Theses and Dissertations Collection

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Analysis of the value chain for local chicken in Tanzania: a case study of Singida and Dar es salaam regions
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2010) Chuwa, Rozina Roman
The study sought to: analyse the structure of the local chicken value chain (LCVC) from production to consumption, examine how the chain is organized and coordinated, assess the efficiency along the value chain and identify the constraints facing actors. Secondary data were collected from various sources such as MLDF and DALDO/ MALDO reports. Primary data were collected using questionnaires administered to a total of 139 actors along the LCVC from Singida to Dar es Salaam regions. Data were analysed by using SPSS to generate descriptive statistics such as means, range. frequencies and percentages as well as cross tab and correlation coefficients. Marketing margins and profit margins along the chain were also estimated. The study results indicated that the LCVC was characterized by small scale of operations at all nodes in the chain, high prevalence of diseases, low productivity per bird, poor facilities for handling and transporting live chicken birds and limited value addition. Key actors were local chicken (LC) keepers, assemblers, wholesalers, live chicken retailers, food retailers and consumers. Overall, the results show that these actors were weakly organized and coordinated. Prices and margins were found to vary' among the actors in the LCVC. Retailers were found to obtain higher profits than other actors in the LCVC. Among the retailers, retailers of cooked/processed LC products were found to obtain higher profit margins per bird than retailers of live birds, suggesting the importance of value addition in profit making. Low productivity, low local chicken price, local chicken mortality, lack of training, extension services, and credits were the major challenges to local chicken keepers. Traders were constrained by chicken mortalities, double charges payment and high business running costs. The study recommends improvement on LC husbandry practices, enforcement of existing laws and regulations,iii establishment of LC keepers' organizations, linking LC keepers to profitable value chain strands, establishment of cold chains for transporting LC meat and credit support.
Evaluation of a loan system under tobacco contract Farming, a case study of Tanzania leaf tobacco company of Morogoro, Tanzania.
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2007) Machunda, J.
In Tanzania, tobacco is one of the largest export and exchange earner crop (BOT, 2003). Tobacco farming industry is a contract farming business involving farmers in primary cooperative societies located in eight production regions. TLTC as one of the company dealing with tobacco business do enter into contracts with primary cooperative societies. According to the company records since 2001 the current debt recovery has improved compared to previous years, however this improvement had not been beneficial to both the company and farmers because after debts recovery from PCS sales, farmers fail to repay themselves efficiently to realize their intended profit margins. Farmer’s payments among themselves after debts recovery since 2002-2004 had been 61.41, 69.51 and 59.75 percents to some PCS. This indicates inefficiency in the production-marketing system and revenues reduction to both sides. This study has evaluated the loan system under tobacco contract farming in Tabora and Urambo production regions and revealed some points in the functioning of the entire contract farming arrangements and also calculated the average profitability of tobacco farming to average farmers which is 40% in view to repay the loan. The study concluded that the ability of the farmers to repay the loan is within coverable ability, however other weaknesses have been identified and noted to contribute to poor repayments, thus a need of more role efforts to industry stakeholders are recommended on more education to PCS leaders, improved tobacco buying system, implementation of lawful enforcements and stakeholder role analysis.
Technical efficiency among small scale onion growers in Karatu district, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2011) Kileo , S.K
Tanzania’s economy is heavily dependent on agricultural production. Agriculture is the lead sector, accounting for 45% of GDP and about 60% of export earnings. It is the source of food and raw materials for industries and it provides livelihoods to about 80% of the population. The overall objective of the present study was to determine the performance of small scale onion growers so as to improve production efficiency. Subsequently specific objectives were to determine technical efficiency among small scale onion growers, to determine factors influencing technical efficiency among small-scale onion growers and to determine contribution of onion production to household income. Primary data including households attributes were obtained from house holds while secondary data such as potential villages which produce onion, population density and acreage size as well as infrastructure development were obtained accordingly. Data were collected from 120 onion growers in Mang’ola ward at Karatu District. The data were analyzed by using the limdep software and the results showed that 35% of farmers had low technical efficiency. The average gross margin analysis showed that, onion was sold TZS 36 000 per bag implying that onion has high contribution to households income. Also the results showed that farmers’ education, income and market information have no significant influence on technical efficiency. This study therefore, recommends formation of farmers associations which would enable access to inputs in low price from suppliers, utilization of the economy of scale and enhance farmer's access to markets which is important for increasing productivity for the various crops grown in the study area.
