Department of Policy Planning and Management

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Gender Imbalance in Agricultural and Non-Agricultural Activities: A Case Study of Morogoro Rural District, Tanzania
(2003) Ndiyo, D.; Urassa, J. K.
This article is based on findings from a study conducted in Mkindo village Morogoro district between November 2001 and March 2002. The aim of the study was to assess gender involvement in agricultural activities and its impact on household food security. The specific objectives were to determine how both genders are involved in agricultural and non-agricultural activities and to determine the relative share of each gender in' the ownership of the means of production. The study used an explanatory cross sectional design in which data was collected once through a structured questionnaire with some open and closed ended questions. A total of 75 respondents were involved in this study whereby 43 were female and 32 were male. Purposive and simple random sampling were used to get the intended respondents. The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Descriptive statistics namely frequencies. means, percentages and range were used to summarize the information. A number of issues affecting household income generation were identified. There was unequal ownership of the means of production. the share of women being marginal. Women, however, carried a heavier load of domestic work while men held in their hands. However. men mostly controlled the agricultural produce. The participation of men in non-agricultural income generating activities was also insignificant. In order to enhance effective participation of both genders in agricultural production which eventually would lead to eventually more food secure households. gender imbalance in the above mentioned aspects should be sought.
Effects of phosphate haplustult duration of contact and rates of Minjingu Phosphate Rock (MPR) on its release of P in a kanhaplic haplustult
(2006) Nsenga, J. V; Mrema, J. P
An incubation pot experiment was conducted at the Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania to study the effects of times of contact and rates of Minjingu phosphate rock (MPR) applied to a Kanhaplic Haplustult on the release of P from the MPR. The soil was mixed with MPR at rat'es equivalent to 0.0, 25.0, 37.5, 50.0 and 75.0 mg PI kg soil. The incubation periods were 30, 60, 90, and 120 days. The moisture content of the soil in the pots was maintained at about field capacity during the incubation periods using distilled water. Release of P from the MPR increased with increase in MPR rates and incubation periods. The interaction between incubation periods and MPR rates explained about 86.8% of the variation in P release from the MPR. MPR rates accountedfor 76.6% of the release of P, while incubation periods accounted for 10.3% of the dissolution. The soil pH and extractable Ca were found to increase slightly with increase in MPR rates but decreased with increase in incubation periods. The exchangeable acidity and exchangeable Al decreased with increase in MPR rates, and slightly increased with incubation periods.
The contribution of HIV/AIDS on family dissolution in Makete district, Tanzania .
(Sokoine university of agriculture, 2007) Sanga, Upendo Attu
The impact of HIV/AIDS on family dissolution is one of the most serious problems facing the world at this era of HIV/AIDS. The traditional African family is collapsing very rapidly due to HIV/AIDS pandemic. Implications of having HIV/AIDS in the family have been documented in many parts of the world. They range from increased medical costs and expenditures on funerals to withdrawal of family members from work or school to look after those who are ill. Also these problems lead to burdens to the family in terms of human pain, suffering, health care expenditures, school requirements, child- headed households and increased families headed by single parents. Although efforts have been taken by the government and other partners to address these issues, the problems are still rapidly increasing throughout the country and Makete in particular. If challenges that face families are not examined, there is a danger of destroying a large and growing segment of our young population. The overall objective of this study was to determine the impact of HIV/AIDS on family dissolution. The study adopted a cross sectional design by using open and closed ended questionnaires applied to a sample size of 135 respondents. Interviews with key informants, individual in-depth and focus group discussions (FGD) were also used during the study. The analysis of collected data was done using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and the Statistical Analysis System (SAS). A Logit regression model was used to estimate the influence of socio-cultural, socio- economic and other external factors on respondents’ family dissolution. Family dissolution was high (42.6%) among households controlled by widows/widowers. The conclusion is that, family dissolution in Makete is not much affected by migration but is much affected by death of household members and economic hardship of the area. To ease this situation, it is recommended that, among other things, new infections of HIV/AIDS should beiii reduced in order to limit the number of widows and orphan headed households and to improve economic well being of the people.
