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Following alarming problem of poorly baled tobacco, it was considered important to examine the utilisation of the registered baling centres, with a view of identifying hindrances to proper utilisation of baling centres. The broad research question was; what are the problems that hinder the effective utilisation of baling centres in Tanzania?
Non-probability method (accidental/convenience sampling) was used to get primary societies for the study while simple random sampling (probability method) was used to get one baling centre from each primary society, for study. The respondents were picked through non-probability methods (purposive sampling). The method for primary data collection involved use of questionnaire to respondents. Secondary data from different tobacco journals and data bases were collected and analysed. Interviews were done with the elements of the study as respondents to identify hindrances for effective baling centres utilization. Data were entered into excel sheet and analysed using pivot tables.
The finding showed that baling centres were not enough for the volume of the crop handled. Construction plan was not adhered to, and most of the baling centres have low storage capacity. It was also found that most of the tobacco graders have only on job training, mostly provided by fellow graders. Tobacco transportation to and from baling centres is mainly on head and on bicycles. Another option in use is oxen carts. Tobacco wrapping materials mainly used is jute and hessian clothes; however some farmers use vinyl bags which add NTRM in the baled tobacco and later in the processed tobacco.
The study found that most farmers prefer to bale their tobacco at home. The reasons being poor transport facilities and infrastructure, local believes, and poor tobacco security in baling centres. The research recommends that registration of the baling centre should be done after inspection off those baling centres. All stakeholders should fully participate in training the graders and baling centres supervisors. Farmers and primary societies should be advised to buy and use simple transportation technologies like power tillers, motor tricycle, and oxen carts. |
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