The study was conducted to assess factors for maize value chain sustainability in Tanzania with Iringa District as selected case for the study to generate data to fill the gap. The study was guided mainly by three specific objectives which intended to show the influencing factors for maize value chain sustainability; role of actors in the process; as well as challenges encountered in the process. It was conducted using both explanatory and exploratory designs whereas the first objective was tackled using explanatory design to perform causality testing; while the second and third specific objectives were analyzed using explorative design. Data were collected from five groups as actors in the process using the questionnaires whereas the collected information were assembled all together and computed in SPSS version 23.0 for analysis to be performed and generated. Results obtained that the first objective on factors influencing the sustainability of the maize value chain all five suggested factors as hypotheses were all found to be positive and significant statistically at .000 level. Actors involved were shown and described with their roles in maize value chain activity whereas farmers are tasked with the duty of producing, harvesting and packing the produce; processors process the produce to add value; the government creates suitable environment for the activity to take place and ensure sustainability; wholesalers and retailers are suppliers of the produce to the market; final consumers are buyers of the produce for consumption. Moreover, the activity is also encounters severe challenge which sometimes shake its sustainability. In that account, the study further recommends that the observed challenges are severe since they threat the sustainability of the activity such that some participants are influenced to quit and abandon the activity to perform other works. Therefore, the government and several stakeholders within are highly advised to intervene to generate the required support for the sustainability of the activities.

A Dissertation submitted in partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Procurement and Supply Chain Management (PSCM) of Mzumbe University.