Theses and Dissertations Collection

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A study of gender roles in the cashew nut value chain in Mkuranga district, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2013) Rwiza Veronica K.
The main objective of the study was to assess gender roles in the cashew nut value chain in Mkuranga. Data were collected along the cashew nut value chain nodes, including 80 producers (farmers), 10 processors, and 10 local traders from Kisutu and Kariakoo markets in Dar es Salaam. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the cashew nut value chain actors. Both quantitative and qualitative analysis was applied. The SPSS statistical software was used for data analysis. The results show that the key actors of cashew nut value chain include input suppliers, producers (farmers), processors, local traders and consumers who play different roles in cashew nut value chain. The study also found that cashew nut is constrained by production, processing, and marketing factors despite having a lot of opportunities at urban, regional and international markets. The roles assigned to men alone in cashew nut value chain were mainly associated with quality control, bargaining and decision making in all cashew nut value chain nodes, selling of raw nuts, selling the processed kernel, which eventually allow men to control income earned in different cashew nut value chain nodes. Hence, it lowers women’s motivation in cashew nut production and involvement in cashew nut value chain leading to lower women cashew nut production potential. The study documented limited frequency of visits of extension agents and lack of credit services to processors, it also documented cultural gender patterns that exist for access to and control over resources available in the cashew nut value chain and unequal income distribution among men and women along the cashew nut value chain nodes. The study recommends that gender equality is vital for cashew nut value chain improvement and calls for efforts from all development stakeholders in cashew nut value chain to focus on gender mainstreaming.
A study of the factors influencing offtake and marketing of milk and milk products around Dodoma town
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 1993) Araudoba Chigunje Nicanory Harun
This work was carried out in Dodoma Urban district to study the milk production situation and the existing milk utilization options in the areas surrounding Dodoma town in central Tanzania. The study was carried out by the use of a questionnaire, observations and direct recording. Fifty producer households and 61 non - producer households were interviewed. In addition, a total of 20 batches of milk produced by 20 households were evaluated for fat recovery efficiency using traditional churning methods. The results showed that there were on average 33 head of cattle per household. Cattle demography composed of 46% cows, of which 21 % were in milk; 15 % heifers, 21% males and 24 % calves. The calving rate was less than 50%. The lactation length was on average 9.72 ± 2.34 months with a coefficient of variation of 24%. were 17.6% and 3.8% Mortality rates for calves and adult cattle respectively. On average 70 % of the cows produced milk in the range of 0.25 - 0.50 1 of milk per day, while the rest produced above 0.50 to 2.00 1 per day. Watering of animals was done once per day in 94 % of the herds and for the rest it was done twice per day. Grazing time was on average 7.38h for herds that grazed continuously during the day and 6.48h for herds that had partial rest in kraals during the day. Producer households utilized 43.5 X, 32.0 X and 23.4X of the consumption milk and for sales consumers obtained direct processing, household Non respectively. milk through purchases. producer of the 61 non-producer households, 57 % obtained milk within the village, 28.6 % between 2 and 10 km and 14 % from more than 10 km. Consuming households living far away from the producers were supplied with milk through bicycle-boys as intermediaries. Milk price which ranged between TSh.26.60 and TSh.120.00 per litre of milk was positively correlated (r = 0.68 ) to distance from the source. For producer households, the amount of milk sold was significantly dependent (P< milk 0.001) on total production per household per day. Household consumption and household processing decreased the amount of milk sold significantly (P<0.001). Family size was positively and significantly (P< 0.05) correlated to herd size, milk output and processing with daily coefficients of correlations of 0.69, 0.66 and 0.66 respectively. Only fermented milk, butter and ghee were found to be produced with buttermilk as a by - product in the fat recovery process. The capacity of gourds that were used in churning sour milk ranged between 4.5 to 28.0 1 while the average volume of milk churned was 3.6 1 (range 7.5 1) representing a churn capacity fill of 31 average (range 1 .3 to x on 6.8 to 62.5 X). The sour milk churned had a pH range of 3 to 5 and was churned at an average temperature of 26 :C. Churning time averaged 28.8 minutes (range 10 to 50 minutes). Overall efficiency of fat recovery using traditional churning methods ranged between 57.5 % and 85 % It is concluded management systems, coefficients with an average of 71.6 % that the production levels and milk marketing and milk processing found in this study are similar to those reported elsewhere for traditional agro-pastoral systems in Africa. Recommendations that could bring improvements in all the aspects studied are given about
A study of the sustainability of the caritas dairy cattle project in Mbeya rural district, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2011) Kubetta, N.E.
