Contribution of Organic Cotton Production to Household Income Relative to Conventional Cotton Production in Bariadi District, Tanzania

Abstract

This paper determines the percentage of household income that is due to organic cotton production and differences in incomes from organic cotton production, conventional cotton, other crops, and non-farm activities among smallholder farmers in Bariadi District, Simiyu Region, Tanzania. Using a mixed-methods cross-sectional design, primary data were collected in 2025 from 364 households through a structured questionnaire, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions (FGDs).  Quantitative data were analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics to compute descriptive statistics and perform the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, while qualitative data were analysed thematically through content analysis. The results indicated that organic cotton contributed 11.7% to overall income per capita, unlike conventional cotton, which contributed 9.4%.  The median income per capita from organic cotton (TZS 23,964.29) was significantly higher than that from conventional cotton (TZS 0.00) (T = 23,617.50, z = -4.706, p < 0.001, r = 0.247), suggesting that organic cotton provided more reliable and profitable income than conventional cotton. Income from conventional cotton was either absent or minimal for many households, largely due to market instability and input costs. Qualitative findings reinforced the quantitative results by revealing that farmers perceive organic cotton production as more rewarding due to improved access to premium markets, price stability through contractual arrangements, reduced input costs, and alignment with environmentally sustainable practices. Respondents emphasised that organic farming not only enhances income but also promotes soil health and long-term agricultural resilience. These findings highlight organic cotton’s potential as a transformative livelihood strategy capable of reducing rural poverty, enhancing household economic resilience, and contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to no poverty, decent work, and climate action. To maximise these benefits, policy interventions should prioritise strengthening organic certification systems, enhancing extension services, and improving market linkages.