Theses and Dissertations Collection
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Item The use of schools for socioeconomic transformation: a study of Tanzanian secondary school students' beliefs, attitudes and aspirations toward farming and rural life(University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1983) Mattee, Amon ZPurpose The purpose of the study was to assess Tanzanian secondary students' beliefs, attitudes and aspirations regarding farming and rural life, and how these relate to school agricultural experiences and to individual and situational characteristics of the students. Methodology Data were secured through a structured question naire administered to a sample of 867 Tanzanian government secondary school students. The dependent variables for the study were students' beliefs, attitudes and aspirations with respect to farming and rural life. The independent variables were the school agricultural learning experiences, the sex, grade and home location of the student, parental education and occupation, and type of farming at home. The analysis tested the relationship between the independent variables and students' beliefs, attitudes and aspirations toward farming and rural life.Ill Findings and Conclusions 1. Students’ beliefs were mainly positive while their attitudes were either positive or neutral, with very few having negative beliefs or attitudes. About one- third of the students aspired to agricultural careers including farming while half of them preferred working in the rural areas. 2. Although students who have had practical school agricultural experiences were more likely to hold positive beliefs, students' beliefs were more strongly related to home background characteristics. Students from rural farm background were more likely to hold positive beliefs. 3. Students who have had practical school agricul tural experiences were more likely to hold positive attitudes. Likewise, male and lower grade students were more likely to hold positive attitudes. Students’ attitudes were not related to home background character istics . 4. Generally, school agriculture seemed to influence students' aspirations toward rural-based agricultural occupations. But as students progressed up the academic hierarchy their aspirations shifted progressively to urban non-agricultural occupations. Also students fromIV less educated rural backgrounds were more Likely to aspire to rural agricultural occupations compared to those from more educated urban backgrounds. 5. Although school agriculture may help in reorienting students’ expectations toward rural and agricultural occupations, its effectiveness is severely limited since schools continue to be the sole basis for recruitment to elite positions and as such continue to socialize students toward more elitist expectations, contrary to policy objectives.Item Gender roles in agroforestry: a socio-economic analysis of Embu and Kirinyaga districts, Kenya(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2001) Njuki, Jemimah MicereThis study was carried out in an agroforcstry system in the Central Highlands of Kenya (Kirinyaga and 1-mbu Districts) with the aim of investigating the gender roles in the agroforestry system and how these affect productivity. The study specifically looked at the characteristics of the system, the gendered division of labour, gendered access to resources, effect of the division of labour and access to resources on productivity and the use of collective action by women as a strategy to reduce their workloads and increase access to resources. Participatory Rural Appraisal, Focus Group Discussions, a cross sectional household survey and time allocation studies were used to collect data intended to answer the objectives of the research. One-wav analysis of variance was used to compare farms based on whether they had a male manager, female manager or both. A Cobb-Douglas production function was used to analyse factors affecting Total Value Product and to calculate farm technical efficiency. Both probit and regression analysis were used to identify and assess factors affecting male and female labour, technical efficiency and determinants of women's ability to make decisions on tree planting. The major constraints to the integration of trees into the farming system were found to be farmers' perceptions of the effects of trees on crops and boundary disputes. Lack of information and seeds on appropriate trees and shrubs were identified as a constraint Female labour was found to contribute 60.9%, 77.7%, 68.8%, 77.4%, and 64.3% of the labour in coffee, tea. maize, beans and potatoes respectively. In addition, they contributed 47.6% of the labour in cattle and 93.2% of the labour for all domestic activities. Farm technical efficiency was 64%. 1 he study found no evidence of productivity differences between mule and female farm managers. Inputs and female labour were found to increase the Total Value Product. Both male and female farm managers were found to benefit equally from extension while female managers benefited less from education in farming Few women were found to have access to extension, land and credit. Collective action played an instrumental role in guaranteeing women rights and access to resources that they would not otherwise have as individuals. Given the importance of farm inputs in raising the value of total products, future policies should be aimed at increasing rural farmers' access to agricultural inputs at an affordable price as a strategy to increase agricultural production. The study recommends the development of more labour saving productivity enhancing technologies and the promotion of agroforestry technologies that will increase soil fertility and make use of available planting niches while at the same time offering other services to farmers such as fodder. The study also recommends the understanding of the gender division of labour and access to resources in any farming system before any new technologies or crop varieties are introduced into that system.Item Factors affecting adoption of 15 % NaCI solution technique for separating rice seeds: a study of Ndungu rice project in Same district, Tanzania(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2001) Mattijo, Angelina JuliusA study to identify factors affecting adoption of 15% sodium chloride (NaCI) solution, a seed separating technique was conducted at Ndungu rice project, Same District. A cross sectional research design, which allows collection of information at a single point in time, was adopted. Structured questionnaire was administered to a sample of 75 respondents of which 45 had adopted the salt solution technique while 30 had not. The data were analysed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) computer software. The study described the importance of seed health and methods used by the farmers to separate infected seeds. In the process it was examined how informed the farmers were, their attitudes towards innovation’s benefits, and the associated reasons for adopting and not-adopting the technology. The results of the present study revealed that, attitudes and practices towards method of seed selection, source of information, and level of education were significantly (P>0.001) associated with adoption. Some of the major factors, which limited adoption of 15 % NaCI solution technique, were insufficient water for irrigation and lack of awareness. Other limiting factors were lack of motivation and inadequate extension services, which resulted in poor participation in seminars. Although Chi- square test did not show a significant (P>0.05) association between extent of adoption and gender, participation of women was discouraged by their limited access to ownership of resources, information and household decisions. It is recommended that research should be geared towards conserving more water; promotion and dissemination of farming techniques which are relevant to local conditions and that are environmentally friendly, and creation of voluntary farmers’ groups whose farms will be used as demonstration plots.Item Dynamics of land use systems and environmental management in the Matengo highlands, Tanzania(Kyoto University, 2004) Nindi, Stephen JusticeHistorically, indigenous African options and changes in agricultural land use systems have gone almost completely unnoticed, partly because they were not widely researched and written down or published. Ever since colonial times, most agricultural officials have viewed the agricultural systems and the people in Africa as backward, traditional and without motivation to improve their own subsistence technology. This was perhaps because, although farmers in a few areas accepted innovations, many local farmers rejected the agricultural officers’ suggestions (Maack, 1996). And when most capital input to agricultural development failed, local farmers were again accused of being too conservative and their agricultural systems were assumed to be static and unchanging (Meertens et al., 1995).Item Factors affecting sustainability of farmers groups: the case of Twikinde Malimbichi Cooperative Society of Mgeta, Morogoro(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2004) Chibehe Musa MosesEarlier approaches to extension work emphasized the use of individual contact farmers rather than farmers groups by believing that new agricultural techniques would flow from innovators to the rest of the farming community through the “trickle down effect” However, this assumption was found to be inappropriate, particularly in poor third word countries, where the contact farmer approach seems to have failed to improve the majority of peasant farmers and therefore farmers’ groups seem more suitable as an extension technique than the individual approach. There is a lot of faith in farmers’ groups that various government and non governmental organizations use this approach for their rural extension programs, but at the same time many groups collapse soon after being formed hence they are not sustainable. A study to determine factors affecting the sustainability of farmer’s groups using Twikinde Malimbichi Cooperative Society as a ease study was conducted in Mgeta Division (Mvomero District) of Morogoro Region. Data were collected through survey questionnaires and interview checklists whereby 70 respondents were consulted through focus group discussions and personal interviews. The cut and paste analysis was used to select the relevant information. Also SPSS computer programme was used for analysis. The results revealed that the idea of group formation did not directly originate from the members themselves but it was an advice from Upper Mgeta Horticultural Development Project (UMHODEP). However the group becomes strong and more sustainable if origin of its formation comes from its members. Further results indicate that the initial group vision and its objectives were good and suitable with regard to the members’ benefits but the implementation strategies to realize the vision were not clear to both members and leaders things which made the group objectives not to be achieved there was a minimum contribution of capital by members for the group investments such as buildings, inputs shop, lorry and milling machine compared to the grants and loans received by the group from external sources. This trend contributed to the poor sense of ownership by the members in the groups’ activities, a factor that led to low sustainability of the group. Furthermore, the group has gender imbalance such that, most of its leaders (87%) are males, a situation which shows low participation of women in the group activities. The findings show that technical and service supports were the common factors that kept the group members together and proceed to remain in the group, the factors that enhance the stability of the group membership which is the key factor for the contribution of positive sustainability of the group. It is recommended that, Twikinde Malimbichi should improve its income generating projects so as to be able to generate more funds and improve working capital of the projects hence increasing its capacity of purchasing the horticultural products from the farmers. It is also recommended that Twikinde Malimbichi establish clear implementation strategics to enable all members and leaders to accomplish perfectly the group objectives and activities. perfectly hence reducing the sustainability of Twikinde group. The findings revealed thatItem The impact of Hiv/Aids on household food security in Arumeru district Tanzania(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2004) Ole - losai, Nasim corneliusThe growing burden of HIV/AIDS has impact on household food security. Families suffer food insecurity because the disease strikes the most economically productive members of ths society. However, few researches have been undertaken to examine this situation in Arameru District. This study was therefore conducted in Animcru District in 2003 to examine the influence of HIV/AIDS on households food security. It specifically focused or. the social problems associated with HIV/AIDS in household, food accessibility, effects of HIV/AIDS on agricultural production and strategies that are used by households to cope •.'