Department of Development and Strategic Studies

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Access and challenges of health facilities amongst agro-pastoralist communities in Handeni district, Tanzania
(Journal of Population and Social Studies, 2018-01) Ringo, J. J.; Bengesi, K. M. K.; Mbago, M. C. Y.
This study examines high incidence of under-five mortality among agro-pastoralists resulting from lack of access to healthcare facilities. A proportional sampling method was adopted, and descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression were used in data analysis. The results revealed low dependence of agro-pastoralists on formal healthcare facilities, which could be explained by prevalence of informal healthcare facilities in villages where they reside. Education, income, accessibility, and duration of stay in a particular area accounted for the choice of healthcare facilities. Level of education and income determined preference for formal health facilities, possibly due to influence of education on understanding benefits of treatment in formal health facilities and income to meet associated costs. Accessibility of health facility influenced the decision to patronize formal health facilities. This was evident in villages which were connected to reliable road networks. Additionally, the length of time one resides in a particular area played a role in adhering to traditional values influencing the choice of informal healthcare facilities. The government and private sector should invest in rural road networks and promote education among agro-pastoralists on importance of using formal healthcare facilities and rational use of household income to improve accessibility to formal health facilities.
Access and use of information communication technologies by agricultural extension agents in Tanzania
(Huria Journal, 2017-07) Martin, R.; Kahamba, J. S.
Many studies have focused on the use of ICT by farmers; however, little attention has been on the use ICT by agricultural extension agents who are the bridge between source of agricultural knowledge and technologies on one hand and the smallholders on the other. Based on a cross sectional study of agricultural extension agents enrolled at Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), in this paper we present, as a point of departure, the extent of access and usage of ICT by agricultural extension agents in Tanzania. Also, factors that influence the use of ICT by Agricultural Extension Agents are assessed. Finally, a conclusion is made and recommendations offered based on the findings.
Access to and adoption of improved seeds by smallholder farmers in Tanzania: cases of maize and rice seeds in Mbeya and Morogoro regions
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2014) Monela, Anna Gerald
The research was done to assess accessibility and adoption of improved maize and rice seeds among 200 smallholder farmers in Mbeya and Morogoro Regions. The specific objectives were to: assess smallholder farmers‟ knowledge on improved maize and rice seeds, assess smallholder farmers' attitude towards improved maize and rice seeds, determine the accessibility of improved maize and rice seeds, estimate the adoption rate of improved maize and rice seeds and determine the impacts of some socio-economic factors on the chances of smallholder farmers‟ adopting improved maize and rice seeds. Data were collected by mainly using a household questionnaire, and SPSS was used to analyse the data whereby, among other analyses, binary logistic regression was used to determine impacts of improved seed related factors on the chances of farmers adopting the seeds. The results showed that 66% and 81% of the household heads were aware of improved maize and rice seeds, respectively; and 29.0%, 7.5% and 63% of the respondents had unfavourable, neutral and favourable attitudes towards improved seeds. It was also found that the proportions of households which had access to improved maize and rice seeds were 40.5% and 34.5% respectively, while those which had adopted the seeds were 56.0% and 71.0%, respectively. The factors which had the highest positive impact on the chances of smallholder farmers adopting improved maize and seeds were land for rice production (Wald statistic = 51.772, p < 0.001) and farmers' awareness of improved seeds (Wald statistic = 8.515, p < 0.01). It is concluded that increasing acreage for rice and creation of more awareness about improved seeds are big determinants of adoption of improved seeds. Therefore, it is recommended that the government and other institutions dealing with agriculture should put more emphasis on accessibility and adoption of improved maize and rice seeds in order to improve rice and maize productivity in Tanzania.
Accessibility and use of Local Government monitoring database in the reform programme: The case of Ludewa District, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2009) MBEDE, L. E.
