Development Studies Collection

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Gender, biodiversity and local knowledge systems (LinKS) to strengthen agricultural and rural development (GCP/RAF/338/NOR)
(LinKS, 1999) Kauzeni, A.S.
In recent years the notion of local knowledge has gained popularity. An important impetus for this has been problems and failures encountered in development endeavours in developing countries. Development agencies, theorists and academics have come to realise that development efforts that are based on conceptualisations, methods and values of the Euro-American World often fail to bring about appropriate and sustainable development in the communities which they target. In analysing these failures it has become obvious that local people’s needs, values, knowledge and capacities form an essential basis for effective development programmes. However, as a result of years of development interventions, steeped in a Modernisation approach, as well as a general process of globalisation, certain aspects of people’s local and traditional knowledge are disappearing. The current interest in local knowledge is thus motivated by an appreciation of its importance as well as its perceived loss. I believe that the workshop today, which focuses on local knowledge, gender and biodiversity, can be placed within this context. The aim of this paper is to help define the concept of local knowledge, to elaborate briefly on its role in development and to look at some methods and techniques, appropriate to access and record such local knowledge. Congruent with the interest of the workshop in gender, emphasis will be laid on methods which allow a gender analysis.
Street children problems in Tanzania a case study of Moshi Municipality Kilimanjaro region
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2002) Mbatian Ntahilaja Ester
This study aimed at finding strategies for alleviating the street children (SC) problem in Tanzania. The study was carried out in Moshi Municipality, Kilimanjaro Region. This study has been prompted by the fact that there has been persistent problem of children running from their households and living in urban streets. This will have a negative impact on economic development if not taken care of. If this problem is not taken care of, in few years coming; there will be unmanageable number of street children in this country. It should also be noted that children are the future owner of this country. Ignoring this problem would mean impoverishing this country instead of developing it, since human labour is one of the most decisive element of any kind of development. The general objective of this study was to identify the social, cultural and economic factors influencing the increase of street children problem and specifically to: (i) Investigate the role of gender relations in households to street children problem, (ii) Investigate strategics used in alleviating street children problem in Tanzania with particular reference to Moshi Municipality (iii) Examine how street children centres function, (iv) Investigate the reasons why children are more willing to live in streets rather than in street children centres/The result shows that various factors have contributed to the problem of street children which include poverty; inefficiency of street children centres (SCC) established to combat this problem, ineffective National policies; too much dependence on foreign donor support to alleviate this problem etc. Basing on the study results some recommendations/ suggestion shows that the success in eradication of SC problem requires committed community and individuals the elements which are presently lacking. Second the Government should have clear, specific policy on eradication of street children iii problem. And there should be specific uniform policy guiding establishment and operation of centres for street children. This would be possible only alter clearly defining as ‘who is a child’. Parents and the whole community should also be involved in child development. Thus get knowledge on why children arc running from their households and on the danger of letting children in streets.
Promoting up scaling of water system innovations: the case of Makanya watershed, Same, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2007) Byakugila, Medardi Mukulasi
Many innovations have shown to be effective in pilot studies, but the adoption of most of these technologies on a wider scale has always been a concern. In the uplands of the Makanya river watershed, terraces have higher extent of diffusion than in midland. The reasons behind the high extent of adoption of terraces in the uplands were not clearly known. However, these suggested that there could be special strategies behind the diffusion of terraces, which when explored would help to develop strategies for wider adoption and diffusion of water system innovations (WSIs) in the area. A questionnaire survey was used in conjunction with qualitative approaches such as focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and semi structured interviews. Descriptive statistics were the main tool used for data analysis. The findings made on the adoption and diffusion of terraces technologies revealed that time factor, sufficient communities’ awareness on terraces, and intervention by NGOs and development projects were major factors for wider diffusion of terraces technology. Terraces were introduced in the area by the colonial government in 1930s, and in 1980s, NGOs with intervention in soil and water conservation started working in the area. Time factor provided enough opportunity to build sufficient communities’ awareness on terraces. Interventions by NGOs and development projects in the 1980s, underlined the reason for increased uptake of terrace innovations from 1980s though the technology was long before introduced in the study area. The understanding of the diffusion of terraces technology enabled the study to develop a framework that could promote up scaling of water systems innovations (WSIs) at watershed level. The framework could not be tested due to limitation by resources. However it is recommended that it should be tested and improved for successful scaling upiii of WSIs at watershed level. This will bring improved livelihood of people in the watershed. Key elements of the framework are: validation of innovation to be scaled up, introduction to authorities, identification of potential local change agents, establishment of local change agents, employment of appropriate diffusion pathways, and evaluation of the scaling up processes.
