Title:
INVESTIGATING BARRIERS FOR INCREASING VEGETABLE PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION AMONG FARMERS IN RURAL AREAS OF TANZANIA: A CASE OF KISHAPU DISTRICT

Authors:
Magreth S. Bushesha, Deus D. Ngaruko

Abstract:
The study investigated barriers for increasing vegetable production and consumption among farmers in Kishapu District of Shinyanga region in Tanzania. Data were gathered through questionnaire administration and focus group discussion. Whereas SPSS was used to process and analyze numerical data to generate descriptive statistics, content analysis was used to analyze qualitative data from focus groups discussion. Findings show that vegetables are abundantly available in the study area during wet season but scarcely available during dry season. Poor division of labor, time management, water shortage, food culture, lack of knowledge, and land shortage are some of the barriers hindering production and consumption of vegetables. Trainings for sensitization of young generation on the importance of traditional ways of preserving vegetables are recommended. The government needs to support communities through dam construction and awareness rising. Commercialization of vegetables is also recommended for improving vegetables production in the study communities.