Browsing by Author "Lazaro, E."

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An accounting method-based cost-benefit analysis of conformity to certified organic standards for spices in Tanzania
(Copenhagen 2008 Danish Institute for International Studies, DIIS, 2008) Akyoo, A.; Lazaro, E.
Certified organic farming has emerged as a market channel providing participating African small- holders with access to high value markets in the EU. The benefits may include not only a guaranteed produce market, but also premium prices, and higher net revenues. Where training in organic farming techniques is provided there may be also benefits in terms of increased yield. The major cost challenges are those for certification, although in many cases donor support to export- ers is available to cover these. This study quantifies the costs and benefits of complying with the certified organic standard for members of black pepper and chilli contract farming schemes in two districts in Tanzania. It is based on survey data from 2006-07 based on samples of scheme members and control groups. In both cases none of the potential benefit listed above were realized. This is the result of absent price premiums and, in the case of at least one scheme, wider contract failure. Adoption of re- commended organic practices by members of the schemes was also low. Learning from more successful schemes, recruitment of larger and better organized exporters and design of more effective contracts are some of the changes recommended for future schemes in Tanzania.
The effects of dehulling on physicochemical properties of seed oil and cake quality of sunflower
(2014) Lazaro, E.; Benjamin, Y.; Robert, M.
This paper reports on oil yield, physicochemical properties of oil and cake quality obtained by expeller extraction of dehulled and undehulled seeds from two varieties of sunflower originated from Tanzania. The results showed significant differences in oil yield between undehulled and dehulled seeds also among the varieties. Oil yield from dehulled seeds was significantly higher (31−35.1%) than the yield from undehulled seeds (~19.7%). When compared physicochemical parameters (refractory index, saponification value, iodine value, free fatty acid value and peroxide value) of oils with standard values as recommended by Tanzania Bureau of Standard, the oil extracted from dehulled seeds were found to be within the range of values specified but the oil from undehulled was of poor quality at many instances. However, the physicochemical properties of oils from the two varieties did not differ significantly in most of the properties except for peroxide value. The cake composition from dehulled seeds was characterised by high crude protein (~44%) and low crude fibre contents (~17%), indicating improved quality. The results suggest that high yield and desired properties of both oil and cake can be achieved when seeds are dehulled, therefore, this process should be incorporated by Tanzanian sunflower processors.
Gender roles, local knowledge, food security and biodiversity in different livestock production systems in Tanzania
(FAO, 1999) Machang'u, A. D.; Mutayoba, S.; Laswai, G.H.; Mwaseba, D.; Kimambo, E.; Lazaro, E.
Tanzania has a large livestock population of about 13 million cattle; 3.7 million sheep; 6.4 million goats; 275,00 pigs and over 22 million chickens (1984 Census). The ruminant population is mainly concentrated in Northern zone (Arusha), Central Zone (Dodoma and Singida); Western zone (Shinyanga and Tabora) and Lake zone (Mwanza and Mara). This distribution has an important implication in terms of production, marketing and resource use pattern (particularly land resource). Livestock production in Tanzania is organised under two main sectors; the commercial and the traditional sectors. The commercial sector was once dominated by a few para-statal dairy farms and beef ranches which have recently been privatised. This sector also include a thriving urban and peri-urban private commercial poultry and small-scale dairy farms and accounts for about 15% of the total livestock population in the country. The traditional sector accounts for about 99% of the country's cattle herd and 85% of the chicken. Under this sector animals kept are mainly indigenous breeds like Tanzania shorthorn zebu (TSZ) (98%) while pure beef and dairy breeds constitute 0.8% and 1% respectively (Shayo and Mlay 1986).
Institutional capacity for standards conformity assessment: a case study on spices in Tanzania
(Copenhagen 2008 Danish Institute for International Studies, DIIS, 2008) Akyoo, A.; Lazaro, E.
Local capacity for standards conformity assessment is an important component in accessing export markets. In theory, it will lead to lowered compliance costs on the part of local exporters. Moreover, it may provide local exporters with the ability to contest unfavourable foreign test results and thus avoid unnecessary losses. This is important in cases where product contamin-ation occurs outside their borders. This is however possible only where relevant local institutions are accredited and adequately capitalized in terms of laboratory facilities, testing equipment, and certification services. Tanzania spices have four important market destinations – the domestic market, regional markets in Africa, the Asian market, and the EU market. The national standards that were formulated during late 1970s and 1980s address cleanliness and quality standards, and specify microbiological limits for various micro-organisms in spices. These standards are not observed in the local market due to lack of consumer demand for them and the absence of a deliberate industry drive to en-force them. This position weakens the possibility of using conformity to local standards as a step-ping stone to international conformity. Regional markets in Africa and Asian export markets are absorbing spice imports regardless of their quality so issues of conformity assessment in these markets are not important. EU market standards are concerned with food safety. In addition, organically-traded exports must be certified as such. For food safety the main tests demanded are for hazards like aflatoxins, pesticide residues, prohibited chemical dyes, heavy metals, as well as for Salmonella. Conformity assessment for these parameters entails investments in high performance liquid chromatograph, gas chromatograph, and atomic absorption spectrophotometer equipment, as well as other state-of –the-art laboratory facilities. Local conformity assessment in relation to these standards is deficient in many ways. Different approaches are recommended to address this situation. Meeting challenges of international accreditation, harnessing scattered efforts for conformity assessment capacity through improved coordination of existing laboratories, and formulation of a national food safety policy are among the recommendations suggested.
The spice industry in Tanzania: general profile, supply chain structure, and food standards compliance issues
(Danish Institute for International Studies, DIIS, 2007) Akyoo, A.; Lazaro, E.
The fall in the agricultural sector’s contribution to Tanzanian export earnings since the early 1990s has increased attention toward new crops with the potential of supplementing the country’s traditional export crops. Particular attention has been focused upon identifying crops enjoying price stability, high demand elasticity and low substitutability. Spices fall into this category. Consequently there have been efforts by public agencies and private exporters, both on the mainland and on Zanzibar, to promote the crop. However, access to high value export markets raises issues of supply chain dynamics and conformity with international standards. This paper focuses upon the recent history of the spice industry in Tanzania with reference to these issues. The main conclusions are that Certified Organic standards are the only international standards complied with, and that a very loosely coordinated chain exists alongside a more coordinated one. Macro- and micro-institutional weaknesses need attention if the full potential of the sub-sector is to be realized.