Economic viability of the gliricidia-maize systems in selected dryland areas of Dodoma region, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2023) Swamila. M
The optimal agricultural productivity in dryland areas of Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is hindered by the ongoing high extent of land degradation and climate change. In addition, smallholder cereal food producers in these areas apply no or sub-optimal quantities of mineral fertilizers due to socio-economic and technical factors like high prices and risk of crop failure. Agroforestry using intercropping of Gliricidia (Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.)) and Maize (Zea mays L.) was developed to complement conventional soil fertility management technologies. This thesis is based on the case studies conducted in Kongwa and Chamwino districts in Dodoma, Tanzania between 2017 and 2020. Data gathered from Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and simulation work carried out by the World Agroforestry (ICRAF) using the Next Generation versions of Gliricidia and maize models of the Agriculture Production Systems sIMulator (APSIM) were used to assess adoption potential, profitability, and risks associated with the Gliricidia-maize systems. These assessments were made in comparison with the base case of growing maize as a sole crop, with and without mineral fertilizers. Inspired by new tools that incorporate risk associated with crop yields and returns per hectare due to climatic variability, integrated ex-ante analytical approaches were used to advance understanding of the economic viability of the Gliricidia-maize relative to the sole maize systems. These analyses aimed to provide valuable insights to farmers, policy makers and development practitioners, to inform adoption and scaling up decisions. The results revealed variations in peak adoption levels, with Gliricidia intercropping exhibiting peak adoption of 67.6% in 12 years. The most influential factor affecting adoption is the upfront cost of investing in Gliricidia intercropping and mineral fertilizer technologies. The Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) results showed significant variations in profitability indicators in absolute and relative economic terms. The Gliricidia-maize systems exhibited higher Net Present Values (NPV) compared to the sole maize systems, with ranges of Tsh 12 967 021.45 (unfertilized Gliricidia-maize) to Tsh 17 592 701.74 (fertilized Gliricidia-maize) in contrast to Tsh 5 374 391.66 (fertilized sole maize) and Tsh 3 264 874.27 (unfertilized sole maize). The Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR) varied from 1.86 (unfertilized sole maize) to 3.75 (fertilized Gliricidia-maize). Sensitivity analysis revealed that a decrease in output prices has a more significant negative impact on profitability of the Gliricidia-maize systems compared to an increase in input prices. A 30% decrease in output prices decreased NPV by 67.04% (fertilized Gliricidia-maize) to 74.4% (unfertilized Gliricidia- maize). Conversely, NPV declined by 11.7% to 14.5% following a 30% increase in input prices. Despite the higher initial costs of establishing agroforestry, the increase in input prices affects the sole maize systems more negatively in absolute economic terms, with a decrease in NPV of 27.7% to 48.4% compared to 11.7% to 14.5% for Gliricidia-maize systems. However, in relative economic terms, an equal change in input prices had a similar effect on the sole mize and the Gliricidia-maize systems. This result implies that the monetary benefits accrued after the first year of agroforestry establishment offset the initial investment costs. Risk analysis revealed that risk to net returns is higher in the sole maize than the Gliricidia-maize systems. The Coefficient of Variation (CV) for the net returns ranged from 64.04% to 66.88% and 51.38% to 52.63% for the sole maize and the Gliricidia-maize systems, respectively. The Gliricidia-maize systems presented 40% to 90% probability of exceeding the income poverty line of around Tsh 600 000 per adult equivalent per year in contrast to 0% probability presented by the sole maize systems. All production systems presented 0% probability of earning negative net returns except for the unfertilized sole maize system which had 5% probability. Stochastic efficiency analysis results show that the Gliricidia-maize systems are more preferred than the sole maize systems at lower (0) and upper (4) Risk Aversion Coefficients (RAC). The certainty equivalent values of yields of Gliricidia-maize are 139% and 78% higher than the sole maize systems at lower and upper RAC, respectively, under the negative exponential utility function. This suggests that both risk-neutral and extremely risk-averse decision makers would tend to prefer the Gliricidia-maize systems. Therefore, the Gliricidia-maize systems are economically viable and can contribute to increased household income and food security. Helping farmers to overcome initial investment costs and manage agroforestry systems well to generate additional benefits is critical for the successful scaling of Gliricidia-maize intercropping technology in dryland areas of Dodoma, Tanzania.
The influence of improved coffee varieties on productivity and profitability among smallholder coffee farmers in Tanzania: the case of Mbinga and Mbozi districts.
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2023-05) Kiwelu, Leonard Kauwedi
The current world coffee demand is estimated to exceed production due to an increase in global coffee consumption aligned with number of dynamics on social, economic and environmental aspects to meet sustainable globe markets requirements. These dynamics such as imbalances in income distribution among market players, climate change and urbanizations due to population growth in coffee growing areas and shifting of consumers' taste and preference where producers need to be more innovative to increase productivity and quality can threaten the livelihood of millions of smallholder producers. Thus the strategies to ensure farmers increase coffee productivity and maximize profit are through producing coffee under sustainable manner. Tanzania Coffee Research Institute (TaCRI) initiated a hybridization programme to breed new varieties combine high-yielding and good beverage quality with resistance to coffee leaf rust (CLR) and coffee berry disease (CBD) for Arabica and coffee wilt disease (CWD) for Robusta. The average productivity of improved coffee varieties under good agricultural management practices is 2000 kg/ha higher than 1000 kg/ha from traditional varieties. The adoption of improved coffee varieties will contribute to minimise the use of fungicides to control coffee pest and diseases and contribute to increase productivity of high quality coffee produced under sustainable manner. The specific objectives of this study include the assessment of factors influencing the adoption of improved coffee varieties among smallholder farmers;, the assessment of the coffee yield gap among adopters and non-adopters of improved coffee varieties; and analysis of the profitability of coffee production among adopters and non adopters of improved coffee varieties in Mbinga and Mbozi Districts. This study was conducted in six wards covering ten villages in Mbinga and Mbozi districts in Ruvuma and Mbeya Regions respectively. The adoption in this study is defined as the use of improved coffee varieties developed and disseminated to farmers by the