Assessment of farmers’ marketing and livelihood improvement strategies: a case of MAIL project in Iringa rural district, Tanzania

This study examines marketing strategies under MAIL project and their implications on improving market linkages including infrastructure for farmers. Also, the study sought to determine the contribution of agri-business and crop marketing strategies system to household income and to evaluate farmers’ perception of newly established agri-business and crop marketing strategies systems in the study area. Mixed research approach was used for a study in Iringa rural District in four villages from three wards. A total of 100 respondents were selected. Data were obtained through in-depth interviews, observation and documentary review. Data were analysed in order to meet the objectives of this study and thematic approach analysis was followed. Results from the study revealed that farmers were able to access loans from credit societies such as SACCOS, which is an outcome of the MAIL project. Farmers managed to sign contracts with crop buyers. They have access to training and advice from the project and availability of inputs production has increased, a pattern, which has contributed to increased crop productivity. In addition, MAIL strategies have significantly contributed to an increase in household incomes to an average of 10 to 30 million Tanzanian shillings. It is suggested that, the Government should continue improving the environment for investors in farming industries so that farmers could have enough markets for their crops and crop products. It is also recommended that MAIL project should continue to work with farmers especially in finding markets and better prices of famers’ crops.