Articles, Conference and Workshop Papers Collection

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Assessing community perceptions about the contributions and impacts of Wildlife tourism to rural livelihoods: Wildlife management areas perspective
(Tanzania Journal of Forestry and Nature Conservation, 2022) Mgonja, J.T.
Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) refer to protected areas in a village land, set aside for conservation of wildlife and tourism activities. Existing studies on WMAs have focused more on the establishment, governance and conservation consequences of WMAs. Relatively few studies have been conducted on the contributions of wildlife tourism from WMAs perspectives to rural livelihoods in Tanzania. The objective of this study was to assess community perceptions about the contributions of wildlife tourism and conservation to livelihoods of communities residing in WMA, using Ikona and Makao WMAs as a case study. Crosstabs analysis using Chi-square ( 2 ) was applied to analyse data collected using questionnaires. Overall, the findings indicate that most people (74.1%) are proud of their villages being in WMA, (59.8%) are aware of tourism activities in their WMA, (71.5%) accept wildlife conservation and (33.6%) agree that WMA increases livelihood options. Overall, the findings indicate that wildlife tourism contributes to local peoples’ livelihoods at a community level but not at a household level. The study recommends WMA authorities to integrate local communities at a household level in all facets of wildlife tourism in WMAs so as to enhance the contribution of WMAs and wildlife tourism to sustainable livelihoods.
Assessment of factors moderating community attitudes towards wildlife tourism And conservation: a case of Ikona and Makao wildlife management areas
(Tanzania Journal of Forestry and Nature Conservation, 2022) Mgonja, J.T; Uswege, D.N.
The purpose of this study was to assess community attitudes towards the impacts of wildlife tourism and conservation interventions in Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) to community livelihoods. The study used Ikona and Makao Wildlife Management Areas as a case study. A cross- sectional study was conducted from October to November 2018 using a semi-structured questionnaire. A total of 559 randomly sampled respondents were interviewed. Data were analysed using SPSS General Linear Model-Univariate. The findings revealed that Social Economic Status (SES) of the respondents significantly influenced respondents’ attitudes while gender and origin of the respondents marginally influenced their attitudes. Majority of the respondents accept WMA in their villages though are not satisfied with the benefits accrued from WMA. Most of the respondents mentioned crops damage and livestock depredation as major factors undermining their attitudes towards WMAs. The study provides empirical evidence that without local communities realizing direct and tangible benefits, it will be difficult to associate conservation and livelihood improvement, a condition that undermines wildlife conservation. The study recommends WMAs authorities to find sustainable solutions to crops damage and livestock depredation problem. The study also recommends introduction of wildlife conservation to schools to create and increase awareness among youths from childhood stage.
Background of Forestry and Climate Change
(Mkuki na Nyota, 2017) Abdallah, Jumanne; Juma, S.R; Sirima, Agnes
This chapter provides an overview on forestry education and the emergence of participatory forest management (PFM), Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation (REDD+) and their link to climate change in Tanzania. Other emerging issues discussed in this chapter are community perception, the need for paradigm shift, value chain development, governance, and entrepreneurship development.
Coastal Gastronomy: Envisioning a South Carolina Seafood Trail
(Journal of Gastronomy and Tourism, 2018-03) Jodice, Laura W; Ramshaw, Gregory; Sirima, Agnes; Goris, Lynn
Promotion of local seafood and related culture has become an important strategy for enhancing economic sustainability of struggling commercial fishing businesses in coastal tourism destinations. Theme-based tourism trails can be catalysts for identifying, recognizing, and sustaining important aspects of culture, heritage, and industry in rural regions. Food-based trails have become a popular strategy for enhancing the economic viability of local food producers while highlighting the authentic qualities of a tourist destination. This study explored potential for development of a seafood-themed trail on the coast of South Carolina (USA) where communities represent varying levels of economic dependence on commercial fishing and tourism. Methods included 31 personal interviews with stakeholders from the seafood and tourism sectors across the region and a follow-up survey (n = 13) and workshop (n = 15) to facilitate input and consensus. Stakeholders supported formation of a coast-wide seafood trail as an education and decision-making tool targeting tourists. They highlighted collaborative capacity for marketing and partnership, diversity of local seafood products and experience, and economic benefits and improved competitive advantage for local businesses as strengths and opportunities. Challenging issues for development and long-term viability included limits to local seafood supply, regional differences in both heritage and seafood products, financial constraints, maintaining interest among stakeholders and visitors, establishing leadership, and defining membership criteria.