/ ■■.h food insecurity. The study employed a cross sectional survey involving 104 households of which 52 households were affected by HIV/AIDS and 52 households were not affected by HIV/AIDS. A snowball sampling technique was employed in the selection of the HIV/AIDS affected households. Systematic sampling was used in selecting households that were not affected by HIV/AIDS. Data for the study was collected by using structured questionnaire. Statistical package for Social Scientist (SPSS) was used to analyse data generated by questionnaire. The results showed high incidence of food insecurity in the affected households. Furthermore effects of HIV/AIDS on households also included age dependence, orphanhood, and migration of family members, school unattendance and inheritance of widows. The results further revealed the changes in the sources of income and decrease in the average weekly income in the affected and unaffected household. Decrease in the size of land used for agriculture and changes in the types of food and cash crop produced were also observed. This was due to inadequate cash to purchase agricultural inputs, selling of land and delay in starting agricultural activities, inadequate money to buy agricultural inputs, inadequate time to undertake agriculturaliii activities and soil infertility. A change in knowledge that was used in agriculture and livestock production obtained from parents was observed in the both types of households. In addition, substitution of food with cheap commodities was observed to be the dominant coping strategy used by majority of the households. The increased incidence of HIV/AIDS in rural areas calls for more emphasis on I1IV/AIDS prevention programs. •'r.ere is also a need for more education to women and youth to practice safe sex. In order to raise the level of food security at the household, niral households should be encouraged to go for non-farming employment.Item Farmers’ coping strategies with the changes of coffee marketing system after economic liberalisation: the case of Mbinga District, Tanzania(Kyoto University, 2005) Mhando, David GongweMbinga District is well known as one of the major coffee producing areas in Tanzania. The inhabitants of the district known as the Matengo, combine ngolo cultivation to produce food crops and also engage in coffee cultivation for income. In 1986, the Tanzanian government introduced an Economic Recovery Programme that liberalized coffee marketing in 1993. In 2002, the government introduced a single licensing system in the coffee industry to stimulate competition among buyers and improve income for farmers. At the same time, the global coffee market witnessed improvement in production and processing technology, and the entry of new coffee producing countries. These resulted in global overproduction that decreased prices of coffee to unprecedented levels. A coffee industry that supported the national economy of Tanzania for many years was ushered into a period of transformation and uncertainty. This thesis documents and examines the trend in policy evolution and the effects these have had on the practice of stakeholders in Mbinga District. The nature of the rural economy is evaluated under the previously state controlled marketing system. The farmers’ responses and coping strategies during the period of economic liberalization are then analysed and discussed. Chapter 1 describes the historical transition of policies from African Socialism to economic liberalization and the tendency of diversification of rural livelihoods after which the objectives of this study are stated. In Chapter 2, an outline of the livelihoods is described and coffee cultivation is contextualized with the farming system. Chapter 3 compares changes in coffee marketing policies before and after economic liberalization, and sequences the characteristics in a historical perspective. In chapters 4 to 6 the case study of Mbinga District is documented, analysed and presented. Chapter 4 outlines the roles of and changes in the Mbinga Cooperative Union (MBICU), Private Coffee Buyers (PCBs), and Primary Societies (AMCOS), and analyses the marketing system. In Chapter 5 describes the current situation and problems of the coffee industry in Mbinga, the fluctuation of coffee prices and cost of agricultural inputs, and the strategies employed by stakeholders to cope. Prior to economic liberalization, MBICU facilitated coffee farming by providing credit, affordable inputs and marketing. After economic liberalization, MBICU could not obtain loans from commercial banks to continue supporting coffee cultivation because it did not service loans that were previously provided. Moreover, its capacity was rapidly weakened due to competition from the PCBs and it subsequently collapsed in 1996. The PCBs filled the gap left by MBICU. However, the PCBs did not provide services to coffee farmers similar to that provided by MBICU. They did not avail agricultural inputs and credits to fanners. The fanners, who previously depended on MBICU for the provision of affordable inputs, faced severe economic difficulties as production costs increased. The farmers were dissatisfied by the purchasing system adopted by the PCBs. The price of chemical fertilizers began to increase after 1996, while the market price of coffee decreased rapidly. In 2002, when a single license system was introduced, AMCOS started to purchase coffee and established a payment system where part of the farmer’s income was paid in form of input purchase vouchers. This system assisted the farmers to obtain inputs thereby contributing to solve the problem of inputs. Chapter 6 examines farmers’ coping strategies in response to policy changes by analysing the results of field