Browsing by Author "Salehe Farida S."

Now showing 1 - 3 of 3

Determinants of effective livestock-based drought risk management among pastoral communities: evidence from Handeni District, Tanzania
(College of Social Sciences and Humanities/ Sokoine University of Agriculture., 2025-05-14) Chingonikaya Emanuel E; Salehe Farida S.; Mwakalonge Hebron L.
Drought poses a persistent threat to pastoral livelihoods globally, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions where livestock-based systems are dominant. Despite the centrality of livestock to pastoralist livelihoods, empirical knowledge on the determinants of effective drought risk management remains limited. This study investigated livestock-based risk management and coping mechanisms among 160 pastoralist households in Handeni District, Tanga Region, Tanzania. A cross-sectional design was employed, using structured questionnaires, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. Data were analyzed using SPSS, applying multiple linear regression to identify statistically significant predictors of effective drought coping mechanisms. The regression model was statistically significant (F = 13.261, df = 9, p < 0.005), explaining 44.3% (R² = 0.443) of the variance in drought risk management effectiveness. Key predictors included herd mobility (β = 91.749, p = 0.001), pastoral systems and early warning information (β = 316.537, p < 0.001), land size (β = 2.854, p = 0.004), and access to timely markets (β = 11.516, p = 0.021). These findings underscore the critical role of mobility and access to climate and market information in enhancing pastoral resilience to drought. Notably, herd mobility was the most adopted practice, with 66.9% of respondents indicating migration in search of pasture and water as a key adaptive strategy. The study concludes that enhancing drought early warning systems, securing grazing lands, and promoting mobility-friendly policies are vital to effective livestock-based drought risk management. It recommends the integration of local knowledge systems with formal risk analysis and planning, ensuring participatory decision-making from grassroots to national levels. Strengthening institutional support, land tenure systems, and timely market access will improve adaptive capacities and contribute to sustainable pastoral livelihoods under increasing drought conditions.
Farmers’ attitudes and challenges in organic spice farming: a case study of the Uluguru Mountains, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2025-07-02) Salehe Farida S.; Salanga Raymond J.
Despite Tanzania's economic reforms and rising global demand for organic spices, smallholder farmers in the Uluguru Mountains face significant barriers to sustainable organic spice production, including fungal diseases, market exploitation, and post-harvest losses. This cross-sectional mixed-methods study (n=120 farmers, 11 key informants) in Morogoro District employed descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and logistic regression to examine farmers’ attitudes and challenges. Results revealed that 47.5% of farmers held favourable attitudes toward organic farming (95% citing environmental benefits, 84.2% premium prices), while 45% expressed unfavourable views due to economic constraints. Logistic regression showed that male farmers (OR=6.63, 95% CI: 2.43–18.09, p<0.001) and those with secondary education (OR=19.85, 95% CI: 2.20–179.23, p=0.008) were significantly more likely to have favourable attitudes, while market inefficiencies (OR=0.29, 95% CI: 0.12–0.73, p=0.008) and inadequate storage (OR=0.33, 95% CI: 0.11–0.99, p=0.047) reduced this likelihood. Key challenges included fungal diseases (84.5% prevalence; χ²=25.909, p<0.001), middlemen-driven market inefficiencies (64.9%), and poor storage facilities (24.1%). Grounded in the Theory of Planned Behavior, these findings highlight how socio-demographic disparities and structural barriers shape farmers’ engagement with organic practices. The study recommends disease-resistant crop varieties, improved storage infrastructure, farmer cooperatives, and gender-inclusive training to enhance the viability and equity of organic spice farming, aligning with Tanzania’s sustainable development goals.
Gendered participation in afforestation at the household level in Njombe District, Njombe Region, Tanzania
(College of Social Sciences and Humanities-Sokoine University of Agriculture., 2024-07-28) Salehe Farida S.
Gender participation in afforestation across Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), including Tanzania, is increasingly recognized as a key pathway for promoting sustainable tree resource management and enhancing livelihood opportunities. Active involvement of both women and men in tree-related activities can foster equitable benefits and long-term sustainability. However, the extent and impact of gender-based participation remain under-explored and often poorly reflected in national economic accounts. This study investigates the role of gender in afforestation within Njombe District, Tanzania. Specifically, it examines levels of gendered participation, explores the factors influencing involvement, and analyzes the impact of afforestation on household income. A total of 120 households were randomly selected for the study. Data collection methods included household surveys, focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and personal observation. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, while qualitative data were examined through content analysis. Findings reveal that gender significantly shapes afforestation practices. Males, whether in male- or female-headed households, commonly maintain control over resources—dictating ownership, use, and benefit distribution. While women are granted access rights, their participation and influence in decision-making processes remain limited. Male dominance is evident across all stages of afforestation, from nursery management and harvesting to marketing and revenue allocation, particularly regarding high-value products such as timber and poles. The study concludes that afforestation activities are predominantly male-driven. It recommends integrating gender considerations into household-level decision-making to promote more inclusive and effective afforestation systems