Abstract:
This study assessed the impact of Agricultural and Marketing Cooperative Societies on the
well-being of smallholder cashew nut farmers in Nachingwea District, Tanzania. The study
focused on the cashew nut smallholder farmers in the area. In particular, the study assessed
the influence of financial investment education, price negotiation, and input provision on the
well-being performance of smallholder cashew nut farmers. Farm economics, development
model, and utility theory form the study's foundation. Both qualitative and quantitative
approaches were employed in conducting the study. The quantitative data was collected from
248 Agricultural and Cooperative Marketing Society members using a questionnaire, while the
qualitative data was collected through 4 in-depth interviews with cooperative officers as well
as selected AMCOS’ chairpersons. Simple random sampling was used to get respondents
from the two Agricultural and Cooperative Marketing Societies (Nambambo and Mkotokuyana)
who formed the unit of analysis in this study. Quantitative data was analysed through multiple
regression models. Qualitative data collected via interview guide for study objectives was
analysed through content analysis. The findings revealed that financial investment education,
price negotiation, and input provision had a significant impact on the well-being of smallholder
cashew nut farmers for many of its variables, while a few of them showed no significance. The
study advises strengthening ties between farmers and AMCOS. It calls for collaboration
between TCDC, Ministry of Agriculture, and Moshi Co-operative University to train AMCOS
management through DACO at Nachingwea District Council. This will enhance financial
knowledge of AMCOS members. The study also proposes a subsidy system by the Ministry of
Agriculture for affordable inputs, aiming to improve overall performance of smallholder
farmers.
