Dynamics of Timber Value Chain in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania

Abstract

The dynamics of the timber value chain in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania well known. The study strove to identify key actors, their roles, functions, and interactions in various nodes along the timber value chain. Data were collected using key informants’ interview, focus group discussions and researchers’ direct observation. The study identified various value chain nodes: land, inputs, production, harvesting, processing, transportation, and marketing. Actors of the timber value chain identified were village government, villagers, tree growers, seedlings producers, middle-men, institutions, district government, traders, saw millers, and porters. The paper describes points out outstanding differences and similarities across the three study districts. Results revealed that there was a considerable variation (dynamics) in the study districts in terms of seedlings quality, tending operations, timber harvesting age, transportation modes, distance from the market, marketing aspects, government regulations and taxations. Further, the governance of value chain in the study areas was examined and issues related to regulations, quality and standard setting are described. The paper recommends that one-size-fits-all approach should not be used to address existing challenges of the value chain. The paper finds it prudent to use location-specific initiatives to improve timber value chain in the study area.