Socio-economic values and genetic diversity of indigenous cattle in Mara region, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2007) Ngowi, Edwin Estomii
A field survey was carried out on Tarime zebu cattle (TZC) in Tarime district (Mara region) in order to describe farmers’ traditional knowledge practices of cattle preferences, productive, reproductive, breed-specific management constraints, desired policy interventions and phenotypic characteristics of TZC. Information from structured questionnaire of 120 farmers, twenty key informants, field measurements such as heart girth, height at withers and body length of 17 males, 23 castrates and 53 females were utilised to carry out an on-farm phenotypic characterisation and description of the breed. The majority of the farmers (86%) still prefer to keep TZC. Average age at first calving was 4.2 years. Average calving interval was 17.5 months and lactation length was 8.2 months. Farmers ranked with highest score draught power, dowry and the role of cattle in home consumed milk as the most important preferences of keeping TZC. The TZC breed is recognized by farmers to have adaptive resistance to diseases and parasites and ability to cope with feed shortages during the long dry periods are favourably rated by the majority of farmers. Farmers desired to have regular extension services (48%), reliable market for livestock and milk (28%) and veterinary services (22%) as well as improving of water sources through construction of dams and cattle dips (18%) to reduce water shortage and tick-borne diseases, respectively. TZC have an average body weight of 292kg, 249kg and 319 ± 36kg and average height at withers of 111cm, 107cm and 116cm for males, females and castrates. The heart girth, height at wither, body length and rump width predicted body2 weight with the highest accuracy (R 2 = 0.98) of statistical significance (p<0.05).The study concluded that the farming communities in the study area prefer their local and highly adapted cattle breed for their survival; and the breed trends (TZC) are attributed mainly to the decrease in grazing land and the increase in human population.
The contribution of mangrove forests to the livelihoods of adjacent communities in Tanga and Pangani districts .
(Sokoine university of agriculture, 2007) Ngomela, Anna
Mangrove ecosystems play crucial role in protection of coastlines. Apart from this most people living adjacent to these ecosystems depend on this resource to meet basic socio-economic needs and livelihoods. Though Joint Forest Management has been practiced in mangrove ecosystem for a significant period now little if any is quantitatively documented on the contribution of mangrove products to the livelihoods of communities. This study aimed at identifying and assessing the existing and potential mangrove products and their contribution to local people livelihoods in Tanga and Pangani Districts. Specifically the study assessed availability of the products, extent to which the products contribute to household income and other forest based goods. Socio-economic data were collected in Chongoleani, Machui, West Pangani and Kipumbwi villages through questionnaires and discussions with key informants. The Statistical Package for Social Science and Excel programs were used to analyse socio-economic data and Content and Structural-Functional Analysis techniques were used for qualitative data. Findings from the study showed, firewood was the major product obtained and accessed from mangrove ecosystems followed by mangrove poles, fish, bee products and crabs. The accessibility of the products is through permits which are obtained from the village environmental committees and District Mangrove Officer. Males earned an average income of about 1 704 000 Tshs per year and females earned 3 027 000 Tshs per year from trade in mangrove products. On the other hand the average income from other sources was reported to be 1 058 000 Tshs per year for males and 958 900 Tshs per year for females. It is concluded that mangrove ecosystem have moderate contribution to livelihood. The study recommends strengthening of local institutions and increasing people’s awareness on sustainable utilization of mangrove ecosystems in order to increase positive attitude on conservation and hence increase the availability of products, income and improve livelihoods.
Private sector participation in delivering agricultural services to smallholder farmers in Tanzania: the case of agricultural inputs in Hai district, Kilimanjaro region
(Sokoine university of agriculture., 2007) Kissinga, Anthony Emmanuel
The average intensity of fertilizer use throughout Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) remains much lower than elsewhere and has been virtually stagnant during the past decade. Farmers’ failure to intensify agricultural production in a manner that maintains soil productivity is viewed as a key cause of decline in soil quality in many rural areas in SSA. There is general agreement that the improvements in soil fertility needed to stimulate agricultural productivity growth, improved food security, and increases in rural incomes will require substantial increases in fertilizer use in combination with improved land husbandry practices. Under economic policy reforms in agriculture, the private sector in Tanzania through input delivery services was expected to create incentives for farmers to adopt new farming methods. However, the response from the private sector was and still slow. The study aimed at determining the contributing factors to low participation of the private sector in delivering agricultural inputs to farmers. Limiting availability and accessibility of inputs by the majority of farmers was found to be one of the factors . The second factor was found to be the small market of agricultural inputs associated with poor quality of extension services offered to farmers. The third factor was low awareness of stakeholders on the benefits and consequences of implementing the privatization policy. The last factor was the introduction of subsidy programme which according to this study hindered the emergence and effective operation of the private sector. Several recommendations were given to encourage the private sector. These include: improvement of rural infrastructure; building the capacity of local inputs retailers through training, and trade finance; designing conducive and stable system of distributing subsidized inputs to poor farmers without undermining the profitability of inputs retailers; maintaining efficiency and quality of inputs distributed to farmers by formulating and enforcing regulations; and reducing the long marketing channels of inputs distribution which contribute to high costs of inputs.
