Browsing by Author "Sikira, A."

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Assessment of existing policy and legal framework for banana value chain development in Uganda
(2016) Ariho, A.; Makindara, J.; Tumwesigye, G.; Sikira, A.
Although there is a high dependence on bananas for food and income, the banana subsector remains largely underdeveloped in Uganda. This study aims to assess the enabling environment in the banana subsector by ascertaining and examining the existing policy and legal frameworks for the development of the banana value chain in Uganda. A combination of survey, focus group discussions, key informant interviews and desk review data collection techniques were employed for the study. Analysis of the extant policy framework reveals that despite the absence of a specific policy for the banana subsector, there is a legal institutional framework in operation although only on a limited scale as the responsible institutions are weak. Adequate financing and human capital capacity development are required in order to empower the existing institutions towards promotion of the banana value chain. The paper concludes that a policy specifically geared towards the banana subsector is a prerequisite for a comprehensive strategic plan in the development of the Ugandan banana value chain.
Assessment of innovative market access options for banana value chain in Uganda
(2015-10) Alex, A.; Makindara, J.; Tumwesigye, G.; Sikira, A.
Smallholder banana farmers depend almost entirely on fresh banana for their livelihoods in Uganda. Similarly, other banana value chain (BVC) actors specialize in the trade of the fresh fruit for income and employment. Therefore, improving the efficiency of market access options in Uganda’s banana subsector is one way that banana value chain actors can benefit through the sale of their banana products. In order to achieve this, the actors need to be innovative; departing from dependence on the same product and traditional markets/approaches that limit available benefits. This paper is aimed at identifying innovative market access options among the banana value chain actors in Uganda as a basis for projecting the potential. Cross-sectional research design incorporating 240 value chain actors was employed for the study. The major innovative market access options assessed during the study were collective marketing, contract farming, mobile phone platforms, value addition options and supermarkets. The study discovered that innovative market access options such as farmer associations/collective marketing groups, use of mobile phone tools and value addition among banana actors were vital in improving market access but were underutilized. As such, there is need to develop a specific banana value chain development strategic framework in order to tap up innovations among the value chain actors and promote their diffusion across key banana growing districts in Uganda
The contribution of agricultural service support programme to socio-economic empowerment of rural women in Zanzibar, Tanzania
(IISTE, 2018) Fakhi, A.; Sikira, A.
The existing gender gaps in agriculture cannot be overemphasized. Different approaches and strategies have been used by the development actors to empower women. Using Mkoani District as a study area, the contribution of agricultural programmes towards social-economic empowerment of women was assessed. The study adopted a cross-sectional design, whereby data were collected from 200 respondents. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected. Strategies used for empowering women were descriptively analyzed. Women’s Empowerment Index (WEI) was used to assess socio-economic empowerment levels both for those involved and those not involved in the agricultural programmes. Five constructs were developed and used to assess women’s socio-economic empowerment levels. The findings of the study on which this paper is based show that empowerment levels of women who participated in the programme was slightly higher than non-programme members implying that socio-economic levels of women in the programme improved compared to non programme members. This was confirmed by Mann-Whitney U-test whereby variables such as enhanced women’s decision making on production resources, increased income and contribution of women in household expenses were statistically significant at 0.05. However, freedom of movement and asset ownership were not significant indicating that there were no differences among women participated in Agriculture Service Support Programme (ASSP) and non-ASSP members. It is therefore concluded that programmes such as ASSP through farmer field schools approach improved women’s socio-economic empowerment. Therefore, the paper recommends that women should be encouraged to participate in agricultural related development programme implemented in Zanzibar as most of rural women’s wellbeing depends on agriculture.
Contribution of Integrated Urban Agriculture to Household Income: A Case of Kinondoni Municipality, Tanzania
(The Journal of Agricultural Sciences - Sri Lanka, 2018-05-01) Victor, K.; Massawe, F. A.; Sikira, A.
