Browsing by Author "Mlulla, Allan Syril"

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    Cross-border trade in Northern Tanzania: the effect of market exchange arrangements and institutions on values of non-traditional export crops
    (Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2003) Mlulla, Allan Syril
    This study was conducted to investigate the influence of market exchange arrangements on export values of non-traditional agricultural export market in Northern Tanzania. The survey was conducted on oranges in Muheza. Specifically objectives were to (a) evaluate trade competitiveness of the cross border export market for oranges, (b) Determine gross margins under different arrangements of market exchange and examine variations across every arrangement in the cross border export market for oranges, (c) Identify factors influencing export values (gross margins) of orange farmers. The study is based on farmers, local and Kenyan traders surveys, and a PRA. Data were analysed using (SPSS). Data analysis entailed descriptive statistics including frequencies, cross tabulations and correlation tests. Gross margin technique was used to determine export values of farmers, local traders and Kenyan traders. Multiple regression model was used to identify factors influencing gross margins of farmers, and a simple regression aimed at establishing effects of economies of scale for farmers. Concentration ratio, Chi square and T-test were also used in the study to test robustness of the statistics. Results reveal that the cross border export market for oranges was uncompetitive with a seller index of concentration ratio of 72% implying oligopolistic behaviours in the market. It was found that market information flow was poor, most farmers (81%) relied on unreliable and subjective sources. Gross margins were significantly different (p>0.01) across different market exchange arrangements. Lastly the study revealed producers’ gross margins were influenced significantly by age of producers, number of mature trees, remoteness of the farms, duration of skills training and farming years. The following recommendations were made; there be training to farmers on business and credit management. There be government regulation to correct inefficiency in the market and producers should increase their farm sizes and number of mature trees along with input use.