Communities displacement from national park ad tourism development in the Usangu Plains, Tanzania
(Current issues in tourism, 2013-08) Sirima, Agnes; Backman, Kenneth F
Land-use-change conflicts have shaped the conservation and tourism activities and human livelihood debate in the Usangu Plains over the last 10 years. This has led Ruaha National Park to become the largest national park in Tanzania and the second largest in Africa. The need to understand the rationale behind the expansion of Ruaha National Park and the local communities' views on tourism activities has become increasingly important. The purpose of this study was to examine land-use change in the Usangu Plains and its implication to local communities. Community members in five villages, Ikoga Mpya, Igomelo, Nyeregete, Mahango and Luhango, were surveyed using semi-structured interviews, focus groups and field notes. This resulted in a total of 79 semi-structured interviews, 4 focus group discussions and field observation data to analyse the situation in Usangu Plains. Data were analysed using NVIVO computer software for coding and themes’ generation. Major themes that emerged from the analysis were land-use change, tourism as a form of land use, tourism benefits and coping mechanisms. The findings from this study suggest that local communities do not perceive that they are benefitting from the change from agricultural to tourism practices. Changing the way local communities perceived themselves and are involved in conservation activities is the key to achieving the best conservation results and community residents’ involvement in future tourism activities in their areas
Competence in French connected speech: A study on Tanzanian pre-service secondary school French teachers
(International Research Journals, 2017) Chiwanga, F. E.; Iddy, S.
This paper discusses the competence of Tanzanian pre-service French teachers in connected speech. The study particularly aimed at measuring the extent to which they are capable of comprehending the message through the stream of words from French native speakers and producing a text naturally with liaison and enchaînement. The study was conducted at the University of Dar es Salaam covering 46% of 2014/2015 academic year B.A. Education finalists who were randomly selected. Data were collected through watching a video-clip, and oral discourse test (ODT). As for the analysis, interpretive content analysis was used with the aid of tables. The results show that the subjects scored excellently at 17% in both liaison and enchaînement but had more challenges in enchaînement than in liaison as the scores in the production of liaison ranged from 60% to 77% while that of enchaînement ranged from 53% to 73%. However, the comprehension of native speakers’ conversation was excellent at 33% implying that the subjects were better at understanding than producing the aspects of the French connected speech. The inability of the subjects to comprehend and produce precisely the said features was caused mainly by the influence of the learner’s Bantu L1 and L2 which are deprived of the liaison and enchaînement, lack of enough oral exercises, contact with native French users and poor learning environment. The study recommends that all the factors should be dealt with severely through communicative approach which is the best in the today’s modern teaching-learning process.
Competence in French connected speech: A study on Tanzanian pre-service secondary school French teachers
(2017-06) Chiwanga, F. .E.; Iddy, E.
This paper discusses the competence of Tanzanian pre-service French teachers in connected speech. The study particularly aimed at measuring the extent to which they are capable of comprehending the message through the stream of words from French native speakers and producing a text naturally with liaison and enchaînement. The study was conducted at the University of Dar es Salaam covering 46% of 2014/2015 academic year B.A. Education finalists who were randomly selected. Data were collected through watching a video-clip, and oral discourse test (ODT). As for the analysis, interpretive content analysis was used with the aid of tables. The results show that the subjects scored excellently at 17% in both liaison and enchaînement but had more challenges in enchaînement than in liaison as the scores in the production of liaison ranged from 60% to 77% while that of enchaînement ranged from 53% to 73%. However, the comprehension of native speakers’ conversation was excellent at 33% implying that the subjects were better at understanding than producing the aspects of the French connected speech. The inability of the subjects to comprehend and produce precisely the said features was caused mainly by the influence of the learner’s Bantu L1 and L2 which are deprived of the liaison and enchaînement, lack of enough oral exercises, contact with native French users and poor learning environment. The study recommends that all the factors should be dealt with severely through communicative approach which is the best in the today’s modern teaching-learning process.
