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The Perceived Importance of Communication Skills Courses among University Students: the case of two universities in Tanzania
(02-02-15) Komba, S. C.
This article is about the perceived importance of communication skills courses among Tanzanian university students. A total of 134 undergraduate students, randomly selected from two Tanzanian universities, were involved in this study. The study adopted a case study design in order to have an in-depth understanding of the phenomenon under investigation. The data were collected through interview schedules and they were analysed using thematic content analysis in which they were coded and classified according to themes generated from the responses. The findings revealed that communication skills courses were perceived by the majority of the respondents as important courses for the acquisition of communication skills needed in academic settings. It is recommended that universities should strive to improve the delivery of the courses by ensuring that both human and material resources are adequately available for the purpose of enabling students to benefit more from the courses
The use of schools for socioeconomic transformation: a study of Tanzanian secondary school students' beliefs, attitudes and aspirations toward farming and rural life
(University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1983) Mattee, Amon Z
Purpose The purpose of the study was to assess Tanzanian secondary students' beliefs, attitudes and aspirations regarding farming and rural life, and how these relate to school agricultural experiences and to individual and situational characteristics of the students. Methodology Data were secured through a structured question naire administered to a sample of 867 Tanzanian government secondary school students. The dependent variables for the study were students' beliefs, attitudes and aspirations with respect to farming and rural life. The independent variables were the school agricultural learning experiences, the sex, grade and home location of the student, parental education and occupation, and type of farming at home. The analysis tested the relationship between the independent variables and students' beliefs, attitudes and aspirations toward farming and rural life.Ill Findings and Conclusions 1. Students’ beliefs were mainly positive while their attitudes were either positive or neutral, with very few having negative beliefs or attitudes. About one- third of the students aspired to agricultural careers including farming while half of them preferred working in the rural areas. 2. Although students who have had practical school agricultural experiences were more likely to hold positive beliefs, students' beliefs were more strongly related to home background characteristics. Students from rural farm background were more likely to hold positive beliefs. 3. Students who have had practical school agricul tural experiences were more likely to hold positive attitudes. Likewise, male and lower grade students were more likely to hold positive attitudes. Students’ attitudes were not related to home background character istics . 4. Generally, school agriculture seemed to influence students' aspirations toward rural-based agricultural occupations. But as students progressed up the academic hierarchy their aspirations shifted progressively to urban non-agricultural occupations. Also students fromIV less educated rural backgrounds were more Likely to aspire to rural agricultural occupations compared to those from more educated urban backgrounds. 5. Although school agriculture may help in reorienting students’ expectations toward rural and agricultural occupations, its effectiveness is severely limited since schools continue to be the sole basis for recruitment to elite positions and as such continue to socialize students toward more elitist expectations, contrary to policy objectives.
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.
Change and stability in the indigenous farming system of the Matengo
(FAO, 1999) Mattee, A. Z.
Mbinga District is one of the most densely populated areas in Tanzania. The indigenous system in the Matengo highlands is characterised by the Matengo pit system. This system is believed to have sustained land productivity for over 100 years. But it now faces problems related to environmental degradation caused by bush fires and deforestation. These problems have emerged due to population pressure and the growing human activities on the land. At the same time, it is now acknowledged that sustainable rural development is one that is based on indigenous knowledge systems and sustainable agricultural practices. But an important question is what contributes to the sustainability of indigenous agricultural systems such as that of the Matengo, and how does the indigenous system adapt to changing circumstances? This paper presents a summary of the findings of the Miombo Woodlands Agro-ecological Research Project which was carried out in Mbinga District by a team of Sokoine University of Agriculture and Japanese scientists from 1994 to 1997, with the support of JICA.