Tanzania Coffee Research Institute (TaCRI). Adopters of improved coffee varieties refer to farmers who planted a minimum of 300 improved coffee varieties and non-adopters mean farmers growing the traditional coffee varieties. The study used primary and secondary data. Primary data was collected from a sample of 122 adapters and 198 non-adopters of improved coffee varieties making a total of 320 farmers using a household survey semi-structured questionnaire. The survey was complemented by Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) at the ward level and observation. Secondary data were captured from different sources such as TaCRI, Tanzania Coffee Board (TCB) reports. Descriptive statistics were used to capture the rate of the adoption of improved coffee varieties. The five-point Likert scale was used to assess smallholder farmers' perception of improved coffee varieties. The logit regression model was used to assess factors influencing the adoption of improved coffee varieties. The descriptive statistics and Soil Analysis for Fertility Evaluation and Recommendation on Nutrient Application to Coffee (SAFERNAC) model were used to analyse the coffee yield gap and the logit regression model was used to determine factors influencing coffee yield. The Gross Margin (GM), the Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR), the Break-even analysis for yield and price and the sensitivity of gross margin were used to examine the economic profitability of coffee production among adopters and non-adopters of the improved coffee varieties. The findings from descriptive statistics show that the rate of adoption of improved coffee variety is 38 %. Findings from the Likert scale revealed that smallholder coffee farmers' have a positive attitude toward adopting improved coffee varieties as they consider them to have high yields, good beverage quality, and disease resistance. The findings from the logistic regression model showed that contact with extension officers, membership in primary cooperative society and access to improved coffee varieties positively and statistically significance influence farmers' adoption decision of improved coffee varieties(p<0.05). However, factors such as access to market information, access information about the attributes of improved coffee varieties and total land size owned (ha) had a negative and statistically significance influence on the adoption of improved coffee varieties (p<0.05). From these findings generally, it can be concluded that both adopters and non-adopters of improved coffee varieties have a positive perception of improved coffee varieties. However, the lack of enough information about improved coffee varieties and access to improved coffee seedlings hinders the adoption of these varieties and creates room for farmers to plant coffee seedlings with unknown sources of plant materials. Therefore, this study recommends that the coffee industry should strengthen extension services to disseminate appropriate information to farmers. The government should provide support and encourage different players in coffee seedling multiplications and distributions to farmers to meet the demand. Meanwhile, TaCRI should develop a seed certification system to avoid and minimize the risk of farmers collecting seeds and seedlings from unknown coffee varieties that are not recommended. These recommendations will contribute to an increase in the rate of adoption of improved coffee varieties hence increasing productivity and profitability. The findings revealed that the average fertilizer application for both adopters and non- adopter was below the recommended rate. Fungicide application to control Coffee Berry Diseases (CBD) and Coffee Leaf Rust (CLR) was below the recommended rates. The findings showed that the average yield attained by adopters is 1250 kg/ha and non- adopters is 512 kg/ha. The descriptive analysis showed that the yield gap for adopters is 750 kg/ha equivalent to 38 % of the research yield and the yield gap for non-adopters was 488 kg/ha equivalent to 49 % of the research yield. The findings imply that adopters of improved coffee varieties gained 62 % of the yield potential while non-adopters gained 51 % of the yield potential. Likewise, the farmers’ actual yield was below the estimated yield with Soil Analysis for Fertility Evaluation and Recommendation on Nutrient Application to Coffee (SAFERNAC) model. The main factors positively influencing coffee yield at a 5 % level of significance include coffee variety planted, plant population, access to extension services, fertilizer applications, pruning and amount of fertilizer applied (g/tree). Therefore, farmers are encouraged to adopt improved coffee varieties to increase coffee yield through the improvement on implementation of recommended good agricultural practices which include proper fertilizer application, planting recommended coffee varieties, having enough plant population per unit area and proper weeding, pruning of coffee trees, soil moisture conservation, control of coffee pests and diseases. The descriptive statistics, Gross Margin (GM), Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR), the Break-even analysis for yield and price and the sensitivity analysis of gross margin were used to compare profitability among adopters and non-adopters of improved coffee varieties for high-yielding, diseases resistance and with good beverage quality in the study area. The findings showed that the average variable costs of coffee production was 2 398 355 TZS/ha for adopters higher compared to 1 487 581 TZS/ha for non-adopters and also was statistically significance (p=0.000). The average variable cost per kilogram of parchment coffee produced was 2549 TZS for adopters and 3384 TZS for non-adopters. The GM for adopters was 5 451 666 TZS/ha higher compared to 1 727 389 TZS/ha of non-adopters with statistically significant difference (p=0.000). Likewise, the BCR for adopters was 2.16 higher compared to 1.18 for non-adopters with statistically significant difference (p=0.000). Meanwhile, the break-even price for adopters was relatively low compared to non- adopters and the break-even yield of adopters was relatively higher compared to non- adopters. The findings provide evidence that coffee farming using improved varieties was profitable for adopters compared to non-adopters because of high, GM, the BCR, the Break-even analysis for yield and price and the sensitivity of gross margin. Based on the findings of this study, the null hypothesis was rejected in favour of the alternative hypothesis that the government efforts of promoting and disseminating improved coffee varieties has positive impact on productivity and profitability among farmers. The socio-economic characteristics, institutional factors and farm characteristics showed a significantly influence the rate of adoption of improved coffee varieties. It is, therefore, recommended that government should continue supporting research and development of infrastructures to increase coffee seedlings multiplication and distributions. TaCRI in collaboration with TCB, LGAs, NGOs and private sector should speed-up the rate of coffee seedlings multiplication and dissemination to farmers. Also the government in collaboration with NGOs and private sector continue strengthen extension services in coffee growing zones. Finally farmers should be encouraged to adopt the improved coffee varieties and implement good agricultural practices to increase coffee productivity and profitability.
