Role of Agro-Processing Firms on Grape Market Promotion in Dodoma City: A Case of UWAZAMAM and Nkulabi Wine Factories in Mpunguzi Village
Abstract
This study was conducted in Mpunguzi Village, Dodoma City to assess the role of Agroprocessing firms on grape market promotion. The study examined the production capacity of
grape producers and wine factories, examine the extent at which factories promote market
for grapes produce, and lastly; identify factors affecting wine Agro-Processing Firms in
promoting market for grapes produce. The study used interview and observation to collect
data from respondents. A total of 80 farmers, randomly selected from Mpunguzi village
together with 4 key informants were involved in the study. The results obtained from this
study shows that most of the farmers in the study area are producing in small scale farming
system, producing up to 2000 tons a year while wine factories have capacity of buying up to
950 tons. These factories have a lot of positive contribution to these small scale farmers
although the market they provide is not enough. Agro-processing firms have contributed to
the rise of farmer’s production capacity, price improvement; they are also providing contract
farming and training to grape growers. From this study it is recommended wine factories to
increase marketing efforts to attract more local and international customers and adopt
contract farming. Also the government should provide marketing skills to farmers and
motivate them to strengthen farmers associations