Articles, Conference and Workshop Papers Collection

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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.
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.
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 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.
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
Agriculture and Rural Development in Tanzania: Policies, Approaches, and Strategies in Sixty years of Political Independence
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2022) Kabote, Samwel J.
It is difficult to comprehend the efforts of the government of Tanzania to transform the rural sector because the information is scattered in the literature. This study examines agriculture and rural development policies, approaches, and strategies since independence, focusing on achievements and challenges, and proposes the way forward for future development. The study is based on a “systematic review approach” of empirical literature and national reports, using a periodization approach. The periods analysed include: before the Arusha Declaration (1961-1966), the socialism and self- reliance (1967-1985), the economic reforms and transition (1986-2005), and the contemporary epoch (the 2000s to date). Tanzania implemented several policies, approaches, and strategies in different periods since its independence. The prominent ones include improvement and transformation approaches, and the socialism and self-reliance policies. Liberalization and privatization policies dominated the economic reforms and transition period. There is an emergence of strategies including the Rural Development Strategy (RDS) of 2001, and sectoral programmes in the contemporary epoch. It can be concluded that, despite efforts made by the government in different historical epochs, agricultural growth rate and productivity have remained low. Rural livelihood has also consistently remained poor in rural Tanzania, compared to urban areas. The study recommends national-level strategies and sectoral programmes that consider rural-urban differences, and agricultural policy interventions that aim at increasing agricultural growth rate and productivity. The RDS should be revised and implemented effectively by coordinating different sectors of the economy through a well-developed monitoring and evaluation framework. The study also recommends the use of Information Communication Technology in agriculture, the adoption of an effective local people’s participation in decision-making, and a foreign investment policy that is hinged on a win-win situation.
An Analysis of Drivers of Health Care Seeking Sources Preferences in Selected Wards in Eastern Tanzania
(The East African Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2019) Muhanga, M.; Chabila, M.
Access, effectiveness, and utilization of healthcare services can affect the attainment of good health as healthcare services have a role in promoting the population's health and livelihoods of communities. Understanding factors that drive an individual's preference in seeking health care from a particular source(s) is an important aspect that has a profound contribution in facilitating the effective provision of health services. Though this aspect is generally known; very scanty information is available on what drives individuals’ preference on health care service sources under One Health Approach in Tanzania. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Morogoro municipality and Mvomero district in Tanzania, inter alia, to analyse the determinants of individuals' health care service source preference. A structured questionnaire administered through a Computer-Aided Personal Interviewing (CAPI) electronic platform was used to collect data from 1440 respondents obtained through a multistage sampling procedure. IBM-SPSS v20 was used to analyse quantitative data. Binary logistic regression determined an individual preference for sources to seek health care. The results revealed that 41.2% of the respondents preferred to seek health care services from informal sources and 58.8% from formal sources. Marital status (Exp B= 0.001, 95% CI, .000 to .010), ß=-6.946, p=0.000, service characteristics (Exp B= 1.678, ß=0.518, p=0.000), beliefs on the effectiveness of health services (Exp B= 5.268, ß=1.662 at p=0.001) had significant influence on determining preference for a source of health care. It is recommended that health services should be improved from the formal health care sources since the majority of respondents had a preference for it
An analysis of external interfaces limiting co-operative sustainability in the primary agricultural marketing co-operative societies (amcos) in Tanzania, evidence from selected coffee primary amcos of Bukoba and Moshi districts
(European Journal of Research and Reflection in Management Sciences, 2018) Rwekaza, Gratian Cronery; Kayunze, Kim Abel; Kimaryo, Leons Philip
The importance of a co-operative as a member-owned socio-economic institution has attracted global focus to identify mechanisms by which co-operatives can meet members’ needs and aspirations using co-operative democracy. In Tanzania, co-operative policy and legislation highlight ownership and participative democracy to co-operatives; various efforts have been made to ensure primary Agricultural Marketing Co-operative Societies (AMCOS) use member democracy in decision making to sustain co-operative institutions. The study assessed the extent to which democratic practices reflect member ownership in different decision making processes. The study objective was to examine external interferences limiting co-operative sustainability in the primary AMCOS in Bukoba and Moshi districts. A cross-sectional design was used whereby 400 members were selected from ten primary AMCOS of Bukoba and Moshi districts. The study used primary data by the use of household survey and interviews, focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Documentary review was done to collect secondary information. The findings on the external sustainability influence results shows government roles were more identified as to tax members' produce than regulation and creating enabling environment for co-operative business; a total of 47 deduction and tax items were found to effect member produce on Farm Gate Price. Also, the decline of coffee price was the leading factor affecting the co-operative business. The study recommends that ordinary members, board and managers of the Primary AMCOS should prepare strategies that will expand the capital base of their firm in order to have a sustainable capital system. Also, the role of the Government should be creating enabling environment to co-operative rather than taxing co-operative members.
