THE ROLE OF TECHNICAL AND VOCATIONAL EDUCATION TRAINING IN PROMOTING SMALL AGRO-BUSINESS VALUE ADDITION IN TANZANIA ECONOMY

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to explicate the role which Tanzania’s Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) institutions can play in promoting value addition in small agro-business. The paper focuses on three research areas namely, the existing business opportunities in agro-business, Tanzania TVET institutions collaboration, and challenges encountered by Tanzania business schools in disseminating business skills basing on curricular content analysis, interview, personal observation, and experience. It is highlighted that, not all students enrolled in TVET institutions may be prepared or able to undertake business ventures in agro-business. TVET institutions can greatly promote the Government initiatives of value addition in small agro-business by imparting knowledge and skills to graduates through developing simple machinery to aid value addition. Collaboration among Tanzania TVET institutions is important to cement business competencies of graduates. The paper also spells out the recommendations as to what TVET institutions should do to achieve these objectives.