Abstract:
This comprehensive study aims to investigate the influential role of the Warehouse Receipt System (WRS) in improving smallholder farmers' access to reliable markets and its subsequent impact on the growth of their cereal crop enterprises in the Namtumbo District of Tanzania. The study Underpinned by a pragmatist research philosophy, this study employed both quantitative and qualitative research methods, and a cross-sectional research design was adopted. The study area conducted in the Namtumbo District, and the researchers employed a combination of purposive and simple random sampling techniques to select the participants. The analysis incorporated content analysis and multiple linear regression techniques using SPSS version 26 statistical software. The content results revealed a high level of agreement among the participants regarding the positive influence of the Warehouse Receipt System (WRS) in improving smallholder farmers' access to reliable markets, which in turn contributed to the growth of their cereal crop enterprises. Additionally, the multiple linear regression indicated that enhanced access to reliable markets has a statistically significant impact on the growth of smallholder farmers' cereal crop enterprises. The study's comprehensive findings underscore the crucial role of the Warehouse Receipt System (WRS) in facilitating smallholder farmers' access to reliable markets, which subsequently drives the growth and development of their cereal crop enterprises in the Namtumbo District of Tanzania. Based on the study's conclusions, it is recommended that policymakers and relevant stakeholders in the agricultural sector prioritize the further expansion and strengthening of the Warehouse Receipt System (WRS) to ensure sustained access to reliable markets.
