Evidence Based Decline in Coconut Productivity along the Coastline of Tanzania

Abstract

This paper attempts to find out and discuss the productivity status of coconuts along the coast belt of Tanzania. According to the current statistics, Tanzania is a major producer of coconut in Africa and ranks the eleventh in world. Between 1979 and 2004, there was a significant increase of coconut production in Tanzania due to implementation of the National Coconut Development Program (NCDP). However, since phasing out of NCDP in 2004, little is known and even less is documented on the status of coconut production and productivity in the country. This study was conducted along the coastal belt where more coconuts are produced with smallholder farmers who produce about 95% of the coconuts in Tanzania.  Simple random and purposive sampling techniques were applied. The results showed a decline of area under coconut cultivation per household by twenty two percent between 2004 and 2014. Also there is a decline of productivity in nuts per Ha per household by eleven percent compared to during the NCDP period.  The multiple problems facing the coconut productivity identified to be; low funding for extension services and research development, poor dissemination of improved technologies, absence of initiatives for coconut farm revival, planting and replanting of new coconut seedlings. The way forward is for the Government and coconut stakeholders to strengthen extension services and allocate fund for coconut sub-sector development. Also the Government should consider the establishment of coconut board which will enforce the development of coconut along the value chain.