Profit efficiency among layer chicken keepers in Dar es salaam, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2023-05) Mluge, Frank
Chicken products viz., meat and eggs are increasingly becoming an essential component of diets in urban centers of many countries with no exemption to Tanzania. Over recent years, Tanzania has experienced a mismatch between the demand and supply of chicken eggs. This is highly contributed by urbanization, rising population, and rising purchasing power and it has been accompanied by the fast-growing poultry sub-sector. However, little is known concerning the marketing and profitability and profit efficient of the poultry product particularly eggs as the majority of studies conducted on poultry focused on the technical and management aspects of the chickens not to mention the broiler part. When local production fails to fulfill domestic demand, the question on whether producers are efficient arises. Understanding the profit efficiency of any economic activity would be a significant step toward improving its productivity while ensuring its sustainability. Hence the objectives of this study included: profitability analysis and assessment of profit efficiency and its determinants among layer keepers in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. To achieve these objectives, first, 127 layer keepers from all five districts of Dar es Salaam City were proportionately selected at random. Then information on farm-specific inputs and outputs quantities and prices and socio-economic and institutional characteristics of the sampled layer keepers were collected using a structured questionnaire. The collected data were subjected to analysis where the gross margin approach was used to assess the profitability of layer keeping followed by the OLS linear regression in determining the factors that influence profitability. The study further assessed profit efficiency and factors affecting levels of profit inefficiencies among layer keepers in the study area by using the Stochastic Trans-log Profit Frontier model. The study findings on the profitability analysis revealed that layer keeping was profitable in the study area with an average gross margin of 3483 TShs per tray of eggs, and still, there is potential to stimulate and increase the profitability as many producers have less than average gross margin. The main components of the production costs were feed costs (54.12%), housing costs (16.60%), day-old chick costs (9.41%), and Labor costs (7.22%). The study further discovered that some layer keepers had the lowest gross margins due to their relatively small flock sizes, which resulted in fewer eggs being produced, and their limited access to market data on tray prices, which led them to sell their eggs at the lowest possible price at the farm gate. The results in the Stochastic Profit frontier model revealed that the profit efficiency in the study area ranged from 13.79% to 91.75% with a mean of 61.68%. The mean level of efficiency indicates that there is a chance to increase profit efficiency by 38.32% only by improving the technical and allocative efficiency. The study established that the costs of feeds, drugs, capital inputs (such as building and equipment), and other inputs (including water, electricity, and transport) are the most significant factors that reduce the profit of the layer producers. Alternatively, the cost of bird stocking (d.o.c) and labor price have a positive impact on the layer producer profit level. Socio-economic and institutional factors such as age, sex, experience, household size, extension services, and location of the farm both had a significant influence on the profit efficiency levels of the layer producers in the study area. Based on these findings, the study identified a need to come up with a policy to control the volatility of the feed prices or to subsidies them as has been done in other agricultural inputs such as fertilizers and seeds. The study also identified a need for a policy guide on the marketing of eggs (grading them) in terms of their external quality characteristics to create and add value. The study further recommends that policy institutions develop institutional support to increase credit and extension or veterinary services accessibility among layer keepers and layer keepers should be encouraged to form associations for enhancing their chances of accessing these services, particularly credit from financial institutions through group lending.
The allocation of resources in the small farm household of dumila, Magole villages and the Kilosa Tanzania: a nutrition based Nonmechanized Mkundi and District, approach.
(University of Illinois, 1984) Gillard-Byers, Thomas Edward
Many people and a couple of organizations have contribu-ted to the successful completion of this research.these individuals contributed time, The African Studies Program and experience, Many of and patience. The Office of International Agriculture provided funds and linkages to those areas which I find most interesting. I want to thank my wife, Nancy, for her continual sup port as we both worked toward this goal. The long days and sleepless nights were always made shorter by her companion- To my son, Nicholas, ship. whom I foolishly told "Ask me if I finished my dissertation today," which he did month in and month out, Without I want to say, "You made it all worthwhile." the continuous support of my family I would have certainly faltered. My sincerest thanks go to Dr. Folke Dovring who guided my work and was available at a moment's notice, for whatever problem I encountered. His suggestions and encouragement led to the completion of this work, of which I am proud. Dr. Dovring's scholarship and humanism will not be forgotten. I also want to thank the other members of my committee, Professors Sam Johnson, Rashid, Charles Stewart, Jean Due and Salim for their constructive suggestions. Dr. Johnson was instrumental in helping with the modelling of the villagesand focused my concentration on issues which had been over-iv looked. Dr. Stewart offered his time and his knowledge of the historical background of Africa. The support which I received from Dr. Stewart and the African Studies Program was continuous and welcomed. Dr. Due provided the source of in formation which proved to be the basis of the dissertation. Funding of this research was almost wholly undertaken by Dr. Due. The time which she spent reviewing this work has re-suited in a better product. Rashid, Thanks are extended to Dr. Department of Economics, to a much clearer manu script. Salim whose suggestions have led Dr. Rashid was willing to put aside important work to consult with me . Others who have helped me complete this dissertation with or without their knowledge are Dr. Earl Ke 1logg, Dr. Eldon Johnson, Dr. John Santas and a number of my peers soon to be doctors, man. Jane Gleason, Timothy Kohnen and Vickie Sig- They have all made it a little bit Special thanks mus t go to Mrs. Constance Hoffmann for the tremendous job she has done typing this manuscript. Last but not least, I want to thank the members of the Department of Agricultural Economics, both secretaries and faculty, their open door policy. for their open door policy.
Economic analysis of hass-avocado production and export market in Rungwe District-Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2023) Barongo Adrian Alphonce
The production and exportation of avocados in Tanzania have been steadily increasing over time. Despite this observed growth, there is still great potential for the production and exportation of the Hass avocado variety. This highlights the need for strategies to capture the available potential. To develop appropriate strategies, a clear understanding of the current situation in the country's avocado industry is required. Nevertheless, there is a lack of literature on the economic viability of the avocado business, especially in Rungwe District. Additionally, there is limited knowledge in the public domain regarding the factors that affect avocado production farmers’ willingness to participate in the export market. Therefore, the focus of this study was to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the economics of avocado production and the export market in the industry, specifically in Rungwe District. The study selected a sample of 360 farmers from a pool of 4,000 avocado out-growers. Out of the selected farmers, 36 were randomly chosen from ten selected wards, using a probability proportional to size. A questionnaire was administered to the farmers, while key informants were interviewed using a guide. The collected data underwent various analyses, including descriptive analysis, cost-benefit analysis, severity index analysis, and a binary logit model. The results obtained from primary data indicated the current status of avocado production, productivity, and cultivated area. Positive growth was observed in terms of quantity produced, cultivated area, and exported volume. The Cost-Benefit analysis using the Dolye Model revealed a positive net present value (NPV) of 55,075,088 TZS per acre. The benefit-cost ratio was greater than 1 at 1:9, and the internal rate of return (IRR) was 63.78%, surpassing the 10% discounting factor. Similarly, the primary data showed a positive NPV of 57,333,143 TZS per acre. The benefit-cost ratio exceeded 1 at 1:8.78, and the IRR was 70.0145%. However, variations were observed due to differences in plant population per acre among farmers, compared to the standard farm size for avocados. Consequently, the study employed severity index analysis to rank and identify the constraints. Furthermore, socio-economic factors were assessed to determine their influence on farmers' willingness to participate in the export market. Significant factors influencing farmers' willingness included education, age, non-farm activities, formal employment, credit access, and extension access. Based on the study's results and the available literature, it can be concluded that the avocado industry has significantly improved in terms of production area, output, productivity, and exports. The return on investment has been positive and higher than the prevailing discounting rate. Additionally, the study identified constraints and factors that affect farmers' willingness to participate in the export market. As a result, the study recommends further improvements to catch up with competitors from leading avocado producers. It calls for the implementation of effective policies in the Horticulture subsector to support and promote farmers and exporting companies in increasing production and exports. Local governments in potential avocado production areas, such as Rungwe District, should prioritize and encourage avocado production in order to exploit the untapped potential at the international markets. Moreover, farmers and other stakeholders should collaborate as associations to address the constraining factors related to avocado production and export.
