Title:
Influence of Sunflower Value Chain Production Activities on the Smallholder Farmers’ Livelihood in Tanzania: A Case of Mpwapwa District

Authors:
Lukas Simon Msemwa, Jacqueline Christopher Macha, Diana Daniel Kiwia, Tanzania

Abstract:

In this research, the study focused on assessing how various production activities within the sunflower value chain impact the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Mpwapwa District. The research employed a case study methodology and collected data from 147 participants using questionnaires, interviews with key informants, and document reviews. Qualitative analysis techniques, specifically an interpretive approach, were utilized alongside quantitative techniques, including logistic regression, to examine the connection between dependent and independent variables. The study's findings demonstrated that the predictor variables developed for this research significantly affected the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Mpwapwa District. Notably, activities related to sunflower farm preparation and weeding were strongly associated with sunflower value creation, making a substantial contribution to the livelihoods of smallholder farmers (with B-values of 3.174 and 3.632). In conclusion, this study revealed a strong correlation between sunflower value chain production activities and the well-being of smallholder farmers in Mpwapwa District. The researcher suggests that the Mpwapwa District government should provide training to farmers in modern farming techniques, strengthen the capabilities of microfinance institutions, and conduct capacity-building programs for agricultural officers to better support smallholder farmers in all aspects of sunflower agriculture.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.51505/IJEBMR.2024.8214