Technical and technological constraints facing Tanzania leather value chain: a snapshot of intervention measures

Abstract

The leather value chain starts with livestock, the key source of hides and skins, and the main raw materials for the industry. Despite having the second-largest livestock population in Africa, Tanzania is only the 11th largest exporter of leather on the continent, underlining the disproportionate contribution of the sector to the economy. This study presents the results of a recent assessment aimed at identifying performance bottlenecks in Tanzania's leather sector. The assessment took place in October–December 2020 and involved 10 tanneries, 30 leather goods factories and 11 service providers/institutions. Findings reveal that 90% of tanneries are dissatisfied with the quality of hides and skins due to brand marks, flay cuts, skin diseases, and inadequate curing. These supply chain bottlenecks are further compounded by skill deficiencies among processors, poor waste management, and limited awareness about laws, policies and regulations governing trade in the sector. At the downstream end of the value chain, the trade in leather and related articles is facing competition from high importation of low-grade products like plastic shoes and second-hand products. This paper recommends that efforts to increase leather's economic and trade value need to focus on upgrading Tanzania’s production, processing, branding and marketing capacities.

Graphical Abstract