research conducted in the villages. The transformation of both the rural economy and the fanning system are described. Although many farmers who marketed coffee through the AMCOS appreciated the voucher system, they preferred selling coffee to the PCBs to the AMCOS. As such PCBs bought more coffee than AMCOS. This indicates that the farmer’s recognized the importance of management of expenditures based on their previous experiences with market economy, which greatly changed the structure of the rural economy. Consequently, coffee revenue, which was once invested in business, is currently invested in other activities to generate income and this assists the farmers to reduce the risks. When the global market prices stagnated, the government encouraged the purchase of coffee according to each grade a situation that motivated the farmers to produce high-quality coffee in a bid to increase income. The farmer’s organized themselves into groups that trained farmers to produce high quality coffee and identify appropriate marketing outlets. Introducing improved varieties and obtaining appropriate technology enhanced coffee quality. Selecting the most cost effective market for each grade maximized income. Networks and linkages among farmers’ groups became well established. The strategy of producing high quality coffee and identifying the most cost effective buyers spread fast among farmers in Mbinga District. An evaluation of the farmers’ coping strategies after economic liberalization revealed a structural transformation of the rural economy. The farmers tried various strategies to cope with policy changes within the context of their natural and social environment while making the best use of their experiences with the market economy. However, oversupply keeps prices stagnant while the prices of inputs keep rising. The sustainability of coffee cultivation in Mbinga will depend on constant supply of inexpensive inputs. It is presumed that formation of a cooperative union that pursues profit and values transparency while facilitating coffee farming, AMCOS and farmers’ groups would play a key role. It can be concluded that ten years of economic liberalization detached farmer’s from a state subsidized system to one of economic self-reliance that modified the structure of the rural economy.Item Land use conflicts between pastoralists and farmers in kilosa district, Tanzania(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2006) Tsoxo, Mark JosephLand use conflicts between pastoralists and crop farmers in Tanzania arc becoming prominent. Kilosa District in Morogoro Region has been experiencing these conflicts frequently. The survey was conducted in Mfilisi, Mbwade and Rudewa Batini villages in the district with the main objective of determining causes and solutions to land use conflicts between pastoralists and farmers. Ninety respondents, with equal number of pastoralists and farmers were interviewed using a questionnaire. PRA methods and key informants interviews were also used in gathering information from local officials and members of village conflict resolution committees. The major causes of the conflicts revealed include cattle grazing on crops in fields, unclear land demarcations, and land shortage, poor and low level of education, poor and/or lack of social and veterinary services in pastoral allocated areas, ethnicity and lack of respect between group members. Other causes were increase in livestock population, high and unbearable fines (penalties), lack of instant response to conflict and bad governance. The study also highlighted solutions of the conflicts between pastoralists and farmers. The major solutions at village level included effective use of the village conflict resolution committees, individual negotiations and proper allocation of village land. General solutions determined include establishment and respect of land demarcations, education, reduce number and improve livestock management, respect between group members, establishment and improvement of social and veterinary services in pastoral allocated areas. Also review of land policies and good governance were among major solutions. Conflicts between pastoralists and farmers can be resolved and managed in a democratic way. Involvement of main actors (farmers and pastoralists) can contribute significantly in maintaining peace and manage conflicts between pastoralists and farmers.Item Quality of care for people living with hiv/aids in morogoro municipality(Sokoine university of agriculture, 2006) Masako, Regina MaternAssessment of the quality of care services provided to people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) was undertaken in Morogoro Municipality whereby a cross sectional survey approach was adopted. Ninety people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) from two NGOs that are well known to support PLWHA in Morogoro Municipality were involved. The two NGOs were namely Faraja Trust Fund (FTF) and Wanaoishi na Virusi vya Ukimwi Morogoro (WAVUMO) which is an association of people living with HIV/AIDS in Morogoro. Data was collected by using a structured questionnaire, which incorporated a care score index that was developed by the researcher, and administered through face-to- face interviews. Descriptive and inferential methods of data analysis were used. Various stakeholders in Morogoro Municipality provided different types of care services to PLWHA. Health services were provided mainly by the Morogoro Regional Hospital and the NGOs of Faraja Trust Fund (FTF) and Wanaoishi na Virusi vya Ukimwi Morogoro (WAVUMO). Counselling and support was being provided by almost all stakeholders mainly the Morogoro Regional Hospital. Families were reported to be the primary care provider in home-based care services. The quality of various care services was determined by using a care score. The highest proportion of respondents (73.4%) reported high quality of care in the home-based care component, while the lowest (7.8%) proportion was in the awareness and practice of PMTCT. Most of the respondents perceived counselling and home-based care services they were getting to be good (43.3% and 70.8%, respectively). Seven variables were tested for important factors determining the extent of care quality among various components of care. Results showed that medical care was