article · East African Journal of Agriculture and Biotechnology
A study of 138 vegetable growers in urban Morogoro, Tanzania, evaluated how farmers manage soil fertility when producing Chinese cabbage. Most respondents were young, male, and educated to primary or secondary level, growing the crop mainly to generate income. While awareness of fertilisers was widespread, application methods differed considerably across farms, with organic fertilisers being favoured over inorganic options. Soil testing was rarely practiced, leaving growers to base soil management decisions on personal experience and peer recommendations. The primary obstacles reported were declining crop yields and pest attacks. Statistical analysis identified a significant positive link between receiving fertiliser-related guidance and achieving higher productivity, applying soil amendments, and securing better market prices. The findings identify clear opportunities to improve urban vegetable farming through targeted extension support, integrated soil fertility techniques, and accessible soil-testing services.
Urban agriculture provides essential income and nutrition, but sustaining yields requires effective soil care. Understanding how urban farmers currently manage soil fertility highlights the gap between local practices and scientific testing. Addressing this gap can help target agricultural extension programmes, reduce yield declines, and bolster food security in rapidly expanding urban centres.
The findings outline direct opportunities for providers of affordable soil-testing services, agricultural extension programmes, and integrated soil fertility inputs tailored to urban vegetable growers. Because the research is survey-based and observational, these commercial and service applications are in the early stages, requiring practical delivery models and distribution channels to reach urban smallholders effectively.
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The rising global demand for vegetables necessitates sustainable intensification of horticultural production. This study examined farmers' perceptions and soil fertility management practices associated with Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa L. subsp. chinensis) production in urban Morogoro, Tanzania, to provide evidence for strengthening soil fertility management approaches. A multistage sampling approach was used to survey 138 farmers through semi-structured questionnaires. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and correlation analysis. Chinese cabbage production was predominantly undertaken by young and male farmers, with most respondents having primary or secondary education. Although many farmers reported awareness of fertiliser use, fertiliser application practices varied, and organic fertilisers were used more frequently than inorganic fertilisers. Soil testing was uncommon, with fertility management decisions relying mainly on personal experience and peer advice. Production was largely income-oriented, while declining yields and pest infestations were among the most frequently reported production constraints. Correlation analysis showed positive associations (p < 0.001) between access to fertiliser-related information and productivity, soil amendment practices, and market price realisation. The study contributes empirical evidence on how farmers perceive and manage soil fertility within urban vegetable production systems, highlighting opportunities to strengthen extension support, encourage integrated soil fertility management, and improve access to soil-testing services to support sustainable Chinese cabbage production.
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DOI: 10.37284/eajab.9.2.5553
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