Authors: Anne Richard Mwakibete (Mzumbe University) and Jennifer Kasanda Sesabo, PhD (Mzumbe University)
Abstract: This study examined the drivers of hired labour use among sugarcane outgrowers in Kilombero Valley, Tanzania. The study adopted the cross-sectional survey design, encompassing the population of 8,987, with the sample size of 400 drawn from four villages within Kilosa District. The composition of the sample size was determined through a stratified sampling method, categorising outgrowers based on villages, hamlets and the gender of household heads. Data was gathered through a questionnaire. Descriptive and binary logistic regression analyses were employed, with the dependent variable measured on a dichotomous scale. The results reveal that household size, income, age, gender, land size and farm distance from home significantly influenced the utilisation of hired labour while the level of education was identified as an inconsequential contributing factor. These findings shed light on the recent development of hired labour use among outgrowers in the agro-industrial sector. Therefore, improving the functioning of rural labour markets should be considered an effective way of enhancing labour productivity for the mutual benefits of both households that hire and sell labour.