Applicability of Theoretical Factors to Adoption of Tarpaulins and Hermetic Bags for Postharvest Handling of Maize in Rukwa and Katavi Regions, Tanzania

The adoption of improved postharvest technologies such as tarpaulins for maize drying and hermetic bags for storage remains low and uneven among smallholder maize farmers in Tanzania’s Rukwa and Katavi regions. This study assessed the extent of adoption, examined the applicability of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), and analysed the influence of their constructs on adoption likelihood. A total of 365 farmers were selected through proportionate stratified sampling during the 2021/2022 agricultural season. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. Quantitative data were analysed employing descriptive analysis and ordinal logistic regression. Results revealed that perceived ease of use (β = 0.791, p < .05), perceived behavioural control (β = 0.568, p < .05) and Attitude (β = 0.334, p < .05) were the significant predictors of adoption, while subjective norms (β = 0.281, p = .060) were marginally significant. In contrast, perceived usefulness (β = 0.150, p = .308) was not significant, indicating that perceived benefits alone may not overcome adoption barriers. Demographic factors such as age (β = 0.103, p < .05), education level (β = 0.244, p < .05), and access to credit (β = 0.753, p < .05) significantly influenced adoption. It is concluded that ease of use and behavioural control are stronger drivers than perceived usefulness. It is recommended to expand credit access, enhance training and extension services, strengthen farmer cooperatives, and showcase local success stories to improve adoption and reduce maize losses.