**4. Methodology**

The methodology used towards accomplishing the project on biomass conversion to energy in Tanzania involved analytical approach, data collection, and analysis.

### **4.1. Analytical approach**

A comprehensive study and review of documents relevant to biomass resources, conversion and application in the country, and other African countries, Asia, Latino America, United Stated of America (USA), Europe, the Middle East and China were made. The aims of the study were to find available and valuable information on the subject. In addition, situation analysis and brain storming on application of biomass, conversion methods with biomass entrepreneurs were discussed.

*5.1.1.1. Cash crops*

**CROP**

*5.1.1.2.Food Crops*

**CROP**

the trend of cash crops produced in the past 4 years.

the trend of food crops produced in the past 4 years.

Production of main cash crops has been fluctuating depending on whether conditions, avail‐ ability and usage of agricultural inputs and fluctuation in the World Market. Table 1 gives

Cotton 130,565,000 199,954,000 200,662,000 267,004,200 Tobacco 50,617,400 50,784,000 55,356,000 60,990,000 Sugar 290,863,000 279,494,000 276,605,000 279,850,000 Tea 31,348,000 34,763,000 34,770,000 33,160,000 Pyrethrum 2,046,800 1,000,000 1,500,000 3,320,000 Coffee 1,049,900 33,708,000 58,053,000 40,000,000 Sisal 30,847,000 33,039,000 33,000,000 26,363,000 Cashew nut 88,213,000 92,573,000 99,017,000 74,169,000

Production of main food crops has been fluctuating depending on whether conditions, avail‐ ability and usage of agricultural inputs and fluctuation in the World Market. Table 2 gives

Maize 2,423,000 3,302,000 3,555,000 3,324,200 Rice 805,400 872,000 875,000 885,610 Wheat 109,500 83,000 92,000 93,690 Millet 941,500 1,165,000 1,064,000 203,580 Cassava 2,052,800 1,733,000 1,797,000 1,758,790 Beans 1,049,900 1,156,000 1,125,000 1,183,880 Banana 1,169,200 1,027,000 982,000 990,540 Sweet potato 1,396,400 1,322,000 1,379,000 1,381,120

**Table 2.** Production of food crops in kg (*Source: Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives (URT))*

**YEARS 2006 2007 2008 2009**

**Table 1.** Production of Cash crops in kg (*Source: Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives (URT))*

**YEARS 2006 2007 2008 2009**

Biomass Conversion to Energy in Tanzania: A Critique

http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/ 52956

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