Articles, Conference and Workshop Papers Collection
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Item Acceptability, sources and types of sex education messages received by young people in rural areas: a case of Maswa district, Tanzania(Journal of Culture, Society and Development, 2015) Massanja, M .M.; Msuya, J. M.; Jeckoniah, J. N.The study intended to explore parents’ feelings and beliefs on issues related to sex education and establish whether parents are ready to discuss with their children or willing to allow sex related information reach their children as a means of reducing the risks of HIV infections. A cross-sectional research design was employed in collecting data from 210 respondents (150 youths and 60 parents) from three community secondary schools namely Sukuma, Malampaka and Kinamwigulu, six primary schools (one from each village) namely Hinduki, Mwadila, Malampaka, Kinamwigulu, Dodoma and Lali. Descriptive analysis and Chi-square were used to test the statistical significance of categorical data. The result reveal that parents and religious leaders are the most common sources of messages on sex education to young people, and which is aimed at combating the spread of HIV and AIDS. Other sources (arranged in the order of importance) were open air campaigns, politicians, other adults, the media and teachers. The most popular message in sex education was abstinence. Other types of sex education messages (arranged from the most popular to the least popular) include abiding by ABC strategy, use of condoms and delaying sex debut. Parents have positive attitudes towards sex education which is given to their children as part of HIV and AIDS prevention. The result reveals that parents and religious leaders are the most common sources of messages on sex education to young people. Parents have good knowledge of HIV and AIDS. However, among young people the level of awareness decrease with age. Attitudes of religious leaders and male parents with regard to HIV and AIDS should be re-addressed. Serious steps should be taken to raise the level of HIV awareness among younger people.Item Access to sexual and reproductive health and rights: youth experiences in Handeni district, Tanzania(American Research Institute for Policy Development, 2018-06-30) Jeckoniah, J.N.Young people in Tanzania face many problems that affect their access to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). This study on which this paper is based explored youth’s knowledge, access to, and utilization of SRHR services. The study adopted a cross-sectional descriptive survey using quantitative and qualitative research methods. Simple random and systematic sampling techniques were used to select 390 respondents. A questionnaire based survey, key informant interviews and focus group discussions were the main methods for data collection. Descriptive statistical analyses were used to analyse quantitative data. The study found some knowledge gap on SRHR. Parents and tribal elders had limited communication with youth on SRHR, a thing which hampered youth’s adoption of the recommended practices. It is recommended to local government authorities and NGOs involved in promoting SRHR to involve and support local power structures including tribal elders and village councils during training and capacity building on issues related to SRHR for community ownership, acceptance and sustainability of the initiatives. It is recommended to the local government authorities and NGOs to have a focus on dual protection advocating for abstinence and consistent and correct use of condoms.Item Access to social media and sexual behaviour among secondary school students: a case of selected secondary schools in Morogoro, Tanzania(International Journal of Education and Research, 2015) Jeckoniah, J .N.; Paul, D.Remarkable changes have happened in the communication industry due to the rapid growth of the social networking over the last five years. Adolescent at secondary school level are increasingly accessing and using these social networks in their daily lives. However, the impacts of their access to social media into their sexual behaviour remain underreported. This study was set to explore the relationship between social networks and sexual behaviour. The study was conducted in Morogoro and involved four secondary schools. The study adopted cross sectional research design. Simple random sampling and systematic sampling technique were used to select sample 200 students. Data analysis was done using the Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) where descriptive and inferential statistics were computed. Index scale was used to gauge students’ sexual behaviour and F-test was used to compare students’ sexual behaviour and their access to social media. The study found that students had risky sexual behaviour: have many sexual partners and were not using condoms consistently. Majority of students have access to social networks and access to social networks was associated with their sexual behaviour. The study recommends that more education be given to parents on the effects of their children access to social networks and their undertaking of risky sexual behaviour so that they can guide and support them on using social networks that does not expose them to unfavourable sexual