significantly influenced by age and education level of respondent. The communication and behaviour change component was affected by age and marital status while counselling and testingii was affected by only duration of living with the virus. The study recommended that, people living with HIV/AIDS should be enabled to improve their economical situation by providing them with low interest loans, training and provisions of social support. Medical services may need to be integrated within the home-based care for ease of accessing.Item Normative change in contemporary religious practice: a case of Africa inland and catholic churches in Morogoro municipality(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2006) Falanta, Emmanuel MhojaThe changes of norms in our contemporary church practice have been subjected to social changes which lead to loose spiritual conduct in and out of our churches. Based on the church profile this was merely caused by the earliest split of the church from Roman Catholic to Protestant churches, the consequences then to a major normative change that was to come. The rituals have changed overtime for different denominations and at different speeds. However no research has been undertaken to examine the change in Morogoro Municipality. This study was conducted in Morogoro Municipality in 2006 to determine the change of norms in our churches. It specifically focused on examining the nature of normative changes in religious practices by identifying norms that guide religious practices, establishing how and why these norms have changed over time and to compare the nature and sources of this change between conservative Roman Catholic and liberal Africa Inland Churches. The study employed a stratified sample of 40 respondents from each church to make SO respondents. Stratified random sample structured questionnaires were used to gather information from selected churches. Focus group discussion (FGDs) was used to gather information on normative values. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) of the computer programme was used to analyze data generated by questionnaire. These data from two denominations surveyed were analyzed descriptively and presented in a form of means, frequencies and percentages to show the relationships between independent and dependent variables. The results showed that there were great changes in respect to church norms, thus norms have generally been manipulated to suit interests of persons or particular groups.Item Determinants of population growth in Bukombe district, Shinyanga – Tanzania(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2006) Malala, Paulo Sosthenes MagalayaA study on determinants of population growth in Bukombe District was conducted in Bukombe District in Shinyanga Region. The study was prompted by the exceptionally high population growth rate of 7.4% in the district highest among the districts in Tanzania mainland. The need to examine the causes of this high population growth was based on the implication of the deterioration in provision of social services and future environmental stress. The general objective of the study was to determine factors contributing to high population growth in Bukombe District. Such information will assist district development stakeholders in formulating appropriate programmes and plans in order to improve the well being of the people. A specifically the study sought to estimate the levels of fertility; mortality and migration effects to the population growth in the district. Also the study intended to compare between the natural increase and migration contribution to population growth in the area. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data from a sample of 160 households. But as the study involved all household members, a total of 1076 respondents from the sampled households were interviewed. Data processing and analysis were done at SUA Main Campus. SPSS Version 11.5 for Windows was used for analysis. Generally it was found that fertility in the study area was very high based on the levels of estimated indices. Findings reveal that mortality is declining in the area compared with the figures in previous years. Natural increase was found to contribute by 55% to the district population growth while migration contributed only 45 percent. The study recommends that: extensive family planning programmes should be introduced to provide knowledge to the people in the district with emphasis on the importance of a small family size which every body can manage to care for. Second, it is recommended that health services providers/programmes should focus more on education to mothers on health care and provision of balanced diet to children to reduce child mortality. Third, in order to combat the increasing needs and demands of the high growing population the district authority is urged to improve provision of social amenities and services in collaboration with the community and the Central Government.Item Land use conflicts between pastoralists and farmers in Kilosa district, Tanzania(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2006) Tsoxo, Mark JosephLand use conflicts between pastoralists and crop farmers in Tanzania arc becoming prominent. Kilosa District in Morogoro Region has been experiencing these conflicts frequently. The survey was conducted in Mfilisi, Mbwade and Rudewa Batini villages in the district with the main objective of determining causes and solutions to land use conflicts between pastoralists and farmers. Ninety respondents, with equal number of pastoralists and farmers were interviewed using a questionnaire. PRA methods and key informants interviews were also used in gathering information from local officials and members of village conflict resolution committees. The major causes of the conflicts revealed include cattle grazing on crops in fields, unclear land demarcations, and land shortage, poor and low level of education, poor and/or lack of social and veterinary services in pastoral allocated areas, ethnicity and lack of respect between group members. Other causes were increase in livestock population, high and unbearable fines (penalties), lack of instant response to conflict and bad governance. The study also highlighted solutions of the conflicts between pastoralists and farmers. The major solutions