Cooperative Policy Reforms and the Development of Marketing Cooperative in Tanzania in the 1990s: A Case Study of Iringa Region
Kilima, F.T.M|Kashuliza, A.K|Ashimogo, G.C /

In Tanzania co-operatives are of paramount importance to smallholder farmers in articulating farmer's demand and facilitating collective actions in overcoming problems in agricultural and capital markets, in response to the poor performance of agricultural markets in the country)', marketing reforms have been implemented through reforming grain marketing and institutional set-up us pan of broader macro - economic changes beginning in 1984. These reforms have affected the functioning of marketing co-operatives and have opened room for private sector activity in the markets. The main objective of this study was to assess the impact of co-operative policy reform on the development of farmer marketing organization in Tanzania following the 1990s institutional reforms.

Using lringa as a case, the study examined the managerial, organizational and operational aspects of the newly formed marketing co-operatives. The analysis showed that the reforms have had relatively little impact on the development of marketing co-operatives in Iringa region. There was no substantial evidence against the tested hypotheses that the performance of marketing co-operative societies in general has improved following the 1990s co-operative policy reforms.

The poor functioning of rural institutions in Tanzania is an outcome of inefficiencies in agricultural and capital markets.

The study recommends continued efforts to improve grass-root governance through designs and implementation of programmes that are consistent with the needs of co-operators, ensuring mutual empowerment of the co-operators and gender equity can enhance successful co-operation. For the purpose of enhancing marketing efficiency, development of infrastructure is important.