Challenges and opportunities of coffee cooperatives in enhancing member incomes: a case study of Missenyi district, Kagera region, Tanzania
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Date
2024-12-12
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The sub Saharan Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities
Abstract
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.
Description
Journal article
Keywords
Agricultural Marketing Cooperative Societies (AMCOS), Coffee Cooperatives, Member Incomes, Missenyi District, Tanzania, Challenges and Opportunities