Articles, Conference and Workshop Papers Collection

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A review of post-harvest milk losses in Tanzania’s milk sector: lessons from production to consumption
(Tanzania Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2023) Lugamara, C.B.; Urassa, J. K.; Massawe, G. D.
Tanzania has engaged in various policies, strategies and programmes in order to increase production, processing and marketing infrastructure for milk and milk products and minimise animal product losses. However, not much is known in relation to post-harvest milk losses. Therefore, the review paper aims to establish from empirical literature the extent of Tanzania’s post-harvest milk losses and the causes in relation to efforts made by the government to minimise the same. To achieve the above, the authors used various databases to locate documents reporting on Tanzania’s post-harvest milk losses whereby 1605 documents were identified and screened remaining with 82 that were deemed relevant. Thereafter, an assessment of the 82 documents led to only 12 being included in the critical review, with ten being dropped due to either being similar or using the same data. Therefore, in the end, only two documents are captured in this paper. Generally, the review shows that there is insufficient empirical information on Tanzania’s post-harvest milk losses with the most recent study having been conducted almost 19 years ago. In addition, the study’s scope was quite limited, covering a sample of 66 respondents and a narrow geographical coverage of only three regions (i.e. Coast, Dar es Salaam and Morogoro). Furthermore, the study used the rapid appraisal approach. Therefore, there is a need for disaggregated information on Tanzania’s extent of post-harvest milk losses at various nodes of the milk value chain so as to inform policy makers and other stakeholders interested in curbing the same. Keywords: Milk losses, milk supply chain, post-harvest losses.
Access to bank loans and smallholder farmers' paddy productivity; a case of Mvomero district, Tanzania
(IJASAB International, 2022) Mpeku, Faraja N.; Urassa, Justin K.
Limited access to credit is one of the main limitations facing smallholders in Africa. Therefore, the study on which this paper is based, aimed at comparing smallholder farmers paddy productivity before and after their access to loans from formal financial institutions. The study adopted a cross-sectional research design whereby data were collected once from 110 smallholder paddy farmers in Mvomero District using a questionnaire. In addition, key informant interviews and focus group discussions were conducted to enable triangulation. Quantitative data from the questionnaire were analyzed using SPSS whereby both descriptive and inferential statistics were determined. Study findings show that the paddy crop continues to play an essential role in the majority of households in the study area. Paddy productivity, on the other hand, was relatively low. The results from the linear regression show that loan size, age of household, farm size, the use of fertilizer and farming experience were significantly associated with paddy productivity. They further show that the major challenges faced by smallholder farmers in their access to bank loans were high-interest rates, loan inadequacy, and high collateral demand. The results of the paired sample t-test show that there is a difference in productivity before and after farmers accessed bank loans. Despite the importance of paddy farming to household livelihoods, it was reported that access to credit has a positive impact on the productivity of paddy farmers.
Adaptation to changes in the coffee value chain And the price of coffee among coffee producers in Two villages in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
(African Study Monographs, 2013) Mhando, David Gongwe; Haller, Tobias; Mbeyale, Gimbage; Ludi, Eva
Market liberalization in Tanzania has eroded the monopoly of the cooperative unions by allowing private coffee buyers (PCBs) to compete with them on equal footing. Similarly, farmers groups and primary societies are now allowed to sell coffee at auction. Thus, farmers have various options for selling their coffee. Similarly, the coffee industry has experienced large fluctuations in prices and stagnation in production. How do farmers react to these changes? Can and do farmers profit from different market conditions and sell to different traders at the lower end of the value chain, or do they remain with cooperatives or farmers groups? This study was conducted in Mruwia and Mshiri villages in Moshi Rural district. Whereas Mshiri village remains attached to the Kilimanjaro Native Cooperative Union (KNCU), Mruwia has detached from this organization and sells coffee independently. The sample (103) was randomly selected from the coffee farmers in the two villages. Data were collected through surveys, focus group discussions (FGDs), and socio-anthropological methods (participant-observation, biographies, and thematic interviews). Results indicate that the selection of whom to sell coffee depends largely on farmers’ dependence on coffee and prices, other benefits accrued, and whether the initial costs are covered by buyers. Additionally, most respondents did not sell coffee to PCBs. Thus, prices, the institutional infrastructure, and the structure of local communities were important when making decisions about how and with whom to trade.