Gender perspective in effective utilization of water from Rufiji river for small scale irrigation
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2007) KONDOWE,GERALD JAMES
The study focused on factors constraining women from effective utilization of water from Rufiji River for improving small-scale irrigation farming. Specifically the study aimed at: (a) determining the types of irrigated crops (b) examining the women’s affordability of irrigation infrastructure, (c) assessing women’s knowledge and perception on irrigation farming, (d) identifying constraints to women’s effective utilization of water for small scale farming. The study was undertaken in Rufiji District in three wards; primary data were collected from 120 women and men farmers, using a structured questionnaire. Secondary data were also collected. Analyses were performed using SPSS and Limped computer software. Hypothesis testing was undertaken at 5 percent level of significance using Chi-square. The study found that major types of irrigated crops in Rufiji District were tomato, paddy, and green vegetables. 89.7% of women cannot afford to purchase irrigation infrastructures. Also 61.64% of women farmers had weak attitude and behavior towards irrigation. The following constrained women from utilizing water from the river for small-scale irrigation: Low income, limited availability of resources, lack of irrigation training and heavy household chores. Results indicated significant relationship between the sizes of land irrigated and the attitudes of women on irrigation. Household income has a significant effect on irrigation farming. The Logistic regression model showed that, the following factors had positive influence on women’s adoption of irrigation technology: size of land suitable for irrigation, primary occupation, irrigation training, income, education and farm’s location. The study recommends the following: provision of irrigation’s start up capital, improving women access to resources and increase in irrigation training.
Contribution of vocational education in poverty reduction in Mufindi district, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2007) NZALI,AGNES STEPHEN
The study was conducted in Mufindi district, Iringa region, Tanzania to determine the contribution of vocational education in poverty reduction among Vocational Education and Training (VET) graduates. The study adopted a cross sectional design by using a questionnaire with both open and closed ended questions from a sample size of 120 respondents (60 women and 60 men) who have completed vocational training in the past three to ten years. Data analysis was done using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) in which Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was done to determine socio-economic status of the respondents’ households. Key findings indicate that the majority (29.2%) of the respondents were engaged in tailoring activities followed by motor vehicle mechanics (20%). The mean income of VET graduates was Tshs. 102 775 per month with the minimum income of Tshs.18 000 and the maximum income of Tshs. 700 000 per month. Their mean income implies that the majority of the respondents earn income above the minimum government salary, which is Tshs. 80 000 per month. Results from the study also reveal that female VET graduates in Mufindi district earn less income compared to male graduates. The mean income of male graduates was found to be Tshs. 119 216.67 while that of female was Tshs. 86 333.33. This is to say men earn 30.1% more than women. The difference was also found to be statistically significant at p < 0.05. However, there was no significant association between income and type of skill, duration of training and form of training (p > 0.05). Study findings also revealed that 20.8% of the respondents’ households were poorest while 19.2% of them were better off. Major problems faced by respondents were inadequate capitaliii and high taxes charged for their enterprises. It was concluded that vocational education contributes a lot in poverty reduction among VET graduates in Mufindi district. Since capital was found to be the main constraint to VET graduates the study recommends that district councils and vocational training centres should help to link them with micro-financing institutions, which can provide them with credit facilities. If possible revolving loan funds should be established for the graduates and link with savings components. This will enable them acquire working capital easily and hence expand their enterprises.
