Contribution of ASDP in raising income of smallholder cashew farmers: a case study of Mtwara rural district, Tanzania

The aim of this study was to investigate the achievements of ASDP in improving incomes of cashew nut smallholder farmers under the present economic conditions. More than three years ago substantial amounts of funds have been invested in the cashew sub-sector. The program seeks to empower farmers through placing greater control of resource allocations in their hands using groups. The study further sought to examine the ware house receipt system adopted in cashew nut marketing in Mtwara rural district, which has provided farmers with ready market for their cashew nuts. Both qualities and quantitative research methodologies were employed in this study. The study findings showed that here was no statistical significant difference of the income between facilitated and non facilitated farmers under ASDP. The program implementation interventions have not been affective in sheltering and securing smallholder farmers’ productivity, hence increased household incomes from cashew production. The expectations of smallholder farmers have not yet been fully addressed. This study recommends that current efforts to improve smallholder farmers’ incomes should put emphasis on intensive investment in the cashew nut sector, especially in processing for value addition. Also there should be enhancement of household capacity building through credit provision that favor poor farmers. Investment in research, education and training especially through extension services and vocational training should also be emphasized.