Analysis of the value chain for hides and skins in Tanzania: the case of Dodoma and Arusha regions
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Date
2008
Authors
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Publisher
Sokoine University of Agriculture
Abstract
The general objective of this study was to analyse the value chain for hides and
skins in order to provide an understanding of the factors affecting development of
the leather industry in Tanzania. The specific objectives of the study were (i) To
characterize the value chain for hides and skins from production to consumption;
(ii) To examine how the chain is organized, coordinated and functioning including
linkages between the key actors along the value chain; (iii) To examine efficiency
in performing different operations in the value chain in terms of prices and margins
obtained by different actors, and (iv) To identify the major constraints and
challenges facing actors and suggest strategies for improving both linkages and
efficiency of the value chain. Primary data for the study were gathered in Dodoma
and Arusha regions from 84 respondents including livestock keepers, butcher and
abattoir owners, hides and skins collectors, wholesalers, leather factories and
manufacturer of leather goods. These data were supplemented with secondary data
from the Ministry of Livestock Development, Board of External Trade and the
National Bureau of Statistics. Qualitative analyses were used to describe the
characteristics of the value chain actors whilst prices, marketing margins and profit
margins were determined to examine efficiency at the different stages in the value
chain. Prices, profit margins and marketing margins at various stages of the value
chain were analysed to assess efficiency of the value chain. Generally, the hides and
skins supply chain was characterized by low value addition, poor animal husbandry
practices, improper skinning of animals due poor facilities and handling practices.
poor preservation methods and processing technology. Most (80%) of the hides and
skins were exported in raw form and the rest exported wet blue leather. With the
exception of few wholesalers and processors, vertical coordination and linkage
between actors was weak. Prices, marketing and profit margins were found to vary
significantly between different actors along the value chain. Wholesalers obtained
higher profit margins than the other actors in the value chain. The study recommends improvement of slaughtering
slabs.slaughtering facilities.
strengthening of producers and traders organizations and effective enforcement of
laws and regulations governing hides and skins trade.
Description
Masters Dissertations
Keywords
value chain, skins, leather, hides and skins, production, consumption