The effects of shifts in rainfall pattern on rainfall characteristics in Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 1999) Lwiyiso, Wikedzi Francis
This study was conducted with the aim of establishing the existence of significant shifts or departures in rainfall pattern and the effect this may have on some important rainfall characteristics in different parts of the country. A sample of 21 stations from six major agro-ecological zones in Tanzania was used in the study. Start dates of the growing season in various parts of Tanzania are variable and to some extent symbolize rainfall variability. Hence in this study, shifts in rainfall pattern are assumed to be reflected in the departures of start dates of the growing season from the mean. The start dates of the growing season for the various agro-ecological zones were determined using a calibrated rainfall-based criterion. Calibration of the rainfall based criterion was achieved through use of a water balance simulation model which resulted in different sets of parameter values for each of the six agro-ecological zones. Other rainfall characteristics were derived using INSTAT statistical package. Results show that all stations in the six agro-ecological zones experience shifts in the rainfall pattern. Significant negative correlations between start dates and length of the growing season exist in all the stations with uni-modal type of rains and those with bi-modal type but for the long rains only. In other words the earlier the rains start, the longer the growing season is expected to last and vice versa.
The effect of credit on income: a case of women’s micro projects for poverty alleviation in Shinyanga urban and rural districts
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2000) Mbeiyererwa, Arbogast Gwarbert
Micro-credit funding for women income generating activities is one of the current anti poverty measures that are adopted by many developing countries to alleviate poverty amongst the poor. This study was conducted in Shinyanga region to examine the effectiveness of credit scheme models by this mode of funding to women’s micro projects at the grassroots. Both questionnaire and personal observation methods were used to collect data amongst women beneficiaries in Shinyanga urban and rural area districts. A total of 121 respondents was interviewed, and the collected data were analysed using both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The results show that, credit loans for women micro-projects have an apparent positive effect on the overall income of beneficiaries. But despite this, the credit loans to urban beneficiaries have shown overall poor performance. The variation of performance between the urban and rural beneficiaries was analysed by using the ‘current ratio’ (CR) measure. Thus, the test shows that there is a significant (P < 0.05) association between future sustainability of the micro-projects and the respective respondents’ location (either urban or rural area) - in terms of CR measure. The results also indicate that most of the micro-projects (54.5%) in rural areas have CR > 2. The average CR for the urban and rural area micro-projects were 1.3310 and 7.8250 respectively. This implies that the performance of rural area micro-projects was superior to the urban counterpart. Factors that contributed to this effectiveness include suitable creditiii policies and associated conditions that are flexible and affordable by the poor women at the grassroots. These features are reflected by the size of the loan, the type of projects for the targeted population and the modes of loan repayments. Furthermore, the T test for the difference between means of different group pairs of initial capital shows that there is a greater statistical (P < 0.05) difference between respondents with zero initial capital and those ranging between zero and Tsh.15 000.00 each. Similar results are indicated by the test between respondents with zero initial capital and those with capital ranging between Tsh.49 650. 00 and Tsh. 68 880.00. Basing on the study results it is recommended that, in order to support the poor women at the grassroots credit schemes for poverty alleviation must review their credit policies, so as to meet the conditions of the resource poor. But again, the study has noted that commercial oriented policies that create loan dependants are more likely to worsen the poverty situation irrespective of the location and target factors that are to be addressed. Credit policies can serve the poor when they address the factors that perpetuate poverty in the different localities. Credit agencies therefore, should make necessary reforms and preparations for the schemes before implementation. Among other things, targeting has to identify the real poor by assessing their actual requirements in the context of Tanzania environment.