This study aimed at determining effectiveness of Local Government Monitoring Database (LGMD) in the realisation of Local Government Reform Programme (LGRP) in Ludewa District. The specific objectives were; (i) to examine the type of support provided by the district to villages to facilitate data gathering, management and utilization; (ii) its effects on development planning and monitoring in the district; (iii) to identify problems which hinder performance of LGMD; and (iv) to assess factors that influence effective operation of LGMD and comparison of performance of LGMD operation between semi urban and rural villages. Stratified sampling was used to obtain sample of 20 villages, 10 being semi urban and other 10 were rural villages. From these 20 villages a sample of 120 respondents was drawn. Sampling unit for this study was an- information provider drawn from members of village assembly and extension staff working with the community. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected using interview schedule administered to information providers and observation was also used during survey. Data analysis was done using Statistical Packages for Social Science (SPSS). An ordinary least square model was used to determine the influence of independent variables on the level of effective operation of LGMD. The study revealed that there is no significant difference in the performance of LGMD operation between semi urban and rural villages. This is due to the short life span of the project to manifest true characters of effect in LGMD operation. However, preliminary signs show that there is difference in effectiveness of LGMD between semi urban and rural settings- implying the need of having consideration of urban or rural and metropolitan or periphery conditions on programmes which are to operate throughout the country. Since LGMD is owned by Government and extend from national to community level the Government should consider financing data collection and management to ensure its effectiveness.
Accountability of board and management to members in primary agricultural marketing cooperatives societies (amcos) in Tanzania, evidence from selected amcos of Bukoba and Moshi Districts
(IDpublication, 2018) Rwekaza, Gratian Cronery; Kayunze, Kim Abel; Kimaryo, Leons Philip
Co-operative democracy plays a key social function in the organization of economic relations that govern member owned firms where the aspect of managerial accountability is becoming important for co-operative to embark on sustainable democracy. In Tanzania, various efforts have been made to ensure primary Agriculture Marketing Co-operative Society (AMCOS) mainstream member ownership and democracy where Board and management accountable to members are apparent. The study used primary AMCOS of Bukoba and Moshi district. The study revealed that the management were much accountable to the Union in Bukoba district primary AMCOS as compared to Moshi district. The use of meetings, members opt the use general meeting to affect managerial accountability to AMCOS members. Education and training at the primary AMCOS was examined and most had no plan to obtain education and some primary AMCOS shows education were not provided but planned to be provided. Information dissemination was done by using village meetings as compared to the use of primary AMCOS notice Board. Also, decisions are not implemented as members agreed while few accepting meeting decisions to be implemented. Reasons limiting implementations being absence of implementation plans. The decision ownership powers were found to be on the hands of union in Bukoba district primary AMCOS by while Moshi district primary AMCOS Management had more ownership power. The membership rights also indicated the lowest percentage on right to chose leaders of the primary AMCOS, right to sell their produce in the primary AMCOS and right to co- operative education. The leadership succession planning had the lowest present, revealing no primary AMCOS has performed it and the reasons being youth migration to town. The study recommends that education co-operative governance to members be emphasised since it is important for next generation leaders who will become Board members capable of running their organisations
Accountability, rule of law and fairness in constituency development catalyst fund (CDCF) management in Vwawa Constituency, Tanzania
(IISTE, 2020-05-31) Mgani, F. L.; Nombo, C. I.; Chingonikaya, E. E.
This paper presents findings from a study which set forth to examine the governance of Constituency development Catalyst Fund. It focused on three pillars of governance which are; accountability, rule of law and fairness. The study was conducted in Vwawa constituency, in Mbozi District, Songwe Region in Tanzania. The study data were collected through semi-structure interviews, focus group discussions and (FGDs) and Observation. These were later transcribed and subsequently analyzed. The findings revealed that CDCF implementation was imbued with lack of accountability especially in publishing information of the expenditure of CDCF although villagers had chances to report all cases with fraudulent elements on CDCF and other funds. It was farther found that procurement process followed the required procedures, although in some circumstances it was influenced by either ward or constituency officers. Furthermore, it was found that the CDCF distribution was fair, however, in some cases, influenced by politicians especially the MP. Based on these findings, the study concludes that, the presence of well informed citizens may facilitate them to hold CDCF officers and other stakeholders accountable in any matter concerning the fund. Rules and regulations must be observed. Citizens must involve in decision making about CDCF activities. The practice done by some politicians in influencing the distribution of the funds is jeopardizing fairness in allocation of funds. All villages need the support from CDCF. The study recommends that, it is important to have well informed citizenly who can be able to hold officers and other stake holders accountable. It also recommends that, citizens should participate fully in decision making of CDCF activities. Lastly it recommends that, the distribution of the funds should not be influenced by the politicians.
