Abstract:
This study was conducted to examine supply chain of sunflower in Singida Municipality in Tanzania. Data were collected from primary and secondary sources. Thirty (30) farmers, 15 traders (5 assemblers, 5 wholesalers and 5 retailers) were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. The study revealed that sunflower was marketed through five different channels. These are (1) Farmers-to-assemblers (2) Farmers-to-wholesalers (3) Farmers-to-retailers (4) Farmers-to-processors (5) Farmers-to-consumers. Assemblers were found to have relatively more market power than other chain actors. This was revealed by the high profit margin as compared to other chain actors. Majority of chain actors (38%) had the problem of accessing credit due to lack of collateral and high interest rate. In order to realise the full potential of agricultural trade as a tool in the fight against poverty, the suggested policy interventions are to prioritise and increase funding for physical infrastructure both from national; promote large-scale capacity building in business skills and market orientation; improve equitable access to credit and improve dissemination of market information.