contents.Item Achieving social protection for the elderly in Kilimanjaro region, Tanzania: a call for social institutions towards improving elderly service provision(Asian Journal of Social Sciences & Humanities, 2017) Malima, R.; Jeckoniah, J.N.; Mvena, Z.S.K.The elderly in Tanzania face social insecurity that put them at risk of great horizon of abuse, social exclusion, serious illness and abject poverty. Although, there are several social institutions addressing the risks facing the elderly in Tanzania, still the elderly’s adverse conditions remain unabated. This paper examined Social Institutions (SIs) and their respective roles in providing social security to the elderly in terms of food, health, shelter, clothing and income services. The study adopted a cross-sectional research design where a questionnaire survey, focus group discussions and key informant interviews were the main methods of data collection. The descriptive statistical analysis was employed to explore the distribution of socioeconomic characteristics and social protection. Content analyses approach was used to analyses the qualitative data. The findings show that: the family, Department of Social Welfare (DSW), Tanzania Social Action Fund (TASAF) and religious institutions were the most active SIs providing social protection to the elderly. Elderly were unsatisfied with the SIs’social services provision as they narrowly focused on health and food. There was inadequately provision of other needy services. The study recommends to government to enhance the implementation of the social protection policies and guide service provision mechanisms among SIs. There Sis should adopt joint implementation of the social protection interventions to improve the scope of services for elderly welfares.Item Adaptation and Coping Strategies to Climate Change Among Agro-Pastoralists Community in Mvomero District, Tanzania(2015-06-30) Jeckoniah, JohnThe climate is perceived to be changing, thus calling for understanding of livelihoods strategies to guide in developing climate-resilient livelihoods. This paper investigated adaptation strategies undertaken by agro-pastoralists to cope with climate change impact in Mvomero district. A cross sectional research design was adopted where data were collected only once and 135 sampled households were involved in the study. Household questionnaires, key-informants interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs) were the main methods for data collection. Descriptive statistical analysis and content analysis were the main methods used in data analysis. The study revealed various adaptation strategies used by agro-pastoralists in the study area including, timing and the use of improved crop varieties. The coping strategies for livestock keepers were to reduce the number of livestocks, moving the animals to other places temporarily and some of them permanently. However, such coping strategies were not sustainable and some household became more vulnerable to climate change due to their ineffective coping strategies. Therefore, the study recommends to government and non governmental organizations to improve agro-pastoralists access to extension services for the access of reliable information and knowledge on predicting weather forecast using both local/indigenous and improved means. Institutions dealing with climate related issues including the meteorology agency should be strengthened to improve the packaging and the dissemination of weather forecast and information related to climate changeItem Adaptation and Coping Strategies to Climate Change Among Agro-Pastoralists Community in Mvomero District, Tanzania(2015-12-30) Jeckoniah, JohnThe climate is perceived to be changing, thus calling for understanding of livelihoods strategies to guide in developing climate-resilient livelihoods. This paper investigated adaptation strategies undertaken by agro-pastoralists to cope with climate change impact in Mvomero district. A cross sectional research design was adopted where data were collected only once and 135 sampled households were involved in the study. Household questionnaires, key-informants interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs) were the main methods for data collection. Descriptive statistical analysis and content analysis were the main methods used in data analysis. The study revealed various adaptation strategies used by agro-pastoralists in the study area including, timing and the use of improved crop varieties. The coping strategies for livestock keepers were to reduce the number of livestocks, moving the animals to other places temporarily and some of them permanently. However, such coping strategies were not sustainable and some household became more vulnerable to climate change due to their ineffective coping strategies. Therefore, the study recommends to government and non governmental organizations to improve agro-pastoralists access to extension services for the access of reliable information and knowledge on predicting weather forecast using both local/indigenous and improved means. Institutions dealing with climate related issues including the meteorology agency should be strengthened to improve the packaging and the dissemination of weather forecast and information related to climate changeItem COMMUNITY KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES AND PRACTICE TOWARDS THE USE OF FAMILY PLANNING SERVICES IN MAFIA DISTRICT, TANZANIA(2015-12-01) Jeckoniah, JohnUse of family planning services has potential to contribute into improving the health of millions of women and children. This paper explored the community knowledge attitude and practice about family planning services in Mafia District. The study adopted a cross-sectional research design and questionnaire was the main method for data collection. Descriptive statistical analysis and summated likert scale was computed to find the distribution of responses and relationship of key study variables. The study found that the level of knowledge about family planning services was high and majority of respondents had positive attitude about family planning services. However, use of family planning services was very low. Misconceptions about family planning services were also found. The paper recommends for the organizations involved in promoting use of family planning services to device interventions to improve utilization of the family planning services by addressing barriers to low usage of the services. The government and non governmental organizations should also continue provide more education and awareness in order to correct the misconceptions to ensure more people use the services.Item Determinants of funding access for non-governmental organisations: a case of Moshi municipality in Tanzania(International Journal of Asian Social Science, 2017) Kweyamba, T.; Jeckoniah, J. N.Access to funds by Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) remains a major concern to many NGOs in the globe and developing countries such as Tanzania. NGOs access funds through donations which are unreliable to sustain their great roles. The objectives of this paper were to analyse factors determining access to funds for NGOs and to examine the relationship between the identified factors on access to funds for NGOs. A cross-sectional research design was adopted whereby 48 respondents were interviewed. Descriptive data analysis was done with the aid of IBM SPSS Version 20. Qualitative data were analysed by thematic content analysis. The study found that education level of staff, capabilities and achievements of NGOs, nature of NGO involvement and size and coverage of an NGO had a statistical significant relationship with access to funds for NGOs (p< 0.05). Moreover, diversified networking effects of an NGO were associated with access to funds and an important predictor of access to funds for NGOs. It was concluded that; education level of staff, size and coverage of an NGO, capabilities and achievements of an NGO and nature of an NGO involvement are important predictors of access to funds. The study recommends to NGOs that although there may be other factors which may influence access to funds for NGOs; they should focus on these factors that were found to be important.Item Determinants of Gender Participation in the Sunflower Value Chain in Mlali Ward, Mvomero District-Tanzania(2017-06-01) JeckoniahInequalities in participation and benefits accrued from agricultural value chains are widely reported. Such inequalities are believed to affect men’s and women’s welfare. This paper analyzes the levels and determinants of gender participation in Sunflower Value Chain (SVC). A cross-sectional research design was adopted and 120 sunflower smallholder farmers were selected for the study. A combination of simple random sampling and systematic sampling techniques were used to select study villages and respondents respectively. A Structured questionnaire and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) guide were the main tools for data collection. Index scales were constructed to gauge the level of women empowerment. Ordinal logistic regression was used to establish the determinants of participation in the SVC. Findings show that more males than female farmers were categorized in the medium level of participation. Farmers’ levels of participation, land ownership, means of land acquisition and access to markets were the detriments of participation in the SVC (P<0.05). It is recommended that, sunflower stakeholders such as government and nongovernmental organizations need to empower farmers to overcome factors which negatively affect their levels of participation and benefit in the SVC. Gender sensitive approaches and techniques should be used to improve the level of participation and decision making in the various nodes of the SVC as well as to minimize the social, cultural, and economic factors that affect women’s participation and benefit in the SVC.Item Determinants of the Elderly’s Social Protection Services Access in Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania(TANZANIA INSTITUTE OF ACCOUNTANCY (TIA), 2019-06-01) Jeckoniah, JohnInaccessibility to Social Protection Services (SPSs) is a major concern for the majority of the elderly on the globe and developing countries, including Tanzania. This paper establishes the extent to which the elderly have access to SPSs and determines the factors that influence SPSs access to the elderly. A cross-sectional research design was used whereby 202 respondents aged 60 years and above were involved. Data were analysed using Ordinal Logistic Regression