Economic liberalization and privatization of agricultural marketing and input supply in Tanzania: A case study of cashewn uts
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Date
1998-11-30
Authors
Mwase, Ngila
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
African Economic Research consortium
Abstract
Since 1991 massive restructuring and liberalization of agricultural marketing have been
undertaken in Tanzania. The study examines this process in the context of SAP and the
need to ensure a more economically viable private sector driven agricultural marketing
system. Private firms and traders are increasingly marketing agricultural inputs and
outputs, hitherto a preserve of marketing boards and cooperatives. The study uses
interviews and a questionnaire to examine the impact of these changed on smaliholder
cashew producers, with special emphasis on the producers' views and expectations. We
conclude that despite some financial and logistical problems, and vested interest, some
positive results are discernible. Given favourable pricing, marketing and processing
policies, the persistent decline in cashew production has been reversed, and producer
prices have increased. The challenge is to develop a privatised and sustainable cashew
marketing system that is responsive to producers' needs and expectations.