Purpose: Urban farmers make efficient utilization of resources by integrating crop-livestock fish sub sectors to maximize accrued benefits. However, types of integration practices adopted and associated income outcome are still undocumented. Thus this study specifically assessed the types of integrated urban agriculture (IUA) mostly practiced by farmers, types of livelihood strategies adopted simultaneously with IUA and its contribution to total household income. Findings: The results show that integrated urban agriculture is the most prioritised livelihood strategy to urban farmers. Majority of urban farmers (98.5%) practising integrated farming concentrated on crop-livestock, while fish-livestock and crop livestock-fish integration adopted only by 0.75% each. This implies that, majority of urban farmers did not practice fish sub-sector. Integrated urban agriculture gives average annual income of 2 295 288 TSH (equivalent to 1093$); which was sufficient for household of six members being above monetary food poverty line per year. Research Limitation: This study focuses on income livelihood indicator; however, farmers can also, benefit from integrated agriculture through food security, social inclusion and ecology to mention some. Originality/Value: This study provides a comprehensive layout adopted by integrated urban farmers to benefit from the sub-sectors and what is missing for improvement of the enterprises for improved livelihood outcome in Tanzania
Integrated urban agriculture: constraints facing livestock keepers in Kinondoni; Dar es Salaam City, Tanzania
(Tengeru Community Development Journal, 2018) Victor, K.; Massawe, F. A.; Sikira, A.
Various researches conducted in Dar es Salaam city, Tanzania show that urban agriculture makes significant contribution to household livelihood. Despite this contribution, the growth of integrated urban agriculture in the urban areas is not convincing. Thus, this study aimed at establishing constrains facing integrated urban agriculture. Specifically, the study assessed livestock management system adopted by integrated urban farmers, and determined type of constraints they are facing.The study adopted a cross-sectional research design whereby both quantitative and qualitative data were collected through household survey and focus group discussions. Random sample of 132 integrated urban farmers was selected to accomplish this study. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS while qualitative data were analysed using content analysis. The findings indicate that less than 50% of integrated urban farmers are practising intensive livestock management system. Also, it was shown that, integrated urban agriculture faces a number of constraints including investment capital constrains, technical expertise, incredible hatcheries, water shortage and diseases. From the study findings, the study concludes that, practising semi-intensive and extensive livestock management system which is contrary to the municipality bylaws guiding livestock keeping in urban areas reduce productivity of the sub-sectors in the study area as well as increasing the chance of failure. Therefore, individual farmers’ initiatives, governmental and non-governmental efforts should focus on providing solution to various challenges facing urban farmers.
Land fragmentation, agricultural productivity and implications for agricultural investments in the Southern Agricultural Growth Corridor of Tanzania (SAGCOT) region, Tanzania
(2017-02) Kadigi, R. M. J.; Kashaigili, J. J.; Sirima, A.; Kamau, F.; Sikira, A.; Mbungu, W.
There are polarized evidences of the impact of agricultural land fragmentation on land productivity. On the one hand there viewpoints which consider land fragmentation to harm agricultural productivity. On the other hand there are counter thoughts which view land fragmentation as a positive situation which allows farmers to cultivate many environmental zones, minimise production risk and optimise the schedule for cropping activities. We use the case of Ihemi cluster in the Southern Agricultural Growth Corridor of Tanzania (SAGCOT) to investigate the impact of land fragmentation on crop productivity. We furthermore discuss the nature and causes of land fragmentation in the SAGCOT region and its implication on the future structure of agricultural landholdings and welfare of smallholder farmers in the region. The results showed that the nature and level of fragmentation in the study area were the outcome of combined, rather than isolated influences of supply and demand driven factors. Overall, the results did not support the claim that fragmentation reduces land productivity. This then implies that land fragmentation should not always be considered as defective. There were evidences of increasing chunks of land owned by rich farmers and investors which increased the possibility for increased consolidation of agricultural land under large scale farming. However, the landholdings for smallholder farmers might become increasingly more fragmented as poor smallholder farmers continue selling their land holdings to rich farmers and investors. Releasing the SAGCOT region’s potential for agricultural development will require that smallholder farmers are helped to secure adequate and suitable land for farming, raise agricultural productivity, diversify their sources of income, and adopt good production practices. This requires setting up a strong base of investor - farmer synergies for inclusive agricultural growth.
Linking the twin pandemics: Gender based violence and hiv in Serengeti District, Mara, Tanzania
(AESS, 2015) Sikira, A.; Urassa, J. K.
