Browsing by Author "Isinika, A. C."

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Agricultural policy analysis studies in Tanzania: a historical and thematic perspective with implications on future policy research for crop production and marketing
(Tanzania Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2016) Isinika, A. C.; Mibavu, G. M.; VanSickle, J. J.
This paper reviews studies which have addressed agricultural policy research in relation to Tanzania during and after economic structural adjustment, with some cross reference for studies within Africa and globally. The studies are reviewed to cover: factor markets; product markets; and macro-economic management in relation to impacts on agriculture performance. The review establishes that in the factor markets more studies have been done to address productivity improving inputs, especially inorganic fertilizer compared to other inputs such as financing and credit for agriculture. Based on the findings, further areas for future research are proposed. Five sub-themes are presented: subsidy, returns to investment, land markets, trade, and inter-sectoral linkages. The study concludes by observing that despite all the studies, there is little evidence that policymaking in Tanzania is informed by policy research. Alternatively stated, policy makers do not seek guidance from research to make decisions. The review also establishes that most of local researchers use analytical methods which have limited capacity to provide robust policy recommendations that are backed by clear analytical rigour. Capacity building of young professionals is therefore recommended to improve their competence to become agricultural policy analysts with impact on agricultural policy processes.
Comparative economic analysis of beekeeping using traditional and improved beehives in the Miombo woodlands of Tabora and Katavi regions, Tanzania
(Huria Journal, 2016) Kuboja, N. M.; Isinika, A. C.; Kilima, F. T. M.
The study was carried out in Tabora and Katavi regions in the miombo woodlands of Tanzania. The overall objective of the study was to undertake a comparative economic analysis of beekeeping using improved or traditional beehives. Data were collected from 198 beekeepers that were randomly selected from a sampling frame of 237 beekeepers using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) along with budgetary analysis and profitability ratios. The findings revealed that improved beehives were more productive than traditional beehives, although both beekeeping systems were profitable ventures. However, beekeepers who used traditional beehives realized higher net farm income than those who used improved beehives. Return on investment was estimated to be 3.7% per shilling for beekeepers using traditional beehives against 1.3, 0.3 and 0.8% for those using Tanzania Top Bar, Box and Langstroth (improved beehives), respectively. The lower gains associated with improved beehives that are more productive than traditional ones, are most likely to be a result of failures within the market system to value and reward quality. Earnings for adopters of these productivity enhancing beehives could increase if new mechanisms that allow fair pricing of high-quality honey extracted from such beehives are instituted in local markets. These endeavours could be pioneered by relevant institution including local government and non-governmental organizations in respective areas.