Farmers’ coping strategies to a changed coffee market after economic liberalization: the case of Mbinga district in Tanzania
(African Study Monographs, 2007) Mhando, David, G.; Itani, Juichi
The Mbinga District of Tanzania is a major coffee production area occupied by the Matengo, who cultivate food and cash crops. In 1986, the Tanzanian government introduced Structural Adjustment Programmes, and in 1993, liberalized the coffee market. As a result, subsidies to agricultural inputs were abandoned, and the cooperative union that had been responsible for coffee production and marketing in Mbinga collapsed. At the same time, improvements to growing and processing technologies and the entry of new coffee-producing countries caused overproduction in the global coffee market; thus, the price of coffee decreased to an unprecedented level. With the excessive supply, prices remain in stagnation, but the costs of agricultural inputs continue to rise. Mbinga farmers have pushed for various policy changes regarding coffee production and the natural and social environment while making the best use of the lessens learned from their initial experiences in the new market economy. They have structurally transformed the rural economy, whereby income is generated by distributing the coffee revenue that used to be invested in business. They also have developed a risk-management strategy. In the 10 years since economic liberalization, the farmers abandoned the state system, became economically self-reliant, and modified the structure of the rural economy.
Classroom discourse and discursive practices in higher education in Tanzania
(Research Gate, 2008) Mohamed, Hashim Issa; Banda, Felix
The paper problematises student writing as social practice from the perspective of lecturers’ discursive practices. The paper uses data from a major study at a higher learning institution in Tanzania to explore lecturers’ discursive practices and familiarity with the university orders of discourse including English medium of instruction, in unequal power relations with students, for whom English is a foreign language. The lecturers’ practices are scrutinised in terms of how they work against facilitating students’ access to the privileged literacy practices of the academia and how they serve to enact and sustain dominance in Tanzania’s education system, with its monolingual orientation, which privileges Kiswahili in primary school and English in secondary and higher education.
A study of contribution of micro-finance institutions in poverty alleviation through women income generating activities in Kilosa district, Morogoro Tanzania
(Sokoine university of agriculture., 2008) Marijani, Blandina Joseph
The study was conducted in Kilosa district. The overall objective was to show the contribution of MFIs in poverty alleviation through women IGAs. The study aimed at identifying MFIs operating in the study area; common IGAs performed by women groups, assessing the contribution of MFIs towards poverty alleviation and analyzing factors affecting the performance of women’s IGAs. Cross-sectional research design with structured questionnaire was used to collect primary information from 100 respondents . Secondary data were obtained from various reports and literature surveys. MFIs identified include FINCA, WDF and NMB. Common IGAs found were retail shop, cooked food vending, selling used clothes, local brews, charcoal and firewood, fishmongers, and nursery school. The results indicate that 78% of borrowers and 56% of non-borrowers started IGAs to supplement family income and source of employment respectively. About 54 % of borrowers and 68% non-borrowers used less than Tshs 100 000 as capital to start IGAs from MFIs whereas non-borrowers from own savings and relatives. Gross Margin analysis showed that, incomes earned by 40 % of borrowers and 56% of non-borrowers range between Tshs 50 000 – 100 000. T-test analysis indicated that, borrowers’ income was significantly higher than the non-borrowers (p < 0.05). On average borrowers spent T.shs 63 620; 17 801 and 3 715.33 per month to purchase family food; pay school fees and health services respectively. Non-borrowers spent Tshs 34 020, 8 280 and 1 980 per month for the same items. This complies with alternate hypotheses that MFIs contribute towards poverty alleviation in selected items. Furthermore, competition among similar business, lack of education on business management, high income tax and lack of capital were identified as factors affecting the performance of IGAs. The study recommends MFIs should provide sufficient credit to their clients; group lending should be revised; provide training to borrowers.