Adaptive capacity to climate change and food security among artisanal fisher folk in Rorya District, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture., 2015) Sidi, Lucy Shallie
This research was carried out in the inshore of Lake Victoria, Rorya District in particular, to examine determinants of gendered adaptive capacity to climate change and its role in enhancing food security among artisanal fisher folk. The specific objectives were: to examine fishers perception on climate change by gender; to determine the adaptive capacity of artisanal fishers by gender; and to determine factors affecting the adaptive capacity to climate change by gender. A total of 90 small scale fishers were sampled. The sample was drawn from three villages from three wards, and it comprised of 30 respondents per village. Data were collected using the following methods: questionnaire survey, Focus Group Discussion and key informants‟ interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software, version 16.0, whereby descriptive analysis was done Likert scale was applied to facilitate inferential analysis and adaptive capacity index (ACI) was developed. Qualitative data were analyzed through content analysis. The results showed that the majority (80%) of the respondents had a positive perception towards climate change, while one-tenth of the respondents had a negative perception. Moreover, artisanal fisher folk adaptive capacity index was at a lowest average as its overall ACI was 18.54. However, it plays a vital role in enhancing food security among artisanal fishers and the fishing community. The study concludes that, Artisanal fishers are aware of climate change and how it affects food security but have a low adaptive capacity to fight against climate change risks and crisis. The study recommends that there should be improved provision of training to enhance fishers‟ ability over climate change and the government should intervene in fishing communities to improve their adaptive capacity.
Addressing pest and disease challenges in the national forest plantations: lessons learned from the national forest health forum
(Tanzania Forest Fund (TAFORI), 2018-10) Petro, R.; Ndomba, O. A.; Bakengesa, S.; Chamshama, S. A. O.; Chidege, M.
This paper presents the results of the work carried out by the National Forest Health Forum (NFHF), which covered five National Forest Plantations: Mbizi (Sumbawanga), Meru/Usa (Kilimanjaro), Meru (Arusha), Shume (Tanga) and Sao Hill (Iringa) for the period of five years (May, 2012 - July, 2017). The problems addressed are diseases caused by pathogens and those caused by inadequacies of various requirements from the soils. Many of the diseases have been soil-borne which gave rise to foliar symptoms, with Armillaria root rot being in the lead. Occasionally, the ravage by insect pests was encountered at Sao Hill and Meru Forest Plantations. These problems threaten the productivity of the plantations against the objective for the plantations of supporting the much needed industrialization process. To a large extent, these problems which were recorded in the visited plantations were noted to be accelerated by two phenomena namely; climate change and taungya. Therefore, this paper describes the problems addressed in the plantations; the steps adopted in addressing them, key findings and recommendations for achieving better plantations.
Adopting a combination of labour-saving mechanisms for increasing rural women’s participation in livelihood strategies in Busega district in Tanzania
(Brill Academic Publishers in The African Review, 2022) Ngowi, Edwin E; Ngusa, Deborah A.; Kilonzo, Rehema G
The paper aims at examining rural women’s adoption of a combination of labour-saving mechanisms such as improved water supplies and harvesting techniques, cooking facilities and means of transport for household chores with its implications in diversi- fying livelihood strategies in Busega District of Tanzania. The study adopted Diffusion of Innovations Theory to explain the importance of adopting labour-saving mecha- nisms to reduce rural women’s workload and save time for diversifying livelihood strat- egies. The study employed cross-sectional research design to collect data from 210 rural women. Household survey, interviews, focus group discussions and non-participant observations were used to collect primary data. Cross-tabulation, One-way ANOVA, five point Likert scale and multiple logistic regression were employed to analyse quan- titative data. Content analysis was employed to analyse qualitative data. The study revealed that, 61.43% of rural women were limited to adopt any kind of labour-saving mechanisms. In addition, the multiple logistic regression revealed significant differ- ences at p-value of 0.05 for the likelihood of diversifying livelihood strategies. As such, rural women’s participation in livelihood strategies differed greatly based on the abil- ity to adopt labour-saving mechanisms for reducing the workload of household chores. The study recommends that development stakeholders should implement develop- ment programmes centred on increasing prospects of adopting a combination of labour-saving mechanisms for reducing the burden of household chores to save time for diversifying livelihood strategies.
