Mfilinge, Alpha Euzebio2022-10-132022-10-132021http://www.suaire.sua.ac.tz/handle/123456789/4665DissertationTanzania has diverse livelihoods activities, some of them are furniture manufacturing industries. Due to trade liberalization, furniture is also imported by various traders. However, the amount of furniture demanded is still higher compared to what is manufactured. The study aimed at analyzing the market system of the furniture industry in the Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, and Tanga regions. Specifically, the study examines the value chain development of the industry, analyses the supportive functions for the industry, and assesses the business environment for the industry . Data was collected using a questionnaire survey, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, direct observations and secondary materials. The information gathered was analyzed both content-wise and statistically. Generally, the field results revealed that an average of 64.7% of respondents in the study area invest up to 5 million, and 35.3% above 5 million up to 200 million. The most used tree species for furniture were Afzelia quanzensis, Pterocarpus angolensis, Eucalyptus spp. and Acacia nilotica (Mberiti), while Comoro Island and Mozambique were the top countries importing furniture from Tanzania. For supportive functions, 79% of respondents work under unfriendly infrastructure, only 11.1% of respondents received capacity-building training, and 58.4% of respondents reported accessing financial services. In the business environment, 85% of respondents were aware of the rules and regulations while 15% were not aware. For those who were aware, only 18% complied with the available rules and regulations that guide the industry. The study reveals that, the industry is dominated by micro and small industries, which still demand some improvements to become large and competent enterprises. The study recommends focusing on product quality (skills and capacity), financial support for businesses (finance), innovation, lower operational costs (taxes, levies), and export promotion.enMarket system analysisFurniture industriesTrade liberalizationTemeke DistrictDodoma DistrictThesis