Analysis of access to market information sources and farm level productivity: the case study of Kilosa and Mvomero Districts
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2008) Ngonyani, Ellykedo Theophilus
The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between accessing market information sources and farm level productivity to smallholder farmers in Kilosa and Mvomero districts in Morogoro region. Specifically the study aimed at (i) identifying market information sources in smallholder production system (ii) examine the relationship between farm productivity and accessing market information sources (iii) examine factors that influence farmers to access and use market information and (iv) harmonize types of market information sources by farmers and farm product types. A cross sectional single visit survey of 173 farmers from both Kilosa and Mvomero districts was done. Data were collected using structured questionnaire from the sampled farmers and by reviewing various secondary data from various sources. Data were analysed by descriptive statistics analysis such as frequencies, mean, cross tabulations and percentages. Quantitative statistics such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and multivariate linear regression were used to determine relationship between farm productivity (output) and farmer’s accessing market information sources. Finally the logistic regression was used to examine factors that influence to access and use to market information sources. Results show that majority (82.7%) of the farmers use friends/neighbours as information source. Other sources include radio (68.2%) and traders (44.5%). In harmonizing market information source by farmer and product types, sugarcane was ranked as number one in terms of yield, reliable market and price information accessibility followed by sunflower, maize, rice and lastly simsim. Productivity (output) index was tested against the farmer’s access to market information sources. The results showed that 56.5% of farmers who have accessed market information were found in low productivity index while 97.1% who did not accessed market information sources were found in high productivity index, hence there was significant relationship (P < 0.05) between household farm productivity index and accessing information sources. Linear regression results showed that there is positive relationship between farm size and farm output while labour intensity was negatively associated with farm output. In addition, education, farm size and radio ownership influenced farmers to use and access market information. Based on the study findings, we recommend that some of the problems experienced by market participants in accessing market information can be solved by improving institutional and organizational arrangements, localization of market information, improving means of delivering market information and by promoting market information dissemination.
Economic analysis of the role of women in the traditional farming systems in Mbozi District Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 1993) Mwanyika, Dorothy Stanley
This study evaluates the the economic analysis of role of women in the traditional farming systems in ten villages of Mbozi district. The specific objectives of the study are:{1) examining the contribution of women in the traditional agriculture production system and assess the distribution of output and income on gender basis; in agriculture on examining the effect of mechanisation utilisation labour respect with women; to identification of critical constraints in the production process where women are involved and (4 ) suggest ways of productivity women’s improving and their hence contributions to rural development. each of selected randomly. the ten villages, Descriptive farmers f ive statistics, were tabulations and multiple regressions w4re used in the analyses. results revealed that: (1 ) although women The labour contribution to both agricultural production and off- farm activities in the study area is greater than that of mens they don’t have control over income; (2) production of food crops is mostly the responsibility of females while that- cash of crops is males’; (3) women’s workload increases relative to men as agricultural mechanisation increases; (4) the factors accessibility to which affect resources women’s are productivity economic andnsocial constraints , Lack of access agricultural information Mbozi women from and achieving to Labour, Land, credit their capital, facilities maximum hinder product ivity levels and (5) Mbozi women have an equal say with their husbands on what to is be produced and sell in t he i r families. Policy recommendations include: (1 ) the provision of labour and time saving devices appropriate for women; (2) resources be should efficiently by used, much more increasing the proportion directed to women’s crops and tasks to reflect more accurately the importance of these crops and tasks to the food system; (3) gender related biases should be eradicated; (4) credit facilities should be provided to women farmers and ( 5) women should be encouraged to form economic units such as co operatives or associations so awareness and self as to increase confidence. their productivity,
Financing agricultural marketing in tanzania: a case of horticultural traders in Mbeya and Dar es salaam Regions
(Sokoine University of Agriculture., 2007) Ngwasy, Grace Zeno
Formal financial services are generally unavailable in agriculture. For most lenders, agriculture sector activities are considered to be very risky. This study aims to provide information on the sources of finance available to horticultural traders. Special focus was on identification of the sources of finance, studying the marketing channel of horticultural produce, description of both formal and informal credit arrangement and their linkages, and sustainability and adequacy of funds and determination of factors influencing the loan sizes. Multistage and simple random sampling techniques were employed in selection of traders and a purposive technique was used to select formal financial institutions. Cross sectional surveys were conducted between November and January using structured questionnaire and a checklist. Both qualitative and quantitative techniques were used in the analysis, including descriptive statistics, gross margin and regression analysis. The study found out that the horticultural produces are delivered through local assemblers, wholesalers, commission agents, and retailers to consumers. These market participants play different functional roles, financing included. Both formal and informal sources of finance are available to horticultural traders. Broadly, the informal sources are widely used because of flexibility, short processing time and procedures. Wholesalers provide the maximum financial link within the marketing system owing to the position they occupy in the marketing chain. The financial arrangements are based on the longstanding trading relationships. The sustainability of these sources found to rely on the social capital traders build in the marketing operations. Qualitative results indicate that, education, age and business experience to be the main factors influencing loan size. The study recommends for government facilitation to link formal and informal finances through supportive macro economic environment, guiding diverse range of financial institutions and regulating the expansion of credit delivery to reach more agricultural marketing traders and enable them to expand their capital and hence trading capacity.