Gender Based Violence (GBV) and HIV/AIDS are major health and social problems affecting women and men in African countries Tanzania included. While both men and women are victims of GBV and HIV/AIDS, women are more vulnerable than men. Socio-economic, biological and cultural factors are believed to exacerbate the problem. The current study explores the link between gender based violence and the spread of HIV/AIDS. Using Serengeti District as a study area, a cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted using a mixed method/approach, whereby administering a questionnaire, focus group discussion (FGDs) and in-depth interviews were employed. Twenty nine key informants and 64 participants were selected for FGDs, while 16 women (victims of GBV and HIV/AIDS) were purposively selected for in- depth interview. Qualitative information was analyzed using content analysis. GBV practices such as women to women marriages emerged to be a predictor of HIV because young women married to old women might have multiple relationships apart from the selected husband. Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and male circumcision are practiced using non sterilized knives which are culturally believed to be sacred which also fuels the spread of HIV/AIDS. Other GBV practices include the cleansing of the widow/widower; this is done through sexual contact between the widow and close relative of the deceased husband or using a village cleanser. Wife battery was found to be caused by husband or wife being suspected of involvement in extramarital relationship. Unfaithfulness of spouses increases risks of acquiring HIV to couples. The study recommends involvement of traditional leaders in the process of reducing GBV and HIV/AIDS spread. Awareness creation towards the use of both female and male condoms is of utmost importance.
Opportunities for upgrading the banana value chain in Uganda
(2005-06) Alex, A.; Makindara, J.; Tumwesigye, G.; Sikira, A.
As one of the major staple foods in Uganda, the banana industry is important for providing . fi)od and income to producers and other value chain actors. However, the sector is vastly underdeveloped, hence limiting its contribution to the economic wellbeing of actors. This paper assesses opportunities for upgrading the banana value chain as a basis for identifYing the potential entry points for developing the banana sub-sector in Uganda. A cross-sectional research design was adopted where interviews with 240 value chain actors and focus group discussion were conducted. Additional information was collected from a desk review of relevant literature. The value chain analysis approach vi'as adopted for data analysis as a basis for identifying Opportunities for improvement and upgrading options. Results' Allowed that banana farmers apply inputs at the farm level and they are involved in value addition post harvest, but on a very low scale. On average 27% of the bananas produced by smallholder jiirmers were set aside.* value addition. The most common forms of value addition adopted by furriers and traders included ripening and roasting the bananas, brewing local alcohol (tont() and waragi), making crafts and juice. The study observed an increasing number of firms that are involved in modernized value addition techniques. However there was a poor link between value chain actors, especial/v banana producers. input suppliers and providers of financial services. The study identified numerous opportunities for product. process', functional, channel and inter-sectoral upgrading in the banana value chain as well as value chain governance as important entry points towards boosting the general performance of the banana value chain.
Risk behavior and HIV/Aids spread among petty traders in Namanga border (Tanzania and Kenya border)
(2016) Sikira, A.; Mamuya, E. P.
The prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Tanzania has slightly fallen from 5.7 in 2007/2008 to 5.1% in 2001/2012 for people aged between15-49. However, the epidemic’s severity differs from one location to another and from one population segment to another. Petty traders across the border are assumed to be at high risk of contracting the disease. This paper assessed risk behavior among petty traders across Namanga border of Tanzania and Kenya. Using 120 respondents, the paper adopted a cross-sectional research design to collect both quantitative and qualitative data. A well structured questionnaire and checklist of questions were used tools for data collection. The paper revealed that apart from having high knowledge on HIV/AIDS, a number of risk behaviors such as having multiple partners, non use of condoms and excessive consumption of alcohol were practiced by petty traders. Further, frequent contraction of sexual transmitted infections (STIs) other than HIV/AIDS was also reported to increased chances for HIV/AIDS infection. It was concluded that the struggle against poverty by the petty traders increases high risk of contracting STIs such as HIV/AIDS. It is recommended that the government through institutions such as Tanzania Commission for AIDS (TACAIDS) and other Non Government Organizations continue with the campaign against HIV/AIDS to specific group of communities including petty traders. The campaign should go hand in hand with training on life management skills among petty traders.