Conserving Nostalgia: Exploring Private Land Protection Patterns
(Journal of Environmental Studies and Sciences, 2018-06) Seaman, Alana N; Farmer, James R; Chancellor, Charles H; Sirima, Agnes
The dramatic loss of open space in the USA over the last 50 years has led to increased conservation efforts by public, private, and non-profit entities. Amongst private landowners, conservation easements, or conditions written into a property’s title that permanently limit how it may be used, are a popular form of land protection. Private land protection is vital for both the conservation of America’s characteristic open spaces, and to ensure the future of many threatened and endangered plant and animal species. Yet little is known about the people who are placing conservation easements on their properties, the landscape features and land use practices currently being protected under conservation easements, or the ways in which these conservation patterns will continue into the future. Regardless, private land conservation efforts are shaping the American landscape; therefore, a thorough understanding of their characteristics is needed. Given that nostalgia, or an idealized and simplified notion of the past, underlies many of the motivations private landowners have for protecting their properties, this study suggests that there is a link between the type of nostalgia motivating private land protection and the types of land and land use practices being conserved. Further, the authors contend that this phenomenon is worthy of further investigation given its potential for environmental, social, and economic impact.
Cultural community-based tourism in Tanzania: Lessons learned and way forward
(Routledge, 2015-02-13) MGONJA, J, T.; SIRIMA, A; BACKMAN, K, F.; BACKMAN, S, J.
Cultural tourism programmes (CTPs) provide opportunities for rural communities to supplement their income. While these programmes are intended to empower local people and reduce poverty, the mechanisms used for choosing the targeted ‘communities’ remain largely unexamined. This paper analyses the planning, structure and implementation of CTPs as a form of community based tourism in selected areas in Tanzania. Data were collected from two CTP groups (10 people in total) and five government officials at the national level using in-depth interviews. Analysis was carried out using NVIVO for theme generation. Major themes derived include lack of clear description of who constitutes CTPs and that existing CTPs differ greatly in terms of structure, size, development level and resource capacity, and many lack clear benefit-sharing mechanisms. There is a need for the government to continue supporting these initiatives at all levels, to nurture newly created CTPs and to provide continual technical support for the existing ones.
Desires of Community Participation in Tourism Development Decision Making Process: A Case Study of Barabarani, Mto Wa Mbu, Tanzania
(World Scholars, 2013) MUGANDA, M; MGONJA, J, T.; BACKMAN, K, F
Over the last decade, tourism in Tanzania has recorded significant growth, with the industry’s contribution to the country’s steadily growing GDP. However, poverty and unemployment rate in the country is still very high, which raises questions regarding local community participation in decision making. Participation in the decision-making process is a crucial determinant in ensuring that the benefits accrued by local communities from tourism are guaranteed, and that their lifestyles and values are respected. This paper examines the nature of community participation expected by local people in tourism development decision-making process in Tanzania using a case study of Barabarani village, Mto wa Mbu, Arusha. The paper incorporates a questionnaire in a mixed method (qualitative and quantitative) approach in data collection. The findings showed that local people, regardless of the location they came from, their gender, occupation, and education, wish to have a voice and actively take part in the decision-making process, to ensure that their needs, priorities and interests are well considered when decisions about tourism development are made in their areas. The paper contributes to the wider scientific discussion on community participation in tourism industry, and uncovers vital infor-mation for tourism managers, planners, policy makers and academicians.
Diagnostic model for assessing traceability system performance in fish processing plants
(Elsevier Ltd, 2013) MGONJA, J, T.; LUNING, P; Van der Vorst, Jack G, A, J.
This paper introduces a diagnostic tool that can be used by fish processing companies to evaluate their own traceability systems in a systematic manner. The paper begins with discussions on the rationale of traceability systems in food manufacturing companies, followed by a detailed analysis of the most important indicators in the designing and executing traceability systems. The diagnostic tool is presented in four grids through which fish companies can evaluate their own developed traceability system. The paper argues that if a company operates at a higher level of contextual factors, then design and execution of traceability system needs to be at a higher level as well so as to achieve a higher level of traceability system performance. The paper concludes that companies that are able to systematically assess their own developed traceability systems are able to determine food safety problems well in advance, and thereby take appropriate corrective actions.
