Assessing prevalence of misperceptions in agricultural activities of smallholder farmers in Tanzania.

This article examines the prevalence of misperceptions among smallholder farmers in Tanzania regarding the use of agricultural inputs—fertilizers, pesticides, and seeds—and how these incorrect beliefs affect adoption of agricultural technologies and productivity. Through interviews with agricultural extension officers and experts, followed by a survey of 431 farmers across four Tanzanian districts, the study found that many farmers hold confident but inaccurate beliefs, such as industrial fertilizers causing soil hardening and improved seeds being more pest-prone. Regression analysis indicated that higher education levels and greater access to extension services are associated with reduced misperceptions. The findings highlight the need to enhance extension services and improve farmers' access to credible agricultural information, including through digital technologies, to support informed decision-making and promote sustainable agricultural development.