The contribution of coffee exportation on poverty reduction in Tanzania empirical evidences from Kilimanjaro region

Abstract

This study examined the extent to which coffee production and exportation in Tanzania has contributed to poverty reduction among farmers who farm and export coffee in Tanzania. The prime objective was to explore the link between coffee exportation and poverty reduction. Specifically, the study examines the extent to which coffee exportation has boosted income of farmers who cultivate and export coffee, to assess the extent to which coffee exportation activities has increased employment to community, to assess the type and value of properties that the farmers were possessing as a result of growing and exporting coffee and to identify possible challenges facing coffee exportation Cross sectional research design was adopted and the study area was Kilimanjaro region. Purposive sampling technique was used to pick a sample of 100 coffee farmers who exports coffee in Kilimanjaro Region. Multiple approaches including questionnaire, interviews and documentary review were used to collect data. Data were analysed through applying interpretive and reflexive qualitative approaches while quantitative techniques involved utilisation of descriptive statistics. Findings indicate that coffee exportation boosted the income of coffee farmers, but also it has been a great source of employment to the community as well as helping coffee farmers who export to posses valuable properties such as lands and houses. Low price for coffee both in local markets and in international markets, bureaucracy were revealed to be challenges facing coffee exportation