Coffee Production and Its Implications on Livelihoods among Small Scale Farmers in Hai and Arumeru Districts, Tanzania

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.