and content analysis for quantitative and qualitative data respectively. The indicators based on protective, preventive, promotive, and transformative dimensions were established to measure SPSs access levels among the elderly. The elderly in the study area were categorized at medium level of SPSs accessibility (87.1%). Ordinal logistic regression analysis results showed that SPSs access to the elderly’s and their awareness on policy and rights, health insurance, and financial assistance were the important determinant factors that influence SPSs access to the elderly in the study area. The study recommends to the Government and Civil Society Organizations to devise intervention mechanisms for the elderly including the provision of health insurance services, cash transfers (universal pension), and enactment of law(s) that promote the elderly’s welfare and eventually improve the delivery of SPSs in Tanzania.Item Determinants of women empowerment in the onion value chain: a case of Simanjiro district in Tanzania(Journal of Economics and Sustainable Development, 2012) Jeckoniah, J.N.; Nombo, C. N.; Mdoe, N .S .Y.The impact of women participation in agricultural value chains into their empowerment is poorly understood. This paper explores the linkage between women’s participation in onion value chain development activities and their empowerment. The study involved 402 women of whom 207 (51.2%) were participating in the onion value chain development activities and 195(48.5%) were non non-participants. Data was analyzed using SPSS program, four index scales were constructed to measure women empowerment (personal autonomy, household decision making, economic domestic consultation and freedom of movement). A composite women empowerment index was developed to gauge women empowerment. Women in Simanjiro District were categorized in medium level of empowerment (mean score on CEI = 0.6033). Empowerment was found to increase with education attainment, age at first marriage and women income. Generally, women participating in the value chain development programme were more likely to be empowered than their counterparts. Ordinal logistic regression analysis revealed that there was a significant relationship between women empowerment and marital status, education level, age at first marriage, land ownership, access to credits and participation in onion value chain (P<0.05). The study recommends to the government, non-governmental organization and farmers groups to introduce gender and life skills education in value chain programmes to sensitize and mobilize actors to challenge gender inequalities and promote women empowerment.Item Does student Empowerment improve their Academic Performance? Evidence from Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro(TANZANIA INSTITUTE OF ACCOUNTANCY (TIA), 2019-06-01) Jeckoniah, JohnThere is a growing interest in understanding the relationship between student empowerment and their academic performance. This paper examined this relationship in the context of university students learning environments. The study adopted a cross-sectional research design using a combination of simple random and systematic sampling techniques involving 200 undergraduate students. The constructs of Psychological Empowerment Instrument (PEI) and the Learner Empowerment Scale (LES) were used to construct Likert scale questions in estimating the students’ empowerment. Descriptive statistical analysis was employed, and a summated scale approach was used to analyse Likert scale questions in estimating the level of empowerment. Correlation analysis was employed to gauge the relationship of the construct of empowerment and academic performance. The results show that the majority of students (82%) had moderate academic performance (GPA 3.0-3.9) out of a maximum of 5.0; the rest 9 and 9 percent had GPAs of below3.0 and above 3.9, respectively. The majority of the respondents (62%) were categorized into low levels of empowerment. Female respondents were more likely to be categorized into higher levels of empowerment than were their male counterparts at 40.7 and 35.8 percent respectively. All paired linear relationships between the constructs of student empowerment were positive. The strength of the linear relationship different construct of empowerment varied from moderate to strong but all had a significant relationship (p <0.05). The linear relationship between the constructs of empowerment and academic performance (GPA) was weak and none of them had any significant relationship. Therefore, overall, there was no linear relationship and association between the level of academic performance and the construct of empowerment. It is recommended to the Ministry of Education and university management to focus on the strategies that would improve student empowerment and academic performance such as student cantered and participatory approaches.Item Factors influencing household livelihood outcomes in Kilombero valley, Tanzania(JLS Africa, 2019-03-15) Akyoo, Elimeleck P. Jeckoniah, John Kabote, Samwel J.Household’s participation in out-grower scheme and investor farm employment as well as household socioeconomic characteristics has the potential of improving livelihood outcomes. However, scientific debates on the factors influencing household livelihood