Impact of agricultural reforms on cotton export performance in Tanzania (1975-2005)

This study describes and analyses the impact of agricultural reforms on cotton sub-Sector. Specifically, the objectives of the study are i) to determine trends of cotton export since agricultural reforms, ii) to determine the quality of cotton exports in response to agricultural reforms, and iii) to analyse the impact of reforms on institutional stability and regulatory issues. Secondary data were extracted from reports and documents from relevant institutions and organization such as Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA), Bank of Tanzania (BOT), National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Cotton traders, Cooperative Unions and Societies, the Tanzania Cotton Board (TCB), and the relevant Ministries (MAFC, MITM and MPEE). OLS technique was applied in this study. This technique is best suited for estimating the export supply functions where estimation was done using time series data covering the period 1975-2005 and the equation for estimation was specified in logarithmic form to avoid getting poor results. Though the study findings support that agricultural reforms have positive impact on cotton export performance but provision of public services, including research and extension, infrastructure development (feeder roads) and public private participation should be addressed seriously to enhance impact of agricultural reforms.