Adoption intensity of bundled sustainable agricultural practices among small-scale maize growers in Morogoro region, Tanzania
(East African Journal of Management and Business Studies, 2023) Mugula, Joseph J.; Kyaruzi, Athman A.; Msinde, John; Kadigi, Michael
The study examined the adoption rate and intensity of bundled sustainable agricultural practices (SAPs) among smallholder maize farmers in Tanzania. The SAPs considered include crop rotation, intercropping, manure, improved seeds and crop residual. Using descriptive techniques and ordered probit model, data was collected from 470 farming households from Kilosa and Mvomero Districts through a multi-stage sampling procedure. The results show that education level, occupation, farming experience, sex of the household head, farm size, plot ownership, geographical location, membership in farmers’ organization and production diversity had significant impacts on the adoption intensity of multiple SAPs. In addition, there were greater disparities in the adoption intensity than in the adoption rates; the awareness and recognition of SAPs did not necessarily translate into increased usage. The study recommends that the interdependence nature of agricultural innovations should be considered in designing strategies dissemination of SAPs to provide farmers with a choice among different sets of practices that possess desirable traits. Given that diverse factors influence the usage of different combinations of SAPs, it is important that policymakers should take into consideration the significant factors to ensure that farmers can maximize the benefits of SAPs through provision of training programs to enlighten farmers on the benefits of SAPs.
Adoption of recommended maize production practices and productivity among farmers in Morogoro district, Tanzania
(Springer, 2019) Gahanga, Consolatha J.; Urassa, Justin K.
The chapter is based on a study that aimed at assessing the adoption of recommended maize production practices and productivity between farmers who were members of Farmer Field Schools (FFSs) and those who were not. The study was conducted in Morogoro District, Tanzania. Specifically, the study aimed at identifying FFS recommended maize production technologies; determining socio-economic factors influencing farmers’ adoption of the technologies; and comparing maize productivity and income between households involved in FFS and those that are not. Lastly, it determined the contribution of maize sales to the household incomes of the two groups. The study adopted a cross-sectional research design whereby data was collected from 166 individuals through household surveys, focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Quantitative data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS), whereby descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages were determined. A logistic regression model was used to determine the association of socio-economic factors and the adoption of FFS technologies. Study findings show that age, education, household income and farm size significantly influenced the adoption of recommended FFS practices. Results also show that farmers who participated in the FFS had a higher maize productivity and maize sales were the main source of income in the study area. Thus, extension agents need to do more to encourage more farmers to join FFS so as to get access to improved maize technologies which will enable them to raise their maize productivity and ultimately their income and general living standards.
Agricultural value chain incubation programmes and youth employment: a case of the Sokoine university graduates entrepreneurs cooperative, Morogoro, Tanzania
(TAJAS, 2021) Donge, H; Urassa, J.K
Youth unemployment is on the rise globally Tanzania inclusive. Nonetheless, for Tanzania, the agricultural sector has a potential for employment creation at the various nodes of the agricultural value chain. Therefore, the study generally examines the contribution of the Sokoine University Graduates Entrepreneurs Cooperative (SUGECO) in enabling its graduate’s self-employ while creating employment for others. Specifically, the study examines the contribution of the above- mentioned programme to youth’s employment; identifies challenges facing the programme, and examines the policy gaps. The study is based on the cross-sectional research design whereby data were collected using a structured questionnaire from 88 respondents. In addition, data were collected from five key informants. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPPS and qualitative data through content analysis. Generally, study findings show that SUGECO has the potential to support young entrepreneurs’ development and job creation in Tanzania. Findings also show that SUGECO offers a variety of trainings which equip its graduates with business management and employment skills. In addition, marital status and being trained in agribusiness were significantly (P≤0.05) associated with the graduates’ employment creation. However, the findings show that SUGECO and its graduates face a number of challenges including lack of funding, lack of commitment among the graduates, and unsupportive government policies. Therefore, SUGECO needs to adhere to its pre-defined criteria when selecting candidates for incubation programme so as to only recruit the committed ones. In addition, the Government and non-governmental organizations should collaborate and put some efforts to promote the SUGECO agribusiness incubation programme as it has the potential for employment creation and poverty reduction among the youth.