at village level included effective use of the village conflict resolution committees, individual negotiations and proper allocation of village land. General solutions determined include establishment and respect of land demarcations, education, reduce number and improve livestock management, respect between group members, establishment and improvement of social and veterinary services in pastoral allocated areas. Also review of land policies and good governance were among major solutions. Conflicts between pastoralists and farmers can be resolved and managed in a democratic way. Involvement of main actors (farmers and pastoralists) can contribute significantly in maintaining peace and manage conflicts between pastoralists and farmers.Item Normative change in contemporary religious practice: a case of Africa inland and Catholic churches in Morogoro municipality(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2006) Falanta, Emmanuel MhojaThe changes of norms in our contemporary church practice have been subjected to social changes which lead to loose spiritual conduct in and out of our churches. Based on the church profile this was merely caused by the earliest split of the church from Roman Catholic to Protestant churches, the consequences then to a major normative change that was to come. The rituals have changed overtime for different denominations and at different speeds. However no research has been undertaken to examine the change in Morogoro Municipality. This study was conducted in Morogoro Municipality in 2006 to determine the change of norms in our churches. It specifically focused on examining the nature of normative changes in religious practices by identifying norms that guide religious practices, establishing how and why these norms have changed over time and to compare the nature and sources of this change between conservative Roman Catholic and liberal Africa Inland Churches. The study employed a stratified sample of 40 respondents from each church to make SO respondents. Stratified random sample structured questionnaires were used to gather information from selected churches. Focus group discussion (FGDs) was used to gather information on normative values. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) of the computer programme was used to analyze data generated by questionnaire. These data from two denominations surveyed were analyzed descriptively and presented in a form of means, frequencies and percentages to show the relationships between independent and dependent variables. The results showed that there were great changes in respect to church norms, thus norms have generally been manipulated to suit interests of persons or particular groups.Item The role of media in the conservation of Uluguru mountains forests in Morogoro(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2006) Aligaesha, AminielDeforestation is one of the major problems facing Tanzania. In Morogoro, the area under forests of Uluguru Mountains has been declining over time, which has threatened the survival of fauna and flora, human well-being, industrial production and the country's economy at large. The overall objective of the study is to assess the role of media in conserving forests of Uluguru mountains in order to achieve sustainable management of the biological resources. Cross-sectional design was adopted using open and closed ended questionnaires from a sample size of 80 respondents. Interviews with key informants, individual in-depth and focus group discussions (FGD) were also used. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Findings indicate that Morogoro has a number of mass media, which has not been utilized to disseminate environmental information particularly forestry. Despite the fact that there are three radio stations in the region, only one radio has been used by a single forestry organization to discuss and debate the way forward to conserve forests of the Uluguru mountains. Newspapers have covered a number of articles based on editorials, letter to the editor. features, special supplements, columns and pictures but the challenge they are limited to urban areas. Majority of the respondents own radio sets and they do listen to environmental radio programmes aired by a local radio in Morongo. This study recommends that mass media and forestry stakeholders should work together as partners in conservation of the Uluguru mountains. Foresters should effectively get the conservation messages out into the public arena to attract allies, convert foes, and win the minds and hearts of those involved in deforestation. By targeting different strata and hierarchy of media, environmental organizations will be able to reach the audience that is most important to them.Item Agrobiodiversity and food security among smallholder Farmers in uluguru mountains, Tanzania(2007) Mbwambo, Jonathan StephenThe study was done in Uluguru Mountains to determine the linkage between agrobiodiversity and household food security among smallholder farmers. Specifically the study sought to: identify the major farming systems including the management and organizational aspects of agrobiodiversity and the associated indigenous practices; determine household food security status and coping strategies among smallholder farmers in the study area; analyse' factors influencing household food security in the study area; determine crop diversity; and analyse socio-economic factors influencing agrobiodiversity and household food security. Using PRA, questionnaire surveys and diversity inventory from four villages and 120 randomly selected households, the study found that food security in the study area depends largely on the diversity of crops maintained by the households. The study showed further that food security as a concept is locally perceived and therefore what constitutes food security may be something that goes beyond conventional thinking. The study concludes that communities have inherent abilities to deal effectively with vulnerabilities based on their past experiences and anticipated outcomes. Such experiences and outcomes bring, among other things, agrobiodiversity for household food security. While food security perceptions and food preferences may be quite localized, they point to the fact that interventions to solve problems of food insecurity may