Economic analysis of the potential income generating activities in redd+ pilot areas of Kilosa District, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture., 2014) Paul, Renatus
REDD+ activities can have significant investment because of their potentiality in reducing greenhouse gas emissions while benefiting local communities and biodiversity. However, they cannot most likely be considered gainful unless they are tailored to the specific economic context that describes their costs and benefits under both current and future conditions. This study examined the viability of REDD+ potential IGAs including their contributions to livelihoods and forest conservation. Purposive sampling was used to select study villages basing on the implemented income generating activities. Simple random sampling was employed to select 90 households from the selected villages. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires and checklists. Analytical tools of the SPSS and Excel softwares such as descriptive statistics, Cost-Benefit Analysis, and t-test were employed. The findings identified fish farming, beekeeping, ginger-maize rotation, conservation agriculture (CA) and keeping of dairy goats as potential activities under R.EDD+. Monetary quantification indicated that, low investment costs would favour beekeeping (21 864 844 TZS/ha/yr), conservation agriculture (35 761 088 TZS/ha/yr), and ginger-maize rotation (41 446 260 TZS/ha/yr). Net Present Benefits were generated until a reduction on yields due to climate change uncertainties reaches above 81.1% for beekeeping, 50.6% for fish fanning, 48% for ginger-maize rotation, 37.4% for conservation agriculture, and 6.2% for dairy goats at a discount rate of 10%. Household saving of 3000 TZS/week was obtained using a fixed wood-efficient stove compared to a traditional stove (p-value<0.05). With CA and scaring of wild animals, a farmer would gains 60% excess income per hectare. In general, the identified IGAs are economically feasible. There should be regular evaluation of activities towards the yields so as to ensure increasingly and sustained yields subject to the changing climate. Sensitization in REDD+ programs should be included particularly on the use of wood efficient stoves.
Economic analysis of small-scale coffee production in Mbozi District, Tanzania.
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2009) Simkoko, Christopher Mkondya
Coffee contributes about 32.8 percent of total trading export for Tanzania. More than 400,000 farm families and 110 estates derive their livelihoods from growing coffee with an estimated 2.000.000 additional people being directly or indirectly employed in the industries. Since the mid-1990s, the country’s coffee industry has been in a state of stagnation or decline. The average yield in Tanzania (170kg per ha) is very low compared for example, with Kenya (700kg per ha), Burundi and Rwanda (600-650kg per ha). Inefficient use of production resources has been one of the primary causes of low productivity under a given set of ecological, social, managerial and technological options at a particular point in time. The presence of shortfalls in efficiency means that output can be increased without requiring additional conventional inputs or the need for new technologies. This study was carried out to determine the performance of smallholder coffee producer in Mbozi district with a view of determining what could be done to enhance production. The study analyses technical efficiency and factors influencing the technical efficiency of arabica coffee farmers in Tanzania. To carry out the analysis, a translog stochastic production frontier function, in which technical inefficiency effects are specified as functions of socioeconomic variables, is estimated using the maximum-likelihood method. The data used were collected from a sample of 120 farmers during the 2008/9 cropping season. The results obtained shows increasing return to scale and the mean technical efficiency index is 82 percent. The findings show that further productivity gains linked to the improvement of technical efficiency may still be realized in coffee production in Tanzania. The analysis also reveals that Age of respondent, Land size, Farmer experience, Household size and Education level of respondents are the major socioeconomic variables influencing the farmers’ technical efficiency. Therefore policy which encouraged youth to remain in rural areas for crop production should be formed since they found to have high technical efficiency. Also coffee acreage should be increased by farmers in order to increase production of coffee in the area hence creating more employment and this should walk together with the improvement of extension services through training extension staffs with specialization in coffee crop.
Cross-border trade in Northern Tanzania: the effect of market exchange arrangements and institutions on values of non-traditional export crops
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2003) Mlulla, Allan Syril
This study was conducted to investigate the influence of market exchange arrangements on export values of non-traditional agricultural export market in Northern Tanzania. The survey was conducted on oranges in Muheza. Specifically objectives were to (a) evaluate trade competitiveness of the cross border export market for oranges, (b) Determine gross margins under different arrangements of market exchange and examine variations across every arrangement in the cross border export market for oranges, (c) Identify factors influencing export values (gross margins) of orange farmers. The study is based on farmers, local and Kenyan traders surveys, and a PRA. Data were analysed using (SPSS). Data analysis entailed descriptive statistics including frequencies, cross tabulations and correlation tests. Gross margin technique was used to determine export values of farmers, local traders and Kenyan traders. Multiple regression model was used to identify factors influencing gross margins of farmers, and a simple regression aimed at establishing effects of economies of scale for farmers. Concentration ratio, Chi square and T-test were also used in the study to test robustness of the statistics. Results reveal that the cross border export market for oranges was uncompetitive with a seller index of concentration ratio of 72% implying oligopolistic behaviours in the market. It was found that market information flow was poor, most farmers (81%) relied on unreliable and subjective sources. Gross margins were significantly different (p>0.01) across different market exchange arrangements. Lastly the study revealed producers’ gross margins were influenced significantly by age of producers, number of mature trees, remoteness of the farms, duration of skills training and farming years. The following recommendations were made; there be training to farmers on business and credit management. There be government regulation to correct inefficiency in the market and producers should increase their farm sizes and number of mature trees along with input use.
