Profit Margin for Small Maize Business: A Comparative Study of Green Roasted and Dry Maize in Mbeya, Tanzania

Abstract

The study investigates profit margin for small maize business. It’s a comparative study of green roasted and dry maize in Mbeya. Data were collected through document review and interview with key stake holders. Results showed that the profit margins of both businesses, the operation cost, as well start-up capital were statistically significant levels, respectively. Suggesting that profit margin of roasted green maize was higher than of dry maize as well as the operation cost. Contrary to these, the startup capital for roasted green maize was lower than that of dry maize business. Based on survey findings it was concluded that business of roasted green maize had higher profit margin than dry maize. It is therefore recommended that the government should not restrict the green roasted maize business and that the decisions should be left to the producers and business dealers.