The economic of water in paddy and non-paddy crop production around the Kilombero valley ramsar site, Tanzania: Productivity, costs, returns and implications to poverty reduction
(Journal of Agriculture Science, 2011) Musamba, Emmanuel; Ngaga, Yonika M; Giliba, Richard A; Boon, E. K; Sirima, Agnes; Chirenje, L I
Water scarcity is globally getting worse in the light of increase in demand for water use. Human and ecosystem health and economic development are affected by problems of water scarcity and water pollution. This paper assessed the net benefit of water resource in crop production around the Kilombero Valley Ramsar Site in Tanzania. Specifically, the study determines and estimates costs and benefits in crop production and quantify its monetary value using both market and non-market techniques. Household questionnaires, checklist for key informants, participant observation and participatory rural appraisal techniques were employed for data collection. Questionnaire survey was administered to 120 households to establish the major agricultural activities, crops, costs of production and income accrued from these activities. Data relating to household characteristics and water related economic activities were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences whereby the cost for production, inputs and returns were analysed and compared using Microsoft Excel. The residual imputation approach was used to estimate the value of water in crop production. Findings revealed that, 88.3 percent of the respondents own land and 11.7 percent of them rent the land for crop production. The net values of water for irrigated paddy and non-paddy crops were estimated to Tsh. 273.6 (US$ 0.23) and Tsh. 87.7 (US$ 0.073) per m3 of consumed water respectively. The average productivity of water for paddy and non-paddy crop production is estimated at 0.85 kgm-3 and 0.69 kgm-3 of consumed water respectively. Furthermore, the returns from agriculture are less compared to returns from other water uses. Nevertheless, since majority of households are depending on agriculture this study recommends that emphasis should be put on effective and efficient use of water to improve its productivity.
The effect of agricultural intensification on ecosystem Services around Ihemi cluster
(Tanzania Journal of Forestry and Nature Conservation, 2021) Sirima, A; Kashaigili, J.J; Kamau, F.
As the world population continue to increase, the demand for food also increases which necessitate the need for agricultural intensification. Agricultural intensification affects large parts of terrestrial area, therefore, assessment of its contribution to the decrease of ecosystem services is critical for successful conservation in the future. A study was conducted in five districts of Iringa and Njombe Regions, part of Ihemi cluster, to assess the effects of agricultural intensification on ecosystem services. A total of 607 household surveys and 19 Focus Groups discussions were conducted. Descriptive and cross tabulation were used for quantitative analysis while content analysis was used for qualitative data. Findings reveal that there are several benefits communities get from the ecosystem that play a great role on their livelihood. Across all villages, firewood is preferred due to its affordability and availability. Other ecosystems goods such as traditional medicine and mushrooms are hardly available due to clearing of land for agricultural activities, as well as settlement expansion. Community activities, such as valley bottom farming was mentioned as a practice that jeopardize the long-term sustainability of ecosystem resources within the Cluster. Agricultural intensification by investors was also mentioned as a sources of ecosystem depletion. Sustainable agricultural intensification, if adopted, might be one among the solutions to serve the ecosystem around the cluster
The effectiveness of customer-centric approach in understanding tourist behaviour: Selected tour companies in Arusha, Tanzania
(Tanzania Journal of Forestry and Nature Conservation, 2022) Shemwetta, B.D; Rotich, D
Experience shows that the best way to attract and keep customers is by responding positively to their preferences. The best solution is to understand customer needs and behaviour. Customer-centric approach is predicted on successful understanding and management of customer preferences. However, there is no credible information on the effectiveness of this approach, especially in the East African tourist market. This study examined effectiveness of the approach in understanding tourist behaviour. It specifically assessed influence of customer preferences management and customer- business alignment on tourist behaviour. Out of 446 tour companies licensed in 2018 in Arusha, Tanzania, 210 were randomly selected and studied. Key respondents were sales/marketing managers purposively selected from the samples. The study adopted a quantitative research approach where a semi-structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis and multiple regression for hypothesis testing Findings show that the approach was significantly effective in understanding tourist behaviour (p < 0.001; r = 0.984) through customer preferences management (r = 0.334) as well as customer- business alignment both internally (r = 0.464) and externally (r = 0.318). This study recommends automation of tour operators’ business practices focusing on understanding and addressing new tourist expectations.
