Browsing by Author "Allan, Tumain"

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    Challenges and opportunities of coffee cooperatives in enhancing member incomes: a case study of Missenyi district, Kagera region, Tanzania
    (The sub Saharan Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2024-12-12) Kyamanywagoha, Aron Rajab; Allan, Tumain; Mhando, David Gongwe
    Agricultural Marketing Cooperative Societies (AMCOS) are critical in supporting farmers through resource pooling, crop marketing, and access to services like training and credit. However, their effectiveness is undermined by structural and systemic challenges that hinder their ability to meet members' needs. This study investigates the role of AMCOS in service provision, focusing on coffee cooperatives in Missenyi District, Tanzania. Data were collected from 128 participants using surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions, and analyzed quantitatively with IBM-SPSS (Version 20) and thematically for qualitative insights. The findings highlight significant challenges. Demographic imbalances reveal that 72.5% of respondents were aged over 50, with only 6.9% under 40, pointing to a declining youth engagement in farming. Gender disparities persist, with men comprising 82.4% of cooperative members despite women providing 70% of labor. Limited educational attainment (60.8% with only primary education) constrains members’ capacity for innovation. While land ownership was high (90%), small plot sizes (1–3 hectares for 64.7% of respondents) restrict production scalability. Access to improved coffee seedlings (35%) and training services (36.3%) was inadequate, while 96% of members lacked access to credit, limiting financial flexibility. Although government initiatives, such as tax reductions and digital payment systems, improved coffee prices, financial constraints, mismanagement, and competition continued to impede service delivery. Addressing these issues requires targeted interventions, including public-private partnerships, improved resource management, regulatory enforcement, and capacity building to ensure AMCOS can meet members’ expectations and promote sustainable coffee farming in Missenyi District.