Analysis of the Patterns of Smallholder Farmers’ Responses to Production Shocks in Tanzania: The Case of Rufiji, Mbarali and Sumbawanga Districts

Abstract

This study sought to gain in-depth understanding into smallholder farmers’ responses to production shocks in Tanzania. It involved identification of the strategies that smallholder farmers use to cope with production shocks. The study employed mixed research methodology, using primary data collected from six villages in Sumbawanga, Mbarali and Rufiji districts in Tanzania. The findings of the study revealed that there are various strategies that smallholder farmers use in response to production shocks. The strategies include agricultural intensification, diversification of livelihoods activities and migration. Policy implication of this study is that policy makers and other stakeholders should recognize important roles of smallholder farmers’ response options in mitigating the adverse impacts of production shocks.