The role of networks in information dissemination in Tanzania: the case of selected communities in Morogoro region
(Sokoine Universitry of Agriculture, 2008) Munanka, Peter Mwita
The study on the role of farmers’ networks in information dissemination in Tanzania was carried out in Mgeta Division in Mvomero District. Interest in this study was prompted by the recognition that farmers’ networking was used as the best tool for communication compared to conventional assumptions of extension communication which was blamed to be the cause of low adoption and diffusion of extension messages. But the extent to which information concerning agricultural innovations is effectively passed among farmers within local networks is unknown. Hence it was necessary to test this assumption under Morogoro conditions. The study examined the sources of agricultural information among network members, awareness of agricultural messages received in local networks, individual perceptions on the role of networks in information dissemination, effectiveness of networks in facilitating communication of information and factors affecting information dissemination within networks. Population of the study consisted of 80 farmers from farmers’ groups and seven MVIWATA promoters. Structured questionnaire was used to collect relevant information from the respondents. A checklist was also utilized to collect information from key informants. The data were then analysed statistically to obtain frequency distribution and percentages. Generally, this study revealed that contact farmers were frequently visiting each other on an average of three days per week in order to exchange information and share experiences concerning agricultural knowledge on crops they are cultivating. These interactions were done within individuals, groups and networks. In order to increase effectiveness in disseminating information concerning innovations as it is passed from one farmer to another through the local network, it is recommended that MVIWATA in collaboration with UMADEP and other stakeholders like Mvomero District Council should make efforts in training group members and other farmers on how to effectively pass information concerning3 innovations from one farmer to another.
Socio-economic and institutional factors influencing the management of Pawaga-Idodi pilot wildlife management
(Sokoine Universitry of Agriculture, 2008) Shayo, D.O
Wildlife Management Area (WMA) provides an avenue for rural communities to participate in wildlife management. Ideal interventions require initiatives based on felt needs thereby bridging the gap between theory and practice. The intervention is however constrained with socio-economic and institutional factors. The study assessed socio- economic and institutional factors influencing local community adoption and operationalisation of the WMA concept in the management of Pawaga-Idodi pilot area in Iringa, Tanzania. Specifically; the study assessed (1) socio-economic characteristics and their management implications, (2) status, constraints and opportunities, and (3) functioning and appropriateness of the existing institutional framework. Two research phases were adopted, one involving preliminary study where Participatory Rural Appraisal exercise, secondary data collection, questionnaire pre-testing, and key informant discussions were undertaken. Questionnaires were administered to 187 household heads and participants’ observations were undertaken in phase two. Content and structural functional analyses were used to analyse information from key informants, participant observations and secondary data. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were done. Chi-square and ANOVA analyses were used to explain variations in various aspects across the study villages. Significant variations (P<0.001) were observed in income sources, land tenure and perception of membership to the MBOMIPA association. Population increases were significant at P<0.01 while off-farm activities and trust to the association were not significant at P<0.05. A Logistic model was developed to explain the influence of socio-economic and institutional factors in adoption and operationalisation of the WMA concept. Results were significant (P<0.001) implying that, socio-economic and institutional factors influence the adoption process. The study concluded that, uncertainty on wildlife tenure rights, unclear institutional setup at village and inter-village level, andiii low awareness are perhaps key areas for concern. The study recommends appropriate attention to the institutional framework at village and inter-village level, benefit sharing and a tailored extension package.
Perception of people towards voluntary HIV/AIDS test in Ilala municipality
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2009) Mduda, Adriano
Voluntary HIV/AIDS testing services have been a component for HIV/AIDS prevention and care programs in many countries. Although there are so many different governmental and non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Tanzania, campaigning on HIV/AIDS yet the problem is still existing and increasing. The number of people going for voluntary HIV/AIDS testing is not proportional to the total population. The study was conducted to examine the perception of people towards voluntary HIV/AIDS testing in Ilala Municipality. Three wards were selected; three streets were selected from those three wards in the study area. Data were collected using questionnaires, guideline and Focus Group Discussion (FGD). Data were collected and analysed using a Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) program (12.0 versions). Likert scale was used for measuring perception and attitude of people towards voluntary HIV/AIDS testing. The study reveals that 92.5% of respondent perceive positive towards voluntary HIV/AIDS testing. Specifically, the finding identifies ways in which the municipality can redesign their intervention programmes that will encourage a greater number of people to submit for voluntary HIV/AIDS testing. The study leads to conclusion that voluntary HIV/AIDS testing is very crucial in enabling the whole society in making decisions to go for voluntary HIV/AIDS testing. It is learnt that voluntary HIV/AIDS testing is an essential component in HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment programmes. In that case a deeper knowledge on voluntary HIV/AIDS testing among the people is more recommended as a prerequisite to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS among the people. Also the study recommends that more efforts and interventions in addressing stigma, confidentiality, informed consent, and social violence is needed so as to encourage many people to submit for voluntary HIV/AIDS testing. It is further recommended that the government, NGOs and other stakeholders should provide education/ skills on how to prevention from HIV/AIDS infection to special groups ofiii people such as the deaf, blind, disabled and children to establish new voluntary HIV/AIDS testing centre basing on predetermined requirements.
