Contribution of organic cotton production to household income relative to conventional cotton production in Bariadi District, Tanzania
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Date
2025-08-08
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
East African Nature and Science Organization (EANSO)
Abstract
This paper determines the percentage of household income that is due to
organic cotton production and differences in incomes from organic cotton
production, conventional cotton, other crops, and non-farm activities among
smallholder farmers in Bariadi District, Simiyu Region, Tanzania. Using a
mixed-methods cross-sectional design, primary data were collected in 2025
from 364 households through a structured questionnaire, key informant
interviews, and focus group discussions (FGDs). Quantitative data were
analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics to compute descriptive statistics and
perform the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, while qualitative data were analysed
thematically through content analysis. The results indicated that organic cotton
contributed 11.7% to overall income per capita, unlike conventional cotton,
which contributed 9.4%. The median income per capita from organic cotton
(TZS 23,964.29) was significantly higher than that from conventional cotton
(TZS 0.00) (T = 23,617.50, z = -4.706, p < 0.001, r = 0.247), suggesting that
organic cotton provided more reliable and profitable income than conventional
cotton. Income from conventional cotton was either absent or minimal for
many households, largely due to market instability and input costs. Qualitative
findings reinforced the quantitative results by revealing that farmers perceive
organic cotton production as more rewarding due to improved access to
premium markets, price stability through contractual arrangements, reduced
input costs, and alignment with environmentally sustainable practices.
Respondents emphasised that organic farming not only enhances income but
also promotes soil health and long-term agricultural resilience. These findings
highlight organic cotton’s potential as a transformative livelihood strategy
capable of reducing rural poverty, enhancing household economic resilience,
and contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs), particularly those related to no poverty, decent work, and climate
action. To maximise these benefits, policy interventions should prioritise
strengthening organic certification systems, enhancing extension services, and
improving market linkages.
Description
East African Journal of Agriculture and Biotechnolog, pp 61-75
Keywords
er Capita Income, Smallholder Farmers, Sustainable Agriculture, Income Diversification, Agricultural Policy
Citation
https://doi.org/10.37284/eajab.8.2.3458