Browsing by Author "Mdee, Norah"

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Navigating grassroots innovation journey in Tanzania: factors shaping innovation
(Asian Journal of Agricultural Extension, Economics & Sociology, 2025-03-17) Mdee, Norah; Msuya, Catherine; Busindeli, Innocent; Martin, Respikius
Grassroots innovation is increasingly recognized for its potential to address localized challenges and promote sustainable development. This study addressed the factors influencing grassroots innovation journeys in Tanzania, utilizing PESTLE and SWOT analysis frameworks. A cross- sectional design was used to collect qualitative data guided by a semi-structured questionnaire from 35 grassroots innovators. 16 innovators were purposively selected from the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH) innovators database, 11 were purposively selected from Mashindano ya Kitaifa ya Sayansi, Teknolojia na Ubunifu (MAKISATU) databases and 8 innovators were purposively selected from 2020, 2021 and 2022 and participants in the 45 th and 46th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair Exhibition (SABASABA) in 2021 and 2022. Key informant interviews and observations supplemented the collected data, identifying different prototypes according to the stages of innovation. Innovators were selected from 11 sectors: Agriculture, Information and Communication Technology, Environment, Energy, Engineering, Education, Health, Security, Transport, Industrial and Water. The findings highlight the critical role of political support, economic stability, technological access and community engagement in fostering successful grassroots innovation journeys. The study offers policy recommendations to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of grassroots innovation initiatives in Tanzania. Emphasizing the need for stable funding, robust legal frameworks and holistic approach to address multifaceted challenges. This includes policy reforms, economic incentives, societal attitude shifts, technological support, legal clarity and infrastructural improvements. By tackling these issues comprehensively, Tanzania can create a more vibrant and inclusive innovation ecosystem, unlocking the potential of its innovators to drive sustainable development and economic growth.
Perceptions of innovation system stakeholders towards grassroots innovators in Tanzania
(African Journal of Social Issues, 2025) Mdee, Norah; Msuya, Catherine; Busindeli, Innocent; Martin, Respikius
This study explores the perceptions of various stakeholders toward grassroots innovators in Tanzania and how these views shape the innovation ecosystem. Stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector actors, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and international donors, influence the grassroots innovation journey through their support, policies, and funding mechanisms. Using a qualitative approach, data were collected from 35 grassroots innovators through semi-structured questionnaire, key informant interviews, and observations. Innovators were selected from the COSTECH database, Mashindano ya Kitaifa ya Sayansi, Teknolojia na Ubunifu (MAKISATU) records, and participants in the Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair Exhibition (SABASABA). The findings indicate that while institutions such as the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MOEST) and COSTECH are seen as crucial for policy support, bureaucratic delays and budget constraints limit their effectiveness. Meanwhile, organizations such as the Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA), Small Industries Development Organization (SIDO), National Institute of Transport (NIT), and Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology (DIT) are perceived as more accessible and hands-on in supporting grassroots innovators. However, challenges persist in aligning private sector and international donor support with grassroots needs due to issues of trust and mismatched priorities. The study underscores the importance of addressing these perceptions to enhance stakeholder engagement, improve resource distribution and foster a more inclusive innovation ecosystem
Stakeholders dynamics in the grassroots innovation journey in Tanzania: a swot analysis
(International Journal of Development and Management Review, 2025) Mdee, Norah; Msuya, Catherine; Busindeli, Innocent; Martin, Respikius
The study analyzes the roles of various stakeholders in Tanzania’s grassroots innovation journey using a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis. The study examines key actors, including government agencies, private sector organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), international donors and grassroots innovators to assess their impact on the innovation ecosystem. A cross-sectional design was employed to collect qualitative data from 35 grassroots innovators, selected through purposive sampling from sources such as the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH) database, Mashindano ya Kitaifa ya Sayansi, Teknolojia na Ubunifu (MAKISATU) records, and participants in the Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair Exhibition (SABASABA). Data were gathered through semi-structured questionnaires, key informant interviews and observations. The SWOT analysis reveals that stakeholders such as the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MOEST) and COSTECH provide crucial policy and funding support but face challenges like bureaucratic delays and budget constraints. Other institutions, including the Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA), Small Industries Development Organization (SIDO), National Institute of Transport (NIT) and Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology (DIT) are recognized for their role in incubating grassroots innovations. The private sector and international donors contribute financial and technical support, yet issues related to trust and alignment with grassroots needs hinder their effectiveness. The findings emphasize the need for enhanced collaboration, improved coordination and streamlined administrative processes to strengthen stakeholder involvement in grassroots innovation.