Articles, Conference and Workshop Papers Collection

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Determinants of women empowerment in the onion value chain: a case of Simanjiro district in Tanzania
(Journal of Economics and Sustainable Development, 2012) Jeckoniah, J.N.; Nombo, C. N.; Mdoe, N .S .Y.
The impact of women participation in agricultural value chains into their empowerment is poorly understood. This paper explores the linkage between women’s participation in onion value chain development activities and their empowerment. The study involved 402 women of whom 207 (51.2%) were participating in the onion value chain development activities and 195(48.5%) were non non-participants. Data was analyzed using SPSS program, four index scales were constructed to measure women empowerment (personal autonomy, household decision making, economic domestic consultation and freedom of movement). A composite women empowerment index was developed to gauge women empowerment. Women in Simanjiro District were categorized in medium level of empowerment (mean score on CEI = 0.6033). Empowerment was found to increase with education attainment, age at first marriage and women income. Generally, women participating in the value chain development programme were more likely to be empowered than their counterparts. Ordinal logistic regression analysis revealed that there was a significant relationship between women empowerment and marital status, education level, age at first marriage, land ownership, access to credits and participation in onion value chain (P<0.05). The study recommends to the government, non-governmental organization and farmers groups to introduce gender and life skills education in value chain programmes to sensitize and mobilize actors to challenge gender inequalities and promote women empowerment.
Women empowerment in agricultural value chains: voices from onion growers in northern Tanzania
(2012) Jeckoniah, J .N.; Nombo, C .N.; Mdoe, N. S. Y.
Women empowerment is multifaceted concept; there are many definitions and perceptions that are used by programmes and projects espousing to empower women. This study, using qualitative data sought to assess women perception on empowerment among those involved in onion value chain development activities. The study adopted cross sectional research design where focus group discussions, key informant interviews and case studies were the main methods for data collection. Content analysis with constant comparison technique was used to analyse the data. The study found that women empowerment is linked to different achievement in their lives in their social and economic contexts such as increases in income, confidence to speak in public, awareness of their rights and participation in decision making at the household and community levels. Men’s attitude and behaviours such as reluctantancy to accept changes suggested by women and control over income accrued from their activities are among the barrier for women empowerment. The study recommends for use of gender sensitive approaches in designing and implementing development programmes on women empowerment. Men and tribal leaders should be involved in women empowerment initiatives in order to change their mindset towards women empowerment
Mapping of gender roles and relations along onion value chain in northern Tanzania
(International Journal of Asian Social Science,, 2013) Jeckoniah, J. N.; Mdoe, N. S. Y.; Nombo, C. N.
It is argued that gender roles and relations determine distribution of benefits accrued from ones’ participation in value chain activities. But many value chain programmes are commonly designed and implemented without taking into consideration gender roles and relations. This study analysed onion value chain to determine its impact on gender roles, relations and distribution of income in the chain. The study adopted a mixed-methods design where focus group discussions, key informant interviews and household survey which were the main methods for data collection. Evolution in gender roles especially in production activities was found. Women participation in onion value chain activities, leadership in farmers’ organisation and in decision making over the income accrued from onion production was found to increase following interventions to develop the onion value chain. However, their participation in marketing of onion is constrained by many factors, including limitation on movement placed by their husbands or male partners. This study recommends to government and non-governmental organisations using value chain intervention to address gender roles and relation in value chain development activities to facilitate equitable access by rural producers’ men and women to agricultural inputs as and facilitate access to market of their crops and products. Gender sensitive intervention strategies should be used in forming and strengthening farmer organizations to competitively participate in onion value chain and increase women participation and benefit from onion production.
Socio-economic status and women empowerment in rural Tanzania: a case of onion value-chain in Simanjiro district
(Tanzania Journal of Development Studies, 2014) Jeckoniah, J .N.; Nombo, C .N.; Mdoe, N. S. Y.
