Institutional Challenges Constraining the Performance of Agricultural Marketing Cooperative Societies (AMCOs) amid Climate Change: Insights from Coffee Farming in Nyasa District

Fredy Ndunguru; Kastory Mbunda; Geofrey Ndunguru

doi:10.56741/jmsd.v4i03.1225

Authors

Fredy Ndunguru
frediendunguru@gmail.com
The Mwalimu Nyerere Memorial Academy https://orcid.org/0009-0002-8556-7489
Kastory Mbunda The Mwalimu Nyerere Memorial Academy https://orcid.org/0009-0009-5788-4285
Geofrey Ndunguru Local Government Training Institute (LGTI)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56741/jmsd.v4i03.1225

Keywords:

Climate Change, Coffee Sector, Institutional Challenges, Rural Development, Smallholder Farmers

Abstract

This study examines the institutional challenges that constrain the performance of AMCOS in the face of climate change in Nyasa District, an emerging coffee-producing area in southern Tanzania. Employing a qualitative case study approach, data were collected through 20 semi-structured interviews and four focus group discussions with AMCOS leaders from four cooperatives, complemented by a review of relevant policy documents and operational reports. Thematic analysis revealed six interrelated institutional challenges: volatility in global coffee prices, resistance to adopting improved and climate-smart farming practices, the persistent influence of unauthorized private buyers (locally known as Kangomba), limited access to affordable financing, inadequate transportation infrastructure, and the lack of local coffee processing facilities. These challenges collectively weaken cooperative governance, erode member trust, reduce operational efficiency, and constrain the ability of AMCOS to facilitate climate-resilient agricultural development. The findings underscore the need for integrated policy and development interventions, including cooperative-friendly financing mechanisms, infrastructure investment, regulatory enforcement, and participatory extension services. Strengthening the institutional embeddedness and adaptive capacity of AMCOS is critical to improving smallholder farmer livelihoods and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the coffee sector in climate-vulnerable rural areas.

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Author Biographies

Fredy Ndunguru, The Mwalimu Nyerere Memorial Academy

is a lecturer at The Mwalimu Nyerere Memorial Academy, Zanzibar, Tanzania. His research focuses on gender dynamics, coastal livelihoods, and environmental governance, with special attention to men’s perceptions and participation in seaweed farming. He has contributed to scholarly discussions on climate change, natural resource governance, and community resilience in East Africa. Ndunguru is active in academic research, publishing, and community engagement. (email: frediendunguru@gmail.com).

Kastory Mbunda, The Mwalimu Nyerere Memorial Academy

serves as a faculty member at The Mwalimu Nyerere Memorial Academy, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. His research interests include gender studies, environmental governance, and rural livelihood development, particularly concerning seaweed farming in Zanzibar. Mbunda has published on men’s participation in seaweed farming, examining socio-economic and cultural factors that influence gendered roles in coastal communities. He actively engages in academic writing, conferences, and applied research projects. (email: castoryabel@gmail.com).

Geofrey Ndunguru, Local Government Training Institute (LGTI)

is affiliated with The Local Government Training Institute, Dodoma, Tanzania. His professional interests lie in governance, public administration, and capacity building for local government institutions. While specific publication details are limited, his academic and institutional roles focus on strengthening management practices and community engagement within local governance structures. He contributes to teaching, training, and applied programs to enhance administrative effectiveness and sustainable development at the grassroots level. (email: gndunguru6@gmail.com).

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