Adoption of cassava processing and utilization technologies: A case of Mtwara rural and Newala districts, Mtwara region
(Sokoine University of Agriculture., 2011) Shomari Mgeni Shamte
The study was conducted on adoption of cassava processing and utilization technologies in Mtwara region. The main objective of the study was to determine the status of cassava processing and utilization technologies in Mtwara region. Structured questionnaire and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) were used to collect information from cassava fanners. Random sampling was used to draw respondents for interview. Sample size was 120. Descriptive statistics, logistic regression and gross margin were used for data analysis. Results revealed that, both traditional and improved cassava processing technologies were used by respondents. It was found that 77% of the respondents used traditional cassava processing methods and about 17% were using both traditional and improved processing technologies. Also, the findings showed that, institutional support to farmers was an important factor in adopting improved cassava processing technologies by farmer groups. The coefficient of the institutional support was statistically significant at 0.05 probability level. Age of respondents, occupation and marital status of respondents were not statistically significant. Gross margin analysis showed that improved cassava processing technologies contributed relatively high to households income with a gross margin of Tsh 78 400 per tonne when compared to traditional processing methods with a gross margin of Tsh 11 774 per tonne of fresh roots processed to flour. This study recommends that, the government and other agricultural stakeholders need to promote and educate fanners on the importance of improved cassava processing and utilization technologies to human health, food security and poverty alleviation. In order to improve market of cassava products, the government should promote and encourage food processing industries to use cassava as an ingredient in some of food products to increase the demand for cassava products and accelerate the adoption of improved cassava processing technologies.
Adoption of climate-smart agriculture in small-scale farming in Africa: are the pillars for CSA accounted for?
(College of Social Sciences and Humanities, Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), Morogoro-Tanzania, 2022-06-26) Mbwambo, J. S.
Studies have shown that climate change has a significant effect on the rural landscape and the equilibrium of the agrarian and forest ecosystems resulting in instability disintegration of agricultural-dependent livelihood systems in rural and peri-urban areas. To address these and related challenges, many countries have attempted Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA). CSA has been proven to address the intertwined challenge of increasing agricultural productivity while at the same time maintaining sustainable levels of carbon emissions from agriculture. Despite its proven benefits, the adoption of CSA in Africa varies across the continent. In some countries the adoption of certain practices is as low as 10% and in others above 60%. Using scoping, narrative and descriptive approaches in the analysis of literature, this study has demonstrated that Climate-Smart Agriculture technologies have proved to be effective in delivering food security, climate change mitigation, and adaptation. However, while researchers working in these areas have attempted to work on the biophysical aspects of Climate-Smart Agriculture, there are gaps in the understanding of how the adoption of Climate-Smart Technologies has contributed to climate change mitigation and adaptation. The study further revealed that various factors such as household characteristics, land ownership and gender were considered in the introduction and adoption of CSA technology. The study recommends that more work is needed to enhance knowledge on mitigation and adaptation aspects of CSA technologies. The study recommends further that considerations be made on resources endowment during the recruitment of farmers to adopt CSA technologies.
Adoption of climate-smart crop and livestock production in Africa: are the key pillars included?
(University of Nairobi, 2023) Mbwambo, Jonathan Stephen
Studies have shown that climate change has a significant effect on the rural agricultural landscape with the equilibrium of agrarian and forest ecosystems becoming increasingly unstable and agricultural-dependent livelihoods in rural and peri-urban areas weakening very rapidly. To address these and related challenges, many countries have attempted Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA). The approach has been proven to address the intertwined challenge of increasing agricultural productivity while at the same time maintaining sustainable levels of carbon emissions from agriculture. Despite its many benefits, its adoption rate in Africa varies widely across the continent. In some countries, adoption of important CSA practices is as low as 10% and in others over 60%. Using scoping, narrative and descriptive approaches in the analysis of literature, this study has demonstrated that Climate-Smart Agriculture technologies are effective in improving food security and overall land productivity. However, there are still big gaps in quantifying the actual contribution of CSA technologies to climate change mitigation and adaptation. The study further revealed that while various factors such as household characteristics, land ownership and gender were considered in the introduction and adoption of CSA technologies, little attention was given to the key pillars of CSA including indigenous knowledge systems, resource endowment, farmers preferences, among others. The study recommends that, in order to enhance and the adoption of CSA technologies, more knowledge is needed on the inclusion of indigenous knowledge systems and practices in the development of CSA technologies. The study recommends further that, in order to position CSA in policies and programs for agriculture transformation, it is also important to undertake studies on the capacity of CSA to sequester carbon and how this may be included in climate change mitigation and adaptation policies. Finally, the study recommends the inclusion of women in the design and dissemination of CSA technologies.