This paper explores the linkage between women socio-economic status and their empowerment. A total of 402 women completed a household questionnaire, which was supplemented with focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Principal Component Analysis (PCA), using SPSS version 16, was applied to the socio-economic data to obtain an index as a proxy for household socio-economic status. A composite women empowerment index was constructed to gauge women empowerment in different spheres, and F-test was used to compare the relationship between women’s socio-economic status and their empowerment. It was found that many respondents were categorized into low to medium levels of empowerment. Relatively, high levels of empowerment were found in aspects of household economic consultation, freedom of movement and political autonomy. Asset ownership and housing conditions revealed that the poorest were below average in most of the items or services in which the better-off had access or possessed. The relationship between socio-economic status and women empowerment was statistically significant (P<0.05), implying that efforts to improve women's wellbeing that focus on income and asset accumulation have the potential to empower women. Therefore the government, nongovernmental organisations and development programmes espousing to empower women should improve their approach to ensure the poorest also gain opportunities to participate in onion value-chains and in other development interventions.
Acceptability, sources and types of sex education messages received by young people in rural areas: a case of Maswa district, Tanzania
(Journal of Culture, Society and Development, 2015) Massanja, M .M.; Msuya, J. M.; Jeckoniah, J. N.
The study intended to explore parents’ feelings and beliefs on issues related to sex education and establish whether parents are ready to discuss with their children or willing to allow sex related information reach their children as a means of reducing the risks of HIV infections. A cross-sectional research design was employed in collecting data from 210 respondents (150 youths and 60 parents) from three community secondary schools namely Sukuma, Malampaka and Kinamwigulu, six primary schools (one from each village) namely Hinduki, Mwadila, Malampaka, Kinamwigulu, Dodoma and Lali. Descriptive analysis and Chi-square were used to test the statistical significance of categorical data. The result reveal that parents and religious leaders are the most common sources of messages on sex education to young people, and which is aimed at combating the spread of HIV and AIDS. Other sources (arranged in the order of importance) were open air campaigns, politicians, other adults, the media and teachers. The most popular message in sex education was abstinence. Other types of sex education messages (arranged from the most popular to the least popular) include abiding by ABC strategy, use of condoms and delaying sex debut. Parents have positive attitudes towards sex education which is given to their children as part of HIV and AIDS prevention. The result reveals that parents and religious leaders are the most common sources of messages on sex education to young people. Parents have good knowledge of HIV and AIDS. However, among young people the level of awareness decrease with age. Attitudes of religious leaders and male parents with regard to HIV and AIDS should be re-addressed. Serious steps should be taken to raise the level of HIV awareness among younger people.
Access to social media and sexual behaviour among secondary school students: a case of selected secondary schools in Morogoro, Tanzania
(International Journal of Education and Research, 2015) Jeckoniah, J .N.; Paul, D.
Remarkable changes have happened in the communication industry due to the rapid growth of the social networking over the last five years. Adolescent at secondary school level are increasingly accessing and using these social networks in their daily lives. However, the impacts of their access to social media into their sexual behaviour remain underreported. This study was set to explore the relationship between social networks and sexual behaviour. The study was conducted in Morogoro and involved four secondary schools. The study adopted cross sectional research design. Simple random sampling and systematic sampling technique were used to select sample 200 students. Data analysis was done using the Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) where descriptive and inferential statistics were computed. Index scale was used to gauge students’ sexual behaviour and F-test was used to compare students’ sexual behaviour and their access to social media. The study found that students had risky sexual behaviour: have many sexual partners and were not using condoms consistently. Majority of students have access to social networks and access to social networks was associated with their sexual behaviour. The study recommends that more education be given to parents on the effects of their children access to social networks and their undertaking of risky sexual behaviour so that they can guide and support them on using social networks that does not expose them to unfavourable sexual contents.
