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Tobacco producers and processors link in different aspects such as provision of tobacco seeds, extension services, construction and an improvement of curing barns, soft loans for farm implements like tractors and oxen. This study analyses the linkages between producers and processors in improving tobacco production in Uyui district, Tabora region. The study has shown that the interface has played a significant role in improving tobacco production in the district. The study took place in Uyui district because it had high tobacco production with a large number of tobacco farmers of all categories, i.e. those affiliated to primary cooperatives, farmers' associations and not belonging to any of these categories. The sample of the study was 85 of which 75 were tobacco farmers and 10 were tobacco officials. The study has used the cross-sectional design; both quantitative and qualitative approaches were used. Stratified and purposive sampling procedures were also adopted to obtain the samples. However, the study has found that, there are many challenges that affect the contributions of the interface in improving tobacco production. The problems affect both the producers and processors in the tobacco production, consequently the sustainability of the linkages. The research has found out that, some tobacco farmers mix non-tobacco materials in tobacco bales supplied to processors, some sell tobacco to non-contracted buyers, there were an accumulated debts to some of the primary cooperatives societies, non- payment to some tobacco farmers and late supply of inputs amongst others. The challenges needed immediate solutions in order to sustain the interface between producers and processors and also to improve tobacco production. |
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