Adoption of conservation agricultural practices among smallholder farmers: A case study of Uluguru mountains, Morogoro district
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2016) Msangi, I. R.
Adoption of Conservation Agricultural Practices (CAPs) is fundamental for ensuring improved agricultural productivity. This study was conducted among Smallholder farmers to assess factors associated with adoption of CAPs for Land Management in Uluguru Mountains in Morogoro district. A purposive sampling was employed to select three villages where different CAPs are promoted and a sample size of 100 smallholder farmers was selected. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected and analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) to obtain frequencies to describe knowledge level and attitude of farmers towards adopting CAPs. Chi-square test was used to determine the relationship of adopting CAPs to socio-economic attributes of the respondents. Multiple Regression analysis was used to determine the influence of socio-economic on adoption of CAPs. Findings show that smallholder farmers have adopted CAPs that include contour strip cropping, crop rotations, direct planting of crop seeds on the rip line, mulching, intercropping, crop rotation, cover crops, minimum tillage, no burning of crop residues and agro-forestry. Some CAPs were not adopted by smallholder farmers because they were never taught and some being not well understood, difficult to use, consume more time in application, and some CAPs were thought not beneficial. Sex, age, education, farm size, income, farming experience, availability of extension services, land ownership, plot site and presence of land use bylaws were highly associated with adoption of CAPs among smallholder farmers. Again, findings from multiple linear regression show that age, family size, income, farm size, availability of extension services and presence of bylaws highly influenced adoption of CAPs among smallholder farmers were statistically significant at p≤ 0.05. Therefore, adoption of CAPs should be enhanced through strengthening extension services, promoting CAPs targeting specific land sites, and those which yield more positive income to smallholder farmers.
Adoption of improved technologies in coconut production by smallholder farmers in West district, Zanzibar
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2015) Khalfan, Neema Abdula
Despite the initiative being made by the government and other stakeholders to promote improved technologies in coconut production among the smallholder farmers in West District in Zanzibar, its yield remains very low. This study intended to assess the adoption of improved coconut production among smallholder farmers in West District. Specifically, the study objectives were to: assess farmers‟ attitude towards improved technologies; assess level of coconut yield before and after the year 2000 of adoption technologies, identify the challenges of using adopted technologies, determine the impact of adoption of improved technologies on the level of coconut production and determine factors influencing coconut production among smallholder farmers. A total of 100 respondents were involved in this study. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 16. The findings indicate that smallholder farmers had negative attitude towards improved technologies for coconut production. The mean yield of coconut was 41.08 and 17.74 nuts /palm/year before and after adoption of improved technologies respectively. This indicates that there is a decrease in production inspite of the adoption of the new technologies. The major challenges for using adopted technologies among the smallholder farmers were unaffordable of fertilizer, low replacement spacing, scarcity of land and difficult to control coreid bug. Factors such as income from the coconuts; farm size and education significantly (p< 0.05) influenced the adoption of improved technologies on coconut production. The study, therefore, concludes that adoption of improved technologies had reduced coconut production. The study recommends that the Government under the Ministry of Agriculture should support training; dissemination improved technologies, extension officers and smallholder farmers. The farmers should also be motivated in coconut production through reducing problems hindering production such as pest control and fertilizer uses.
