Authors : Hussein Mohamed Omar

Volume/Issue : Volume 9 - 2024, Issue 11 - November

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/4ryry72d

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/3j7jauj5

DOI : https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14292189

Abstract : This study assesses the sustainability of the cotton sector in Tanzania. The data collection involved a documentary review on cotton sustainability focusing on environmental, economic, and social aspects. Also, policies and regulations related to the cotton sector were reviewed. To complement the document analysis, the surveys involved targeted 34 cotton farmers from 17 Regions, Eight (8) officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, Registrar of Cooperative Societies, Representative from TARI-Ukiliguru (a center which focused on cotton research), Cooperative societies representatives (17), (TCB) officers (1), and Workers and owners of ginneries (8) were interviewed. Thematic and framework analysis was used to analyze the collected data. The findings show that The cotton cultivation practices in Tanzania demonstrate limited strengths in enhancing sector sustainability. Challenges such as economic barriers to scale up of ongoing sustainable environmental interventions (Piloted organic farming); inadequate awareness of sustainable farming practices to the majority of farmers; low yield compared to global average; inadequate technologies including high yield seeds, and effective water management techniques, limited value addition, international market price fluctuations, and social inequalities present obstacle to full attainment of sustainable cotton production in Tanzania. To this end, the study recommends the establishment of Price Transparency mechanisms; clear quality standards for cotton production, processing, and trading; capacity-building programs to enhance the skills and knowledge of farmers, ginners, and traders; traceability systems to track the origin and journey of cotton from farm to the market; information sharing platforms for sharing market information, agronomic best practices, and regulatory updates provision of Government incentives and policies to support sustainable practices and encouraging value addition through Promotion of Market Diversification.

Keywords : Agriculture, Cotton, Cotton Cultivation, Sustainability, Environmental; Economic Sustainability, Social Sustainability, and Tanzania.

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