Analysing the market and constraints of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and Large Enterprises : A case of sunflower oil enterprises in Dodoma Urban district, Tanzania

Sunflower is a potential crop in Tanzania but production capacity is still very little. Production is targeted to meet the internal demand, yet the demand is higher than what is produced. Due to this, the government allowed the importation of edible oil, mainly palm oil. The growth of small and large enterprises is facing some challenges, despite the high potential of sunflower. Generally, SMEs are well known for being important in employment creation and stimulation of economic growth. Hence, this study tries to investigate the objectives of understanding the competitiveness and the promotion of SMEs. The study employed a mixed methodology, which combines both qualitative and quantitative data. The study found that SMEs are neither being promoted nor being competitive. Moreover, the study revealed three findings – firstly, small and large enterprises are affected by financial problems and problem of sunflower seeds respectively. Secondly, there is a weak linkage between small and large enterprises. Lastly, the state has not effectively addressed the concerns of all the firms. The study found that the main initiative of increasing sunflower seeds by the government does not necessarily lead to significant positive effect for the growth of SMEs. In conclusion, the government should strengthen the linkage between the small and large enterprises by improving the quality of crude oil, which may increase SMEs upgrading opportunity. Hence, make SMEs competitive and promoted.