Gender roles in agroforestry: a socio-economic analysis of Embu and Kirinyaga districts, Kenya
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2001) Njuki, Jemimah Micere
This study was carried out in an agroforcstry system in the Central Highlands of Kenya (Kirinyaga and 1-mbu Districts) with the aim of investigating the gender roles in the agroforestry system and how these affect productivity. The study specifically looked at the characteristics of the system, the gendered division of labour, gendered access to resources, effect of the division of labour and access to resources on productivity and the use of collective action by women as a strategy to reduce their workloads and increase access to resources. Participatory Rural Appraisal, Focus Group Discussions, a cross sectional household survey and time allocation studies were used to collect data intended to answer the objectives of the research. One-wav analysis of variance was used to compare farms based on whether they had a male manager, female manager or both. A Cobb-Douglas production function was used to analyse factors affecting Total Value Product and to calculate farm technical efficiency. Both probit and regression analysis were used to identify and assess factors affecting male and female labour, technical efficiency and determinants of women's ability to make decisions on tree planting. The major constraints to the integration of trees into the farming system were found to be farmers' perceptions of the effects of trees on crops and boundary disputes. Lack of information and seeds on appropriate trees and shrubs were identified as a constraint Female labour was found to contribute 60.9%, 77.7%, 68.8%, 77.4%, and 64.3% of the labour in coffee, tea. maize, beans and potatoes respectively. In addition, they contributed 47.6% of the labour in cattle and 93.2% of the labour for all domestic activities. Farm technical efficiency was 64%. 1 he study found no evidence of productivity differences between mule and female farm managers. Inputs and female labour were found to increase the Total Value Product. Both male and female farm managers were found to benefit equally from extension while female managers benefited less from education in farming Few women were found to have access to extension, land and credit. Collective action played an instrumental role in guaranteeing women rights and access to resources that they would not otherwise have as individuals. Given the importance of farm inputs in raising the value of total products, future policies should be aimed at increasing rural farmers' access to agricultural inputs at an affordable price as a strategy to increase agricultural production. The study recommends the development of more labour saving productivity enhancing technologies and the promotion of agroforestry technologies that will increase soil fertility and make use of available planting niches while at the same time offering other services to farmers such as fodder. The study also recommends the understanding of the gender division of labour and access to resources in any farming system before any new technologies or crop varieties are introduced into that system.
Factors affecting adoption of 15 % NaCI solution technique for separating rice seeds: a study of Ndungu rice project in Same district, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2001) Mattijo, Angelina Julius
A study to identify factors affecting adoption of 15% sodium chloride (NaCI) solution, a seed separating technique was conducted at Ndungu rice project, Same District. A cross sectional research design, which allows collection of information at a single point in time, was adopted. Structured questionnaire was administered to a sample of 75 respondents of which 45 had adopted the salt solution technique while 30 had not. The data were analysed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) computer software. The study described the importance of seed health and methods used by the farmers to separate infected seeds. In the process it was examined how informed the farmers were, their attitudes towards innovation’s benefits, and the associated reasons for adopting and not-adopting the technology. The results of the present study revealed that, attitudes and practices towards method of seed selection, source of information, and level of education were significantly (P>0.001) associated with adoption. Some of the major factors, which limited adoption of 15 % NaCI solution technique, were insufficient water for irrigation and lack of awareness. Other limiting factors were lack of motivation and inadequate extension services, which resulted in poor participation in seminars. Although Chi- square test did not show a significant (P>0.05) association between extent of adoption and gender, participation of women was discouraged by their limited access to ownership of resources, information and household decisions. It is recommended that research should be geared towards conserving more water; promotion and dissemination of farming techniques which are relevant to local conditions and that are environmentally friendly, and creation of voluntary farmers’ groups whose farms will be used as demonstration plots.
Contribution and potential of indigenous fruits to household food security in Uluguru Mountains areas in Morogoro District, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2002) Tiisekwa, Jasmine B.
Tanzanians in different parts of the country, experience various degrees of food insecurity. However, as in other tropical and sub tropical countries, exploiting fully indigenous fruit resources available in their areas can alleviate the situation. A study , / was therefore conducted to assess the food security situation, the contribution and potential of indigenous fruits to household food security in the Uluguru mountain areas in Tanzania. The attitudes towards utilization by traders, consumers in Morogoro Municipality and attitude of fruit processors based in Morogoro and Dar es Salaam were also assessed. Data were collected by using face-to-face interviews using 123 respondents. The respondents consisted of 87 farmers in six villages, 22 urban consumers of fresh fruits and fruit products, nine processors and five traders of IFs. Collected data were analysed using statistical Package for Social Science. In the study area some households were found to be food insecure, particularly during the rainy season. Families adjust down the meal portions, sell labour and obtain gifts as coping strategies. Thirty six different types of IFs were available in the study area, however, these were known to about one-third of the population. The five top-most popular fruits known to about 50% of the population are Saba florida (rubber vine) Vitex doniana (black plum), Tamarindus indica (tamarind), Sclerocarya birrea (marula) and Syzygium guineense (zambarau). IFs are used mainly as a snack and as part of the meal. Their contribution to household food availability and income is rated low (about 3%) probably due to lack of knowledge on value and handlingiii technologies. A small proportion (2.9 - 21.7%) of respondents (n = 87) in the villages were engaged in marketing different types of fruits, mainly due to lack of demand for the fruits. A very small proportion of households practiced limited processing and preservation of the identified fruits. The fruit processors, however, were willing to process the fruits if made available in adequate quantities. Similarly, consumers were willing to consume fresh or processed IFs if made available. Consumers preferred IFs to exotic ones because IFs are naturally produced i.e. without use of chemicals. The fact that local people, consumers as well as processors are ignorant on value and use of IFs, calls for intervention strategies that will create awareness among them.
