Exploring Factors Affecting Performance of Smallholder Tea Farmers in Tanzania

Tea sub-sector is a major driver of poverty reduction for Tanzanians, especially smallholder tea farmers, who depend mostly on tea farming as the source of employment and household earnings. However, their tea production has been experiencing a declining trend, and so far, the reasons behind this decline remains unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore factors affecting the performance of smallholder tea farmers in two Tanzanian tea producing districts; Muheza and Njombe. Questionnaires were administered to smallholder tea farmers (n = 320) and key informants (n = 80) to gather all the required information, which were then analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS; Version 21.0) software. The level of education, number of household members who assist in tea farming activities, tea farming experience, age of the farmer, tea membership status, as well as access to extension and credit services were the significant (p < 0.05; in all cases) determinants on the performance of smallholder tea farmers. Strategies that aim at; encouraging the participation of young and energetic population in the tea sub-sector, prioritizing the provision of education and extension services, expanding access to credits, strengthening tea associations, building markets closer to smallholders’ tea farms, and improving the conditions of the roads that connect market centres and tea farms, are recommended. The findings from this study are crucial, and should be used by relevant stakeholders in addressing challenges that impede the performance of smallholder tea farmers across the country. Keywords: smallholder tea farmers, performance, Muheza, Njombe, Tanzania