Home based care and management of people living with HIV/ AIDS in Rufiji district
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2008) DISMAS,JOHN
HIV/AIDS has brought in new challenges of care and support to those who fall sick and the surviving family members. As the HIV/AIDS epidemic worsens, community home based care services are critical in the continuum of care to mitigate the burden of the disease on health facilities and families. The Government of Tanzania has developed different programmes, strategies and models for HBC to PLWHA. However, there is inadequate knowledge about the effectiveness of HBC and management of PLWHA. The current study examines the determinants of effectiveness of HBC and management of PLWHA in Rufiji District. The study specifically determines the characteristics of PLWHA under HBC system, best or bad practices for PLWHA, the types of home based care offered and key stakeholders involved in the caring for PLWHA. Cross-sectional survey using quantitative data collected from a sample of 104 PLWHA and 3 focus group discussion and in-depth interviews were used for the study. The analysis has been done using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The findings show that of all the households of PLWHA that were interviewed, majority were male headed household (MHHs), than female headed household (FHHs). The study has shown that the type of HBC offered is the one which emphasizes on psychosocial support to PLWHA and their families delivering their services primarily through volunteer networks in the community together with program staff, who are not necessarily health professionals. PLWHA do not have information on where to get legal aid an aspects such as inheritance, writing of wills and human rights or PLWHA support groups. The study recommends the introduction and or strengthening of programmes that promote legal aid awareness along side other services provided to PLWHA. Finally HBC programmes cannot be successful unless they are accorded active support and participation from government, NGO’s and communities.
Civil society organisations and HIV/AIDS: A case of Iringa district, Tanzania.
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2008) SAMSON,SUZANA
This study was designed to determine the role of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in combating HIV/AIDS in Iringa District. Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs), Faith Based Organisations (FBOs) and Community Based Organisations (CBOs) were selected for the study. Specifically, the study aimed at identifying the HIV/AIDS thematic areas in which the CSOs were engaged; the institutional management structure of CSOs; the CSO’s achievements; the challenges faced by CSOs and at determining people’s attitude towards CSOs addressing HIV/AIDS. A cross sectional survey was employed where by both structured and non-structured interviews were used to collect data. Purposive sampling method was used to obtain CSOs that implemented HIV/AIDS interventions whereas stratified sampling method was used to get 18 NGOs, 6 FBOs and 6 CBOs to constitute the sample of 30 CSOs that were interviewed. The collected data were analysed using SPSS computer software where descriptive statistics and cross tabulation were used in presenting the study results. HIV/AIDS interventions implemented by CSOs were in four thematic areas namely awareness raising, impact mitigation, capacity building and HIV voluntary counselling and testing. HIV/AIDS impact mitigation was the intervention implemented by most of the sampled CSOs (41.8% of responses). However CBOs unlike FBOs and NGOs engaged mostly in HIV prevention through awareness raising. Despite of limited monitoring of CSOs’ activities by the government, community members have positive attitude towards CSOs addressing HIV/AIDS issues with the views that the government could not manage to implement all aspects of HIV/AIDS. CSOs’ interventions were affected by limited funding whereby 41.5% of sampled CSOs’ responses indicated that they relied on external funding. It is recommended that the government (both central and local government authorities) has to formulate an integrated programme of implementation together with a monitoring and evaluation system ofiii HIV/AIDS interventions for effective multisectoral approach towards combating the epidemic.
Socio- economic determinants of contraceptive use among women in Geita district
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2009) BYAGALAMA,JENITHA DAMASSEN
This study identified socio-economic factors influencing contraceptives use among women in Geita district; Specifically it determined the level of awareness about contraceptives, identified the types of contraceptives used, source of information about contraceptives as well as social economic factors which influence women use of contraceptives. A cross sectional study design was employed where by a multistage sampling technique was used in combination with simple and purposive sampling methods to obtain a representative sample. A total of 100 respondents were sampled. Questionnaires and a checklist was used to gather information from individuals, Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and Key informants. Statistical package for social science (SPSS) was employed for data entry and analysis. The study revealed that there was high awareness of contraceptives rampant, unavailability of contraceptives, inadequate knowledge of various contraceptives and limited access and use of contraceptives. This situation was mainly caused by a number of factors which include physical features, poor infrastructure, remoteness, inconsistent availability of contraceptives, ignorance and traditional practices. Furthermore, the study found that rural communities access contraceptives information through radio and MCH staff. The study findings further showed also that the use of contraceptives was influenced by socio-economic characteristics such as age, marital status, sex preference and household size. The recommendation made include the establishment of more health centers and hospitals in rural areas, training should be provided to contraceptives providers, raising awareness on different types of contraceptives methods, ensuring constant availability of all contraceptive methods, the provision of contraceptives education in schools for both sexes and provision of all necessary materials like flyers, brochures, posters and magazines which are needed foriii effective provision of information in different areas. There is a need for more development specialist in relevant Ministry, NGO’s, and development planners to establish more programmes on contraceptives issues.
