The role of rambutan farming project on improving livelihood of smallholder farmers in unguja Island, Zanzibar.

Abstract

This study present threefold objective setout in Unguja Island at Kaskazin A, Magharibi A, and Kati. It investigate the role of rambutan farming project on improving livelihood of smallholder farmers. It define the status of rambutan farming project, Economic benefits of rambutan farming project and Challenge facing rambutan farming project. Data were collected through questionnaires, in-depth interviews and Literature review from smallholder farmers engaged on rambutan farming project. Analysis consisted descriptive statistic, Microsoft Excel and narrative analysis.65 smallholder farmers were simple randomly selected in three district. Result reviel that smallhoder farmers conducted rambutan farming project improve their livelihood which had helpful effect to the families and communities.91% of men engaged in rambutatan farming and 9% of women engaged on rambutan faming project.About 85% of smallhoder farmers earn Tsh 1,000,000 to 10,000,000 of income from rambutan farming project annually,this because harvestment were twice per year.Their able to pay school fee,construction of modern houses,heath services,investing in other activities and finance basic needs to their families and communities,only because their earn enough money from rambutan farming project.Result reported that the common practices of rambutan farming project were for business purposed and its fruits were used for medicine and food and its steam for construction and firewood.IIt recommended that in order to guarantee the growth of the rambutan farming project: the government and other stakeholders should identify the status of production, economic benefits, pricing, examine both internal and external markets, and assess the challenges facing rambutan farming project