Microfinance Services and Women Economic Empowerment in Arusha District Council
(Tengeru Institute od community Development, 2015-06-01) Jeckoniah, John
Women’s economic empowerment is one of the highly debated development concern in Tanzania. Women’s access to microfinance services is considered as a doorway for empowering women. Conversely, it is also argued that Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) are extracting money from poor women through high interest rates, causing higher social pressure and in some cases leading to domestic violence. The objective of this paper was to examine whether and to what extent women’s access to microfinance services has facilitated this course. The study also sought factors affecting women’s access to MFIs’ services. A cross-sectional research design was adopted, and 120 women were involved in the study whereby 60 were beneficiary of MFIs services and the rest were non beneficiaries. The study found that onethird of respondents was categorized into higher level of empowerment whereas 41.5% were in the low empowerment category. The study also found that there was an association between women access to MFIs and their empowerment (P<0.001), respondents marital was also associated with their economic empowerment (P<0.001). The paper concludes that women access to MFIs has potential to contribute to women economic empowerment although it is faced with many challenges including high interest rates. It is recommended that government and non-governmental agencies and organisations involved in MFIs services should scale up their activities to reach more women while looking on better ways to manage challenges encountered by rural women including the higher interest rates.
Socio-cultural determinants of family planning practice in mafia district, Tanzania.
(Tengeru Institute od community Development, 2015-06-01) Jeckoniah, John
There has been significant progress in expanding the use of contraceptives by women all over the world. However, despite considerable investment in family planning (FP) programs, the pace of improvement has been slow and regional disparities have been growing. The results of low use of family planning services led to high birth rates, bringing large families and economic overload. The study was conducted in Mafia District in Tanzania in order to examine the socio-cultural determinants of family planning practices among the people of reproductive age (15-45yrs). Specific objectives were to determine the knowledge level of respondents on family planning and to analyze socio-cultural factors affecting family planning practices. A cross-sectional research design was used. A total of 120 respondents including men and women were randomly selected from five villages. The respondents were selected based on propositional size to each village. Data were collected using a questionnaire survey. Statistical Package for Social science (SPSS) program was used to analyze the data. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used. Knowledge index score was used to compute respondent’s knowledge on family planning and binary logistic regression was used to identify factors affecting family planning practice. The study found that majority (95%) of the respondents had heard of FP but only (27.5%) used family planning services. The most common FP methods used were condom (86.7%) and injection (71.7%) the results based on multiple response. Majority (74.2%) accessed the FP services from MCH clinics. Socio-cultural factors mentioned were lack of knowledge, religious influence, local beliefs, and lack of information and partner’s opposition. However only religious and belief had significantly showed to be greatly (p<0.05) influencing the use of FP and local belief (p=0.037). Despite FP seemed to be well known, respondents knowledge was very low which most likely limited the contraceptive use. The study recommends that more education on the FP should be given to the community to increase more knowledge on the importance of the FP.
Adaptation and Coping Strategies to Climate Change Among Agro-Pastoralists Community in Mvomero District, Tanzania
(2015-06-30) Jeckoniah, John
The climate is perceived to be changing, thus calling for understanding of livelihoods strategies to guide in developing climate-resilient livelihoods. This paper investigated adaptation strategies undertaken by agro-pastoralists to cope with climate change impact in Mvomero district. A cross sectional research design was adopted where data were collected only once and 135 sampled households were involved in the study. Household questionnaires, key-informants interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs) were the main methods for data collection. Descriptive statistical analysis and content analysis were the main methods used in data analysis. The study revealed various adaptation strategies used by agro-pastoralists in the study area including, timing and the use of improved crop varieties. The coping strategies for livestock keepers were to reduce the number of livestocks, moving the animals to other places temporarily and some of them permanently. However, such coping strategies were not sustainable and some household became more vulnerable to climate change due to their ineffective coping strategies. Therefore, the study recommends to government and non governmental organizations to improve agro-pastoralists access to extension services for the access of reliable information and knowledge on predicting weather forecast using both local/indigenous and improved means. Institutions dealing with climate related issues including the meteorology agency should be strengthened to improve the packaging and the dissemination of weather forecast and information related to climate change
COMMUNITY KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES AND PRACTICE TOWARDS THE USE OF FAMILY PLANNING SERVICES IN MAFIA DISTRICT, TANZANIA
(2015-12-01) Jeckoniah, John
Use of family planning services has potential to contribute into improving the health of millions of women and children. This paper explored the community knowledge attitude and practice about family planning services in Mafia District. The study adopted a cross-sectional research design and questionnaire was the main method for data collection. Descriptive statistical analysis and summated likert scale was computed to find the distribution of responses and relationship of key study variables. The study found that the level of knowledge about family planning services was high and majority of respondents had positive attitude about family planning services. However, use of family planning services was very low. Misconceptions about family planning services were also found. The paper recommends for the organizations involved in promoting use of family planning services to device interventions to improve utilization of the family planning services by addressing barriers to low usage of the services. The government and non governmental organizations should also continue provide more education and awareness in order to correct the misconceptions to ensure more people use the services.