outcomes have not been conclusive. This paper aims at examining the factors influencing household livelihood outcomes. The paper adopted a cross-sectional research design whereby exploratory sequential research strategy was adopted whereby a total of 376 respondents were involved in the survey. It also used descriptive statistics and multiple linear regressions to analyze quantitative data analysis while qualitative data were subjected to the content analysis. The results show that age, education, household size, land size, group membership and livelihood strategies influenced positively and significantly household livelihood outcomes at 5% level of significance. Participation in out-grower scheme reduced ability to improve livelihood outcome at 5% level of significance. Similarly, participation in farm wage employment reduced ability to improve livelihood outcome but it was not significant. The article concludes that household heads’ socio-economic characteristics influenced livelihood outcomes than large-scale agricultural investment factors. Therefore, the article recommends strategies like a win-win situation to reverse direction of the influence of large-scale agricultural investment on household livelihood outcomes.Item Funding Patterns for Non-Governmental Organizations’ Services Delivery: A Case of Moshi Municipality in Tanzania(Social Sciences & Humanities Journal, 2018-06-11) Kweyamba, T.; Jeckoniah, J.N.Abstract: - Access to funds by Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) continues to be a major problem for many NGOs in Tanzania. The study from which this paper is based examined the sources of funds for NGOs, analyzed trends of fund for NGOs and challenges and opportunities related to funding for NGOs. Cross-sectional study design was adopted whereby 348 respondents were interviewed. Descriptive statistical data analysis was done with the aid of IBM SPSS Version 20 and Microsoft Office Excel 2007. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic content analysis with constant comparison techniques. The study found that international donations, grants and in-kind donations were the most common sources of funds for NGOs. Funding trends were deteriorating in all NGOs amidst several opportunities for NGOs to access fund. Irregular patterns and delays of fund disbursement affected NGOs services delivery. The study recommends to NGOs to diversify their source of fund by focusing on internal sources of funds and to diversify their service delivery activities though incorporating income generating activities. The local government authorities should create an enabling legal and policy framework environment to enable NGOs to venture into both businesses focused service delivery alongside traditional focus on charity service provision models.Item Gender and youth economic opportunity in Tanzania’s cassava, poultry, horticulture and oilseeds value chains: a literature review(Global Center for Food Systems Innovation, Michigan State University, 2018) Mroto, E.; Nombo, C. N.; Jeckoniah, J. N.This literature review provides a gender analysis of the cassava, poultry, horticulture, and oilseed value chains in Tanzania, with an emphasis on activities which offer the greatest potential economic opportunities for youth. The review found that men and women have different levels of knowledge, access and control over resources, and varying opportunities to participate across all value chains. Cultural traditions influence observed gender differences in the allocation of roles and responsibilities, ownership of production and processing assets, resource use and distribution of income accrued from economic activities. The review identified factors contributing to sex segmentation in employment and entrepreneurship, including gender differences in access to land, credit, market information, education and skills levels, and ability to travel. Finally, the review identified key policy, program, and knowledge gaps requiring attention in order to improve the design and implementation of more gender-inclusive youth training programs in the agrifood sectorItem Gendered Analysis of the Governance in the Rice and Sisal Value Chains in the Lake Zone, Tanzania(Tengeru Institute od community Development, 2018-12-30) Jeckoniah, JohnIntegrating gender issues and concerns in the development projects has potential impact on project success. This paper analyzes the gendered differentials and impacts on smallholder farmers engaged in rice and sisal value chains in the lake zone, Tanzania. The study adopted a qualitative approach whereby documentary review, Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and Focused Group Discussions (FGDs) were the main methods for data collection. Data were analyzed using ethnographic content analysis with constant comparisons techniques. It was found that the patriarchal system has strong impact and influence on the livelihood choices, ownership and use of household and community resource’s including land, and assets for production and processing of crops is skewed towards men. Men’s attitudes towards women participation in benefit sharing of the livelihood outcomes hamper women empowerment efforts. It is concluded that women get less benefits in the value chains engagements due to poor access to and control