Analysis of gender stereotypes in Tanzania’s television commercial advertisements
(University of Dar es Salaam Library Journal, 2017) Kahamba, J. S.; Sife, A. S.
This study analysed gender stereotypes in Tanzania’s television commercial advertisements. In all, 71 advertisements were recorded from nine television channels—TBC1, ITV, Azam One, Azam Two, Sinema Zetu, Channel 10, Clouds TV, Star TV and East Africa TV. The units of analysis were television commercials that contained at least one adult female or male character. The recorded advertisements were then subjected to content analysis. Quantitative data was analysed with the help of SPSS. The study findings indicate that there was an equal distribution of male and female characters in television adverts and that the majority of central figures were aged between 18 and 35 years. A central figure in this study was an adult person playing a major role by virtue of either speaking or having an exposure on a screen. Women in television commercials were younger than their male counterparts, were portrayed mostly in home settings and as non-professionals, with their primary occupation being homemakers. Women were also primarily associated with the promotion of household products and they frequently appeared wearing non-formal attire. The findings also indicate that men dominated the ad voiceovers and that they often provided scientific arguments in television commercials. The findings of the study imply that, despite many efforts made to address gender inequalities in the country, Tanzania’s televisions continue to perpetuate such inequalities through stereotypical portrayal of men and women. Thus more efforts are necessary to make the media broadcast gender-sensitive and gender-responsive content.
Analysis of the agricultural science, Technology and Innovation System: banana (Musa spp.) case study in Tanzania
(ResearchGate, 2010-11) Maerere, A. P.; Rweyemamu, C. L.; Sibuga, K. P.; Mgembe, E. R.; Rwambali, E. G.; Nchimbi-Msolla, S.
This study was conducted to collect information on the agricultural science, technology and innovation (ASTI) system in the banana (Musa spp.) subsector in Tanzania. Major policies were reviewed with respect to their impact on the subsector. Linkages among key actors were identified and analyzed. Surveys were conducted in four agro-ecological zones that are major banana producers. The information was collected using two structured questionnaires: one for farmers and another for organizations. Generally, Tanzania was found to have well established agricultural and science and technology policies. However, implementation was hampered by low investment that did not match with government commitments. Main key actors, identified in the subsector, included smallholder farmers, private enterprises and various organizations that played major roles in creation, diffusion and utilization of knowledge. Research and training were found to be mainly under the control of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Cooperatives and the Sokoine University of Agriculture. Results indicate that 60% of smallholder banana farmers had received primary education. Land is under family ownership, with an average 1.5 ha of which 25–53% was devoted to banana production. Most banana producers were found to operate on an individual basis, with collaboration mainly amongst themselves rather than with other actors. They lacked specialized training and operated at traditional level with very low use of innovations. It is recommended that all major areas of action require strengthening of existing information diffusion system, incentives for innovations, infrastructure, credit schemes, and recognition of banana as an important food and cash crop.
