Women's contribution to the domestic trade : the case of Tanzania

Abstract

Tanzania has an area of 945,158sq.kilometres. It is agrarian economy based on small holder agricultural producers. This sector employs 91- of the country's labour force and out of these 75- are women. This sector contributes 45- of the GNP. In Tanzania women play a very important role in the economy particularly in agriculture. They produce food crops, essential goods and services for household consumption. However most unfortunately the available national statistics do not highlight this role and the data that is available does not separate male and female contribution. The local trade is mainly the distribution of commodities through parastatal organisations cooperatives and private businesses.