Women’s Access to Microfinance Services in Arusha District Council: Implication for Livelihood Improvement
(Tengeru Institute od community Development, 2015-12-30) Jeckoniah, John
This paper aimed at examining women’s access to Microfinance services and its association with their livelihood improvement in Arusha District Council, and the attitude that women have towards microfinance services for livelihood improvement. A cross sectional research design was adopted and data were collected using a questionnaire, a total of 120 women who were engaged in different income generating activities were involved. Descriptive statistical analysis and summated scale technique was applied to likert scale to gauge women’s attitude towards MFIs. T-test was used to compare the economic contribution MFIs into women livelihood between those participating in the MFIs activities and non beneficiaries. The study results revealed that women’s access to microfinance services has a positive impact on their livelihoods. It was also found that majority of women involved in the study had positive attitude towards MFI services as compared to their nonparticipant counterpart. Men were also reported to be obstacle to women’s access to MFI services. It is recommended to government and non governmental organisations to introduce and expand functional financial literacy to improve women knowledge on MFIs services and increase the efficiency in managing their IGAs as well as efforts to increase more women participation in microfinance credits scheme for their improved well being
Adaptation and Coping Strategies to Climate Change Among Agro-Pastoralists Community in Mvomero District, Tanzania
(2015-12-30) Jeckoniah, John
The climate is perceived to be changing, thus calling for understanding of livelihoods strategies to guide in developing climate-resilient livelihoods. This paper investigated adaptation strategies undertaken by agro-pastoralists to cope with climate change impact in Mvomero district. A cross sectional research design was adopted where data were collected only once and 135 sampled households were involved in the study. Household questionnaires, key-informants interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs) were the main methods for data collection. Descriptive statistical analysis and content analysis were the main methods used in data analysis. The study revealed various adaptation strategies used by agro-pastoralists in the study area including, timing and the use of improved crop varieties. The coping strategies for livestock keepers were to reduce the number of livestocks, moving the animals to other places temporarily and some of them permanently. However, such coping strategies were not sustainable and some household became more vulnerable to climate change due to their ineffective coping strategies. Therefore, the study recommends to government and non governmental organizations to improve agro-pastoralists access to extension services for the access of reliable information and knowledge on predicting weather forecast using both local/indigenous and improved means. Institutions dealing with climate related issues including the meteorology agency should be strengthened to improve the packaging and the dissemination of weather forecast and information related to climate change
Determinants of funding access for non-governmental organisations: a case of Moshi municipality in Tanzania
(International Journal of Asian Social Science, 2017) Kweyamba, T.; Jeckoniah, J. N.
Access to funds by Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) remains a major concern to many NGOs in the globe and developing countries such as Tanzania. NGOs access funds through donations which are unreliable to sustain their great roles. The objectives of this paper were to analyse factors determining access to funds for NGOs and to examine the relationship between the identified factors on access to funds for NGOs. A cross-sectional research design was adopted whereby 48 respondents were interviewed. Descriptive data analysis was done with the aid of IBM SPSS Version 20. Qualitative data were analysed by thematic content analysis. The study found that education level of staff, capabilities and achievements of NGOs, nature of NGO involvement and size and coverage of an NGO had a statistical significant relationship with access to funds for NGOs (p< 0.05). Moreover, diversified networking effects of an NGO were associated with access to funds and an important predictor of access to funds for NGOs. It was concluded that; education level of staff, size and coverage of an NGO, capabilities and achievements of an NGO and nature of an NGO involvement are important predictors of access to funds. The study recommends to NGOs that although there may be other factors which may influence access to funds for NGOs; they should focus on these factors that were found to be important.
