Factors Hindering KNCU Performance in Reducing Members' Income Poverty A Case of Selected Primary Co-Operative Societies in Siha District

Abstract

his study sought to determine factors leading to poor performance of Kilimanjaro Native Co operative Union (KNCU) in reducing members' income poverty. The primary co-operative societies in Siha district were a Case Study. Specifically, the study had three specific objectives: To identify factors hindering KNCU performance, to identify factors for the declining production of coffee among the members of KNCU and to assess the effect of trade liberalization on the performance of KNCU. A total of 204 respondents were randomly selected. Primary data and secondary data were used in this study. Data were collected using interviews, discussions with key informants and documentary review. The data were analyzed using an SPSS version 16 software. Findings show that some of the factors which hinder KNCU performance in reducing member income poverty included; the non-availability of agricultural inputs, politics, climate change, poor management, trade liberalization and incompetent officials at the primary co-operative society. In addition, the inability of members to buy agricultural equipment was reported as a major constrain which led to the poor production of coffee. This has led to an increase in poverty among members of primary cooperative societies that are members of the KNCU. With this study, it is therefore recommended that KNCU should assist its members to get fertilizers, insecticides and other agricultural inputs so as to increase coffee production