Assessment of community perception on proper solid waste management at Household-level in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania
(Tanzania Journal of Community Development, 2024-12-14) Mdetele, Clara; Allan, Tumaini; Ngowi, Edwin
Effective solid waste management is integral to environmental sustainability and public health. The success of waste management initiatives is intricately linked to community perceptions, as their awareness and attitudes significantly influence outcomes. This study, conducted in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania, aimed to assess the community's perception of proper solid waste management at the household level. Employing a descriptive cross-sectional design, data were gathered from 70 respondents across three randomly chosen wards: Mazimbu (26), Mji Mkuu (22), and Mji Mpya (22). These wards were pivotal in capturing a comprehensive view of solid waste management practices, accounting for variations across different areas within Morogoro Municipality. Data were also collected from five key informants using the Kobo Collect survey tool. Inferential statistics, specifically Pearson chi-square tests, were applied to analyze the data. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages, were used to explore the types of solid waste generated at the household level. The findings revealed that 38.6% of respondents produced vegetable waste, 28.6% generated leaves/grass, 20% produced plastic waste, and 12.9% generated other types of solid waste. The chi-square tests showed no significant differences in community awareness regarding the importance of proper solid waste management across wards, except for a significant difference in relation to disease outbreak reduction. Descriptive statistics were employed to analyze the community's perception of obstacles hindering proper solid waste management. To evaluate the community's perception of solid waste management, a composite mean score was calculated; a mean score above 2.00 indicated a positive perception, while a score below 2.00 suggested a negative perception. In conclusion, while the community generally holds a positive perception of solid waste management, factors such as collection fees and inadequate infrastructure hinder its effectiveness and efficiency at the household level. It is recommended that municipal authorities enhance solid waste management strategies and implement educational campaigns to raise awareness within the community.
Assessment of community perception on proper solid waste management at household-level in Morogoro municipality, Tanzania
(Tanzania Journal of Community Development, 2024) Mdetele,Clara; Allan,Tumaini; Ngowi,Edwin
Effective solid waste management is integral to environmental sustainability and public health. The success of waste management initiatives is intricately linked to community perceptions, as their awareness and attitudes significantly influence outcomes. This study, conducted in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania, aimed to assess the community's perception of proper solid waste management at the household level. Employing a descriptive cross-sectional design, data were gathered from 70 respondents across three randomly chosen wards: Mazimbu (26), Mji Mkuu (22), and Mji Mpya (22). These wards were pivotal in capturing a comprehensive view of solid waste management practices, accounting for variations across different areas within Morogoro Municipality. Data were also collected from five key informants using the Kobo Collect survey tool. Inferential statistics, specifically Pearson chi-square tests, were applied to analyze the data. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages, were used to explore the types of solid waste generated at the household level. The findings revealed that 38.6% of respondents produced vegetable waste, 28.6% generated leaves/grass, 20% produced plastic waste, and 12.9% generated other types of solid waste. The chi-square tests showed no significant differences in community awareness regarding the importance of proper solid waste management across wards, except for a significant difference in relation to disease outbreak reduction. Descriptive statistics were employed to analyze the community's perception of obstacles hindering proper solid waste management. To evaluate the community's perception of solid waste management, a composite mean score was calculated; a mean score above 2.00 indicated a positive perception, while a score below 2.00 suggested a negative perception. In conclusion, while the community generally holds a positive perception of solid waste management, factors such as collection fees and inadequate infrastructure hinder its effectiveness and efficiency at the household level. It is recommended that municipal authorities enhance solid waste management strategies and implement educational campaigns to raise awareness within the community
Assessment of knowledge, attitudes, and practices of community health workers on household sanitation and hygiene in rural Tanzania
(International Journal of TROPICAL DISEASE & Health, 2025-03-22) Samani, Lina Patrice; Mwanga, Joseph; Basinda, Namanya; Msaki, Evarist; Kadigi, Michael
Background: Access to improved sanitation, adherence to good hygienic practices, and adequate supply of safe water are very crucial factors for the health and well-being of people within the household and the entire community. Household sanitation and hygiene promotion has largely been done by community health workers in most places in Tanzania and worldwide, especially in rural and marginalized areas. Despite the presence of community health workers in Tanzania as primary health providers, WASH-sensitive indicators such as diarrhea, stunted growth, and typhoid are still high. However, little has been done to assess their knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding household sanitation and hygiene. Aim: This study aimed to assess knowledge, attitude and practices among community health workers on household sanitation and hygiene at Mbarali and Mbeya rural districts in Mbeya region, south-west highlands of Tanzania. Methods: The study used a descriptive cross-sectional design. The sample size was estimated by using Yamane formula for calculating sample size. Data for the study were collected for one month, questionnaire guide and observation checklist were used as data collection methods. Data were entered in STATA version 15 databases by two research assistants, and then data were cleaned, validated and analyzed. Descriptive analyses included frequencies and percentages of socio- demographic characteristics such as age, sex, education, knowledge, attitude, and practice of hygiene and sanitation. To determine the association between socio-demographic characteristics and respondents 'KAP, a bivariate chi-square test was conducted. A threshold of 0.05 p-values was used for statistical significance. Results: A total of 391CHWs were recruited. Out of 391CHWs, 184 (47.1%) had adequate knowledge regarding household sanitation and hygiene, while 207(52.9%) CHWs had inadequate knowledge. 74.4% of the CHWs had a positive attitude towards, whilst 25.6% of the participants had a negative attitude regarding household sanitation and hygiene. A total of 128 (33.0%) had good practices, while (67.1%) of the participants had poor practices regarding household sanitation and hygiene. High education level and the short period from the last training on sanitation and hygiene were found to be associated with adequate knowledge (p=0012) and (p=0.008) respectively. Female participants were found to have good practices (p=0.015) than their counterparts. The observation checklist revealed that, of the total 391CHWs, 206(52.7%) CHWs didn’t receive the needed cooperation from the community members, though they had all the necessary equipment for home visits. On house-to-house visits, only 28 CHWs had all the necessary equipment. None of the CHWs had allowance at the end of the visit. Conclusion: The findings of this study underscore the need to check CHW programs to match their needs as per their roles to strengthen the knowledge, attitude, and practices hence ensuring efficiency in their provision of primary health services and promotion of improvement in household sanitation and hygiene particularly in household sanitation and hygiene.
