Contribution of Co-operatives Towards Improving Food Security in Rural Tanzania: Implications of Horizontal Integration Practices

Abstract

Smallholder farmers often establish associations including co-operatives to address production and financial challenges and household level needs. However, due to drastic climate changes, agricultural co-operatives fail to address members’ production and food security needs among others. The study aimed to determine the food security status among co-operative members and determine whether horizontal integration of co-operatives has potential to improve food security. A cross-sectional design guided the study. Simple random sampling was used to select 384 respondents from the co-operative societies while purposive technique was used to select the non-members for comparison. Household survey, key informant interview and focus group discussion were used to collect data. Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) was used to determine household food security status while descriptive statistics and independent samples t-test were used to analyze data. Findings show significant differences in household food security status among respondents: multiple members had high food security (41.5%), single members (34.5%) while the non-members (38.7%). Thus, there was a significant difference in food security status among households which is attributed to the horizontal integration practices among co-operatives. As a result of integration, multiple members had more access to resources important towards meeting daily food requirements unlike their counterparts. In conclusion, horizontal integration practices have a significant influence in improving food security among households of co-operative members. Consequently, non-members should consider joining co-operatives to enhance their food security. Further, single members should consider the potential of becoming multiple members to improve and sustain their household food security status.