Poverty remains predominantly a rural phenomenon, although the number of the poor in urban areas, mainly the unemployed and those engaged in the informal sector, is growing fast. Since independence, the Government of Tanzania has had poverty eradication as one of its main goals. One of the interventions is the creation of an enabling environment for private investment in productive sectors including agriculture and livestock, mining and tourism among others. This study was done in Mbeya Rural District with the objective of assessing the sustainability of the CARITAS Dairy Cattle Project. The study used a cross-sectional design in which a sample of 112 household beneficiaries was interviewed using a structured questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) computer program. Results from this study revealed that more than 87% had a primary education which is sufficient for livestock keeping. The community was fully involved and participated during establishment of the project and thus, it is quite aware of the project details and its importance. About 53% had attended training on dairy cattle management while the rest received knowledge and skills through their colleagues. More than 56% of the beneficiaries earned their annual income ranging from Tshs 500 000.00 to Tshs 2 500 000.00 through milk production. Considering all the above, the project showed all signs of sustainability provided that beneficiaries are empowered through market opportunities for the livestock products mainly milk, involves other development partners and ensures higher coverage of training on dairy cattle management and product marketing in the area.
Abundance and diversity of wild mammals along a hydrologic gradient in the Usangu wetlands, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2011) Kicheleri, Rose Peter
This study was conducted in the Eastern Usangu wetland in Mbcya and Iringa regions to examine the composition, abundance and diversity of mammals along a hydrological gradient. Data were collected in two seasons using distance sampling method along transects using a GPS to locate positions. Kruskal-Wallis, Pearson’s correlation and t-tests were employed to test the association of distance and number of animals observed along the gradient. Diversity of mammals along the gradient was determined by a number of indices using PRIMER 5.0 software. The study revealed that animal sightings decreased with distances from the edge of wetland though not significant different along the gradient. Also, flight distance of observed mammals was high indicating higher degree of poaching, and probably disturbances. Human activities such as abandoned farms, demolished houses and fresh livestock dung. were rampant in the wetlands. There was a statistically significant difference in the number of observed mammals in the two seasons, where species richness and abundance were higher in the late dry season. These results indicate that wetlands are important refuge areas for mammals as both abundance and diversity decreased with distance from the edge of the wetland. This study recommends a continuous monitoring of birds and mammals populations such as topi to help in determining the changes in abundance and diversity over time in Usangu wetlands as a result of intervention from anthropogenic disturbances.
Acquisition of land in rural areas of Morogoro district of Tanzania: policy and practice
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2013) Martin, Respikius
This study aimed at assessing the implementation of land policy al the village level with specific attention to the process of land acquisition through the village government. The study had three specific objectives which are: (1) to assess the rural communities' awareness of the national land policy and the village land Act No. 5 of 1999: (2) to examine the actual processes of acquiring land through the village government in rural areas and (3) to analyze constraints facing rural people to acquire land through the village government. A cross- section survey method was employed whereby two wards were selected purposively and from each ward, two villages were selected randomly. A total of 86 respondents were interviewed while other data was solicited through focus group discussions and key informant interviews. SPSS computer program version 12 was used to analyze quantitative information while qualitative information was analyzed using the content analysis technique. The findings revealed that, the awareness of land policy is low among respondents. Majority of the respondents reported about having heard about the policy but were not familiar with key aspects of the policy. It was also revealed by the study that the process involved in acquiring village land is not as per land policy guidelines. Furthermore, lack of transparency and bureaucracy in land allocation process are the major limitations for rural people to acquire land through the village government. From the findings it is concluded that, at the village level, implementation of land policy is not effective. For the implementation to be effective the study recommends empowering rural people through access to information and capacity building for local institutions which oversee implementation process of land policy.
The agrarian constitution of Zanzibar and its impact on agricultural development.