only succeed when local perceptions and preferences are considered. The study draws a number of policy and research implications including the: development of policies and strategies away from mono cropping to diversity as a I means for sustainable food and the overall livelihood security of the smallholder farmers in the study area and areas with similar conditions; development of policiesiii for awareness raising in terms of the value of agrobiodiversity for sustainable agricultural production and the need to protect potentially useful crops and the value of agrobiodiversity as a cultural heritage. The study ends by proposing areas for further research including the establishment of the level of genetic diversity needed for ecologically sound and economically sustainable agriculture; documentation of seed exchange systems and minor and less known crops and their contribution to household food security. Other recommendations include genetic mapping and the role of market integration on agrobiodiversity.Item Participatory approach and development planning process in Maswa district, Shinyanga - Tanzania(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2007) Mabula, Benedict JohnA study on participatory approach and development planning process was conducted at Maswa District in Shinyanga Region. Overall objective of the study was to assess participatory planning process for development; specifically the study assessed the extent to which development stakeholders are informed about participatory planning approach concept. Secondly, the study assessed the extent at which stakeholders participate in the process and thirdly it assessed constraints that are being faced in the course of using the approach. Cross-sectional research design was used. Study findings show that 48% of respondents were not aware of the approach and the concept. Knowledge on the approach and concept was lower (34%) for females compared to males (54%). Findings revealed that majority of community members (71%) do not attend village development planning meetings. CBOs and NGOs are involved at implementation stage instead of being involved from plan preparation stage. Majority of community members participate in plan implementation; however, some CBOs fail to provide their contributions. Delay in releasing financial support by development supporters has resulted to poor implementation of planned activities. Findings in the study areas show that village assemblies are not regularly convened, physical progress and financial reports are also not regularly communicated to people. Generally, findings in the study areas showed that participatory planning approach is a useful means for attaining sustainable development. Constraints to the approach are; inadequate funds for facilitating the process, poor accountability and transparency of some leaders. The study recommends; sensitisation of people on the process, timely disbursement of funds, creation of active and empowered ward facilitation team, regular follow ups and monitoring of district and ward facilitation teams at village levels. Regular retraining of village and ward leaders on participatory planning, formation of informal savings and credits to enhance CBOs’ ability to contribute for development activities is also recommended.Item Impact of valley bottom cultivation (vinyungu) on poverty alleviation in Mtitu river basin, Kilolo District, Iringa, Tanzania(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2007) Kyando, Fabian EliasThe study on contribution of valley bottom cultivation (vinyungu) to poverty alleviation in Mtitu River Basin in Kilolo District was conducted in order to examine the role of this type of agriculture to rural livelihood. This type of agriculture has been practiced over many decades. In Mtitu River Basin almost all valley bottoms are used by small farmers who practice farming in lowlands, usually called vinyungu, a type of farming practiced in dry season. Tanzania Government has been restricting agricultural activities that are carried along rivers, in catchments and in all valley bottoms, but still many areas of this type are used for agricultural activities. The specific objectives of this study were: (i) To investigate agricultural activities in Mtitu river Basin, (ii) to examine the importance of valley bottom cultivation (vinyungu) to people’s income, (iii) to examine why people prefer vinyungu and (iv) to assess the sustainability of valley bottom cultivation in the context of environmental conservation. Data were collected through structured, semi- structured questionnaires, Focused Group Discussion (FGD) and non-participatory observation. Purposive, stratified and simple random sampling were employed to obtain the respondents for vinyungu. These were eight villages with 15 respondents each village comprising a total of 120 respondents. Data processing and analysis were done at SUA using Statistical Package for Social Sciences computer software in conformity with the objective of the study. Research findings have revealed that contribution of valley bottom cultivation to income poverty in Mtitu River Basin in Kilolo District is beneficial to farmers when compared to upland farming. This is so because what the individual farmer earned per year was large as compared to cash income obtained from upland farming. In order to make vinyungu sustainable as a form of agriculture the farmers should follow all regulations set by the Kilolo District Council and the Rufiji Basin Water Office in Iringa.Item The role of wild foods in household income and food security(Sokoine Universitry of Agriculture, 2007) Msola, David.KWild foods comprise of all edible products that are found growing naturally in forests, woodlands or farms. They include both fauna and flora species that are consumed either as wholly or partly. This study was designed to investigate the role of wild foods to household income and food security at Mufindi district in Iringa region. Data were collected using both structured and non-structured interviews. Purposive sampling procedures were used to obtain six representative villages. At village level, 30 respondents each from different households were picked at random for the study; this led to a sample size of 180 respondents. