Dynamics of timber value chain in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania
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Date
2022
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Abstract
The dynamics of the timber value chain in
the Southern Highlands of Tanzania well
known. The study strove to identify key
actors, their roles, functions, and
interactions in various nodes along the
timber value chain. Data were collected
using key informants’ interview, focus
group discussions and researchers’ direct
observation. The study identified various
value chain nodes: land, inputs, production,
harvesting, processing, transportation, and
marketing. Actors of the timber value chain
identified were village government,
villagers, tree growers, seedlings producers,
middle-men,
institutions,
district
government, traders, saw millers, and
porters. The paper describes points out
outstanding differences and similarities
across the three study districts. Results
revealed that there was a considerable
variation (dynamics) in the study districts in
terms of seedlings quality, tending
operations,
timber
harvesting
age,
transportation modes, distance from the
market, marketing aspects, government
regulations and taxations. Further, the
governance of value chain in the study areas
was examined and issues related to
regulations, quality and standard setting are
described. The paper recommends that one-
size-fits-all approach should not be used to
address existing challenges of the value
chain. The paper finds it prudent to use
location-specific initiatives to improve
timber value chain in the study area.
Description
Keywords
Timber – dynamics, Nodes - value chains, Inputs - Southern highlands