstract

Crop-based systems across Sub-Saharan African countries, including Tanzania is hampered by climate change. Government and private sectors introduced twenty climate-smart agricultural practices in the country. This study aimed to examine the profitability of using climate-smart agricultural practice in Morogoro Rural District. About 300 respondents were selected using a random sampling technique for interviews. A survey was conducted to collect data from the respondents using semi-structured questionnaires. A cost-benefit analysis was done to analyse the net returns of climate change mitigation interventions. The results showed that each mitigation intervention used by the smallholder farmers was financially feasible because the net returns were positive (revenues exceeded the costs). The varieties tolerant to drought (such as soybeans, maize and rice), row planting, and strip cropping were most financially viable. Less profitable practices included land rotation, tractor ploughing, and contour farming. Climate-smart practices with high profitability are recommended for enhancing farmers’ income.