Abstract:
Coffee production has much potential in improving livelihood capabilities among small scale
coffee farmers in coffee growing areas. However, scholars debate on the importance of coffee
production for the livelihoods of small scale coffee farmers are of no doubt. As a response to
the debates, this paper analyses coffee production and its implications among small scale
farmers’ livelihoods in Hai and Arumeru Districts, Tanzania. Specifically, the paper was
intended to: examine the effect of socio-demographic characteristics on coffee production
among small scale farmers, assess coffee production fluctuations among small scale coffee
farmers and determine the influence of attitudes of small scale coffee farmers on coffee
production. The paper adopted a cross-sectional study design in collecting primary and
secondary data whereby, 250 small scale coffee farmers and 12 key informants (agricultural
officers and ward executive officers) were interviewed. Data were analyzed using descriptive
statistics and principle component analysis. The results showed that coffee production among
small scale coffee farmers had been dwindling from time to time and therefore affecting the
livelihoods of small scale coffee farmers particularly in acquiring basic human needs of the
required quality and quantity. It was also found that proper performance in coffee production
was closely linked to proper performance of other sectors in the economy among small scale
coffee farmers. In addition, it was found that small scale coffee farmers’ attitudes have a direct
implication on the amount of coffee to be produced. It is recommended that coffee production
has to be improved by putting more emphasize on youth participation on coffee production so
as to pave way for the improvement of livelihoods among small scale coffee farmers due to its
importance in their daily lives.