An analysis of the informality of the informal sector in urban settings: a case of selected wards in Morogoro, Tanzania
(MOCU, 2020) Muhanga, Mikidadi I.
Understanding the extent of the informality of the sector has a profound influence on regulating and transforming the sector in urban settings. Despite the usefulness of understanding how informal is the informal sector in urban settings, very little has been empirically documented on the informality of the informal sector in urban settings in Tanzania. It is against this background that a cross-sectional study was conducted in Morogoro Municipality to analyse the settings and characteristics of the informal sector. The study specifically assessed the informality of the informal sector by analysing the characteristics and settings of the urban informal sector. An index of the score was constructed to measure the informality of the informal activities. A questionnaire was used to collect primary data from 80 respondents obtained through a multistage sampling technique. The findings reveal a higher level of informality from the businesses studied. The findings show that those most involved in the informal sector had low levels of education and no business skills, and generally use family labour, willing to operate businesses at times and locations convenient to customers. The findings further show that 55 % of the informal sector activities obtained capital from owners’ sources, and it was further revealed that 82.5 % of the businesses or activities operating in the informal sector in the selected wards were not licensed and rarely used any machinery. Results further show that 50% of the activities /businesses surveyed were owned by families. The findings further indicate that of the surveyed businesses only 17.5% (95% CI: 15.0 to 19.9) had their businesses falling under low level of informality, 40.0 % ( 95% CI: 37.2 to 43.1) on a medium level of informality and 42.5 % ( 95% CI: 39.5 to 45.9) on the high level of informality. The surveyed businesses in selected wards in Morogoro municipality possessed a variety of characteristics indicating the various levels of informality. The study recommends further studies to assess the informality of the informal sector and the development of appropriate policy responses to accommodate the needs of the informal sector by the local governments.
Assessing Agricultural Productivity among Smallholder Coffee Farmers in Tanzania: Evidence from Rungwe District
(Institute of Continuing Education, 2005-01) Mwakalobo, A. B. S.
This paper presents empirical findings on resource productivity and allocation efficiency in smallholder coffee farmers in Rungwe district. The data used in this paper are based on a case study that involved interviewing 90 farmers. A Cobb- Douglas production function was used to estimate the production organization of the coffee farmers, and their efficiency in resource use. The results show that the farmers display a low level of efficiency in using available resources. The results indicate further that farmers would increase farm productivity by the using adequate capital-intensive input levels in order to maximize their efficiency. In order to achieve the use of capital-intensive inputs, farmers should take advantage of increasing their bargaining power in both input and output markets. Farmers' groups/associations further provide group liability in the procurement of credit from both formal and informal financial lending institutions. This in turn will improve farmers input purchasing power. The knowledge and skill on how to improve both the institutional and technical aspects of coffee production require regular updating so that farmers can optimize the use of available resources. Continuing education for farmers is therefore emphasized for promoting efficient resource utilization as well cis enhancing farm productivity.
Assessing the status of peasant migration in Kigoma rural district, Tanzania
(IISTE, 2015) Tegeje, J. A.
This study was undertaken in Kidea village of Kigoma Rural District, Tanzania. The study intended to assess the status of peasant migration to Kidea village. Household questionnaire, focus group discussion and key informant interviews were employed in data collection. The study shows that all the interviewed respondents emigrated from 30 villages in and outside the district. Of these villages, only 4 contributed more migrants to the study area than the 26 villages all together. Generally, migration to Kidea Village shows a declining trend. Land shortage, loss of soil productivity, high food prices and limited income opportunities in migrants’ places of origin were reported as drivers for peasant migration. To reduce the rate of migration the study recommends provision of farming inputs in migrants’ source areas to maximise food production; controlling fertility rate and establishment of income generating activities. Finally, the study calls for thorough study in the four villages that emerged as leading sources of migrants in order to uncover the severity of the drivers for out-migration.

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