Tobacco farming and its implications on poverty status: farmers’ perspectives in Urambo district Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2011) Mkufya Peter Stewart
In its efforts to alleviate poverty among tobacco growers, the government of Tanzania adopted sub-sectoral reform aiming at improving tobacco gross margin. One of the basic strategies was the empowerment of co-operatives to source out finance through banks. It was in view of these initiatives that this study was undertaken in December 2009 and February 2010, to find out why poverty persists among tobacco growers despite the high income ensuing from tobacco production. The specific objectives of the study were to: estimate profitability of tobacco production; determine poverty status; determine expenditure of income from tobacco: assess perception of tobacco growers on tobacco farming and finally assess socio-economic factors affecting tobacco growers. The study findings show that, the respondents produce average of 1192 kg/ha which is below the potential production of 1900 kg/ha. The gross margin analysis reveals that, respondents’ gross margin is 70% of total revenue per ha. Considering government minimum salary scale of Tshs 104 000 per month as a benchmark, respondents earn twice of the same from tobacco production per month. Regression analysis indicates that yield per ha had beta wait of +0.743(p<000), contributing significantly on increased gross margin than other variables. Further, respondents spend over 50% of their income on food, which accounts for the prevailing reality of poverty. Tobacco low yield, large household size, insufficient food crops production, inefficiency performance of cooperatives, lack of entrepreneurial training and lack of other income generating activities, contribute in accounting for poverty persistence. The study recommends that the Government provides goods which promote utilization of income generated from tobacco such as building materials, schools, health and communication.
Wildlife-based domestic tourism in Tanzania: experiences from northern tourist circuit
(2011-12) Hassan, M. S. B.; Maganga, S. N.; Modest, S. L. S.; Salehe, F. S.
It is believed that for tourism industry to become successful, domestic, and international tourism should complement each other. But domestic tourism in many developing countries is nearly non-existent, with local residents mainly visiting friends and relatives. The study to examine characteristics and factors affecting domestic tourism was carried out in northern Tanzania tourist circuit. Specifically the study sought to determine the characteristics of Tanzanians who mostly visit the protected areas; to identify and assess factors affecting domestic tourism; and different factors that hinder growth of domestic tourism. A sample of 322 respondents was interviewed. Primary data was collected through questionnaires, focus group discussions, informal discussion; and secondary data was obtained from tourists visiting reports, and statistics. Data was analysed for descriptive statistics. The results obtained revealed that: More men visited wildlife protected areas than women. The age group of 26 – 37 was the most active group in visiting protected areas. Low financial income was indicated as the main constraint (77.0%) affecting the growth of domestic tourism, followed by means of communication and inadequate information (71.8%). It is recommended that, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism need more plans, efforts, and combination of approaches in promoting and marketing domestic tourism.
Schistosomiasis: A comparative study of its socioeconomic consequences in different types of irrigation schemes in Tanzania.
(2012) Salehe, F. S.; Mtambo, M. M. A.; Tarimo, A. K. P. R.; Mattee, A. Z.; Hassan, S. N.