Home deliveries: factors influencing them and their impact on maternal and infant mortality in Songea rural district
(Sokoine Universitry of Agriculture, 2009) Siajabu, Michael Joseph
Worldwide, home deliveries persist especially in developing countries; SSA inclusive. In Tanzania, the trend was 53% in 1991-1992; 47% in 1996; and 44% in 1999; while 47% in 2004. In Songea, home delivery trend was 44% in 2005; 40% in 2006; and 42% in 2007 though antenatal care attendance was above 95%. This trend raises concern. The study was guided by two research questions: what determines home deliveries, and what impact do home deliveries have on maternal and infant mortality. The study was conducted in Songea Rural District. It adopted cross-sectional design and used structured questionnaires to collect primary data. Secondary data were obtained from reviewed related literatures. The study involved 200 respondents from five wards and 10 villages. The wards and villages were purposively selected while simple random method was used in choosing respondents. The study report is presented using descriptive statistics namely, frequencies and percentages. The results indicate that application of herbs for facilitating labour was leading factor by 98% of the respondents with home deliveries. Other causes were low income of people (87%), bad condition of roads (90%), long distance to health facilities (88%), inadequate delivery services at health facilities (89%); lack of women’s decision making power (76%), timing problem (75%), lack of transport to health facilities (91%), cost at health facilities (90%), and experience in previous deliveries (84%). Of the 15 maternal deaths found; 12 occurred among mothers delivering at home compared to three that delivered at health facilities. Moreover, home deliveries were associated with six infant deaths compared to three in health facilities. Reversing the trend of home deliveries requires improvement of infrastructures, empowering women to make decisions, sensitisation against social norms which promote home deliveries, retaining skilled personnel in rural facilities, and equipping health facilities with delivery materials regularly.
Attitudes towards affirmative action policies’ implementation in local politics in Tanzania: a case of Misungwi district, Mwanza region
(2009) Kabote, Samwel Juma
For about two decades, Affirmative Action (AA) policies, particularly Quotas and/or Special Seats have been substantial measures for increasing women’s political representation and participation in developing countries and Tanzania in particular. However, attitudes related obstructions influences AAs’ implementation in the country. With this rationale, this study was conducted in Misungwi District to assess factors influenced attitudes towards AAs’implementation. A key question in this study was: Do sex, awareness/knowledge on Affirmative Actions (AAs) and duration in local leadership positions influences respondent’s views towards AA’s implementation? Data were collected using questionnaires, interviews and documentary reviews. The analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 13. Findings revealed that, more women had positive attitudes towards AA’s implementation as opposed to men. Knowledge on reasons for Affirmative Action’s introduction was also positive. In addition, respondent’s attitudes were positive for respondents stayed six years and above in local leadership positions. Though it was a case study findings depicted a real picture of most District Councils in Tanzania. The study concluded that negative views towards AAs’ implementation exacerbated women’s under-representation as well as poor participation in local politics. Finally, we recommend that the family, schools and political parties should be entry points to eliminate negative attitudes towards AAs’ implementation in Misungwi District and the nation at large. Public gender awareness campaigns, accompanied with empowerment programmes are also highly recommended in this regard.