(University of Bonn, 1998) Krain, Eberhard
The title of this thesis is "the Agrarian Constitution oj Zanzibar and Its Impact on Agricultural Development''. Six elements were investigated in this dissertation: (i) the laws and law-like rules governing land ownership and land use, (ii) the succession to land and tree crops, (iii) the agricultural labor system, (iv) agricultural credit, (v) co-operatives, and (vi) the system of social security. Data were eolleeted in Zanzibar between 1990 and 1994. Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous urea of the United Republic of Tanzania. East Africa. Various formal and informal instruments of socio-economic research were applied during the research. Literature searches, interviews with key informants, semi-structured discussions with groups of male and female farmers, structured interviews with 360 heads of households in six villages, as well as numerous case and in-depth studies were conducted. The agrarian constitution is defined as the order that has been molded by law and custom and that determines agriculture and the course of life in the agrarian society (LlPINSKY. 1990/91 b; Lipinsky. 1981).The agrarian constitution of Zanzibar is the product of a number of important influences. In the less fertile coral rag area villagers, in many instances, follow rules that derive from African customary law (“mila”). in the fertile plantation area, where Arabs settled since the beginning of the 19th century, Islamic-Arabic laws and customs (Sheria) have been introduced and have had a lasting impact that, until today, extend to the whole of Zanzibar. British influence started with the establishment of a protectorate over Zanzibar in 1897 and continued until independence in 1963. In 1964, during the Zanzibar Revolution, a one-party government, which pursued a firm socialist command economy, was established. One of the most important measures of the new government was a radical land reform that nationalized the land of Arab landlords and redistributed the land to African small-holders. The curtailing and change of various agrarian laws and rules as well as dirigistic measures led to a steady decline in agricultural production, from 1984 onwards, more liberal policies were introduced and laws, in particular land laws, were reviewed. Subsequently important improvements — although not to the desired degree — were legislated. Particularly noteworthy in this respect are the new Land Tenure Act and the Registered Land Act, which have enabled some land transfer-rights (registration, sale, charge, lease). Although the new laws stipulate that land ownership remains vested in the state, important prerequisites have been created that may lead to increased and more sustainable agricultural production. The introduction of a multi-party system in 1992 and a multi-party election in 1995 provides hope that further improvements in the agrarian constitution of Zanzibar will receive the necessary political support to improve the socio-economic frame conditions for agriculture and life in the rural areas.
Agricultural education and youth farm entrepreneurial intention: evidence from selected folk development colleges in Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2017) Nade, P. B.
Education is widely acknowledged as a transformative tool for any desired human behaviour. Similarly, agricultural education and training has been a pivotal tool in improving productivity and efficiency in the agricultural sector. However, its outcomes in terms of graduate alignment to farming entrepreneurship is questionable since majority of youth graduating from agricultural colleges have shown limited interest in engaging in farm related enterprises. Besides, disinterest in farm related enterprises prevails in the face of serious youth unemployment and government initiatives in agricultural training and the agricultural development in general. This study sought to address this apparent paradox. The study involved three Folk Development Colleges (FDCs) - Mamtukuna (Kilimanjaro) Monduli (Arusha) and Chisale (Dodoma) purposively selected out of 55 FDCs in Tanzania basing on learning objectives and similarity of courses offered. Specifically, the study: (1) identified the type of knowledge and skills provided by agricultural training institutions in transforming youth intention towards farm entrepreneurship; (2) Determined youth attitudes toward farm entrepreneurship as influenced by exposure to agricultural education; (3) Assessed the perception of youth on college social support environment towards intention to farm entrepreneurship; and (4) Determined the relationship between agricultural education and youth farm entrepreneurial self-efficacy. A sample of 300 respondents was randomly selected from the population of final year certificate students in the three colleges. Qualitative data were transcribed by words and summarised into understandable themes. Quantitative data were analysed by both descriptive and inferential statistics. The descriptive statistics included frequencies, percentages, minimum, maximum, mean and standard deviation. Inferential statistics employed include: Somers D model, Mann-Whitney model, Kruskal-Wallis model, Multiple Regression and Structural Equation Modelling. The results of the analysis generally show that agricultural education has significant influence on youth farm entrepreneurial attitude and self-efficacy. Consequently, attitudes, college social support environment and self-efficacy have significant influence on youth farm entrepreneurial intention. It is concluded that agricultural education and training in the study area have both direct and indirect positive influence on youth farm entrepreneurial intention. Regular review, harmonization of VETA and FDC curricula and improving learning environment by modernizing the infrastructure is recommended. Also integrated approaches which involve various farming enterprises’ stakeholders in teaching agricultural courses in FDCs are recommended.
Agricultural information needs and their accessibility to sesame producers in Morogoro district, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2018) Makawia, P. J.