How gender affects adherence to antiretroviral therapy in Tanzania
(MEASURE Evaluation, 2017) Kahamba, J. S.; Massawe, F. A.; Nombo, C. N.; Jeckoniah, J. N.
Background: AIDS was first diagnosed in 1983. We know that HIV and AIDS have been in Tanzania for more than three decades. Although efforts to find a cure for AIDS have not yet been fruitful, the Government of Tanzania initiated the rollout of free antiretroviral therapy (ART) in 2004. This intervention has dramatically reduced rates of mortality and morbidity and improved the quality of life for people living with HIV (PLHIV). However, the availability of ART does not guarantee that all PLHIV have equal access to it. Gender can increase a person’s vulnerability to HIV and influence his or her ability to access information about preventive measures, care, support, and treatment. The purpose of this study was to investigate how gender-related factors affect access to and follow-through of this important treatment for HIV and AIDS. Methods: We conducted our study in Njombe District of Njombe Region, Tanzania, from October to November 2015. The region has the highest HIV prevalence rate in the country. We used a cross-sectional design to collect data using a structured questionnaire administered at one public permanent care-and-treatment clinic (CTC) and one mobile CTC. The study population consisted of male and female PLHIV who were more than 18 years of age, were registered in an ART program in Njombe District for at least three months, and had consented to participate in the study. A combination of convenience and snowball sampling techniques was used to capture respondents with the desired characteristics. A total of 132 respondents (97 females and 35 males) completed the questionnaire. Five key informant interviews (KIIs) were conducted with health workers, nongovernmental organization (NGO) staff, and caretakers at the family level. Two focus group discussions (FGDs) were also conducted; one consisted of eight females, the other had seven males. In addition, secondary data from Njombe District health facilities were collected. Results: Our study found that heterosexual intercourse with a spouse was the leading cause of HIV transmission for more than two-thirds of the women (64.9%), and casual sex outside of marriage was the major cause for more than half of men (54.3%). The main reasons respondents gave for getting tested for HIV were compulsory HIV screening during prenatal visits, HIV awareness campaigns (especially for men), and unhealthy symptoms such as weight loss and frequent diseases. Most PLHIV (86% of men and 80% of women) started on ART within the same year they were diagnosed. Partners did not usually get tested for HIV together; men were typically more reluctant, and they denied the problem, usually asserting their wives were the source of the virus. Women were less likely than men to consult their spouse/partners before getting tested and less likely to get support from their partners after they were tested. Women (especially married women) were more likely to face social problems, including stigma, when disclosing their HIV status to their partners. Some women feared family quarrels and harsh consequences, such as being physically abused and/or divorced. Communication barriers during the early stages of deciding to get tested, and the poor responses women received from their partners when the women consulted them, affected women’s next phase of living with HIV and had a negative impact on ART access and adherence to services. Respondents had a working knowledge of how to adhere to ART and practice safe sex, but they rarely followed safe-sex practices. While nearly all the women (96.9%) took all their medicine, they were less likely than the men to follow the clinic schedule precisely. Women in the FGD said that heavy household workloads made it more difficult for them to take their medications on time. Conclusion: Gender inequity adversely affects adherence to ART in different ways for women and men living with HIV. This study has improved understanding of gender differences in ART access and adherence. We hope this will contribute to the development of more effective gender-based interventions that can potentially enhance ART access and follow-through.
Achieving social protection for the elderly in Kilimanjaro region, Tanzania: a call for social institutions towards improving elderly service provision
(Asian Journal of Social Sciences & Humanities, 2017) Malima, R.; Jeckoniah, J.N.; Mvena, Z.S.K.
