Sustaining Livelihoods through Organic Agriculture in Tanzania - UMB

elated to organic production (Harris et al., 1998). By producing according to
international regulations and obtaining certification by a certifying body, farmers are
reported to be obtaining a premium of 15-40% for their products (EPOPA, 2004). In
addition, higher organic prices tend to create an upward trend on the price locally paid
for conventional and non-certified products. Preliminary results from a Dutch-funded
study on Standards and Agrofoods Exports suggest that organic cashew growers
receive a higher price and revenue from cashew nut sale than conventional cashew
growers (D. Nyange 2006, pers, comm., 16 January). In the past the cashew growers
have quadrupled their income in two years by doubling harvests from 1300 to 2600 kg
per year and due to price increases from 300 to 700 Tshs per kg (Edwards, 2005).
Farmers in Mkuyuni division of the Morogoro region were able to increase their
incomes significantly through the sale of (non-certified) organically-produced
plantain and pineapples. The superior quality of fruits from this particular area is
allegedly recognised in markets across the country. One farmer reported earnings of
up to 600,000 Tshs (around $600) per month from the sale of non-certified organic
plantain, which he had used to build three improved houses, purchase a town plot and
educate his children. Another indicator of the improved quality life of the local
residents since adopting organic agriculture was the increased variety of consumer
goods available in local shops.
The premium prices offered for certified organic cotton have helped to raise the
income levels of farmer in the bioRe project in Shinyanga, although according to a
consultant on the project, the establishment of a long-term partnership with a buying
company is often of greater value to the small-scale producer that the premium price
for organic produce (S. Ratter 2006, pers. comm., 12 March).
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