dc.description.abstract |
Floriculture development in Tanzania is one of the key sectors poised to address livelihood and
environmental challenges. A study was carried out to examine the status of water services on the
performance of floriculture business, determine the influence of water services aspects on the
performance of floriculture business and investigate the challenges facing water services delivery for
floriculture business. Through a cross-sectional research design, data were collected from 183 floriculture
business owners in Moshi Municipality using survey questionnaire. Data analysis involved descriptive
statistics (range, means, frequencies and percentage) and inferential statistics (binary regression). The
study revealed that about two thirds of the respondents (65%) were not satisfied with the availability of
water services as they claimed that water was not readily available in their gardens. The results also
showed that consistent access to water increased odds of trees and flower business performance in
comparison with business firms reporting limited access (OR = 0.099, p =0.001). Further, consistency in
water availability increased the likelihood performance of trees and flowers business (OR = 0.229 p
=0.032). Years of experience in undertaking trees and flowers business also increased the likelihood of
increased performance of the business (OR = 0.633, p =0.014). Moreover, the findings showed that
several factors affect provision of water services. These include unpredictable weather patterns, rapid
urbanisation, population growth and limited financial resources. Conclusively, the study findings
underscore the critical link between water services (accessibility and availability) and performance of
trees and flower business. It is concluded that water users had high level of dissatisfaction of water
service, it is evidenced that more investment is required to increase water production and water
distribution along with maintaining water infrastructures. It is also concluded that accessibility and
availability are responsible for business performance. It is further concluded that changing weather
conditions affect water accessibility and availability. Addressing this challenge requires, among others,
climate change adaptation strategies. Challenges related to water availability and accessibility require
expansion of alternative water sources and efficient water distribution system. Thus, mobilisation of
financial resources is critical. |
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