This study was carried out through a cross-sectional design in June through August, 2010 in modern, improved traditional and traditional irrigation schemes in Kilimanjaro and Morogororo Regions, Tanzania. A total of 240 irrigation rice farming respondents were selected purposively at head, middle and tail of each scheme. Interviews using structured questionnaires with closed and open-ended questions were used to collect data. T-test was used to determine variation in different variables for infected farmers between irrigation schemes, and for the same variables between infected and non-infected farmers within the same irrigation schemes. Infection was least at a traditional scheme, but high at a modern scheme both in Kilimanjaro Region. Consequently, infected farmers at Kilimanjaro modern scheme lost the highest number of working days on treatment and care of oneself/family members, 14-30 days per season compared to 4-13 days for infected farmers at a traditional scheme in Morogoro Region. We also found significant difference on income accrued from rice selling between infected farmers in modern (p > 0.001) and traditional schemes (p > 0.001). Moreover, there was a significant difference in net working hours per month between infected versus non-infected farmers in modern (p>0.001), improved traditional (p = 0.006) and traditional (p > 0.001) schemes. Since some of infected farmers in Morogoro schemes sold what could have been their food, assets and livestock the study concluded that schistosomiasis has not only caused illness to those infected, but it had impact on socio- economic development of those infected and their households at large.
Socio-economic effects of schistosomiasis on irrigation rice growers in Morogoro, Tanzania
(SCIENCEDOMAIN international, 2012-05-12) Salehe, F. S.; Hassan2, S. N.
Aims: To assess Socio-economic effects of schistosomiasis on irrigation rice farmers in Modern, Improved traditional and Traditional irrigation schemes in Morogoro Region. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Mkindo (improved traditional) in Mvomero district, and Mwega (Modern) and Chabi (Traditional) in Kilosa District, between March and April 2010. Methodology: In each scheme we used 40 farmers practicing irrigation rice farming. Between-scheme differences for infected farmers were tested using one way-ANOVA, and t-test for differences between infected and non-infected farmers within and irrespective of schemes. Results: Over 60% of all farmers surveyed reported to have had suffered from schistosomiasis, with traditional scheme exhibiting the highest number. Differences in financial expenditures on treatment and care were detected between improved traditional and traditional (P<0.001), and improved traditional and modern (p=0.014). Similarly, hours spent on treatment and care differed between improved traditional and traditional (p=0.001) and between traditional and modern (p=0.028). Additionally, net working hours per month differed between traditional and improved traditional (p=0.002) and between traditional and modern (p=0.056). Contrary, only net working hours per month differed between infected and non-infected farmers within traditional (p=0.003) and modern (p=0.001) before and after converting hours spent on caring of oneself/other family members into monetary cost. The same variable exhibited significant difference all schemes pooled together (p<0.001). Results of this study contravene the hypothesis that farmers in the modern scheme would have high income balance compared to farmers in traditional and improved traditional. Conclusion: Four key conclusions were reached: 1) Contrary to our expectation, net income balance remained highest in the improved traditional scheme both before and after conversion of time spent on treatment and care into monetary cost, but remained smallest amount in the traditional scheme. 2) Failure of expenditures related to treatment and care to trigger significant difference in net income balance between infected and non-infected farmers, both between and within schemes caused the proposed hypothesis not to be accepted. 3) Apparently, the family that replaces the labour of a family that fails to indulge in production process due to schistosomiasis illness is likely to undergo an economic cost as they will have abandoned their own production activities. But then, the tendency of ignoring such cost is deep rooted in many African traditions including rice farmers in Morogoro schemes thus causing underestimation of the actual Socio-economic cost of schistosomiasis in Sub-Sahara Africa. 4) Occurrence of higher expenditures on treatment and care in traditional than in modern and improved traditional schemes justify the need for improvement of traditional irrigation infrastructures and cleanliness as well as training on water management and cropping calendar that would “cut” the pathways of schistosomiasis transmission.
Knowledge and attitude towards male circumcission and HIV prevention among people of Makete district, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2013) SANGA,ABRAHAM P.
