The Causes For The Decline Of Coconut Industry And Its Consequenes To The Livelihoods Of Coconut Farmers 1970-2000 Zanzibar: A Case Of West, Central And Urban Districts

ABSTRACT

The study investigated the causes for the decline of coconut industry and its

consequences to the livelihoods of coconut farmers, based on the following specific

objectives: to examine the contribution of coconut industry to the economy of

Zanzibar, to investigate the trend of factors of the decline of coconut industry in

Zanzibar, and to examine social and economic consequences to the farmer‘s

livelihoods in Zanzibar and assess the existing efforts in which they had been taken

to revive the coconut industry for better livelihoods of farmers in Zanzibar. Three

areas were selected in this study namely West, Central and Urban districts.

Methods that were used to gather data were Documentary review, Interviews,

Observation, and questionnaires. The data were analyzed using Statistical

Programme for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 15. District Agricultural Officials,

Farmers, Industrial Workers, Recent and Retired manages of ZSTC were among the

respondents. The results revealed that the key factor for the declining of coconut are

settlement expansion, though sand mining, fire wood and charcoal, chainsaw, pests

and disease, age of coconut tree, the use of immature coconut ―madafu‖ are other

responsible factors. Consequently, conclusion these factors have led to the decline of

household income and livelihoods of coconut farmers in Zanzibar.

This study recommended that the government should commit herself to revive the

coconut production by offering farmers exemption to agricultural inputs, credits and

strengthening of extension services, giving awareness and prevent casual

construction and improve effectiveness of ZSTC in purchasing and exporting

coconuts. Awareness of growing coconut is important thro raising campaigns for

increasing coconut production.