Impediments to granting loans to small scale farmers in Tanzania

The study sought to assess impediments of granting loans to small-scale farmers in Ilemela and Nyamagana Districts in Mwanza. Farmers have little access to credit resulting to low production. The study examined the criteria involved in granting and accessing a loan and why financial institutions were not providing funds for agricultural production. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Data was analyzed using SPSS to give both description and implication of the findings. The study found that only one financial institutions under the study area provided agricultural production loans; and farmers/borrowers gained knowledge and skills concerning better loan management through SACCOS. The study recommends that financial institutions should improve strategies for more efficient utilization of potentials of the agricultural sector and shortcomings of individual lending system and farmers need to be encouraged to borrow, and use the money borrowed for the expansion of their farming or other agricultural businesses.