Contribution of Cross-Border Maize Trade in Improving Households’ Livelihood at Mutukula Border, Tanzania

Abstract

This study was intended to assess the contribution of cross-border maize trade in improving households’ livelihood outcomes at the Mutukula border, Tanzania. The research objectives were to examine the size of cross-border trade at the Mutukula border, to analyze the social economic benefit of cross-border trade of maize at the Mutukula border, to assess the effect of maize trade on trader’s livelihood and examine the challenges facing traders in carrying out Cross Border maize trade at Mutukula Border. A cross-sectional research design was used, 109 maize traders were selected for the sample using random sampling. Major findings of the study include cross-border maize trade has improved the livelihood of the household since it has enabled people to generate income, and employment opportunities and can accommodate social welfare like education for their children and health care. Furthermore, the study recommends that the government should facilitate the free movement of persons by reducing Non-tariff barriers to promote cross-border trade.