of productive resources and benefits, women economic empowerment has increased with increased workloads, the transformation of the empowerment outcome obtained in group levels is compromised by the rigid structure of the household institutions, changes in power relations at household levels have potential to improve household wellbeing but may also increases intra - household conflicts. It is recommended to the local government authorities and development practitioners and NGOs to: device gender sensitive strategic efforts to transform gender relations at household and community levels and support women with more entrepreneurship education.Item Gendered livelihood outcomes among woodlot farmers in Mufindi district, Tanzania(Journal of Co-operative and Business Studies, 2018) Tweve, A.; Jeckoniah, J. N.Woodlot farming is an important economic activity which has potential to improve the livelihoods of men and women; however the benefit derived from woodlot farming has a gender differential. The study was conducted in Mufindi District in Tanzania to analyze the livelihood outcomes among women and men engaged in woodlot farming. The study adopted a cross sectional research design and involved 120 respondents. Asset ownership was used as proxy indicator of wealth status; the wealth index was constructed to gauge the levels of livelihood outcomes. Independent T-test and Chi- square tests were used to compare livelihood outcomes among woodlot farmers and non-farmers, men and women. It was found that woodlots owners had better livelihood outcome than their non-woodlot farmers’ counterparts (P<0.05). The levels of livelihood outcomes between women and men were statistically significant (P<0.05). The differences in the levels of livelihood outcome are attributable to one’s engagement in woodlot farming. However, men derived more benefit in the woodlot farming due to their dominance in decision making over the income accrued from woodlot farming at household level. The study recommend the local government authority and non-governmental organizations involved in promoting livelihood improvement through woodlot farming to address gender differences in decision making over the use of income at household level. This can be done by promoting gender dialogues in the community with a view to change gender norms that discriminate women participation in decision making as well as promoting women ownership of resources by allowing more women access and control over productive resources including landItem How gender affects adherence to antiretroviral therapy in Tanzania(MEASURE Evaluation, 2017) Kahamba, J. S.; Massawe, F. A.; Nombo, C. N.; Jeckoniah, J. N.Background: AIDS was first diagnosed in 1983. We know that HIV and AIDS have been in Tanzania for more than three decades. Although efforts to find a cure for AIDS have not yet been fruitful, the Government of Tanzania initiated the rollout of free antiretroviral therapy (ART) in 2004. This intervention has dramatically reduced rates of mortality and morbidity and improved the quality of life for people living with HIV (PLHIV). However, the availability of ART does not guarantee that all PLHIV have equal access to it. Gender can increase a person’s vulnerability to HIV and influence his or her ability to access information about preventive measures, care, support, and treatment. The purpose of this study was to investigate how gender-related factors affect access to and follow-through of this important treatment for HIV and AIDS. Methods: We conducted our study in Njombe District of Njombe Region, Tanzania, from October to November 2015. The region has the highest HIV prevalence rate in the country. We used a cross-sectional design to collect data using a structured questionnaire administered at one public permanent care-and-treatment clinic (CTC) and one mobile CTC. The study population consisted of male and female PLHIV who were more than 18 years of age, were registered in an ART program in Njombe District for at least three months, and had consented to participate in the study. A combination of convenience and snowball sampling techniques was used to capture respondents with the desired characteristics. A total of 132 respondents (97 females and 35 males) completed the questionnaire. Five key informant interviews (KIIs) were conducted with health workers, nongovernmental organization (NGO) staff, and caretakers at the family level. Two focus group discussions (FGDs) were also conducted; one consisted of eight females, the other had seven males. In addition, secondary data from Njombe District health facilities were collected. Results: Our study found that heterosexual intercourse with a spouse was the leading cause of HIV transmission for more than two-thirds of the women (64.9%), and casual sex outside of marriage was the major cause for more than half of men (54.3%). The main reasons respondents gave for getting tested for HIV were compulsory HIV screening during prenatal visits, HIV awareness campaigns (especially for men), and unhealthy symptoms such as weight loss and frequent diseases. Most PLHIV (86% of men and 80% of women) started on ART within the same year they were diagnosed. Partners did not usually get tested for HIV together; men were typically more reluctant, and they denied the