Agricultural And Marketing Co-Operatives Performance and Well - Being Performance of Smallholder Farmers

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.