Analysis of cassava in the agribusiness value chain from produce to market in coast region a case of Mkuranga district

The main objective of this study was to analyze how smallholder cassava farmers in Mkuranga district can be empowered to actively participate in agribusiness value chain, and to suggest strategies that can be used to make it easier for smallholder farmers to access market in the agribusiness value chain. The data were collected using both primary and secondary sources. Data were collected by interviewing 120 farmers using semi-structured questionnaires as a main tool. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was employed as a tool of analysis, to analyze how smallholder farmers can be empowered to actively participate in agribusiness value chain.The study results show that the major constraints faced by cassava producers were lack of access to credit to enable them commercialize cassava production; low level of participation among farmers in collective action especially at marketing levels which lead to low bargaining power; low level of education; inadequate financial management skills; dearth of market information and inability to have contractual agreements, among others. The results of the study suggest that, for smallholder farmers to actively participate in the agribusiness value chain, there is a need for having a comprehensive support from both public and private institutions. The policy environment should be conducive to enable smallholder farmers to participate in the value chain.