Browsing by Author "Waller, C."

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    Kingolwira and Pangawe sisal estates, Morogoro, Tanzania: a case study.
    (University of East Africa, 1967) Waller, C.
    Sisal is the major export crop of Tanzania and Tanzania is the world's major supplier of sisal, although its position is now challenged by Brazil. Production in Tanzania is concentrated in large estates owned by non-Africans. Kingolwira and Pangawe estates, in the district of Morogoro are British owned and, with an area of 5000 hectares, is one of the largest estates in the country. High yields are achieved through careful cultivating and cutting techniques, there being no particular natural advantages except limited areas of good soil. As is so typical of perennials, supply is basically inelastic although a response was made to the price boom of 1862-64. The labour catchment area is vast and a marked contrast is visible between local and distant workers in several respects. In recent years, the most pressing problem has been a raise in wage costs accompanied by very low sisal Prices since1964. This problem is being met by making economies wherever possible. The future depends on the world sisal market which is threatened by synthetics and a Brazilian surplus.