Making Markets Work for Smallholder Maize Farmers Through Strengthening Rural Market Practices in Tanzania

Abstract

This study determines the market practices which empower smallholder maize farmers to sell at market places instead of the farm gate. Specifically, the study identifies the market practices influencing smallholder maize farmers to participate in the rural market. The study was done in six villages; Hembahemba, Njoge, and Makutupa in Kongwa district and Tambi, Mwenzele, and Mlembule of Mpwapwa district in Dodoma region. The study was done using 633 sampled smallholder farmers. Secondary data were collected from Kibaigwa international grain market which is available in the study area. The output of the binary logistic model revealed that market practices significantly influence decisions of smallholder maize farmers to participate in Kibaigwa market services at a 5 per cent level of significance. This study concluded that maize smallholder farmers in Tanzania have the potential to contribute to the economic growth of a country if they fully participate in rural markets. This can be possible if market practices are improved at market places. The study recommends that efforts should be made at upgrading rural market practices to add value to maize and enhancing smallholder farmers’ participation.