Attitude of voters towards elections in Morogoro municipality: a reflection on 2015 general election in Tanzania
(Science Publishing Group, 2017-12-22) Muhanga, M
This paper examines the attitudes of voters towards elections in Tanzania following an observed trend of having a great proportion of registered voters who did not vote in the General Elections in 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010 and 2015 respectively. The study out of which this paper is based on aimed at assessing the voters’ attitudes towards election and their perception on the importance of participating in election in Morogoro municipality, an electoral constituent which recorded voters turn out of 34.6% below the national turnout of 42.8% in 2010 General Election. A cross- sectional study design and multistage sampling techniques were employed; data were collected using a questionnaire through Computer Aided Personal Interviewing [CAPI] platform from proportionate number of male and female respondents from four randomly selected wards from Morogoro urban in Morogoro region. A total of 14 Likert scale statements were used to assess the attitudes of voters towards elections. Cross tabulation was employed to associate attitudes with other variables. Statistical Package for Social Sciences [SPSS] computer software was used for data processing and analysis. The findings reveal that the minimum and maximum Total Attitudinal Scores were 39.0 and 56.0 respectively with mean at 44.2 and Std. Deviation of 4.01. The study findings show that the overall respondents’ attitude towards elections was negative, with 60% of the respondents scoring less than 44.2 points out of 70, whereas 40% had positive attitude whereby they scored 44.2 points and above. The results show that 73% of the respondents perceived participating in election was important. It is recommended that initiatives should be taken to cultivate positive attitudes of citizens to motivate them to turn out to vote.
Attitudes towards affirmative action policies’ implementation in local politics in Tanzania: a case of Misungwi district, Mwanza region
(2009) Kabote, Samwel Juma
For about two decades, Affirmative Action (AA) policies, particularly Quotas and/or Special Seats have been substantial measures for increasing women’s political representation and participation in developing countries and Tanzania in particular. However, attitudes related obstructions influences AAs’ implementation in the country. With this rationale, this study was conducted in Misungwi District to assess factors influenced attitudes towards AAs’implementation. A key question in this study was: Do sex, awareness/knowledge on Affirmative Actions (AAs) and duration in local leadership positions influences respondent’s views towards AA’s implementation? Data were collected using questionnaires, interviews and documentary reviews. The analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 13. Findings revealed that, more women had positive attitudes towards AA’s implementation as opposed to men. Knowledge on reasons for Affirmative Action’s introduction was also positive. In addition, respondent’s attitudes were positive for respondents stayed six years and above in local leadership positions. Though it was a case study findings depicted a real picture of most District Councils in Tanzania. The study concluded that negative views towards AAs’ implementation exacerbated women’s under-representation as well as poor participation in local politics. Finally, we recommend that the family, schools and political parties should be entry points to eliminate negative attitudes towards AAs’ implementation in Misungwi District and the nation at large. Public gender awareness campaigns, accompanied with empowerment programmes are also highly recommended in this regard.
Awareness of Peri-urban Farmers on the Concept of Climate Change: A Case of Temeke District, Dar es Salaam Region
(International Knowledge Sharing Platform, 2016) Lunyelele, S. P.; Bengesi, K. M. K.; Katani, J. Z.
This study assessed peri-urban farmers’ awareness on the concept of climate change in Temeke District, Dar es Salaam Region. A total of 240 questionnaires were administered to the heads of households in four wards of the study area. Descriptive statistics mainly frequency distribution, percentages and average were used to analyse socio-economic characteristics of the respondents. Perceived indicators and the effects of climate change were measured through a five point Likert Scale. Off the interviewed respondents 97.9% were generally aware of climate change. Farmers’ awareness is manifested through the locally perceived indicators: increase in drought which had a mean score ( ) of 4.4, decline in rainfall ( =3.83), recurrent floods ( =3.83) and rainfall fluctuations ( =3.1). Respondents linked climate change with human activities largely cutting and burning of trees. Farmers’ perceptions are not directly linked with scientific understanding of climate change. The study recommends for the Government intervention based on farmers’ specific needs. In the other vein, more researches on climate change awareness is recommended in order to enhance local community’s adaptive capacity.
Capabilities of government co-operative supporting organisations in dissemination of innovations to primary co-operative societies in Tanzania
(International Journal of Knowledge / Innovation and Entrepreneurship, 2019) Njau, L. S.; Massawe, F. A.; Mahonge, C. P.
