Unlocking smallholder coffee grower knowledge of coffee certification schemes in Tanzania: Insights from the implementation of coffee and farmer equity practices

Abstract

The study was conducted to assess smallholder coffee growers’ knowledge of coffee certification schemes particularly Coffee and Farmer Equity (C.A.F.E) Practices in Mbinga District, Tanzania. The sample size of the study was 188 respondents who were randomly selected and surveyed. The study deployed a mixed research design and data were collected through Questionnaires, Focus Group Discussions and Key Informant Interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed by employing descriptive statistics involving computation of means, frequencies and percentages whereas a thematic analysis procedure was adopted to analyze qualitative data where themes were generated for reporting the results. The study findings revealed that the majority of smallholder coffee growers were knowledgeable about the C.A.F.E. Practices. However, a small proportion of respondents had inadequate knowledge of the scheme. Based on these findings, the study recommends that coffee certification promoters should intensify their efforts in providing training and guidance specifically to those minority farmers who are not yet knowledgeable about the certification scheme.