Assessing the Determinants to Effective Packaging Practices.

Abstract

The study intended to assess the determinants to effective packaging practices focusing on the informal food and beverage manufacturers in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The study had four specific objectives including (i) to examine the informal food and beverage manufacturers’ knowledge and awareness on the effective packaging practices in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; (ii) to examine the accessibility and availability of packaging services among Informal food and beverage manufacturers in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; (iii) to identify constraints to accessing effective packaging services among the informal food and beverage manufacturers in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; and (iv) to provide recommendation on the effective strategies for accessibility to packaging services among the informal food and beverage manufacturers in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The study used a mixed methods research approach with a descriptive cross-sectional design. By using both purposive and simple random sampling, the researcher sampled 180 respondents who participated in this study. The respondents were selected from among the informal manufacturing entrepreneurs engaged in food and beverage sector through the lists obtained from SIDO officials dealing with SMEs. Both primary and secondary data were collected by means of questionnaires, interviews, and documentary review. Prior to data collection, a pilot test was conducted to ensure validity and reliability of research instruments. Quantitative data were analysed through SPSS and the findings were presented in descriptive statistics. Moreover, multiple regression was applied to establish a relationship between variables based on the study objectives. On the other hand, qualitative data were analysed through content analysis by using MAXQDA 20 tool and meaningful contents were systematically extracted from the coded contents. within the content to make more meaningful. The study findings revealed that the determinants to effective packaging practices among informal food and beverage manufacturers in Tanzania are significantly influenced by knowledge and awareness of the informal manufacturers, accessibility and availability of packaging services, and constraints to accessing effective packaging services by approximately 66% of R-value. Yet, it was recommended that the government, in collaboration with other stakeholders, should create an enabling environment for trade among informal food and beverage manufacturers to enhance product quality, safety, and market competitiveness.