A study was carried out to assess the agricultural information needs and their accessibility for improving production among smallholder farmers growing sesame in Morogoro district, Morogoro region. Data were collected from 120 respondents using interview schedule. Checklist was used to collect data from Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and from interview with key informants. Quantitative data were analysed using the International Business Machines Corporation Statistical Package for Social Sciences (IBM SPSS) software version 16.0 and qualitative data were summarized and analysed using content analysis. The findings show that the main sources of agricultural information to smallholder farmers growing sesame were personal experience, friends, neighbours and brokers. Extension agents and mass media were less used by smallholder farmers growing sesame as source of information. Also it was found that from all the information needs, information on pest and disease management, market information and improved seed varieties were highly demanded information needs. In addition low level of income, inadequate contact to extension agents, ignorance to information source (lack of awareness of information sources) and distance to information sources were the major challenges facing smallholder farmers growing sesame in accessing agricultural information for sesame. It is recommended that all smallholder farmers growing sesame should be encouraged to access agricultural information on improved technologies from formal sources such as extension agents and mobile phones therefore, the Department of Agricultural Extension should focus on information need of the farmer when motivate them to use more formal sources for getting agricultural information’s for better farming outcome. Also it is recommended that emphasis should be given to establish more formal information sources based on the information needs of farmers.
Agricultural technology innovation system: a case of TARP II - SUA and pantil banana research projects in Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2012) Rwambali, Emmanuel Gabwenda
In principle the innovation systems approach, examines the interactions and institutions that affect actors to innovate and adapt technology. Roles and functions played by farmers and other actors determine farmers’ response to innovation. This study was conducted in the PANTIL and TARP II-SUA project areas in Tanzania, involving 182 respondents to investigate the banana technological innovation system that emerged as a result of the two projects. Technologies and practices developed were examined, various actors and their functions and roles identified, institutional relationships investigated, strategies and approaches for dissemination evaluated and the resultant technological innovation system described. The results indicate that technologies and practices of banana pit size, new planting materials like tissue culture, new high yielding and disease resistant varieties. spacing, de-suckering, mulching, fertiliser application and pests’ control were advanced and ultimately adopted by farmers. There were more adoptions among project farmers than it was for non-projcct farmers and were significantly (p<0.05) better in improved banana varieties, spacing, pit management, thinning and in getting new markets. Rungwe farmers did significantly (p<0.05) better in fertilising farms because of keeping livestock while Mkuranga significantly (p<0.05) better in finding new markets because of their proximity to huge urban markets. Institutional participation was dominated by research and training institutions of PANTIL, TARP II-SUA, ARI-Uyole and local extension agents and less of other components of the innovation system especially marketing, credit, input supply and transportation institutions. Thus, agricultural technology innovation system for banana that was developed during the two projects was impaired due to non-participation of other key institutions. It is thus recommended: (i) Future innovation efforts to accommodate all key elements of the innovation system, (ii) Ensure sustainability by intensively training few farmers in the technologies and relevant extension techniques to better assist their colleagues, (iii) Vary approaches of engagement and methods of dissemination, (iv)iii Facilitate farmers to be innovative to address missing institutional roles and functions, (v) Improve agricultural shows through diversification of methods.
Analysis of economic efficiency of keeping dairy cattle in Babati urban in Manyara region, Tanzania
(Sokoine University Of Agriculture, 2012) Anthony Daniel Luther
In many urban parts of Tanzania, there is lack of understanding of economic efficiency of keeping dairy cattle. To achieve the economic efficiency in the urban context, dairy cattle keepers, planners and administrators need to be adequately informed and educated about the cost-effective allocation of resources. This study investigated the economic efficiency of keeping daily cattle. Specifically, the study examined socio-economic factors that influence the number of dairy cattle to keep. Then analyze economic efficiency of urban dairy cattle units in different urban density areas. A cross-sectional research design was used involving a random . sample of 129 respondents. Data was analyzed by using descriptive statistics. multiple linear regression and Benefit-Cost Ratio analytical techniques. The findings revealed that, dairy cattle kept in BU were influenced by a combination of factors including the socio-economic (age, marital status, education, income, food. employment, land, finances, markets), cultural (status quo, inheritance, milk preference), psycho-social (curiosity of being, casual labour, savings, informal motivating, technical support), environmental (browses, forages, open spaces, weather for crop farming, farm and agro-processing residues). Yet, institutional ■ factors included, technical services, policies, support institutions and provision of social services. Incomes earned were influenced by number of milking cows, lactation period, milk price and management practices. With good dairy cattle management, the high density areas produced more milk and received more annual revenues than in the medium- and low- density areas. The BCR showed that, dairy cattle keepers in BU should economically keep two, four and six dairy cows in high- , medium- and low- density areas respectively. However, the Babati Urban Authorities should support the urban dairy cattle keeping promoting the keepers' livelihoods in the council.