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.
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.
The impact of Hiv/Aids on household food security in Arumeru district Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2004) Ole - losai, Nasim cornelius
The growing burden of HIV/AIDS has impact on household food security. Families suffer food insecurity because the disease strikes the most economically productive members of ths society. However, few researches have been undertaken to examine this situation in Arameru District. This study was therefore conducted in Animcru District in 2003 to examine the influence of HIV/AIDS on households food security. It specifically focused or. the social problems associated with HIV/AIDS in household, food accessibility, effects of HIV/AIDS on agricultural production and strategies that are used by households to cope •.'/ ■■.h food insecurity. The study employed a cross sectional survey involving 104 households of which 52 households were affected by HIV/AIDS and 52 households were not affected by HIV/AIDS. A snowball sampling technique was employed in the selection of the HIV/AIDS affected households. Systematic sampling was used in selecting households that were not affected by HIV/AIDS. Data for the study was collected by using structured questionnaire. Statistical package for Social Scientist (SPSS) was used to analyse data generated by questionnaire. The results showed high incidence of food insecurity in the affected households. Furthermore effects of HIV/AIDS on households also included age dependence, orphanhood, and migration of family members, school unattendance and inheritance of widows. The results further revealed the changes in the sources of income and decrease in the average weekly income in the affected and unaffected household. Decrease in the size of land used for agriculture and changes in the types of food and cash crop produced were also observed. This was due to inadequate cash to purchase agricultural inputs, selling of land and delay in starting agricultural activities, inadequate money to buy agricultural inputs, inadequate time to undertake agriculturaliii activities and soil infertility. A change in knowledge that was used in agriculture and livestock production obtained from parents was observed in the both types of households. In addition, substitution of food with cheap commodities was observed to be the dominant coping strategy used by majority of the households. The increased incidence of HIV/AIDS in rural areas calls for more emphasis on I1IV/AIDS prevention programs. •'r.ere is also a need for more education to women and youth to practice safe sex. In order to raise the level of food security at the household, niral households should be encouraged to go for non-farming employment.
Dynamics of land use systems and environmental management in the Matengo highlands, Tanzania
(Kyoto University, 2004) Nindi, Stephen Justice
Historically, indigenous African options and changes in agricultural land use systems have gone almost completely unnoticed, partly because they were not widely researched and written down or published. Ever since colonial times, most agricultural officials have viewed the agricultural systems and the people in Africa as backward, traditional and without motivation to improve their own subsistence technology. This was perhaps because, although farmers in a few areas accepted innovations, many local farmers rejected the agricultural officers’ suggestions (Maack, 1996). And when most capital input to agricultural development failed, local farmers were again accused of being too conservative and their agricultural systems were assumed to be static and unchanging (Meertens et al., 1995).
