Haule, Michael J.
Description:
This paper presents the impact of bamboo wine business on improvement of rural household
income and livelihoods in Songea district, Tanzania. The area is largely rural, with 91 percent
dominated by subsistence farming. It is the only area of Tanzania growing Oxytenathera Braunii
bamboo species which produces bamboo wine.
The study adopted both quantitative and qualitative methods. A survey was conducted in 50
households using semi-structured questionnaires. Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) involving
10 participants was conducted for detailed information.
An appreciable contribution of bamboo wine to household income, and which is inversely
proportional to variations in production levels was observed. Bamboo wine prices conceded with
the law of “demand and supply”. Bamboo wine business was noted to improve livelihoods
through utilization of the income generated in the acquisition of basic items and services such as
shelter, school fees, food stuffs, bicycles and motor cycles. Despite the noted contribution, the
crop was not a focus of the Agricultural Extension Service (AES), hence undermining its role.
We recommend that bamboo wine business be improved through AES, which is critical for
improved bamboo wine productivity; storage and processing for expanded market and higher
profitability