Purpose: This paper assesses the capabilities of GCSOs in dissemination of innova- tions to primary co-operative societies (PCSos) in Tanzania. Design/Methodology: The study adopted a case study research design whereby five cases were picked. Primary data were collected using key informants (KIs) interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), documentary review and direct observation. Docu- mented data were analysed using content analysis. The Atlas.ti computer software was used in analysing data from KIs and FGDs. Findings: The study revealed that most GCSOs have important resources but were unutilised for innovation activities. There were also lack of incentives to support inno- vation activities amongst GCSOs executives and personnel and lack of formal and comprehensive systems to reward innovation activities. Moreover, the study estab- lished weak innovations progression from lower node of innovation chains to higher ones. This scenario was coupled with neither institutionalised nor user-oriented ap- proaches regarding innovations dissemination. The study recommends that GCSOs executives should work to mobilise more internal resources to enable more innova- tions dissemination activities. They should also work to strengthen their innovation value chains by ensuring resources commitment and work to ensure deliberate inclu- sive efforts in engaging innovations users (PCSos) at all stages of the innovation chain activities. Limitations: The study covered GCSOs only as they have been receiving direct gov- ernment resources to support among other things innovation activities unlike other member-based and private organisations operating in Tanzania. Similarly, the study captured the GCSOs capabilities aspects within the key innovation value chain pro- cesses only. Originality/value: The paper assessed GCSOs capabilities in innovations dissemina- tion and proposes strategic measures necessary to ensure more innovations dissemina- tion to end-users.
Causes and management of land conflicts in Tanzania: a case of farmers versus pastoralists
(Uongozi Journal of Management and Development Dy namics, 2016) Massawe, Goodluck Dastan; Urassa, Justin Kalisti
Land conflicts are on the increase in many parts of Tanzania. Though the same existed even in the planned economy era 1961 to 1985, there has been an escalation of thesame since Tanzania opted for the.free market economy in the mid-1980s. While land corif!.icts are experienced by all walk<; of life and people engaged in different economic activities, those between farmers and pastoralists have been more dread.fit! leading to loss of life and property in many instances. The aim of this paper is twofold: firstly, to examine the factors that have contributed to the causes and persistence of .farmer-pastoralist conflicts in Tanzania; and secondly, to examine the strategies that have been applied in managing .farmer-pastoralist conflicts. The paper contains a review that is organised into three .fundamental sections. After introduction, Section Two discusses the literature that analyses the conflict by drawing on the social, historical and economic causes. In Section Three, the papei· introduces some of the key framework<; used within the peace and conflict literature, particularly in reference to the dffering notions of conflict management, conflict resolution and conflict transformation that could be applied in solving or managing conflicts between .farmers and pastoralists in Tanzania for the good of both groups. The paper makes two conclusions: firstl y, the farmer-pastoralist conflict tends to be best explained through an interpretive lens that sees many processes impacting on the highlighted issue. Whilefarmer-pastoralist corifl.i cts have been produced by social, historical, economic and discursive factors; the former three factors have dominated most of the analysis within the literature . Secondly, there is no single solution for managing the conflicts. However, to effectively manage the conflicts communities need to adopt a multidimensional approach that takes into account a range of the contributing factors .
Challenges and opportunities of coffee cooperatives in enhancing member incomes: a case study of Missenyi district, Kagera region, Tanzania
(The sub Saharan Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2024-12-12) Kyamanywagoha, Aron Rajab; Allan, Tumain; Mhando, David Gongwe
Agricultural Marketing Cooperative Societies (AMCOS) are critical in supporting farmers through resource pooling, crop marketing, and access to services like training and credit. However, their effectiveness is undermined by structural and systemic challenges that hinder their ability to meet members' needs. This study investigates the role of AMCOS in service provision, focusing on coffee cooperatives in Missenyi District, Tanzania. Data were collected from 128 participants using surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions, and analyzed quantitatively with IBM-SPSS (Version 20) and thematically for qualitative insights. The findings highlight significant challenges. Demographic imbalances reveal that 72.5% of respondents were aged over 50, with only 6.9% under 40, pointing to a declining youth engagement in farming. Gender disparities persist, with men comprising 82.4% of cooperative members despite women providing 70% of labor. Limited educational attainment (60.8% with only primary education) constrains members’ capacity for innovation. While land ownership was high (90%), small plot sizes (1–3 hectares for 64.7% of respondents) restrict production scalability. Access to improved coffee seedlings (35%) and training services (36.3%) was inadequate, while 96% of members lacked access to credit, limiting financial flexibility. Although government initiatives, such as tax reductions and digital payment systems, improved coffee prices, financial constraints, mismanagement, and competition continued to impede service delivery. Addressing these issues requires targeted interventions, including public-private partnerships, improved resource management, regulatory enforcement, and capacity building to ensure AMCOS can meet members’ expectations and promote sustainable coffee farming in Missenyi District.