The elderly in Tanzania face social insecurity that put them at risk of great horizon of abuse, social exclusion, serious illness and abject poverty. Although, there are several social institutions addressing the risks facing the elderly in Tanzania, still the elderly’s adverse conditions remain unabated. This paper examined Social Institutions (SIs) and their respective roles in providing social security to the elderly in terms of food, health, shelter, clothing and income services. The study adopted a cross-sectional research design where a questionnaire survey, focus group discussions and key informant interviews were the main methods of data collection. The descriptive statistical analysis was employed to explore the distribution of socioeconomic characteristics and social protection. Content analyses approach was used to analyses the qualitative data. The findings show that: the family, Department of Social Welfare (DSW), Tanzania Social Action Fund (TASAF) and religious institutions were the most active SIs providing social protection to the elderly. Elderly were unsatisfied with the SIs’social services provision as they narrowly focused on health and food. There was inadequately provision of other needy services. The study recommends to government to enhance the implementation of the social protection policies and guide service provision mechanisms among SIs. There Sis should adopt joint implementation of the social protection interventions to improve the scope of services for elderly welfares.
Women collective actions and empowerment in agricultural value chains in Simanjiro district Tanzania
(International Journal of Gender and Women‟s Studies, 2017) Jeckoniah, J.N.
Women face many barriers in accessing markets for their agricultural products. Collective action (CA) has been identified as a potential option to overcome such barriers and empower them. As such, they have been organising themselves in different forms of collective action through formal and informal organisations in order to raise the capital base required in production and to influence traditions, laws and regulations that hinder their active participation and benefits. This paper explored the relationship between women's participation in collective action initiatives and their empowerment. A cross-sectional research design was adopted, involving402 respondents in the survey. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to explore thetypes and benefits of collective actions. In the same vein, an index scales was used to gauge the extent of women empowerment and ordinal logistical regression was used to determine the relationship between participation in collective action and empowerment. Women in the study area were categorized into medium level of women empowerment (CEI=0.6033) while 45.8% were categorized into higher level of women empowerment and 13.6% and 16.4% were categorized into no and low empowerment levels respectively. Ordinal logistic regression model revealed that marital status, education level, access to credit and participation in any form of collective action were the most important factors for women empowerment (P<0.05). In view of this, it is concluded that women still face many barriers towards their empowermentand CA has potential to contribute to their empowerment and the government and none governmental organizations need to strengthen efforts in the identified CA initiatives. It is recommended that development actors work beyond increasing the resources at women‟s immediate disposal and focus more on addressing unequal social relations and the „structures of opportunity‟ faced by women, including their sense of collective as well as individual agency.
Sunflower value chain in Mvomero District : Engendered perspective
(Tengeru Institute od community Development, 2017-06-01) Jeckoniah, John
Gender inequality exists in many agricultural value chains. This study analyzed gender participation along the Sunflower Value Chain (SVC). A crosssectional research design was adopted and the combination of systematic and random sampling techniques was used to select 132 respondents. The questionnaire and checklist for key informants were the main methods for data collection. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to compute the characteristics and distribution of respondents, gendered participation, processing and marketing of the sunflower products, and decisions making on income use. Conventional mapping was used to map SVC based on flow of products along the chain, and content analysis was used to analyze qualitative data collected from key informant’s interviews. The study found that gender inequalities exist in the SVC in Mvomero District. The differences are attributable to differences in power relation with regard to access to and control of resources particularly those related to finances, decision making on income use and processing. The most lucrative nodes such as processing and marketing are dominated by men while women dominate less paying activities such as bird scaring, winnowing, grading and drying seeds. Thus, the study recommends to the government, non -governmental organizations and gender activists to continue advocate for the mainstreaming of gender issues along the SVC to ensure more women participation and beneft. The intervention should also ensure gender equity and equality among the actors in the chain so that women and men benefit equally or equitably due to their engagement in the SVC.
