Browsing by Author "Bangu, Fatuma"

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    Implications of tobacco production on socioeconomic development in Tanzania: a case study of Urambo District
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 2012) Bangu, Fatuma
    The study sought to assess the contribution of tobacco production on socio-economic development in Mwongozo, Ussoke, Ussoke Mlimani and Kanoge villages in Ulyankulu and Ussoke divisions in Urambo district Tanzania. The focus was to assess the contribution of tobacco production to family stability, household income and assets, as well as suggesting alternative strategies to harmonise tobacco production and socio-economic development. Both probability and non-probability random sampling approaches were used to select sample wards, villages, and respondents. Data collection was done through household surveys using questionnaires, focus group discussion, key informant interview, direct field observation and documentary review. Data were analysed using the content-theme analysis technique and Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS), and findings were summarised using percentages and charts. The study found that tobacco production has both opportunities and challenges towards promoting socio-economic development. It was found that tobacco production can stimulate family stability and improve household sustenance and assets. The study further revealed that key challenges facing tobacco production were low income earned from tobacco due to the poor quality of tobacco, unfair classification of tobacco and high field management costs and farm inputs. These challenges eventually triggered family conflicts partly due to unequal share and involvement in decision making on the use of income generated from tobacco. Generally, if subsidies are provided for farm inputs and other production facilities, and fair pricing mechanisms are put in place, tobacco production can stimulate socio-economic development. Other strategies to improve the contribution of tobacco to socio-economic development may include improving extension services and awareness of marketing and pricing mechanisms of tobacco, and improving adequate availability of farm inputs; as well as sensitizing communities on gender balance to ensure fair income distribution and involvement in decision making processes.