Background to the study: Agriculture is the leading sector of the Tanzanian economy, and
the most critical for inclusive pro-poor growth. Agriculture provides employment for more
than three quarters of the population, accounts for 75% of the country’s exports, and
contributes almost 50% to Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Cocoa was introduced into Tanzania in the 1950s, and was being grown commercially
within a decade. Although it tends to be considered a relatively minor non-traditional cash
crop, it is currently supports an estimated 25,000 farmers and their families (or around
100,000 people). At the moment, around 80% of the country’s crop comes from a single
district – Kyela in Mbeya region – where conditions for cocoa cultivation are near perfect.
The majority of plants are grown there in organic conditions, by smallholders on plots well
below a hectare, and sold directly from farms for export. The distinctive flavour of Tanzanian
cocoa has recently been attracting the attention of the international cocoa world, but much
is still needed for the country’s crop to reach its full potential.
Research Objectives and Methodology: The main objective of this 2007/8 study was to
learn more about cocoa production in Kyela. Specifically the study team sought to assess
the impact of the crop on livelihoods and poverty reduction in the district, to identify
constraints to cultivation, and to make recommendations for improving yields, quality, and
revenues.
The study was conducted in two divisions of Kyela: Ntebela (to the east of the district)
and Unyakyusa (to the west). The primary data for the survey came from a structured
questionnaire that was filled out by 478 cocoa farmers living in 12 villages within these two
divisions. This data was supplemented by observations, interviews and group discussions
with other key stakeholders, including district officials and major cocoa buyers.
Study Findings: The study team found that cocoa was playing a major role in improving
livelihoods and reducing poverty in the district, and was contributing more to household
income than any other crop. Households in higher producing cocoa areas were
demonstrably better off in comparison to households in lower producing areas as evidenced
by better quality homes, increased food security, more possessions, and greater numbers
of children in school. Cocoa was seen to have relieved farmers from dependency on rice,
with the money from cocoa trickling in more regularly throughout the year, and thereby
improving household food security. Cocoa was also having an effect on district income, and
generated more than 2.1 billion Tanzanian shillings for Kyela’s Local Government Authority
between 2001 and 2010.