The effects of tourism investments on poverty reduction in rural communities in Tanzania: the case of Serengeti district
(Sokoine Universitry of Agriculture, 2009) Maleya, Raphael Nyakabaga
Tanzania is among the few countries in the world endowed with vast range of tourist attractions. The tourism industry is Tanzania’s greatest success story since the introduction of free market economy in 1990s. Despite its impressive recent economic performance, Tanzania remains a poor country. The purpose of this study was therefore to assess the effects of tourism investments on poverty reduction in rural communities in Serengeti district. The specific objectives were to: identify types of tourism investments; examine the effects of tourism investments; and determine the potential tourism development investments. Data were collected from 124 respondents, including 100 community members household heads and 24 key informants using questionnaires, researcher’s diary and checklist. Quantitative data were analysed by using SPSS computer software and “content analysis technique” was used to analyse qualitative data. The study identified different types of tourism investments in rural communities in the study area, their effects on poverty reduction, and potential for tourism investments development. It was concluded that: employment opportunities for rural communities were low in cadres with skills and remuneration; local people have complex livelihoods strategies which are affected by tourism in various ways; and there is a clear opportunity to have significantly their benefits from tourism. Thus, it was recommended that in order to increase tourism effects on poverty reduction, there is a need to institute training programmmes that would ultimately provide chance for rural communities to be employed in high cadres with high pay; rural communities to have considerable role in decision making; and the community to integrate its marketing and products strategies to take the best advantage of existing tourism opportunities. Areas for further research are also suggested.
Assessment of the implementation of primary education development plan (2002-06) in Mbarali district council, Mbeya region, Tanzania
(Sokoine Universitry of Agriculture, 2010) Chikoyo, Rashid Abdallah
This study assesses the Primary Education Development Plan (2002-06) implementation in Tanzania. The specific objectives are to determine the changes in pupil enrollment and number of teachers, the state of teachers’ qualifications, the quantity and quality of Government support to primary schools before and after the five years of PEDP implementation. The study used both the quantitative and qualitative research approaches. The methods employed to collect data were questionnaires, key informant interviews, field observation, focus group discussions and documentary analysis. Findings revealed that, there are some improvements on access, quality, transparency and management of primary education. The Gross Enrolment Ratio has increased from 77.6% in 1990 to 114.4% in 2007. The Net Enrolment Ratio reached 97.3% compared to 58.8% in 1990 (Okkolin, 2006; URT, 2007a). The pupil - book ratio has increased from one book to fifteen pupils in 2002 to one book to eight pupils in 2006 up to 1:5 pupils in 2009. The teacher to pupil ratio has improved from one teacher to ninety pupils in 2002 up to one teacher to sixty three in 2006. The school buildings have also relatively increased in number. The pass rates also showed some improvement from 10% in 2002 to 24% in 2006. The study revealed some challenges including, unfinished infrastructure and pupils over crowded in the classroom, limited financial and human resources, about 5% of the teachers are under qualified, the school management lacked both relevant knowledge and experince and, extreme poverty was found to be the stumbling block to the PEDP initiatives. The study recommended further study to find out the PEDP successes and challenges in the region and Southern Highlands zone at large.
Factors influencing nutritional status of children below five years in Mbarali district, Mbeya region, Tanzania
(Sokoine university of agriculture., 2010) Malambugi, Tufingene Reuben
Undernutrition continues to be a major cause of high infant and below five years children mortality in Tanzania. This study was carried out to find out factors influencing nutritional status of under five year's children in Mbarali district. Nutritional assessment was done by using of anthropometric measurements which were subsequently compared to WHO criterion (SD classification) using summary indices of nutritional status: weight-for-age, height-for-age and weight-for-height and MUAC. Overall one hundred sixty (160) children aged below five years were included in the study. Socio-economic, health, environment sanitation and food availability factors were also assessed. Chi-square test was used to detect association between variables which could affect nutritional status of a child. Results showed a total of 39.4% of children were underweight out of whom13.8% were severely underweight. Wasted children were 27.5%, among them 5% were severely wasted. Prevalence of stunting was 30.7%, out of whom 5% were severely stunted. Based on sex of the child 2.5% female were stunted and male were 3.1%. Mid Upper Arm Circumference by sex showed that 1.8% female were severely undernourished, while 3.1% male children were severely undernourished. The study also explored relationship between socio- economic factors (age, occupation, education of the mother and family size) with nutritional status. Statistical analysis showed no significance though mothers with informal and primary education had more children with severely stunted children (5%) compared to secondary school leavers. Other factors that influenced nutritional status were found to be birth weight, diseases, type of food storage, and weaning age of the children. The study concluded that under nutrition is still a problem in the area. Awareness on age ofiii introducing food to children, frequency of feeding, education against low birth weight, public encouragement on good practice of personal hygiene and proper environment sanitation practices should be conducted to families and community members to reduce the problem.