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS software, where outputs from descriptive statistics cross tabulation and frequencies were used in verifying the magnitude of wild food consumption. In this study, wild food products were grouped into wild fruits, wild vegetables, edible stems and tubers, edible seeds, mushrooms, honey, edible insects and bush meat. The contribution of these products to the revenue was found to differ from one division to another; research finding revealed that earnings from wild food marketing in different divisions ranged from Tsh. 1 957 to 6 315 Such income is less to the minimum government wage of Tsh. 65 000 by more than 90%. Based on time spent in gathering, transporting, and marketing of these products, one can view that wild food marketing is not a worthy business unless some interventions are to be made. It is recommended that both government and private institutions should join hands in promoting better wild food management and marketing.Item Harmonizing the factors constraining accessibility of credit to women entreprenuers in Tanzania: a case of Morogoro district(Sokoine University of Agriculture., 2007) Kyungay, Eunice MsewaThe study on harmonizing the factors constraining accessibility of credit to women entrepreneurs was conducted in two divisions namely: Mikese in Morogoro rural and Morogoro urban districts. The objective of the study was to establish different scenarios that harmonize factors limiting accessibility of credit to women. The study involved 103 respondents who were credit beneficiaries from three types of financial institutions; the Formal Financial Institution (FFI), Semi-formal Financial Institution (SFFI) and Informal Financial Institution (IFI). Data were collected using structured questionnaire and by reviewing various secondary data from several sources. Descriptive and quantitative statistics such as frequencies, mean, cross tabulations, Chi-square and cluster analysis were used in analyzing the data. Findings showed that more than half (52%) of women entrepreneurs used their own savings as start up capital. Results indicated that, FFI and SFFI were located in urban areas except IFI which were found in both urban and rural areas. This implies that operation of FIs are limited in rural areas. It was noted that FINCA and Informal lender used group security and guarantor (s) respectively while NMB demand assets and business license as collateral. Findings confirmed that more than half (56.8%) of the respondents faced problems of high interest rate, insufficient amount (21%) short grace period (11.2%) and walking long distance (9.3%) while few (1.7%) of respondents had faced problem of misunderstanding within group. Cluster analysis results to harmonize the type, location and financial institution’s objectives suggested different possible recommendations that can improve accessibility of credit to women entrepreneurs. Women residing in urban areas with formal education, having high monetary value assets, operating registered small and medium enterprises FFIs are main and suitable sources of credit. SFFIs and IFIs will be the major source of credit to women residing in rural and urban areas with formal or no formal education, own low monetary value assets, operating registered or unregistered small-scale enterprises which require small loan. Women entrepreneurs wishing to secure loan from SFFI should form groups prior the application of loan as the major criterion for the institution. Loan from FFI should be applied by women who require individual loan and have already started up their business in a permanent premises. FIs aiming at assisting women in income creation should develop mechanisms of financing new IGAs in urban and rural communities thus many women will benefit from disbursed credits and ultimately engaged more in IGAs. Finally because most of rural women were engaged more in farming as their main occupation FIs should provide loan for farming activities inorder to improve agricultural production.Item Participation of rural communities in the national poverty reduction strategies: a case of Gairo division in Kilosa District(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2007) Kwigizile, Edith TibiitaThis study was carried out in four villages of Gairo division, Kilosa district, Morogoro Region to assess participation of rural communities in the national poverty reduction strategies. Focus group discussion and structured questionnaire were used to collect data. Descriptive statistics were used to obtain general characteristics of the study population. Bivariate and partial correlations of variables were used to describe the relationship between variables. Chi- square statistic testing was used to compare populations from more and less accessible villages. Results indicated that majority of rural community members participated in poverty reduction activities/programs through agriculture. However, the income of respondents increased with an increase of the number of income generating activities. Thus, the hypothesis that the annual income at household level has an association with the number of income generating activities undertaken was accepted. Poverty reduction opportunities listed in the document of the National Poverty Eradication strategy (1998) were relatively more known to rural communities in villages which were more accessible than in less accessible villages. Therefore, the hypothesis that accessibility of an area affects recognition of poverty reduction opportunities by the residents was accepted. Chisquare statistic test showed that there were statistical differences in awareness at P < 0.01. At household level, at least 80% of respondents reported to involve family members in household poverty reduction activities. Also, participation of the rural community members in poverty reduction activities was being affected by factors such as age of household head and household size. Hence, the hypothesis that participation of rural communities in poverty reduction strategies is influenced by some of household demographic factors was true. Recommendations: rural communities should diversify their economic activities; availability of working capital and involvement of rural community members in community development activities should be improved. Also, community awareness on poverty reduction opportunities should be raised.