Consumers Demand For Traditionally Processed Cashewnuts: A Case Of Morogoro And Coast Region -Tanzania

ABSTRACT

This study was carried out in Morogoro and Coast Regions. The study used a crosssectional

research design where data was collected from a sample of 80 consumers

and 30 sellers using structured questionnaire. Also survey methods including

personal observations and key informants was used to obtained necessary

information. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected and analyzed

using descriptive and inferential statistics and linear regression analysis was

adopted by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences program (SPSS). The

results showed that both price and hygiene of the product had negative impact on

demand of the kernel. Also income of the buyer/consumer as well as willingness to

buy have some effect on demand of the product. Other variables such as the number

of children, norms, age and marital status also had some effects on consumption of

processed nuts. Logical conclusion drawn from these results is that, cashew nut

processing technology, inadequate working capital, week linkage between sellers

and consumers, poor entrepreneur skill of both the processor and the sellers as well

as lack of advertisements were the major constraints that affect performance of

traditionally processed kernel across the study area. These observations have both

economic and social impacts on the status of processors, sellers/buyers and

government.