Factors affecting sustainability of farmers groups: the case of Twikinde Malimbichi Cooperative Society of Mgeta, Morogoro
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2004) Chibehe Musa Moses
Earlier approaches to extension work emphasized the use of individual contact farmers rather than farmers groups by believing that new agricultural techniques would flow from innovators to the rest of the farming community through the “trickle down effect” However, this assumption was found to be inappropriate, particularly in poor third word countries, where the contact farmer approach seems to have failed to improve the majority of peasant farmers and therefore farmers’ groups seem more suitable as an extension technique than the individual approach. There is a lot of faith in farmers’ groups that various government and non governmental organizations use this approach for their rural extension programs, but at the same time many groups collapse soon after being formed hence they are not sustainable. A study to determine factors affecting the sustainability of farmer’s groups using Twikinde Malimbichi Cooperative Society as a ease study was conducted in Mgeta Division (Mvomero District) of Morogoro Region. Data were collected through survey questionnaires and interview checklists whereby 70 respondents were consulted through focus group discussions and personal interviews. The cut and paste analysis was used to select the relevant information. Also SPSS computer programme was used for analysis. The results revealed that the idea of group formation did not directly originate from the members themselves but it was an advice from Upper Mgeta Horticultural Development Project (UMHODEP). However the group becomes strong and more sustainable if origin of its formation comes from its members. Further results indicate that the initial group vision and its objectives were good and suitable with regard to the members’ benefits but the implementation strategies to realize the vision were not clear to both members and leaders things which made the group objectives not to be achieved there was a minimum contribution of capital by members for the group investments such as buildings, inputs shop, lorry and milling machine compared to the grants and loans received by the group from external sources. This trend contributed to the poor sense of ownership by the members in the groups’ activities, a factor that led to low sustainability of the group. Furthermore, the group has gender imbalance such that, most of its leaders (87%) are males, a situation which shows low participation of women in the group activities. The findings show that technical and service supports were the common factors that kept the group members together and proceed to remain in the group, the factors that enhance the stability of the group membership which is the key factor for the contribution of positive sustainability of the group. It is recommended that, Twikinde Malimbichi should improve its income generating projects so as to be able to generate more funds and improve working capital of the projects hence increasing its capacity of purchasing the horticultural products from the farmers. It is also recommended that Twikinde Malimbichi establish clear implementation strategics to enable all members and leaders to accomplish perfectly the group objectives and activities. perfectly hence reducing the sustainability of Twikinde group. The findings revealed that
Farmers’ coping strategies with the changes of coffee marketing system after economic liberalisation: the case of Mbinga District, Tanzania
(Kyoto University, 2005) Mhando, David Gongwe
Mbinga District is well known as one of the major coffee producing areas in Tanzania. The inhabitants of the district known as the Matengo, combine ngolo cultivation to produce food crops and also engage in coffee cultivation for income. In 1986, the Tanzanian government introduced an Economic Recovery Programme that liberalized coffee marketing in 1993. In 2002, the government introduced a single licensing system in the coffee industry to stimulate competition among buyers and improve income for farmers. At the same time, the global coffee market witnessed improvement in production and processing technology, and the entry of new coffee producing countries. These resulted in global overproduction that decreased prices of coffee to unprecedented levels. A coffee industry that supported the national economy of Tanzania for many years was ushered into a period of transformation and uncertainty. This thesis documents and examines the trend in policy evolution and the effects these have had on the practice of stakeholders in Mbinga District. The nature of the rural economy is evaluated under the previously state controlled marketing system. The farmers’ responses and coping strategies during the period of economic liberalization are then analysed and discussed. Chapter 1 describes the historical transition of policies from African Socialism to economic liberalization and the tendency of diversification of rural livelihoods after which the objectives of this study are stated. In Chapter 2, an outline of the livelihoods is described and coffee cultivation is contextualized with the farming system. Chapter 3 compares changes in coffee marketing policies before and after economic liberalization, and sequences the characteristics in a historical perspective. In chapters 4 to 6 the case study of Mbinga District is documented, analysed and presented. Chapter 4 outlines the roles of and changes in the Mbinga Cooperative Union (MBICU), Private Coffee