Analysis of Profit Efficiency of Grape Production: A Case of Smallholder Grape Farmers in Dodoma, Tanzania

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the contribution of production and profit efficiency of grapes production from farmers in Dodoma region. However, the study was specifically conducted in Dodoma region at Dodoma municipal council, grape farmers were the focal point of the study. The research used two approaches, quantitative approach and qualitative approach. Through purposive and simple random sampling, four (4) respondents from four villages (one officer in each village) who were government extension service officers were interviewed. Moreover, in this study, a sample of 118 respondents from grape farmers were provided with questionnaire. Data were collected through interviews and questionnaires and the results were analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) program version 20. The results show that grape production contributes a lot to the economics of the household since it increases the income of the household up to a profit of Tsh 667,419 per acre. Therefore, we recommend some strategies which should be used to boost grape production in the country. The strategies include the formation of groups or cooperative agriculture; agricultural experts (such as agricultural extension officers) should establish close relationship with farmers to understand farmers’ challenges fully and involve them in obtaining solutions. Finally, simple storage facilities should be provided through collaboration with different partners like individuals, private sectors and government.