Classroom discourse and discursive practices in higher education in Tanzania
(Research Gate, 2008) Mohamed, Hashim Issa; Banda, Felix
The paper problematises student writing as social practice from the perspective of lecturers’ discursive practices. The paper uses data from a major study at a higher learning institution in Tanzania to explore lecturers’ discursive practices and familiarity with the university orders of discourse including English medium of instruction, in unequal power relations with students, for whom English is a foreign language. The lecturers’ practices are scrutinised in terms of how they work against facilitating students’ access to the privileged literacy practices of the academia and how they serve to enact and sustain dominance in Tanzania’s education system, with its monolingual orientation, which privileges Kiswahili in primary school and English in secondary and higher education.
Community Participation in Water Resource Projects Management in Iringa District Council, Tanzania.
(Tengeru Community Development Journal, 2018) Massawe, F. A.; Chumbula, J. J.
Community participation in water project management has received international attention to replace top down approaches to development. However, the approach receives critiques regarding the extent to which participation in water project design and implementation is meaningful and really engages communities in the process. This calls for continuous local level research to identify practices that can increase the likelihood of meaningful community participation. A cross sectional research was conducted in Iringa District, Tanzania to assess the practice of community participation on selected community water projects. The study specifically ought to assess participation of stakeholders in different stages of water projects development and to determine the role of community members in maintenance of project infrastructure. Data collection was carried out through household‟s survey, semi-structured interviews with key informants and focus groups discussions. Descriptive analysis was employed to answer key research questions. The study findings show that despite water being one of the essential needs in the respective communities, the initial idea came from donors. Generally, the community participation was low in almost all project phases. The communication mechanism in terms of feedback and information sharing, community capacity to engage into project technical maintenance and women participation in water project governance was found to be weak. The paper concludes that there is less consideration of the principles of community participation in executing water projects at Iringa District Council. It is recommended that the meaningful participation should adhere to the key principals of community engagement in all phases of project design and management.
Community perception on the environmental conservation approach adopted by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Northern Diocese, Tanzania
(EAJSSH, 2020-05-22) Mlaki, D. A.; Massawe, F. A.
Abstract: Faith based institutions have the authority and ability to address several issues and being accepted and acted upon by the people of different beliefs, especially by linking with the people’s respective faiths. This could be fully utilized in addressing environmental issues, which is one of the most currently debatable global concerns. Given the environmental degradation challenges facing Kilimanjaro region, the Northern Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania started an intervention on tree planting by involving youth enrolled in confirmation classes as a way of promoting environmental conservation behaviour among youths. Since the tree planting programme operate within the community, this study therefore was conducted to explore the way the community perceive this programme, which will determine their participation therein, and success of the programme. A cross-sectional research design was adopted and a random sample of 100 households that had registered their children for confirmation classes in different years from 2003 to 2015 were involved. A Structured questionnaire with Likert scale was used to capture perceptions of households complimented by Focus Group Discussions and Key Informant Interviews. The descriptive and content analysis was adopted. The findings revealed that about 85% of the households had positive perception about the innovative approach adopted by the church. Furthermore, the community members see the programme as part of their household responsibilities and a good approach through which the nature can regain its lost form and provide to them what had been lost. The findings confirm the argument under the theory of self-determination of environmental behavior since despite being the church intervention people perform a tree planting behaviour for their own sake and to gain positive results. In this case, youths got involved in the program so as to graduate from confirmation training while avoiding the negative outcomes that is failure to be confirmed.