Determinants of Gender Participation in the Sunflower Value Chain in Mlali Ward, Mvomero District-Tanzania
(2017-06-01) Jeckoniah
Inequalities in participation and benefits accrued from agricultural value chains are widely reported. Such inequalities are believed to affect men’s and women’s welfare. This paper analyzes the levels and determinants of gender participation in Sunflower Value Chain (SVC). A cross-sectional research design was adopted and 120 sunflower smallholder farmers were selected for the study. A combination of simple random sampling and systematic sampling techniques were used to select study villages and respondents respectively. A Structured questionnaire and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) guide were the main tools for data collection. Index scales were constructed to gauge the level of women empowerment. Ordinal logistic regression was used to establish the determinants of participation in the SVC. Findings show that more males than female farmers were categorized in the medium level of participation. Farmers’ levels of participation, land ownership, means of land acquisition and access to markets were the detriments of participation in the SVC (P<0.05). It is recommended that, sunflower stakeholders such as government and nongovernmental organizations need to empower farmers to overcome factors which negatively affect their levels of participation and benefit in the SVC. Gender sensitive approaches and techniques should be used to improve the level of participation and decision making in the various nodes of the SVC as well as to minimize the social, cultural, and economic factors that affect women’s participation and benefit in the SVC.
Gendered livelihood outcomes among woodlot farmers in Mufindi district, Tanzania
(Journal of Co-operative and Business Studies, 2018) Tweve, A.; Jeckoniah, J. N.
Woodlot farming is an important economic activity which has potential to improve the livelihoods of men and women; however the benefit derived from woodlot farming has a gender differential. The study was conducted in Mufindi District in Tanzania to analyze the livelihood outcomes among women and men engaged in woodlot farming. The study adopted a cross sectional research design and involved 120 respondents. Asset ownership was used as proxy indicator of wealth status; the wealth index was constructed to gauge the levels of livelihood outcomes. Independent T-test and Chi- square tests were used to compare livelihood outcomes among woodlot farmers and non-farmers, men and women. It was found that woodlots owners had better livelihood outcome than their non-woodlot farmers’ counterparts (P<0.05). The levels of livelihood outcomes between women and men were statistically significant (P<0.05). The differences in the levels of livelihood outcome are attributable to one’s engagement in woodlot farming. However, men derived more benefit in the woodlot farming due to their dominance in decision making over the income accrued from woodlot farming at household level. The study recommend the local government authority and non-governmental organizations involved in promoting livelihood improvement through woodlot farming to address gender differences in decision making over the use of income at household level. This can be done by promoting gender dialogues in the community with a view to change gender norms that discriminate women participation in decision making as well as promoting women ownership of resources by allowing more women access and control over productive resources including land
Women’s participation in TASAF initiated activities and their economic empowerment: A case of Morogoro District, Tanzania
(Journal of Sociology and Development St. Augustine University of Tanzania, 2018) Mbirinyi, G.L.; Jeckoniah, J.N.
Women in Tanzania play important roles in activities that contribute to national economy. However, it is not well known whether their participation in development activities such as those initiated by TASAF projects empower them economically and to what extent. This study was conducted in Morogoro District to explore women’s economic empowerment among women involved in TASAF initiated activities. The study adopted a cross-sectional research design whereby data were collected once, and it involved 160 respondents, five key informant’s interviews and four FGD’s with 8-10 participants. Women’s economic empowerment index scales were developed to gauge the level of women’s economic empowerment in different spheres; cumulative empowerment index was computed to gauge the overall women economic empowerment. The binary logistic regression analysis was run to determine factors for economic empowerment among women participating in TASAF project activities. It was found that majority of the respondents (71.6%) were categorized into empowered level. Participation in TASAF activities, participation in women organizations and woman’s age were important predictors for their economic empowerment (P<0.05). The study concludes that TASAF initiated activities have a great potential to empower women. The study recommends to the TASAF project officials and Local Government Authorities to support and expand the coverage of the TASAF initiated activities.

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