The prospectus of small scale cashew nut processing for poverty reduction: a case study of Kibaha District, coast region, Tanzania

Poverty reduction has for long been a common agenda among most and national development institutions, especially in Sub Saharan Africa. The study investigated the importance of cashew nut processing and poverty reduction in Kibaha District. Two wards namely Mkuza and Mwendapole were visited. The sample comprised two respondents from Kibaha agricultural extension officer, two respondents from UATAMIZI SACCOSS and 46 members of small scale cashew nut processing groups to make up a total of 50 respondents. Data were collected through interviews, focus group discussions and documentary reviews. The study found out that those small scale cashew nut processors in Kibaha. District faced challenges in their daily activities like low level of technology employed in processing, unstable cashew nuts prices and low capital to run their business. Despite of the small scale cashew nut processors facing problems, the study also found that they were able to alleviate their income poverty as they were able meet their daily needs like paying children school fees, buy food, pay for health expenses, and even built permanent brick house and buy corrugated iron roofing' s. Few of small scale cashew nut processors claimed that they did not receive support including training from the District