Comparing ARFIMA and ARIMA models in forecasting under five mortality rate in Tanzania
(Asian Journal of Probability and Statistics, 2025-01-15) Mwijalilege, Sadock Aron; Kadigi, Michael Lucas; Kibiki, Castory
Tanzania has been taking various measures to drop the Under-Five Mortality Rate (UFMR), but the pace to meet national and global UFMR targets has been slow. Nevertheless, the decline for the past years has continued to be low as compared to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) target which is set at 25 deaths/1000 live births by 2030. The lack of statistical modeling-based forecast values of UFMR results into setting targets that are not SMART towards the realization of national and international goals of the health sector. Thus, the current study uses both ARFIMA and ARIMA to make forecasts of UFMR in Tanzania from 2021 to 2030 by using data extracted from the World Databank - World Development Indicators (WDI). Also, an accuracy comparison between the ARFIMA and ARIMA best-fit models in forecasting UFMR was conducted. The forecasts from the best ARFIMA (1, 0.284243, 2) model indicate that by June 2026 the rate will on average be 41 deaths/1,000 live births as compared to the Tanzanian Five Year Development Plan Phase III (TFYDP-III) target of 40 deaths/1,000 live births; whereas the best fit ARIMA (1, 2, 0) model forecasts depict that the rate will be 40.1 deaths/1,000 live births as compared to the TFYDP-III target. In relation to the UN SDGs target of 25 deaths/1,000 live births by 2030, the ARFIMA (1, 0.284243, 2) model forecast values indicate that by 2030, Tanzania will experience a decrease in UFMR to 35.2 deaths/1,000 live births. The ARIMA (1, 2, 0) forecast values indicate that by 2030, Tanzania will experience a decrease in UFMR to 32.9 deaths/1,000 live births. The results of using RMSE and MAPE forecasting model accuracy measures reveal that the ARFIMA (1, 0.284243, 2) model performs better than ARIMA (1, 2, 0) in forecasting UFMR.
Condom use among youths in sub-saharan Africa: a narrative review on the myths, misconceptions, and challenges
(Wiley Health & Social Care in the Community, 2024-08-27) Muhanga, Mikidadi I.; Jesse, Angela M.; Allan, Tumaini T.
If properly used, condoms can serve as an efective family planning method and preventive tool towards sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Despite its anticipated efectiveness, there are diferent myths and misconceptions which have been observed as hindrances to both its use and efectiveness. Tis review examines the myths and misconceptions of condom use among youths and explores challenges in condom usage in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). A narrative review was employed of which diferent journal articles were reviewed. Te search words/phrases were “condom use in SSA, condom use among youths in SSA, myths and misconceptions on condom use among youths in SSA.” A total of 1074 studies were identifed, 93 were relevant to the topic, and only 71 suited the review. Te identifed myths and misconceptions of condom use include that males were the ones to decide on the use of condoms during sexual intercourse, economic power determines the use of condoms, condom use reduces sexual pleasure, condom use relates to the spread of HIV/AIDS, and condom use is against God’s will. Other identifed myths and misconceptions of condom use include that the use of condoms is a sign of lack of trust associated with fornication and adultery, also the use of condoms is only for family planning purposes. Te challenges identifed were breakage of condom during sexual intercourse, condom slippage, condom leakage, incorrect storage, and reuse of condoms. Te identifed myths and mis- conceptions lead to low knowledge of condom use within communities. Tere is a need for collaboration between governments, researchers, and NGOs to provide education on condom use to communities, particularly youths.

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