Analysis of influence of livelihood capabilities on coffee production among small-scale coffee farmers in Hai and Arumeru districts, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2020) Kimaro, P. J
The livelihood of small-scale coffee farmers in Hai and Arumeru Districts depends on coffee among other economic activities. This study analysed influence of livelihood capabilities on coffee production among small-scale coffee farmers in Hai and Arumeru Districts. Specifically, the study intended to: examine the implications of livelihood capabilities on coffee production trends; assess the implications of livelihood capabilities on coffee farming inputs; determine the association between livelihood capabilities and access to extension services, and determine the livelihood capabilities diversification strategies among small-scale coffee farmers. A cross-sectional research design using a mixed methods approach was applied in this study to collect qualitative and quantitative data from 250 respondents using households’ survey, key informant interview-(KII), focus group discussion-(FGDs) and documentary review. Qualitative data were analysed using content analysis while quantitative data were analysed using trend analysis, chi-square and cross-tabulation. The results indicate that the small-scale coffee farmers were categorized into four capability levels; no capability (9.2%), low capability (39.2%), moderate capability (18.4%) and high capability (33.2%) respectively. Coffee production and income generated from coffee have been fluctuating from time to time and therefore affecting the livelihood of small-scale farmers. It was revealed that the critical problem facing a small-scale coffee farmer was inputs un-affordability. Generally, lack of market and low coffee price, inadequate farming inputs and extension services have compelled small-scale coffee farmers to diversify their economic activities. Further, the study concludes that there is a critical shortage of coffee farming inputs and extension services among small-scale farmers which to a large extent has resulted into low coffee production. There is a need of small-scale coffee farmers to form groups in order to lay down strategies on how to improve coffee production and how to secure market. However, districts administrative authorities and AMCOS should collaborate to improve the quality and quantity of coffee produced. This can be done by ensuring the timely availability of coffee farming inputs and extension services among small-scale farmers. In so doing, this will improve not only coffee production but also the livelihood capabilities among smallscale farmers.
Assessment of agricultural extension officers’ perceptions on their roles: a case study of agricultural extension officers’ in Simiyu region
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2020) Hassan, M.Z
This study was conducted to assess agricultural extension officers’ (AEOs) perception on their roles as per government job description in five districts in Simiyu Region. Specifically, the study aimed at identifying roles performed by AEOs, determining AEOs awareness on their roles, determining AEOs self-assessment on their role competence, determining factors influencing AEOs perception on their roles and evaluating the opinions of AEOs in relation to their roles. The roles of AEOs were grouped into seven categories, which included: facilitation, organizational, intermediation, educational, technical, advisory and administrative. Using a cross-sectional research design, a sample of 100 AEOs at ward and village levels were randomly selected for the study and selfadministered questionnaire was used to collect data. Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) was employed as a tool for data analysis, where frequency and percentage were used to describe distribution of the study variables. Three Focus Group Discussion (FGDs) each comprising of eight members were conducted, which involved agricultural officers at the district levels including the District Agricultural Irrigation and Cooperative Officers (DAICOs). The study findings revealed that majority of the AEOs were aware about most of their roles: advisory; educational; organizational; facilitation; intermediation and technical, but least perceived awareness was the administrative role. AEOs reported to perform advisory and educational roles; furthermore, study findings showed that most of the AEOs had competence in performing advisory roles. However, they had low competence on educational, organizational, technical, facilitation, intermediation and administrative. Also, AEOs perceived advisory, organization, educational, technical, facilitation and intermediation roles as important. The multiple regression model showed that factors that statistically significantly influenced perception of AEOs about their roles were: mode of supervision (p≤ 0.048) at p≤ 0.05; owning transport (p≤ 0.004) at p≤ 0.05; type of transport (p≤ 0.010); promotion in the organization (p≤ 0.001); responsibility (p≤ 0.010), and appreciation (p≤ 0.001). For these study findings, recommendations include regular training of AEOs and provide support in terms of infrastructure for the AEOs such as transportation including fuel, allowances, office space and teaching aid for effective and efficiency role performance.