Buyers (PCBs), and Primary Societies (AMCOS), and analyses the marketing system. In Chapter 5 describes the current situation and problems of the coffee industry in Mbinga, the fluctuation of coffee prices and cost of agricultural inputs, and the strategies employed by stakeholders to cope. Prior to economic liberalization, MBICU facilitated coffee farming by providing credit, affordable inputs and marketing. After economic liberalization, MBICU could not obtain loans from commercial banks to continue supporting coffee cultivation because it did not service loans that were previously provided. Moreover, its capacity was rapidly weakened due to competition from the PCBs and it subsequently collapsed in 1996. The PCBs filled the gap left by MBICU. However, the PCBs did not provide services to coffee farmers similar to that provided by MBICU. They did not avail agricultural inputs and credits to fanners. The fanners, who previously depended on MBICU for the provision of affordable inputs, faced severe economic difficulties as production costs increased. The farmers were dissatisfied by the purchasing system adopted by the PCBs. The price of chemical fertilizers began to increase after 1996, while the market price of coffee decreased rapidly. In 2002, when a single license system was introduced, AMCOS started to purchase coffee and established a payment system where part of the farmer’s income was paid in form of input purchase vouchers. This system assisted the farmers to obtain inputs thereby contributing to solve the problem of inputs. Chapter 6 examines farmers’ coping strategies in response to policy changes by analysing the results of field research conducted in the villages. The transformation of both the rural economy and the fanning system are described. Although many farmers who marketed coffee through the AMCOS appreciated the voucher system, they preferred selling coffee to the PCBs to the AMCOS. As such PCBs bought more coffee than AMCOS. This indicates that the farmer’s recognized the importance of management of expenditures based on their previous experiences with market economy, which greatly changed the structure of the rural economy. Consequently, coffee revenue, which was once invested in business, is currently invested in other activities to generate income and this assists the farmers to reduce the risks. When the global market prices stagnated, the government encouraged the purchase of coffee according to each grade a situation that motivated the farmers to produce high-quality coffee in a bid to increase income. The farmer’s organized themselves into groups that trained farmers to produce high quality coffee and identify appropriate marketing outlets. Introducing improved varieties and obtaining appropriate technology enhanced coffee quality. Selecting the most cost effective market for each grade maximized income. Networks and linkages among farmers’ groups became well established. The strategy of producing high quality coffee and identifying the most cost effective buyers spread fast among farmers in Mbinga District. An evaluation of the farmers’ coping strategies after economic liberalization revealed a structural transformation of the rural economy. The farmers tried various strategies to cope with policy changes within the context of their natural and social environment while making the best use of their experiences with the market economy. However, oversupply keeps prices stagnant while the prices of inputs keep rising. The sustainability of coffee cultivation in Mbinga will depend on constant supply of inexpensive inputs. It is presumed that formation of a cooperative union that pursues profit and values transparency while facilitating coffee farming, AMCOS and farmers’ groups would play a key role. It can be concluded that ten years of economic liberalization detached farmer’s from a state subsidized system to one of economic self-reliance that modified the structure of the rural economy.
Assessing Agricultural Productivity among Smallholder Coffee Farmers in Tanzania: Evidence from Rungwe District
(Institute of Continuing Education, 2005-01) Mwakalobo, A. B. S.
This paper presents empirical findings on resource productivity and allocation efficiency in smallholder coffee farmers in Rungwe district. The data used in this paper are based on a case study that involved interviewing 90 farmers. A Cobb- Douglas production function was used to estimate the production organization of the coffee farmers, and their efficiency in resource use. The results show that the farmers display a low level of efficiency in using available resources. The results indicate further that farmers would increase farm productivity by the using adequate capital-intensive input levels in order to maximize their efficiency. In order to achieve the use of capital-intensive inputs, farmers should take advantage of increasing their bargaining power in both input and output markets. Farmers' groups/associations further provide group liability in the procurement of credit from both formal and informal financial lending institutions. This in turn will improve farmers input purchasing power. The knowledge and skill on how to improve both the institutional and technical aspects of coffee production require regular updating so that farmers can optimize the use of available resources. Continuing education for farmers is therefore emphasized for promoting efficient resource utilization as well cis enhancing farm productivity.
Opportunities for upgrading the banana value chain in Uganda
(2005-06) Alex, A.; Makindara, J.; Tumwesigye, G.; Sikira, A.