Adoption of innovations in participatory agricultural development and empowerment project (padep) in Tanzania
(Sokoine university of agriculture, 2011) Kapinga, George
In developing countries like Tanzania, Draught Animal Power (DAP) technology could be appropriate technology which many farmers can afford as a first step from using a hand hoe before stepping forward for using tractor in agricultural activities. This study intended to determine factors hindering adoption of draught animal power innovation under Participatory Agricultural Development and Empowerment Project (PADEP) at Handeni district. Five villages were used to get a total of 120 respondents who were then interviewed using interview schedule. Data obtained were analyzed using SPSS computer programs where descriptive statistics, Likert scale and logit model of regression were used. It was found from this study that farmers had negative perception towards PADEP meanwhile having positive perception towards the use of DAP. It was also found that despite the project involving DAP use, most of farmers, including those who were involved in the project and those who were not involved in the project in the study area were still using a hand hoe. This was contributed in most cases by lack of capital which could be used to run other agricultural technologies having some kind of costs when compared to hand hoe. It was revealed further that there were some factors which statistically influenced positively to the adoption of DAP in the study area. These include household size, average income, costs, extension services and market. Others were relative advantage, compatibility to the past experience and complexity of the technology. These were statistically found to have p < 0.05 values. Those influenced negatively to the adoption of DAP include age, sex, marital status, farm size, land size owned by the farmer, trialability and observability of the technology. These had p > 0.05 values. From these findings I recommend that projects on the use of DAP should be established and continued by both government and private institution meanwhile putting emphasis on factors found to influence positively the adoption of DAP technology in the study area.
Adoption of rainfed paddy production technologies among smallholder farmers: A case of Central District- Zanzibar, Tanzania
(SCIENCEDOMAIN international, 2018-02) Haji, A. K.; Salehe, S. S.; Msinde, J.
This study intended to determine factors affecting the adoption of new technologies in rainfed paddy production practiced by smallholder farmers in the Central District-Zanzibar, Tanzania. A crosssectional research design was employed. A structured questionnaire, focus group discussions (FGDs) and key informant (KI) interviews were used to explore issues related to rainfed paddy production. 120 respondents who were engaged in rainfed paddy farming were selected from 4 village clusters (30 respondents in each village cluster) from December 2013 to January 2014. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression model. Results show that majority of respondents (55%) were female while 45% were male aging 19-59 years. The study revealed that rainfed paddy production technologies that were adopted by smallholder farmers included row planting, fertilizer application (P=.03), weed control and the use of improved paddy seed varieties (p= .04). Descriptive analysis results showed that the adoption level of technologies was high. The logistic regression analysis showed that extension services, age, off-farm income and distance from residence to the marketplaces were factors that influenced the decisions of smallholder farmers to adopt technologies (p<.05). Researchers recommend that the government of Zanzibar should continue providing efficient extension services to smallholder farmers in order to ensure sustainability in the adoption of rainfed paddy production technologies in Zanzibar.
Adoption of rainfed paddy production technologies among smallholder farmers: a case of central District- Zanzibar, Tanzania
(2018-02-23) Haji, A. K.; Salehe, F. S.; Msinde, J.
This study intended to determine factors affecting the adoption of new technologies in rainfed paddy production practiced by smallholder farmers in the Central District-Zanzibar, Tanzania. A crosssectional research design was employed. A structured questionnaire, focus group discussions (FGDs) and key informant (KI) interviews were used to explore issues related to rainfed paddy production. 120 respondents who were engaged in rainfed paddy farming were selected from 4 village clusters (30 respondents in each village cluster) from December 2013 to January 2014. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression model. Results show that majority of respondents (55%) were female while 45% were male aging 19-59 years. The study revealed that rainfed paddy production technologies that were adopted by smallholder farmers included row planting, fertilizer application (P=.03), weed control and the use of improved paddy seed varieties (p= .04). Descriptive analysis results showed that the adoption level of technologies was high. The logistic regression analysis showed that extension services, age, off-farm income and distance from residence to the marketplaces were factors that influenced the decisions of smallholder farmers to adopt technologies (p<.05). Researchers recommend that the government of Zanzibar should continue providing efficient extension services to smallholder farmers in order to ensure sustainability in the adoption of rainfed paddy production technologies in Zanzibar.