problem, usually asserting their wives were the source of the virus. Women were less likely than men to consult their spouse/partners before getting tested and less likely to get support from their partners after they were tested. Women (especially married women) were more likely to face social problems, including stigma, when disclosing their HIV status to their partners. Some women feared family quarrels and harsh consequences, such as being physically abused and/or divorced. Communication barriers during the early stages of deciding to get tested, and the poor responses women received from their partners when the women consulted them, affected women’s next phase of living with HIV and had a negative impact on ART access and adherence to services. Respondents had a working knowledge of how to adhere to ART and practice safe sex, but they rarely followed safe-sex practices. While nearly all the women (96.9%) took all their medicine, they were less likely than the men to follow the clinic schedule precisely. Women in the FGD said that heavy household workloads made it more difficult for them to take their medications on time. Conclusion: Gender inequity adversely affects adherence to ART in different ways for women and men living with HIV. This study has improved understanding of gender differences in ART access and adherence. We hope this will contribute to the development of more effective gender-based interventions that can potentially enhance ART access and follow-through.Item Impact of Sunflower Production on Livelihood Outcomes among Smallholder Farmers Households in Iramba District(2018-10-25) Jeckoniah, JohnSunflower is among the cash crops with potentials for improving smallholder farmers’ livelihood. However, its impact on livelihood outcomes among smallholder farmers is hardly ascertained. The study specifically aimed to examine the contribution of sunflower cultivation on livelihood outcomes of smallholder farmers’ households basing on propensity scores matching. Cross-sectional research design was adopted whereby household survey, focus group discussion and key informant interviews were used to collect data. The study had a sample size of 368 respondents including sunflower and non-sunflower smallholder farmers. Qualitative data were transcribed, categorised, coded, thereafter grouped into themes and analysed using constant comparison technique. Quantitative data were analysed by using propensity score matching. Through propensity score matching, average treatment of the treated, difference in difference analysis, nearest neighbour matching and radius calliper matching techniques were used to establish the contribution. Findings indicate that participation into sunflower cultivation had an impact on livelihood outcomes as observed by the significant differences in livelihood outcomes (MD = 2.31; t = 5.94 from nearest neighbour matching and MD = 2.52; t = 9.69 from radius calliper matching). Therefore, the study concluded that sunflower cultivation had a significant impact on the livelihood outcomes among households of sunflower smallholder farmers. Thus, the null hypothesis was subsequently rejected. The study recommends to smallholder farmers that they should up-scale their production systems and techniques. This can be done through creating awareness and sensitisation on improved cultivation techniques that would guarantee more yields and household incomes for sustenance of the achieved livelihood outcomes.Item Land Use Conflicts among Farmers and Agro-Pastoralists in Mvomero District, Tanzania: A Gendered Perspective(Tengeru Institute od community Development, 2018-06-30) Loserian, M; Jeckoniah, JohnLand Use Conflicts (LUCs) over resource use are ever increasing in Tanzania. This happen inspite of several government and non-government efforts to contain them and their socio-economic impacts. The conflicts have adverse impacts on the gender roles of farmers and agro-pastoralists. This paper analyses the causes and impact of the persistent land use conflicts on gender roles in Kilosa and Mvomero Districts. The study from which this paper is based adopted a cross-sectional research design and involved 124 respondents. Structured questionnaires and checklist for key informants were the main tools for data collection. Descriptive statistical analysis was employed to establish the characteristics of the study sample. Binary logistic regression was used to estimate the predictor variables for the land use conflicts. The findings indicate that there were changes in gender roles in participation to some activities such as land preparation for cultivation, spraying pesticides, watering crops, looking after livestock and treating sick animals. Sex, residence status, human and livestock population pressure were important predictors for land use conflicts (p<0.05). It is concluded that LUCs are contributed by population pressure of both human and livestock in the light of declining land resources, and lack of security of land tenure to farmers and agro-pastoralists. In view of the findings, it is recommended that the government and non-governmental organisations should assist farmers and agro-pastoralists to develop and implement gendered land use plans to help peaceful co-existence and sharing of resources between farmers and agro-pastoralists