As one of the major staple foods in Uganda, the banana industry is important for providing . fi)od and income to producers and other value chain actors. However, the sector is vastly underdeveloped, hence limiting its contribution to the economic wellbeing of actors. This paper assesses opportunities for upgrading the banana value chain as a basis for identifYing the potential entry points for developing the banana sub-sector in Uganda. A cross-sectional research design was adopted where interviews with 240 value chain actors and focus group discussion were conducted. Additional information was collected from a desk review of relevant literature. The value chain analysis approach vi'as adopted for data analysis as a basis for identifying Opportunities for improvement and upgrading options. Results' Allowed that banana farmers apply inputs at the farm level and they are involved in value addition post harvest, but on a very low scale. On average 27% of the bananas produced by smallholder jiirmers were set aside.* value addition. The most common forms of value addition adopted by furriers and traders included ripening and roasting the bananas, brewing local alcohol (tont() and waragi), making crafts and juice. The study observed an increasing number of firms that are involved in modernized value addition techniques. However there was a poor link between value chain actors, especial/v banana producers. input suppliers and providers of financial services. The study identified numerous opportunities for product. process', functional, channel and inter-sectoral upgrading in the banana value chain as well as value chain governance as important entry points towards boosting the general performance of the banana value chain.
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.
Determinants of population growth in Bukombe district, Shinyanga – Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2006) Malala, Paulo Sosthenes Magalaya
A study on determinants of population growth in Bukombe District was conducted in Bukombe District in Shinyanga Region. The study was prompted by the exceptionally high population growth rate of 7.4% in the district highest among the districts in Tanzania mainland. The need to examine the causes of this high population growth was based on the implication of the deterioration in provision of social services and future environmental stress. The general objective of the study was to determine factors contributing to high population growth in Bukombe District. Such information will assist district development stakeholders in formulating appropriate programmes and plans in order to improve the well being of the people. A specifically the study sought to estimate the levels of fertility; mortality and migration effects to the population growth in the district. Also the study intended to compare between the natural increase and migration contribution to population growth in the area. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data from a sample of 160 households. But as the study involved all household members, a total of 1076 respondents from the sampled households were interviewed. Data processing and analysis were done at SUA Main Campus. SPSS Version 11.5 for Windows was used for analysis. Generally it was found that fertility in the study area was very high based on the levels of estimated indices. Findings reveal that mortality is declining in the area compared with the figures in previous years. Natural increase was found to contribute by 55% to the district population growth while migration contributed only 45 percent. The study recommends that: extensive family planning programmes should be introduced to provide knowledge to the people in the district with emphasis on the importance of a small family size which every body can manage to care for. Second, it is recommended that health services providers/programmes should focus more on education to mothers on health care and provision of balanced diet to children to reduce child mortality. Third, in order to combat the increasing needs and demands of the high growing population the district authority is urged to improve provision of social amenities and services in collaboration with the community and the Central Government.
Normative change in contemporary religious practice: a case of Africa inland and Catholic churches in Morogoro municipality
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2006) Falanta, Emmanuel Mhoja
The changes of norms in our contemporary church practice have been subjected to social changes which lead to loose spiritual conduct in and out of our churches. Based on the church profile this was merely caused by the earliest split of the church from Roman Catholic to Protestant churches, the consequences then to a major normative change that was to come. The rituals have changed overtime for different denominations and at different speeds. However no research has been undertaken to examine the change in Morogoro Municipality. This study was conducted in Morogoro Municipality in 2006 to determine the change of norms in our churches. It specifically focused on examining the nature of normative changes in religious practices by identifying norms that guide religious practices, establishing how and why these norms have changed over time and to compare the nature and sources of this change between conservative Roman Catholic and liberal Africa Inland Churches. The study employed a stratified sample of 40 respondents from each church to make SO respondents. Stratified random sample structured questionnaires were used to gather information from selected churches. Focus group discussion (FGDs) was used to gather information on normative values. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) of the computer programme was used to analyze data generated by questionnaire. These data from two denominations surveyed were analyzed descriptively and presented in a form of means, frequencies and percentages to show the relationships between independent and dependent variables. The results showed that there were great changes in respect to church norms, thus norms have generally been manipulated to suit interests of persons or particular groups.

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