The pyrethrum industry in Tanzania: a study of small-scale peasant production in Iringa rural district.

The dissertation presents an examination of the pyrethrum production in Tanzania and Udzungwa area in Iringa Rural District in particular. The period is from 1959 to 1977. It examines how and why pyrethrum was introduced in the country by the European settler-formers. Then it explores how and why the crop changed hands shortly before independence from being one grown solely by European settlers to being one cultivated by smallholders. The dissertation examines peasant production, marketing, processing and exporting of pyrethrum. It also views the different constraint involved in the process thereof. In this study use was made of both primary and secondary sources. Field research was conducted where intensive interviews, personal observations and experiences were taken into account. The first chapter considers the general historical background, characteristics and conditions of growth. The second chapter tells us generally how the crop was introduced to Tanzania and different problems such as price fluctuations and low productivity causing the industry to be on the verge of languishing. Chapter three focuses on the geographic research area. The environment and its effects on the different crops are explained. The methods of land acquisition and utilization are shown. Then a consideration is made of crops other than pyrethrum grown in the area. The rise in prices of these crops and their effects on pyrethrum production is discussed. Chapter four takes into account the village level where the individual producers are and view the different operations involved in pyrethrum production, the problems that they face and how these problems affect both the individual peasants and the industry. Chapter five views the different institutions that are involved in one way or another with the pyrethrum flowers produced in the country. The countries where Tanzania pyrethrum is exported together with the local and foreign uses of are mentioned. Chapter six considers the effect this cash crop has had on socio-economic development. The effects of differentiation and stratification are examined together with the general constraints that impoverish most of the producers. The other problems that faced them are examined. Chapter seven and the concluding one speculate on the future prospects of the Tanzanian industry and how through imperialism it faces competition from synthetics. The advisability of constructing a new plant in the south at present is examined. The following recommendations are made: (i) An immediate campaign by political leaders and Tanzania Pyrethrum Board should be done to revive the confidence of the peasants in the industry. A radio programme would help. (ii) Existing field extension services be improved and extended to all peasants. (iii) More research work in order to obtain high yielding clones to be supplied to peasants freely or subsidised. (iv) Existing poor buying system must be changed including prompt payment to the peasants. (v) Pyrethrum refining facility in Arusha must aim at selling fully refined materials for better price for extracts. (vi) Feasibility study to encourage other crop possibilities like oil seeds, cassava and cotton. (vii) Encourage more pyrethrum production to be cultivated co-operatively in villages and other institutions like prisons, churches, and schools. (viii) Increase producer prices to raise peasant morale (ix) Improve transportation and storage facilities. Improve the drying system. (x) Encourage the use of fertilizers at subsized prices.