The study was conducted to assess knowledge and attitude towards male circumcission and HIV prevention among people of Makete District. Specifically the study assessed the knowlcgde towards HIV/AIDS and male circumcission as well as attitude towards male circumcission for HIV prevention. The study also assessed the effects of social economic characteristics on male circumcission. A cross-sectional survey using structured questionaires was used in collecting quantitative data, while qualitative data was collected using key informants chekilist as well as the focus group discussion guide. A total of 420 respondents were inlevicwed. It was observed that the majority (99.3%) of respondents have heard an illness called AIDS. On the other hand 60% male respondents reported to be uncircumcised while 40% reported to be circumcised. The study also determined the prevalence rate of HIV infection in Makete District by 2011 to be 11% (MDC, 2012). It was also observed that majority (51%) of respondents had high knowledge on HIV/AID transmission and prevention. On other hand a significant proportional (31.9%) of respondents had low knowledge towards male circumcission. Furthermore about (59.7%) of respondents had a negative attitude towards male circumcission while (32.7%) had a positive attitude. Positive attitude of men and women were found to be an important aspect towards male circumcission. The study findings also observed that cultural factors hinder male circumcission since 67.9% of uncircumcised male reported that they were not circumcised because they feel they should not get circumcised because this practice is not part of their culture. The study results could contribute to devising and implementing the planning of male circumcission and HIV prevention strategies that focus on the identified gaps in Makete Distrct and elsewhere in and out of Tanzania.
Cultural drivers of zoonotic diseases and impact of the diseases on poverty in Ngorongoro district, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2013) ONESMO,NEEMA PRISCA
There have been a lot of cultural practices which are risky for transmission of zoonotic diseases which are practised by pastoral societies despite efforts to combat such practices. The general objective of this study was to determine cultural drivers of zoonotic diseases and their impact on poverty, whereas the specific objectives were to: (a) assess cultural practices which are risky for transmission of zoonotic diseases, (b) identify the commonest animal and human infectious diseases and (c) determine the impact of zoonotic diseases on poverty. Purposive and random sampling methods were used to obtain a representative sample of 120 households. A questionnaire was used to obtain information in February 2013 from individuals representing the selected households in Orgosorok, Enduleni and Sale Wards of Ngorongoro District. SPSS was employed for data entry and analysis. The findings showed that risky cultural practices which are practised by the Masai community are drinking un-boiled milk, sleeping in the same houses with calves, eating raw or insufficiently cooked meat, drinking raw animal blood, and not cleaning the kraal for animals. The respondents were of the view that livestock infectious diseases such as anthrax, hydatid cyst, brucellosis and tuberculosis were among the leading diseases in the Masai community; they were mentioned by 21%, 18% 16% and 2% respectively of the respondents. Based on multiple linear regression analysis in which the dependent variable was poverty in terms household income and monetary value of assets owned, it was found that zoonotic diseases had negative impact on poverty (P = -0.074), albeit the impact was not significant (p = 0.425). On the basis of these findings, it is concluded that the occurrence of livestock infectious diseases is influenced by cultural practices and that the diseases in turn affect poverty negatively. In view of the conclusion, it is recommended that more education should be given on how to do away with cultural practices which are risky for transmission of zoonotic diseases, and knowledge should be imparted on how to prevent the occurrence of the diseases in order to alleviate poverty among pastoral societies.
Differences in schistosomiasis knowledge among irrigation rice farming communities in different irrigation schemes in Tanzania
(2013-02-26) Salehe, F. S.; Mattee, A. Z.; Tarimo, A. K. P. R.; Ensink, J. E. E.
