Unlocking coffee production potential by overcoming localised challenges in Tanzania

This study investigates the localised institutional, structural and marketing barriers that constrain smallholder coffee productivity in Mbozi District, Tanzania. Quantitative data were gathered from 122 farmers using semi-structured questionnaires, while qualitative insights were obtained through key informant interviews and focus group discussions. Descriptive statistics and margin-of-error calculations at the 95% confidence level were used to identify systemic barriers. The results revealed that the total farm size and coffee area are the main coffee industry performance indicators. Moreover, the results reveal widespread constraints affecting coffee production. A high proportion of farmers experience limited access to inputs, high input costs, insufficient training in coffee quality assurance, lack of credit and unsatisfactory, unstable prices. Poor road conditions, inadequate means of transport, weak market information systems and low cooperative membership further restrict effective market participation. These barriers collectively undermine productivity, reduce income and weaken the coffee sector’s competitiveness. This study offers a localised, evidence-based understanding of the multiple and interacting barriers that impede Tanzania’s coffee sector. Unlike broader national or global assessments, it highlights micro-level constraints and their systemic nature, providing context-specific interventions to enhance overall sector performance.