The implications of bushmeat hunting on the environment in the Uluguru Mountains, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2010) Maunde, Regina Masatu
A cross sectional study was done to examine the implications of bush meat hunting on the environment on the Uluguru Mountains. Questionnaires were administered to a total of 120 respondents in 8 villages around the Uluguru Mountains in the Morogoro Municipality. Focus group discussions (FGDs) were also used during the study. The data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Implications of the bushmeat hunting practices on the environment were examined. The types of animal species commonly hunted in the area, the methods/techniques used for hunting; and the type of environmental degradation brought about by bushmeat hunting were identified. It was found that bushmeat hunting in the villages around the Uluguru Mountains was purely a subsistence activity aimed at getting animal protein, income and medicine. Among the respondents, 83.3% acknowledged the presence of bushmeat hunting activity around the Uluguru Mountains. Among the wildlife species commonly hunted, grass cutter "nclezi" ranked number one followed by the Steenbok and wild pig. Respondents reported the most common techniques used for hunting were traps, spears, dogs and bush fires. 84.2% of respondents acknowledged the use of bushfires as a technique for bushmeat hunting. Apart from hunting, burning of bushes was either deliberately for farm clearing or accidental (cigarettes butts and cooking). Unsustainable agriculture, use of firewood and charcoal for energy as well as bushmeat hunting were the major causes of environmental degradation in the Uluguru Mountains.
Effects of HIV/AIDS on rural women’s production activities in Mvomero district
(Sokoine Universitry of Agriculture, 2010) Leo, Kiduduye Specioza
The main objective of this study is to determine how HIV/AIDS affects rural women`s production activities. The data were collected from two Divisions of Mvomero District in Morogoro. The specific objectives were, to identify and characterize the rural women`s production activities, to compare the time spent in household production activities before and after HIV infection, to determine the household production and income levels before and after HIV infection and to asses household expenditure variation before and after HIV infection sixty seven (67) women were interviewed using structured questionnaire. The analysis was carried out using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) computer software where means, frequencies and percentages were established. Chi-square statistics was applied to determine relationships between and among variables. T-test was also run to compare time spent in different activities, expenditure on different items, income levels and production levels before and after sickness. The results show that there is a significant difference in time spent in different activities, expenditure on different items, income and production levels before and after sickness. The study revealed that respondents spent more time in household chores, farm and trade activities before than after, spent less time in patient care before than after, also they cultivated bigger land size before than after, and they earned more money from selling farm produce and from business before than after the sickness. Recommendations made were on women access to land, property, credit and knowledge. Agricultural sector to address causes of pandemic such as rural poverty and food insecurity, introduction of labour serving technologies and practices, as well as fuel efficient stoves to reduce time of collecting fire wood.
Factors contributing to the witchcraft related killings in Bariadi district, Shinyanga
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2010) Rumbeli,Beatrice Sospeter
Witch killings have been a problem facing the world especially African countries. In particular, African witches are widely thought to use their accult powers to inflict harm on other community members. In Tanzania, 3.693 people were killed for witchcraft related accusations. There are many efforts made by the Government, NGOs, training programmes, radio programmes to stop the witch killings. These include: TAMWA, Amnesty International, radio programmes like Radio Faraja (Shinyanga) and Radio Sauti (Mwanza). Together with all the efforts made to address the witchcraft killings, the problem is still rapidly increasing throughout the country and Bariadi district in particular. Overall objective of this study was to investigate factors contributing to the killings of old women. Study adopted a cross sectional design by using open and closed ended questionnaires administered to a sample of 30 villages as sampling unit. Stratified sampling technique was used whereby 30 villages were divided into two strata based on remoteness and township criterion. Stratification resulted into 15 villages selected from remote areas and 15 from town centres. Interviews with key informants and Focus Group Discussions (FGD) were used. Analysis was done using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). A Probit regression model was run using STATA software. Findings revealed that, witchcraft related killings in Bariadi is negatively contributed by infant mortality rate, under five mortality rate, religion affiliation and natural calamity as hypothesized earlier. Witch killings were positively contributed by education status of the village, health services provision, poverty level of the village and scramble for resources. This suggests that in order to eliminate this situation, education to community should be provided, to improve economic well being of the people. Organizations which advocate anti-witchcraft killings should empower the community in dealing with the problem. Traditional songs could help to speed up the education to community.

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