An analysis of consumption patterns of major food items in Morogoro district
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 1984) Mrema, May Joyce Nyakasero
Response studies relating changes in food consumption patterns to relative changes in income and prices, and as influenced by sociodemographic factors are lacking in Tanzania. Food demand projections and the evaluation of the impact of alternative food policies on consumers and producers1 welfare, and the cost for complementing them require parameter estimates based on food demand studies. The study examines food consumption patterns of major food items, in Morogoro district for the year 1983. The influence of income, sociodemographic factors and government policies on food consumption patterns are considered. Budget shares, income elasticities, and marginal propensities to consume by income groups are determined. In addition to the analyses based on individual food items, an investigation based on aggregated classes is also conducted the aggregation being based on the nutritional value of the food items. The nutritional classes considered are (i) Energy (maize, rice, sorghum, wheat flour, cassava, bananas and sugar), (ii) Proteins (Milk, meat, beans and fish), (iii) Vegetables and (iv) Fats. The data was gathered from both primary sources (through a questionnaire administered to a sample of 120 households randomly selected from both the urban and rural areas), and secondary sources (Government reports, Population Census). regression and tabula analyses. The data was analyzed by The model used in the regression analysis evolved from the static theory of consumer behaviour. For per capita expenditure, on food income and education level, nature of employment and residential area are the factors considered. Four functional forms (i.e. linear, quadratic, semilog and double log) were identified for the analysis. The linear form was selected for subsequent analysis as most of its coefficients conformed to a priori expectation, it had the highest R , and relatively lower standard errors than the other functional forms. The study has established that lower income households have higher budget shares on food than the higher income households (84 per cent and 50 per cent respectively), whereas rural households and farmers have higher budget shares than urban households and non farmers (79 and 89 percent respectively, and 55 and 54 per cent respectively). This is because of lower incomes of the rural and farming households compared to the urban and non farming households. The lower income group spend a higher budget share on energy items (58 per cent), whereas the higher income groups spend a higher budget share on proteins (23 per cent). Households with 0-3 years of education spend 75 per cent of their incomes on food with 52 per cent being spent on energy items, whereas those with 15 - 25 years of education spend only 44 per cent on food and 20 per cent on protein. The study also shows that the total mean expenditure on food increases with an increase in the household size. Mean expenditure on food, increases with an increase in the age of head of household up to the age of 45 years and then declines thereafter. Qualitative analysis shows that the urban households prefer maize, rice, wheat flour, cassava and bananas,while the rural house holds prefer maize, rice, sorghum and cassava. Falling real income and cronic food shortages have resulted in below the required calorie and protein intake for all income strata, and has increased expenditure on cassava and bananas by the urban residents. Engel curve results indicate that per capita income was the only factor affecting per capita, total food expenditure significantly, it affected two food catagories (energy and protein) and three selected individual food items (maize, rice and meat) significantly. The level of education of the head of household affected significantly the vegetables category only, whereas area of residence was found to affect significantly the protein category (mainly meat) and sorghum. The nature of employment factor had no significant effect on the consumption expenditure of any of the food classes considered. Marginal propensities to consume (MPCs) and income elasticities decline with an increase in income level. The MPCs for the most preferred food items (maize, rice and meat) are higher than for the less preferred food items (sorghum, banana, and beans) Those MPCs for protein and energy food categories are higher than those for fats and vegetables. Income elasticities for maize, rice, meat and beans are generally higher than for sorghum and bananas, and those for energy and protein categories are higher than for vegetables and fats. This indicates that a one per cent increase in income will increase the expenditure on the more preferred food items by a higher percentage than the increase in the less preferred items. Maize., rice, meat and beans are luxury commodities for 20 per cent of the sampled households while meat is a luxury commodity for 80 per cent of the sampled households.
Challenges facing small and medium enterprises in marketing of the vegetables to the up markets: case of northern corridor of Tanzania Lushoto, Kilimanjaro and Arusha
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2008) Nganyagwa, Gema
Tanzania’s climate and growing conditions are favourable for a wide variety of fruit, vegetables and flowers. Marketing of agricultural produce has become highly complex and difficult involving very large and long marketing channels, a larger number of middlemen. many types of physical, social, economic and marketing facilitating functions and services. Despite the fact that many efforts made by the government, NGOs and other stakeholders to improve SMEs viability, many challenges are still facing them in market of their vegetables and thus the essence of conducting this research. A purposive sampling procedure was use to choose 50 farmers and traders in the seven villages around the Northern corridor of Tanzania for the study. Key informants interview based on checklists and the question administering were used as tools for data collection. Direct observations as a method of data collection were also employed to evaluate vegetable production process and marketing activities focusing on producers and consumers. The findings show that the main problems facing farmers in marketing vegetable in the Northern corridor of Tanzania are: lack of farmers’ organization and flexibility to face competition in the free markets, high prices of inputs, high transport costs and postharvest losses. There are also different in priotized problems faced by the vegetable growers in Lushoto, Kilimanjaro and Arusha. In order to increase production of vegetables for domestic as well as export, the following should be considered by the government: efficient handling, grading and sorting, improved transport facilities, improving the vegetable marketing and export system. While the preceding is a pre-rogative of government in private sector, ought to provide support in strengthening farmers initiated infrastructure, and in organizing small fanners for efficient marketing of their vegetable produce.
Value chain analysis for coffee in Tanzania: a case study of association of Kilimanjaro specialty coffee growers at Mbeya chapter, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2008) Ng’webesa, Juliana Emmanuel
Coffee has been a mainstay of Tanzania’s agriculture based economy since its introduction as a cash crop about 100 years ago. It contributes between 15-17 percent of the total GDP. However in the mid 1990s the industry has fallen into steady decline. In 1994 there was coffee liberazation whose immediate effect include increased in the nominal prices for coffee. In 2003, new regulations were enacted allowing for direct export of coffee. This has had a very big impact in the participation of the private sector in the coffee industry where farmers have a wide range of choices for markets. Coffee has the merit that the value chain is relatively simple but highly concentrated at the processing stage. The value chain analysis extends traditional supply chain analysis by locating value to each stage of the chain. The value of coffee has been increasing upwards of the market chain from the producers to the final consumers in Europe. This shows that roasters get higher percentage of retail coffee price leaving the producers receiving low price sometimes below production costs. The explanation of declining producer shares is that processing, marketing and distribution costs incurred in the consuming countries have tended to increase over time while production costs in the countries of origin have declined. This study show how KILICAFE, which is an association of farmer business groups in the Arabica producing regions of the North and South of the country with technical assistance from TechnoServe, has promoted the production and processing of high quality specialty coffee to improve its access to international and local markets in order to boost the incomes of its members. It also shows the main actors in Tanzania coffee value chain and KILICAFE coffee value chain, and describes the role of each key actor along the chain. It also shows how KILICAFE chain differs from alternative coffee channels.