Adoption of soil conservation technologies and crop productivity in west Usambara highlands, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2013) Mzingula, Emmanuel Paul
Soil erosion has continued to be an alarming problem in the West Usambara highlands, Tanzania. This study was conducted to investigate the level of adoption of Soil Conservation Technologies and crop productivity in the West Usambara highlands following intensive campaigns on SWC from the early 1980s. A sample of 98 randomly selected households from four villages responded to the survey. During data collection, a structured questionnaire survey, interviews, focus group discussions and observation method were used. Multiple linear regression, Paired-samples t-test, and Chi-square were used for analysis in addition to descriptive statistics. Based on the variation of adoption, the Composite Index of Adoption was 0.512±0.156. The maximum and minimum Index adoption was 0.14 and 0.86 respectively. This indicates that each farming household managed to adopt at least one among the disseminated seven soil conservation technologies. Hence, the overall level of technology adoption was moderate. Grass strip, multipurpose trees and bench terraces were found to be the dominant technologies used by the majority of farmers in an integrated pattern. However, the study found overall significant association (χ2 (3) =55. 237; p<0.001) of crop productivity between the two periods (before and after adoption of SCTs). Using t-test, the study also found a significant increase (p<0.001) in crop productivity before and after the adoption of SCTs. Therefore, it was concluded that the adoption of SCTs had a contribution on farm plot productivity in hillsides. The average household farm plot under soil conservation intervention in the hillside was 0.54±0.45 acre. However, an extension visit (p<0.05) and technical training (p<0.05) were found to have significant influence on the adoption of a number of Soil Conservation Technologies. The study recommends intensive soil conservation campaigns which are holistic, integrative and multisectoral.
Agricultural growth and poverty reduction in Tanzania 2000- 2010: where has agriculture worked for the poor and what can we learn from this?
(2011) Mashindano, Oswald; Kayunze, Kim; Maro, Festo; Da Corta, Lucia
Agriculture is an economic activity important to achieving the poverty reduction strategy goals of Tanzania. Growth in agriculture has made contributions to GDP, foreign exchange earnings, and income poverty reduction. However, despite high growth, the growth pattern in agriculture (which employed about 70 percent of the population between 1998 and 2009) is not reflected in poverty reduction, particularly in rural areas. Using quantitative and qualitative data collected from rural farmers in Mwanza, Newala and Rukwa regions, this paper unpacks growth and poverty transmission routes, identifies growth barriers for agricultural incomes, and analyses where agricultural growth has occurred and if that growth has been transmitted into poverty reduction. Findings indicate that the pattern of economic growth in the past decade was largely influenced by the service and industry sectors; and less by agriculture where annual growth has been slow, following persistent low and declining productivity caused by low utilisation of fertiliser and improved seeds, and the low rate of mechanisation. Evidence gathered from our six research sites also noted barriers to production and markets. Trade and export of cashew nuts and non-traditional items like mango and cut flowers were important routes for income growth, but poor farmers had limited access compared to their richer counterparts. We conclude in this paper that further measures are needed to stimulate higher productivity and income growth associated with new technology, secure markets, mixed farming (diversification of crops and livestock) and efficient institutions (warehouse and credit schemes).
Agricultural practices for rural development and environmental conservation under chagga home garden production systems: a case of Moshi district, Tanzania
(International Journal of Development and Sustainability, 2022) Ringo, Dominick E; Urassa, Justin K; Malisa, Emmanuel T
The paper shares experience from a research and development project that attempted to address the low productivity and deterioration of the Chagga home gardens farming system. A cross-sectional research design was used whereby primary data was collected from 82 households, eight focus group discussions and ten key informants. In addition, project documents and district agricultural reports were reviewed to complement the primary data. Key findings show that adoption of improved banana varieties was high by 84.1% followed with 73.2%, 72% and 69.5% which were Orange fleshed sweet potatoes, Village Savings and Loans Association and conservation agriculture respectively. The high adoption of improved banana varieties and recruitment of community-based experts familiar with complexity of the home gardens are among the notable project outcomes. Nonetheless, improvement of traditional irrigation and rainwater harvesting was deemed necessary in counteracting hazards of climate change and its variability. It is concluded that improvement of the Chagga home gardens is inevitable given their current low productivity and the impact of climate change. In addition, there is need to commercialize agriculture in the study area to match the ever increasing population but in a way that is sustainable with the existing farming system. It is hereby recommended that further studies be conducted for a better understanding of the complexity and livelihood potential of the Chagga home gardens