The Nexus Between Age Groups, Gender Dynamics of Smallholder Maize Farmers, and Poverty Status in Tanzania

Abstract

Poverty alleviation remains a top priority on a global level, including Tanzania. Nonetheless, many Tanzanian farmers remain poor. The inclusion of various age groups and gender dynamics are overlooked characteristics in examining the factors influencing poverty status among smallholder maize farmers. To fill this gap, this study thoroughly examines the factors for poverty status across different age groups and gender dynamics among Tanzanian smallholder maize farmers. This study employs a non-experimental research design, utilizing secondary data sourced from the National Sample Census of Agriculture 2019/2020, encompassing data from 4747 smallholder maize farmers. Notably, farmer education, fertilizer use, cooperative membership, and access to social services all have a significant and negative impact on poverty status. Thus, farmers’ access to and usage of improved agricultural inputs, together with educational programs has the potential to alleviate poverty among farmers. Our findings highlight the importance of tailoring poverty-relief programs, initiatives, and policies to the specific conditions of different age groups and gender dynamics among farmers, acknowledging the personalized nature of poverty rather than its aggregate categorization.