Aim: To assess differences in schistosomiasis knowledge in farmers working in traditional, improved traditional and modern irrigation schemes in Tanzania. Study Design: A cross-sectional survey among farmers practicing irrigation rice farming, in 2 different regions and 6 different irrigation systems. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out between November and December 2011 in the Morogoro and Kilimanjaro Regions, Tanzania. Methodology: Equal number of irrigators in each scheme was employed. Irrigators were chosen randomly by the researcher from the list of all farmers actually engaged in rice irrigation farming provided by the village governments in the six schemes. Two hundred and fourty samples (240) were used, 120 from each region (40 farmers practicing irrigation rice farming in each scheme). Independent sample t-test was used for testing schistosomiasis knowledge differences among irrigators between schemes with the same design and construction of their infrastructures between the two regions. Results: More than 88% of irrigators surveyed in Kilimanjaro schemes had better knowledge regarding to all schistosmiasis items asked compared to those in Morogoro, particularly Chabi scheme-traditional. There were significant difference on irrigators knowledge on schistosomiasis symptoms (P<0.001), and predisposing factors (P<0.001) between Morogoro and Kilimanjaro Modern schemes. Knowledge on predisposing factors differed significantly (P<0.001) between irrigators in Morogoro and Kilimanjaro improved traditional schemes. Moreover significant difference were noted on irrigators knowledge on schistosomiasis symptoms (P<0.001), predisposing factors (P<0.004) and schistosomiasis control measures (P=0.003) between irrigators in Morogoro and Kilimanjaro traditional schemes. Conclusion: From the results it appears that the level of farmers’ knowledge of schistosomiasis is related to: proximity to health facilities of the community, trainings that have been provided to farmers and farmer’s literacy rate. However the government should be responsible to improve health facilities, construct roads and deliver schistosomiasis education to communities in irrigation areas even for schemes which have not been planned, designed and constructed by the government.
Farm households food production and households’ food security status: A case of Kahama District, Tanzania
(2014) Ngongi, A. M.; Urassa, J. K.
Food is an important basic human need for survival, growth, and good health. Most rural households in Tanzania, Kahama district inclusive produce the food they consume. Despite this reality, a number of households in the district suffer from food insecurity. However, there are inequalities across the district’s ecological zones and administrative divisions. Therefore, the paper aims at determining how farming households in Kahama District cope with food insecurity. Specifically, the paper determines food security status based on Dietary Energy Consumed (DEC) per Adult Equivalent (AE) per day, identifies households’ food insecurity coping strategies and examines factors influencing food production and supply. The paper uses data collected through a survey of 150 randomly selected farm households in Msalala and Isagehe divisions. In addition, some qualitative information on crop production, food security situation and households’ food insecurity coping strategies was collected through focus group discussions (FDGs) conducted in the surveyed villages. Generally, observations based on the 24 hours recall and household income expenditure survey (HIES) indicate that food insecurity existed among households in the study areas based on the recommended average DEC/AE, of 2200 kcal and 2100 kcal respectively. Binary regression analysis results show that five predictors were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) associated with surveyed households’ food security/insecurity. Multiple regression analysis results further show that, total annual income, the amount of maize and paddy produced, household size, the number of plots owned, and the number of cattle owned significantly influenced the surveyed households’ food production and supply. Observations further show that most households rely on less preferred foods as a food insecurity copying strategy. The paper concludes that food insecurity existed among farming households in the study area. It is therefore recommended that, farming households adopt drought resistant food crops, diversify into off-farm income generating activities and that village extension officers (VEO’s) and community development officers (CDO’s ) play a more active role to enable households achieve food security.
Determinants of community health fund membership drop out in Lindi district council of Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2014) REUBEN,DELFINA
Tanzania, have been implementing Community Health Fund scheme in its government health services since 1996. Lindi District Council is one of the six councils which make Lindi Region. There have been a lot of research and studies on CHF in Tanzania such as determinants for CHF enrolment, reasons for the continuing low enrolment in the district. There is scanty information about the actual factors that determine CHF membership drop out, in the study area. However, the overall objective of the study was to identify the factors determining the CHF membership drop out in Lindi District council. Specifically, the study aimed at determining the perception of CHF members on CHF management, determinants of joining the CHF scheme, duration which CHF members stay under the insurance before they drop out and determinants of CHF membership drop out. Interview and Focus Group Discussions were used to collect data. Statistical Package for Social Science Programme (SPSS) was applied to analyze both qualitative and quantitative data. By using multiple linear Regression analysis, the study revealed the factors that determined CHF membership drop out in the study area. Those factors included socio and economic and demographic characteristics such as ability to pay the premium. Finally the study provides four strong recommendations that could be done to improve CHF membership retention in the study area and other district councils where CHF scheme is implemented.
