Market Intergration By Small-Scale Rice Farmers In Kilosa District, Tanzania

ABSTRACT

Market intergration and access, are critical and important aspects to rural poor households. They are a pre-requisite for enhancing agriculture based economic growth through the improvement of competitiveness of farming enterprise and improving rural incomes. Several studies have been conducted on participation and access of small-scale farmers in rice and other crops marketing in Africa, but, specific information on the extent to which small-scale rice farmers are integrated into different markets and factors that influence choice of rice marketing outlet in Kilosa District is not readily available. This study aimed at examining market intergration by small scale rice farmers in Kilosa District. Specifically the study evaluated the extent to which small-scale rice farmers are integrated into different markets, determined factors influencing the choice of rice marketing outlet among small scale rice farmers and identified major problems facing small-scale rice farmers to access lucrative markets in Kilosa District. A purposive and random sampling procedures were employed in selecting the respondents. The data collected data, were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square test and the multinomial logistic regression model. Results show that socio-economic, institutional and market characteristics of the small-scale rice farmers varied greatly across markets. The multinomial logistic regression results show that age, level of education, distance to markets, and quantities of rice produced, price information and contract marketing were key factors that influence choice of marketing outlet for small-scale rice farmers in Kilosa District. The problems facing small-scale rice farmers were low price and lack of reliable markets. In view of research findings, several policy proposals are suggested. These include disseminating knowledge to rice farmers, forming formal small-scale rice farmer’s organizations and improving price information system