Browsing by Author "Mwakalapuka, A. A."

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The relationship between farmers’ attitude towards the improved cassava processing technology and adoption
(ECRTD-UK, 2020) Joshua, J. M.; Massawe, F. A.; Mwakalapuka, A. A.
This paper discusses the relationship between farmers’ attitude towards improved cassava processing technology and its adoption. About 360 participants [181 (50.3%) males and 178 (49.7%) females], strategically selected from Serengeti, Sengerema and Biharamulo districts in Mara, Mwanza and Kagera regions respectively in Tanzania responded questions on both attitude towards cassava processing technology and adoption of the same. Chi-square test indicated farmers’ difference in two components of adoption (involvement in pre-processing tasks and utilization of the cassava processed products) with two components (instrumental attitude and cognitive attitude) of attitude towards improved cassava processing technology. Further, direct logistic regression analysis indicated that attitude was not the only and sufficient variable uniquely explaining adoption of improved cassava processing technology despite having an influence on the same. Other variables such as attendance to training in improved cassava processing technology and intention to adopt the technology also uniquely explained adoption of improved cassava processing technology.
Validation of the cognitive flexibility scale (cfs) and its application in adoption of improved cassava technologies among cassava growers in Tanzania
(Ife Centre for Psychological Studies/Services, Nigeria, 2020) Joshua, J. M.; Massawe, F. A.; Mwakalapuka, A. A.
This research paper discusses the validation process of the cognitive flexibility scale (CFS) as a measurement instrument for farmers’ cognitive flexibility (CF). The role of CF in influencing behaviour has been established for centuries among psychologists. Thus, individual differences might be among the correlates of adoption of cassava processing technology among farmers. However, lack of an effective instrument to measure farmers’ CF has been limiting the predictive and descriptive potential of farmers’ CF. The instrument was validated in a two stages study with some specific objectives guiding the study namely; assess the instrument’s component structure validity and reliability of CFS, examine whether CFS could categorise farmers’ performance in cognitive flexibility by farmers’ demographics; and whether or not could cognitive flexibility have an influence on farmers’ adoption of cassava farming technologies. In the first stage the instrument was pilot tested in a survey conducted in Serengeti district in Mara region of Tanzania among 200 participants. Principle component Analysis (CPA) indicated that CFS was a three factor scale with good internal consistency (α = 0.85). The three factors found were technology acceptance (α = 0.92), open mindedness (α = 0.86), and adapting to new situations (α = 0.37). In the second stage, a total of 360 participants, of whom 181 were males and 178 were females responded to the CFS. It was found that the improved CFS was a three factor scale reaching an internal consistency of α = 0.85. The three subscales in the CFS were adapting to new farming technologies (α = 0.88), acceptance of new farming technologies (α = 0.86), and open mindedness to other people’s ideas (α = 0.80). The findings further indicate low correlations among the subscales, implying discriminant validity of the scale. In addition to theoretical implications, the paper discusses the measure’s effectiveness and its potential applicability in the field of rural development and with specific focus to adoption of farming technologies. The findings provide support for validity and reliability of the CFS and its multidimensional nature. It is recommended that one needs to consider contextual factors such as the level of cassava processing technology before generalizing the validity and reliability of CFS, and thus, a need for further validation studies of the instrument.
Validation of the Perceived Self-efficacy Scale (PSE) Among Cassava Farmers in Tanzania
(Dar es Salaam University College of Education (DUCE), 2020) Joshua, J. M.; Massawe, F. A.; Mwakalapuka, A. A.
This paper validated the Perceived Self-Efficacy (PSE) scale as a measurement tool for farmers’ self-efficacy. From the social cognitive theory, self-efficacy is the key determinant of many social-cognitive behaviours, including the adoption of farming technologies. In this paper, PSE was adopted and tested in a two-stage study among cassava farmers in Mara, Mwanza, and Kagera regions of Tanzania. In the first stage, 200 respondents in Serengeti District of Mara region were exposed to the 13 items of PSE scale, while in the second the adopted tool with 11 items was administered to a total of 360 participants in Mara, Mwanza, and Kagera regions. The Principle Component Analysis (PCA) was performed, which was later followed by the Monte Carlo Parallel analysis. Results indicate that the 11 items of the PSE were relevant in measuring farmers’ self-efficacy. Further, the moderate discriminant validity (r = 0.48), and good internal consistency (α = 0.85) of the adopted PSE were found. It was concluded that PSE is an effective instrument in assessing individual differences in perceived self-efficacy. The study recommends the adoption of PSE as an effective tool for measuring farmers’ self-efficacy.