Assessment of attitudes of Secondary school students towards vocational education and training in Tanzania: Case study of Mpwapwa District
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2014) Ngogo, Joel Lameck
The purpose of this study was to assess the attitudes of Secondary School Ordinary level students towards vocational education and training. Youth unemployment is becoming a greater problem in Tanzania and also globally. There are opportunities not yet fully utilized in the country which could answer the question of unemployment of youths and their attitudes towards those opportunities. Thus the specific objectives of this study were to examine student’s expressed attitudes towards vocational education, to determine the perception of the students about vocational education and training and to assess students’ willingness to join vocational education and training centres. The study was guided by Fishbein's attitude theories. In completing this study, related literature was reviewed to provide a background of vocational education, attitudes and factors contributing in attitude formation. A cross-section research design was used to collect data that involved survey of 200 students from ten secondary schools. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) computer program was used to analyse data. Likert scale was used to determine student’s attitudes and perception toward vocational education and training. The survey results showed that students had negative attitude towards vocational education and training. Students valued the socially prestigious and white-collar professions over technical related occupations. Furthermore, their willingness to join vocational education and training after completion of O-level education revealed to be relatively low. The study concluded that, students were lacking adequate parental advice and teachers’ guidance regarding vocational education and training. Also the school curriculum does not explicitly address the vocational subjects. The study recommends that the government of Tanzania through the ministry education and vocational studies, particularly the Institute of Curriculum Development should review and incorporate vocational subjects in the Ordinary level secondary school curriculum, teach it theoretically as well as practically. Deliberate effort should be made to distribute throughout the country the centres where students can join vocational education that will halt students from only looking at socially prestigious and white-collar jobs only for their careers than otherwise.
Assessment of change in smallholder farmers' livelihoods due to land degradation in Ludewa District, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2021-09) Haule, Cosmas Benedict Mabalika
Cross sectional survey in four villages in Ludcwa District, Tanzania. Survey was complemented by remote sensing, documentations. Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). transect walks, and in Information System (GIS), chi-square and logistic regression and qualitatively by content analysis. The results showed that between 1979 and 2002. area covered by open woodland dropped from 30 percent to live percent. In contrast, settlement with mixed cropping increased from 15 percent to 22 percent, bushland with scattered cropping from four percent to 16 percent, and woodland with scattered cropping increased from 10 percent to 22 percent in the settlement with mixed cropping and woodland with scattered cropping implied increased continuous cultivation, shortened fallow periods, invasion of marginal lands, drying of natural springs, change in water sources, and increased migration In absence of land management plans and none enforcement of conservation bylaws. weak and/or uncoordinated institutions, the change in state of land increased encroachment of marginal lands. Furthermore, the study revealed that smallholder of new crop varieties and animal manure, limiting field size and increasing land fragmentation. In addition. there was limited agricultural development, especially agricultural mechanization apart from spraying machines for cashew nut and small irrigation scheme in Lifua village. Moreover, 99.4 percent of farmers in the study area got new cassava varieties was conducted to investigate change in smallholder farmers' farmers responded to decline in soil fertility by increasing use same period. The increase in depth interview with key informants. Data were analyzed by Geographical livelihoods as a result of land degradation from stratified sample of 240 households Ill factors on smallholder farmers' livelihoods was not uniform. Young and single leading cattle keepers. I he major conclusion is that the extent and magnitude of change in smallholder farmers' livelihoods differed between villages and households. In order to improve smallholder farmers' livelihoods, this study recommend Ludcwa District Council to train farmers in improved livestock keeping, beekeeping, fish (arming. and commercial tree planting which financial constrained households in degraded lands.
