Improving local products in Tanzania for global market competition: A case of Iringa region

Abstract

This paper explores dominant local products produced by small-scale farmers and entrepreneurs within communities in Iringa region and how the products can be improved upon by rebranding them to meet the global market demands. The study focuses on local products such as Iringa basket, zanthoxylum-chalybeum (mkunungu), tomato, peach fruit, purple passion, pears, mushrooms, and ‘bagia.’ The aim is to unveil challenges that producers face and identify ways that can be adapted to brand the locally produced products in order to win the potential customers in the global market. The study employed qualitative research methods in which farmers, entrepreneurs and agriculture officers in Kilolo, Mufindi and Iringa Municipality were interviewed. A documentary review was also conducted to determine their earnings and their potential customers. The findings showed that the small-scale farmers and entrepreneurs engaged in producing these local products faced several challenges including education about their potential customers, especially at a global scale. Some participants revealed that most customers, who visited them, needed local products which are well packaged. The study also found that these producers had problems understanding what products were high on demand in the global market. They also mentioned that they needed education, financial support to raise their capital and improve their produce. The study, thus, recommends the government to identify these people and extend its support in order for them to increase their produce and improve quality. The improved production of these local products can also add value to the tourism sector in the region.