Determinants of infant mortality in Kisarawe district,Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2014) MBITTO,WILBERT DACHI
This study was conducted in Kisarawe District, being one of the Districts in Tanzania facing infant mortality (IM). The overall objective of this study was to investigate factors that determine infant mortality in the study area. The specific objectives were to describe neonatal mortality and postnatal mortality; to identify socio-economic factors which influence infant mortality; and to explore the demographic factors which influence infant mortality. A cross-sectional research design was applied in this study. A representative sample of 102 respondents was drawn from the sampling frame. Data from the questionnaires were analyzed statistically using statistical packages for social science (SPSS) and statistical test were done using the chi-squire to test the significant difference between the strata. The study revealed that (30.4%) of the respondents experienced IM, there were 33 incidences and (60.6%) of all incidences occurred at moment of delivery. Breastfeeding and place of delivery (p<0.05) were identified to be the main determinant of infant mortality. Weaknesses were as follows,(75.5%) were primary leavers; (10.8%) earned only 30000 Tsh a month; (68.6%) were not satisfied with medical services provided;(65.6%) gave birth below the age of 20; Traditional midwives are still in demand for (10.8%), all these are circumstances for IM. Yellow fever has been contributing (40.2%) of all death incidences. The study recommends that, the government should improve medical services; NGOs to invest in education and income generating activities; Mothers to seek medical help and attend clinic. Further research should be encouraged in the study area notably on yellow fever and neo-natal mortality which are generally high.
Factors influencing maize crop production at household levels: A case of Rukwa Region in the southern highlands of Tanzania
(2015-03-05) Urassa, J. K.
Production of staple food occupies an important part in Sub-Saharan Africa’s agricultural production. Maize crop in particular is the most important staple food in this area. The article mainly examines households’ socio-economic characteristics affecting maize production in Rukwa in the context of the market reforms carried out in Tanzania in the mid 1980’s. Rukwa region is one of Tanzania’s most reliant maize producers. The article explores the importance of maize to household’s crop production, its production levels and the determinants of its productivity. A number of specific issues are explored including the importance of factors such as farm size, education, and access to key inputs such as seeds, fertilizers and agricultural extension services. The study on which the article is based uses data collected from three districts of Rukwa. The findings showed that maize crop continues to play an important role in most households’ livelihood. However, the crop production levels were low. Education was observed to be an important factor in raising yields, suggesting that non-agriculture policies may also be important for improving productivity and welfare of farmers. Despite the importance of maize crop to household livelihoods, several constraints were reported to hinder its productivity including access to fertilizers, improved seeds and other chemical inputs necessary for higher production, and extension services. Therefore, efforts need to be taken by both the local and central government to raise households maize productivity and hence increase the possibility of improving their well-being.
Sexual health knowledge among secondary school students in Morogoro, Tanzania: half full or full empty?
(Science Publishing Company (SPC), 2017) Kaale, G.; Muhanga, M.
Background: Sexual health knowledge (SHK) is very crucial as the world is facing HIV/AIDS tragedy, increased cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unsafe abortions among adolescents. It is obvious that knowledge is an important prevention factor for any disease. Objectives: The study was conducted to assess knowledge and attitude on sexual health among secondary school students in Morogoro Municipality. Specifically the study (I: (i) examined students’ knowledge and attitude on sexual transmitted infections, (ii) analyzed stu-dent's awareness on early pregnancy prevention, and; (iii) determined students’ knowledge on issues related to puberty. Methods: The study involved 75 respondents from five secondary schools and 13 key informants through purposive sampling and sim-ple random sampling techniques. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) ver.12. Results: Findings revealed that 79.8% of the respondents had knowledge on sexually transmitted infections, 86.5% were aware of methods of controlling early pregnancies; 83.9% have never used protective gears during sexual intercourses, and 54.7% did not under-stand a menstruation cycle. Conclusion: The study recommended for provision of sexual health knowledge to students to reduce incidences of early pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections; likewise on the need to use protective gears during sexual intercourses. Knowledge concerning sexual health is vital for all particularly for adolescents, as they are vulnerable to adopt negative behaviors if not guided properly and at the right age.

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