Assessment of constraints in the adoption of organic cotton production practices in Meatu district, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2014) Mshana, Dhahir Hamis
Despite 19 years of its existence, organic cotton production (OCP) system has not been adopted as envisioned. This study therefore sought to identify and assess constraints to its adoption and consequent diffusion, both in temporal and spatial dimensions. A survey study was conducted using almost equal number of both organic and conventional farmers. The key methodological features involved interviewing 59 organic and 60 conventional cotton farmers using structured questionnaire. Other instruments included key informants and Focus Group Discussion (FDG) checklists. Quantitative data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software and results were presented as frequencies and percentages. Cross tabulation and Chi square test was used to determine association between socio-economic variables and adoption of OCP. Qualitative data were analysed using content analysis procedure. Findings of the study show that major constraints limiting the rate of adoption and diffusion of OCP were low price of organic seed cotton, stringent rules associated with organic agriculture and little involvement of political leaders and other district officials in promoting it. Other constraints included high minimum quality standards before certification of organic fields and organic seed cotton thereof, high labour requirements, lack of marketing competition and large crop losses due to pest infestation. Some predetermined constraints were not considered as limiting the adoption of OCP. They include lack of transparency in organic seed cotton pricing, lack of information on pesticide-inflicted health and environmental hazards and lack of strong organic farmers‘ association. Some socio-economic variables were found to statistically significantly influence adoption of OCP system (p <0.05 i.e. 95 % level of confidence). They include age, education, average annual income, land size, amount of family labour and land tenure. Variables that were found to have no influence in the adoption of OCP include marital status, gender and type of off-farm activities farmers performed apart from crop production. Finally, recommendations were given in order to facilitate adoption of OCP within and beyond the study area. They include more research on OA, improved public-private partnerships in OA and to enlighten farmers on public and environmental hazards associated with heavy usage of synthetic insecticides. Others are provision of financial and technical assistance to farmers so as to help them manage hurdles in the initial stages of the conversion process, to facilitate organic certification process and scouting for reliable organic cotton market opportunities. Finally, it is suggested that more quantitative studies be conducted to find out important empirical facts towards improving farm-level economics of OCP, while ensuring delivery of social and environmental public goods.
Assessment of effectiveness of teaching agricultural programme to adult learners in the selected centres in Tunduru district, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2018) Malibiche, F. R.
The study on assessment of the effectiveness of teaching agricultural programme to adult learners in selected centres through Integrated Community Based Adult Education (ICBAE) was carried out in Tunduru district council in Tanzania. Specifically, the study sought to determine socio-economic factors of the adult learners in adult education centres and teachers’ characteristics; assessing knowledge of the agricultural programme in adult education centres; to assess application of recommended basic practices of agricultural programme and to determine the perception of adult learners on the effectiveness of the teaching agricultural programme to improve learners’ livelihood. The study comprised a sample of 244 adult learners who were randomly selected by using electronic number generator technique. Primary data were obtained using questionnaire, focus group discussion, key informant interviews and observation of any agricultural programme conducted in the study area. Quantitative and qualitative data were analysed using Software Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and content analysis respectively. The study found that teaching agricultural programme in the selected adult centres in ICBAE was not effective. This is because of the fact that only one adult education centre out of 11 adult centres teaches the agricultural programme. This study recommends that the Tunduru District Council should equip adult centres with teachers and other teaching resources, for smooth running of the agricultural programmes and set adequate funds to improve the availability and accessibility of agricultural programme.
Assessment of efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of farmer-to-farmer extension approach at mogabiri farm extension centre (MFEC), Tarime District- Mara Region, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture., 2001) Sonoko, Julius Mgaya
One of the several extension approaches used by NGOs in agricultural extension in Tanzania is farmer-to-farmer extension approach. This is the approach in which farmers are the primary extension agents and professionals only facilitate their work. Using project villages in Mogabiri Farm Extension Centre as study area, the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of farmer to-farmer-extension approach was studied. A cross-sectional survey was conducted on a randomly and purposively selected sample size of 75 respondents. Three types of questionnaires were developed and administered to 60 farmers, 10 FAMOs and 5 WEOs working in the project villages. The results of the study revealed that in one month period, FAMOs visited 88.3% of respondents interviewed for 1 to 5 days. Similarly, in three months period, 80% of FAMOs attended over 75% of project farmers using various extension tools. This implies that farmer-to-farmer extension approach is efficient in terms of supervision frequency and coverage. However, FAMOs were incompetent in solving some of the farmers' problems particularly control of common animal and crop diseases, pregnancy diagnosis and dystocia. Results further revealed that project farmers who adopted recommended practices realised a substantial increase in milk, coffee and cereal yields. The observed increase in yields substantiate the effectiveness of farmer- to-farmer extension services. Implementation of improved practices, growth of farmers group members and elements of cost sharing in farmer-to-farmer extension approach at MFEC show that this approach will sustain after the termination of the project. Based on the findings of the study, it is recommended that FAMOs should be given appropriate and adequate training suitable in solving common problems encountered by farmers in the project areas. It is also recommended that short and long term solutions to the lack of reliable market for milk and coffee should be considered. Furthermore, it is recommended that in order to come up with sustainable extension approach, strategies should be designed to ensure that challenges like replacement of old extension facilities, shortage of working facilities and lack of incentives to FAMOs have permanent solutions.
