Marketing and processing constraints that affect agrofood exports: a case study of cashewnut in Tanzania
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Date
2008
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Sokoine University of Agriculture
Abstract
This study aims to examine the processing and marketing constraints that affect exports
of cashewnut sector in Tanzania. The overall objective was to examining marketing and
processing constraints that affect cashewnut exports. The specific objectives were to
assess the cashewnut situation before and after cashewnut sector reform in relation to the
market demand, identify marketing and processing constraints that affects cashewnut
exports and finally, suggest possible measures to overcome marketing and processing
constraints affects cashewnut exports.
The study used time series data for 24 years on cashewnut production, producer price,
export price of raw nuts, exports of raw nuts and processed kernel. The data were
collected from CBT, various publications were also reviewed and informal interview
were held to obtain qualitative information. The data were analysed using SPSS,
correlation coefficients of variables under study were estimated using Bivariate-Pearson
method whereby relationships between variables before and after sector reform were
established.
The study revealed that export quality, producer and export price are factors that mostly
affects exports. The results shows a negative and insignificant (P>0.05) correlation
between producer and export price of raw cashewnut before and after the reform. Lower
correlation (about 6%) existed between producer price and total production before the
reform. However, correlation between the same variables were fortified (about 12%)
after the reform (P>0.05). Negative correlation between export price of raw cashewnut
and total exports before the reform existed, however, a positive and insignificant
(P>0.05) correlation existed between the same variables after the reform.
Based on the findings, measures should be taken to develop strategies to encourage
formation of farmers’ groups. This is a priority for the following reasons: improved
marketing of raw nuts, price and input supply; potential processing activities; convenient
and efficient points of entry for extension; and credit availability/accessibility and
assurance of good export quality.
Description
Masters Dissertation
Keywords
Agrofood exports, Cashewnut, Tanzania