The fieldwork for data collection on the risks and rewards of engaging in the emerging value chain for the export market has started in the districts of Muheza, Lushoto, and Korogwe. The data collection involves a focus group discussion, an in-depth interview, and a household survey of oranges, snow peas, and avocado value chains.
Observation indicates that post-harvest losses pose a high risk to farmers in the orange value chain. Post-harvest losses are contributed by stringent selection of oranges for the export market, with the leftovers having nowhere to go. On the other hand, the loan default challenge to the exporter in the snow pea value chain has trickled down to farmers, where production has dropped to more than 95%. The land used for snow peas cultivation has been changed to cultivate other horticultural crops such as cauliflower and sweet pepper.
The field work is expected to end by early August 2024.
(Clockwise from top left: Focus Group Discussions with the youth in Kilulu Ward, Muheza; Oranges left in the farm after buyers' selection; Snow peas cultivated in Bombo village- Lushoto; Cauliflower in the areas used for snow peeas cultivation)