Farmers' Decision-making on nitrogen-based fertilizer use in maize production: survey analysis in highland, Tanzania.

Fertilizer application in crop production in sub-Saharan Africa, including Tanzania, is often based on visual crop symptoms, which can lead to under- or over-application of nutrients. Such practices contribute to low maize productivity, increased production costs, and environmental pollution. As population growth continues to increase demand for maize, the area under maize cultivation has expanded substantially, making sustainable fertilizer use increasingly important. In this study, we conducted a survey in the Ruvuma region of Tanzania to understand how farmers make decisions about nitrogen fertilizer use. The results reveal key knowledge gaps, practical constraints, and decision-making patterns that influence fertilizer application at the farm level. Our findings highlight the need for improved diagnostic tools, evidence-based fertilizer recommendations, and strengthened farmer capacity to support more precise, environmentally sustainable nutrient management in maize production systems.