Ginger Exporters in Global Value Chains in Tanzania: Glass Half Full or Glass Half Empty?

Abstract

The current participation of Tanzanian ginger exporters in global value chains is viewed as glass half empty with the possibility of being viewed as glass half full by the actors. By being half empty they are pessimistic and because they operating in reactive model the will be regarded to be a source of raw materials. If they are optimistic and see the glass full empty, they will be active participant
with strategic plans to upgrade product by adding value and find appropriate business connections such as through strategic alliances, and contractual partnerships. Although records show the increasing value of export of non-traditional goods in which ginger belongs to this category there are opportunities and potentials for around 4,000 people in the whole value chain as well as
country economic development. The study was conducted in Dar es Salaam Sabasaba ground during Trade fair in which twenty-seven respondents including exporters and internal trade actors were interviewed. Ginger exporters’ meaning of global value chain found to be the commitment they make to observe legal requirements in processing product from the farmer to fulfill the specification of orders that they have received. This study contributes to theory, methodology and providing input for the best way to address internationalization which is one of the aspects on countries vision 2050.

Keywords: ginger exporters, Tanzania, global value chain, glass half full