Analysis of the tomato value chain in Mvomero District, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2008) Ng’atigwa, Adella Albert
This study was conducted to examine tomato value chain in Mvomero district. The main objective of the study was to generate information that would inform policies and strategies for adding value to the existing value chain for tomato in Mvomero district. Specifically, the study aimed at evaluating the profit margins accrued by different actors in the tomato value chain; examining the factors that influence profit margins accrued by different actors in the tomato value chain; assessing the tomato marketing performance in the study area and providing recommendations for improvement and value addition in the existing tomato value chain in the study area. The data were collected from secondary and primary sources. Farm owners from Nyandira, Tchenzema and Langali villages were interviewed using a structured questionnaire and Focus Group Discussion. A total of 90 chain actors were sampled involved application of descriptive statistics, profit margin, marketing margins and regression analysis. The results showed that, tomatoes were delivered through assemblers, middlemen, wholesalers, retailers, and exporters to consumers. These market participants play different roles at different market levels in tomato trading such as assembling, grading, packaging and transporting of the produce. Tomato trading was found to be profitable at different market levels as evidenced by positive gross margins. Also there was a positive correlation between market margin and selling price, which indicated the stability of buying and selling prices at the assembling, middlemen, wholesale and retail levels. At the wholesale level, however, buying prices were unstable. This means that traders could not control either buying or selling prices which results into an unstable market. Tomato production and marketing face some problems. These include diseases and expensive pesticides. water scarcity, lack of organizations for farmers and traders and limited access to market information. Regarding the problems of diseases and expensive pesticides. farmers / traders should be sensitized to form organizations. The organizations can purchase inputs in bulky and sell them to farmers at reasonable price as well as improve their bargaining power. To improve water supply, rainwater harvesting and modern technology all should be promoted. Market information system should be improved by promoting telecommunications infrastructure.
Marketing of quality declared bean seeds in central northern zone of Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2016) Mvungi, Hussein Aziz
Bean crops represent an important component of legume food crops consumed in developing countries. However, production of bean crops has been limited by lack of quality seeds. Tanzania adopted Quality Declared Seeds (QDS) production system in order to promote quality seeds, yet QDS accounts for relatively very small amounts of seeds sales in the country. The overall objective of the study was to generate evidences that will contribute towards sustainable distribution of QDS bean seeds. Specifically the study identify profit obtained by QDS bean seed producers; compare gross margins obtained by QDS bean seed users and non-users; identify factors that influence profitability of bean grain producers; determine factors which influence purchase decision of QDS seeds. Gross margin analysis was used to evaluate profit obtained by QDS bean seed producers and bean grain producers. Furthermore, regression analysis was employed to identify of factors that influence profit obtained by bean grain producers and it was also employed to determine factors that influence the purchase of QDS been seeds in the study area. The gross margin of QDS bean seeds sells obtained by producers of QDS bean seeds was Tsh 383 256 per acre which gives 54% of the value of sales on average. There was significant mean different in gross margins among QDS bean seed users and non-users at p<0.01 were by QDS bean seed users obtained higher margins than QDS bean seed non-users per acre. Regression analysis indicate that agricultural training, gender and kind of bean seed used were the major factors influencing profitability of bean grains production (p<0.1). Agriculture training, extension service contact, income and membership on credit society were the factors influencing purchase decision of quality declared bean seeds (p<0.05). The study recommends improvement of agriculture training, extension service, availability of the market information and introduction of Irrigation schemes
Economics of climate change adaptation in smallholder rice production systems in Wami-Ruvu Basin, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2013) Mugula, Victoria Jovin
The aim of this study was to assess the economics of climate change adaptation in smallholder rice production systems. The study covered three smallholder rice production systems including irrigation, rainwater harvesting system and upland rainfed rice systems in Mvomero and Morogoro rural Districts. The specific objectives were: (i) To assess the perceptions of farmers on climate change impacts in different rice production systems, (ii) To analyse the determinants of rice productivity and profitability on land; (iii) To estimate the impact of climate change on net revenue from rice enterprise under different emission scenarios and iv) To estimate the costs and benefits of adaptations strategies in different rice production systems. The data for this study were collected using a structured household questionnaire that was administered to a random sample of 150 households composed of equal sub-samples from the three rice production systems. average production function based on Ordinary Least Square (OLS) estimation approach, Regression-based prediction and cost-benefits analysis were used in data analysis. Results indicated that smallholder farmers were aware of the impact of climate change by contributing to crop infestation and diseases, higher food costs and low yields. Irrigation was identified as the most preferable adaptation having higher net present value of Tshs 12 491 951/ha followed by rainwater harvesting Tshs 2 665 769 /ha and rainfed Tshs 1 199 253/ha. The cost-benefit ratios were 1.22; 1.14 and 1.16 in irrigated, rainfed and rain water harvesting systems, respectively. Therefore, the government and other private institutions should invest more in irrigation as it tends to boost up production during drought period or when there is low rainfall. Descriptive and quantitative methods were used to analyze the data. Likert scale, an average production function based on Ordinary Least Square (OLS) estimation approach, Regression-based prediction and cost-benefits analysis were used in data analysis. Results indicated that smallholder farmers were aware of the impact of climate change by contributing to crop infestation and diseases, higher food costs and low yields. Irrigation was identified as the most preferable adaptation having higher net present value of Tshs 12 491 951/ha followed by rainwater harvesting Tshs 2 665 769 /ha and rainfed Tshs 1 199 253/ha. The cost-benefit ratios were 1.22; 1.14 and 1.16 in irrigated, rainfed and rain water harvesting systems, respectively. Therefore, the government and other private institutions should invest more in irrigation as it tends to boost up production during drought period or when there is low rainfall.

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