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The study investigated the causes for the decline of coconut industry and its consequences to the livelihoods of coconut farmers, based on the following specific objectives: to examine the contribution of coconut industry to the economy of Zanzibar, to investigate the trend of factors of the decline of coconut industry in Zanzibar, and to examine social and economic consequences to the farmer‘s livelihoods in Zanzibar and assess the existing efforts in which they had been taken to revive the coconut industry for better livelihoods of farmers in Zanzibar. Three areas were selected in this study namely West, Central and Urban districts. Methods that were used to gather data were Documentary review, Interviews, Observation, and questionnaires. The data were analyzed using Statistical Programme for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 15. District Agricultural Officials, Farmers, Industrial Workers, Recent and Retired manages of ZSTC were among the respondents. The results revealed that the key factors for the declining of coconut are
settlement expansion, though sand mining, fire wood and charcoal, chainsaw, pests and disease, age of coconut tree, the use of immature coconut madafu‖ are other responsible factors. Consequently, conclusion these factors have led to the decline of household income and livelihoods of coconut farmers in Zanzibar. This study recommended that the government should commit herself to revive the coconut production by offering farmers exemption to agricultural inputs, credits and strengthening of extension services, giving awareness and prevent casual construction and improve effectiveness of ZSTC in purchasing and exporting coconuts. Awareness of growing coconut is important thro raising campaigns for increasing coconut production. |
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