Livelihood Levels of Green Banana Actors along the Value Chain in Moshi and Meru Districts, Tanzania

Abstract

The study explored the livelihood levels of green banana actors along the value
chain in Moshi and Meru Districts in Tanzania. Descriptive statistics (means,
percentages, frequencies and tables) were used to analyse the actors’ capital
sources, activities, capabilities and assets owned. Binary logistics regression was
used to compare the relationships between actors’ capabilities and assets owned.
Convenient sampling technique was used to select samples of green banana
producers, collectors, processors, wholesalers and retailers. The sample size of
Farmers was 118, Collectors 96, Processors 46, Wholesalers 112 and Retailers
88 for the two districts. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to interview
banana value chain actors to obtain primary data. The study found that the actors
have different sources of capital. 94 out of 407 respondents (23.10%) relied on
banks for their capital needs. A significant majority of respondents, 288 out of
407 (70.76%), relied on their own assets as a capital source. The findings of
livelihood capabilities show that the majority of households (69.53%) fall under
the "Low" income level. On average, the surveyed households own 1 house with
an average value of 18,300,000 TZS. Again, each surveyed household owns 8
acres of land with an average combined value of 89,900,000 TZS in relation to
assets owned by banana value chain actors. In conclusion, it was found that there
are several areas where livelihood capabilities can be enhanced. The study
recommends that the actors should be assisted by Local Government Authorities
to have different sources of capital. This is because most of them sell their
personal savings, investments, or other tangible assets to fund their ventures. The
study also recommends that the actors should focus more on livestock and land
ownership since they are significant in both communication and business running
capabilities.