Abstract : Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) remains a crucial cash crop in Tanzania, cultivated on approximately 107,000 hectares, with the potential to yield 519 million kilograms annually. However, current farm-level yields average only 1,650 kg/ha, which is significantly below the attainable 2,400 kg/ha observed under research conditions for variety K326. This study aimed to assess farmers' perceptions of production constraints, cost structures, and pricing mechanisms in tobacco cultivation. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among tobacco farmers across major growing regions. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, focusing on production stages, input usage, and economic assessments. The protocol included identifying key stages such as land preparation, transplanting, fertilizer application, pest and disease control, topping, harvesting, curing, and grading. Results showed that 78% of respondents experienced yield losses across various production phases. While farmers recognized that improved practices could enhance both yield and market value, adoption rates were low due to constraints such as limited financial resources, insufficient inputs, unpredictable weather, and knowledge gaps. Cost perceptions varied significantly depending on farm size and input usage, with most farmers excluding household food and labour from production costs. Analysis revealed a disconnect between actual production costs and pricing mechanisms used at the market level. This gap complicates fair price determination and limits profitability. This study highlights the need for detailed cost-of-production studies per hectare that account for all relevant variables, including labour, soil fertility, and resource access. Such data are essential for establishing equitable, cost-based pricing frameworks and supporting sustainable tobacco production in Tanzania.