Assessment of factors contributing to food insecurity to smallholder farmers in Mbulu district, Manyara region
(Sokoine University Of Agriculture., 2011) Dagno, Wilmina
This study on factors contributing to food insecurity to small holder farmers was carried out in Mbulu district, Manyara region from September to December 2010.The purpose was to analyze the food situation; identifying limiting factors for optimal food production and to identify various coping strategies employed by smallholder farmers in a situation of food insecurity in the study area. Data for this study was obtained by cross-sectional design whereby random sampling was used to select respondents from the study area. A combination of qualitative and quantitative methods was used to collect data for this study. Primary data was collected from farmers, extension agents and local leaders by using a questionnaire and checklist respectively. A sample of 120 respondents was randomly selected. Quantitative data were analyzed by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) computer program, while qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages were used. From the study, about 81.7 percent of the households were food insecure. Smallholder farmers in the study area are suffering from food shortage mainly because of low productivity of the sector and low access to food due dependency on farming as the major source of food and income. Agricultural productivity was low as it depends on seasonal rainfall which is inadequate, low hectares under cultivation and food loses due to pests and diseases. Other factors are limited use of modern technology, poor soils and in adequate extension services. Since agriculture play a major role in the reduction of food insecurity, a strategy on strengthening farming and non-farming activities linkages is likely to yield better results in terms of increasing self food production and income generation. On top of that there is need for the government to motivate extension service providers as well as farmers to be insisted to utilize the services effectively and efficiently.
Assessment of factors influencing the use of mobile phones in communicating agricultural information: a case of Kilolo district
(Sokoine Universitry of Agriculture, 2011) Nyamba, Siwel Yohakim
This study sought to investigate factors that influence the use of mobile phones in the communication of agricultural information in Kilolo district. The study examined the use of mobile phones as a means for achieving agricultural development. The study population comprised all farmers regardless their mobile phone ownership. The study adapted a cross sectional study design and a multistage simple random sampling technique, where, 384 respondents were selected. Data were mainly collected using an interview schedule. The results revealed that majority of respondents used mobile phones and had positive attitude on the contribution of mobile phone in their farming business. The study had three hypotheses to be tested: mobile phones ownership have no statistical significant influence in communicating agricultural information; different types of agricultural information have no statistical significant influence on mobile phones use in communicating agricultural information and; respondents’ socio-economic factors have no statistical significant influence on mobile phones use in communicating agricultural information. The study results indicated that mobile phones offered an attractive solution to farmers’ informational needs. Factors specified to have an influence on mobile phone use in the communication of agricultural information included: mobile phone ownership, type of agricultural information, farming system practiced, network coverage, respondents’ demographic characteristics, and time of mobile phone ownership. As such, all the three hypotheses were rejected. The study concluded that the use of mobile phone to communicate agriculture information depend on mobile phone ownership, type of agricultural information to be communicated and individuals’ socio-economic factors.iii The study therefore recommended that many farmers be encouraged and supported so that they become access to and use mobile phones in their farming business.
Assessment of factors influencing women participation in off-farm income generating activities in Mkuranga district, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2014) Mjema, Charles Jonathan
This study presents findings on the assessment of factors influencing women participation in off-farm income generating activities Income Generating Activities in Mkuranga district, Coast region. The overall objective of the study was to assess factors influencing women participation in off-farm income generating activities in the study area. The specific objectives were: To identify types of off -farm income generating activities undertaken by women in the study area, to identify socio-economic factors influencing women‟s participation in off-farm income generating activities, to determine contribution of women‟s off-farm income generating activities to the household income and lastly to determine factors affecting performance of women‟s off-farm income generating activities. The study adopted cross-sectional research design where a structured questionnaire with close and open ended questions and a checklist was used to collect primary information from a sample size of 120 respondents. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). Descriptive statistics such as means, frequencies and percentage were computed. Findings from the study showed that the most Income Generating Activities undertaken by women in the study area is food vending others were selling of vegetables and fruits, fried fish, snacks, used clothes, cold drinks, shoes, mobile phone voucher, tailoring activities and hair dressing saloon. In this study, socio-economic characteristics of respondents examined were age, number of individuals in the household, level of education, marital status, and major source of income and land ownership these factors compelled women to engage in off-farm Income Generating Activities. The study furthermore identified that un-conducive business premises to be the major constraints for development of Income Generating Activities undertaken by women in Mkuranga district.