Assessment of the business environment for the furniture industries in the Temeke, Dodoma and Handeni districts, Tanzania

In Tanzania, furniture industry is one of the important components of the manufacturing sector, and the sector is dominated by small and micro enterprises. In various places, local furniture entrepreneurs establish manufacturing and trade centres. However, the amount of furniture demanded is still higher compared to what is manufactured. The study aimed on assessing the business environment for the furniture industries, specifically supporting functions, and rules and regulations guiding the industry. Data was collected using a questionnaire survey, key informant interviews, focus group discussions and observations. The study argue that, the industry had a deficit in training to improve skills of local furniture producers also, the industry faces the challenges such as poor infrastructures, lack financial support, lack training and compliance to rules and regulation thus reducing production efficiency. The study recommends the government to have policy which focus on product quality, financial support, and lower operational costs.