Investigation on Contributions of Cooperative Unions towards Improvement of Peasant Welfare in Magu and Kwimba District Mwanza Region from 1920s to 2000s, Tanzania

Abstract

Basically this study aimed at investigating the contributions of cooperative unions towards improvement of peasants' welfare in Magu and Kwimba districts Mwanza region from 1920s – 2000s. The study has two specific objectives: to examine people's perceptions on cooperative unions in Mwanza region and integration of Kwimba and Magu district; to identify roles of cooperative unions to peasants; in Kwimba and Magu districts.

The data for this study were collected from 51 respondents who included 40 peasants, 6 village cooperative union leaders, 2 cotton ginnery managers 1 Regional administrative officer and 2 Nyanza Cooperative Union leaders. Methodology of this study drew on qualitative approach based on different methods of data collection such as interview, questionnaire, focus group discussion and documentary review.

The study revealed different perceptions basing on cooperative union that; during colonial rule the cooperative unions were targeted as a tool to liberate peasants from both poverty and the chain of exploitation from Indian cotton buyers. While post colonial era mainly Nyanza Cooperative Union and other cooperative unions in Tanzania are voiceless in fighting for the welfare of peasants. The study also revealed that, cooperative unions in Mwanza region from VFCU and NCU played fundamental roles to improve peasants' living standard such as securing reasonable cotton prices However cooperative unions in Mwanza region from 1920s to 2000s are facing various challenges which include privatization policy under globalization which has left peasants frustrated without a special organization to chain their problems. Currently, Private companies have dominated the peasant market for their agricultural produce without granting them subside

The study recommends that, the government should grant peasants with subsidies and prepare an enabling environment for peasants to acquire inputs on reasonable credit. Nyanza cooperative union and other cooperative unions in Tanzania should be re- established and introduce farm class for peasants.