Factors influencing the sustainability of homestead vegetable production intervention in Rufiji, Tanzania: A cross-sectional mixed methods study

Background There is growing evidence that home vegetable gardening
interventions improve food security and nutrition outcomes at the family
level. This study assessed factors influencing the sustainability of
homestead vegetable production intervention, one year after the cessation
of external support. Methods This was a cross-sectional study using both
quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. A total of 247
randomly selected households that participated in the homestead vegetable
intervention were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. The study
held four focus group discussions with households that participated in the
intervention, and four In-Depth interviews with two extension workers, one
community health worker, and one agriculture district officer. Multiple
logistic regression for quantitative data and thematic analysis for
qualitative data was conducted. Results About 20.24% (50/247) of
households sustained homestead vegetable production for one year after the
intervention phased out. Lack of seeds (adjusted OR=1.26: CI=0.39-0.89)
and either manure or fertilizers (adjusted OR=1.69: CI =1.08-2.63) were
significant factors influencing the sustainability of homesteads vegetable
production. In the Focus Group discussions (FGDs) and In-Depth Interview
(IDIs), all participating women and extension workers reported high cost
of water, destruction from free-grazing animals, agriculture pests and
diseases, poor soil fertility, shortage of seeds, and lack of capital
affected homestead vegetable production sustainability. Conclusion
Existing individual, community, and system challenges influence the
sustainability of external-funded agriculture and nutrition interventions.
The study findings underscore the importance of community authorities,
scientists, and policymakers in having a well-thought sustainability plan
in all promising external-funded interventions.