Evaluation of traceability systems in fish supply chains: A case study of Tanzania
(Pakistan Society of Food Scientists and Technologists, 2012) MGONJA, J, T; KUSSAGA, J, B.
The European General Food Law, EC 178/2002 requires each stage in the supply chain to have access in its upstream and downstream trading partners. The regulation seeks to ensure that at each stage of food production, processing and movement through the supply chain steps are taken to maintain safety of the products intended for human consumption, at its highest quality. While the literature recognises the importance of food processing companies to have efficient traceability systems, there has been shortage of actual involvement of researchers in assessing the actual execution and performance of traceability systems in food processing companies, especially in developing countries. Using a qualitative approach, this study evaluates the performance of traceability systems in Tanzanian context using a case study of four fish processing companies. It explores how fish processing companies under given contextual situations (e.g. product complexity, production process complexity, supply chain complexity and organisation complexity) design and execute their traceability systems. The findings showed that despite high degree of complexity of contextual situations, all companies used paper based traceability system with minimum computer applications. Paper based traceability system is associated with several limitations, and may lead to poor performance given higher level of complexities of contextual situations.
FACTORS MODERATING AND MEDIATING VISITORS’ PERCEPTIONS ABOUT LOCAL FOODS IN TANZANIA
(Cognizant, LLC., 2016) MGONJA, J, T; BACKMAN, K, F.; BACKMAN, S, J; MOORE, D, D.; HALLO, J, C
Although Tanzania is well known for the quality of its natural and cultural resources, its food tourism linkages has largely remained unknown and unexplored. In recent years, the use of local foods in tourism has grown considerably and has become one of the most dynamic and creative segments of the tourism industry in the world. Most studies on food tourism networks have focused on the economic, environmental, and sociocultural impacts, while relatively little research has examined factors moderating and mediating international visitors’ perceptions on local foods in destinations they visit. The study population consisted of international tourists departing from Kilimanjaro International Airport (n = 520, response rate = 88.8%). Data were analyzed using general linear model (GLM) univariate from SPSS software and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The results demonstrated that knowledge on sustainability mediate the relationships between visitors’ education and total perception about local foods in Tanzania. Further results illustrated that gender of the respondents moderate the relationship between individuals’ income and their total perception about local foods in Tanzania. This research not only highlights some key factors regarding perception of local foods but may also help explore how existing policy options should be polished to encourage food tourism linkages.
Farmers' knowledge and traditional processing practices of pigeon peas (Cajanus cajan) in Rural Areas in Lindi Region Tanzania: a quantitative and qualitative mixed study
(AJOL, 2024) Tiisekwa, A.B.; Chove, B.E.; Mongi, R.; Raybak, C.; Stuetz, W.
Pigeon peas (Cajanus cajan) are an important protein source in many parts of tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. However, their quality and availability may be affected by post-harvest handling and processing practices in use. In the present study, knowledge and practices of pigeon pea growers (PPG) in Lindi Region were evaluated with respect to harvesting, storage, processing and cooking preparation. A sample of 597 randomly selected PPG from two villages, were interviewed and 60 farmers participated in focus group discussions. Majority PPG (83.6%) harvested pigeon peas (PPs) by cutting and putting them in polyethylene sacks while 86.6% had knowledge on only one storage method. Also, majority of PPG (77%) lacked any processing knowledge on mentioned methods such as hulling and solar drying. Results also indicated 75.7% of PPG having no knowledge on cooking preparation methods out of which 94.5% had no knowledge on soaking, 89.6% on use of bicarbonate and 89.9% on methods to increase shelf life of PPs. Overall, 49.4% had little/limited knowledge on harvesting, storage, processing, and cooking preparation practices, with no significant gender difference. All PPG prepared stew using green or dry PPs. A sizeable proportion (45%) of PPG used dry PPs for stew preparation, after traditional hulling. The threshing of peas from pods was carried out manually. Traditional methods in the Lindi Region are laborious and time-consuming; resulting in poorly prepared products thus affecting the appearance of processed PPs. Training farmers on proper postharvest handling and processing can improve food security and market appeal.
Impacts of development of tourism destinations on tourist perceptions of destinations’ attributes and satisfaction in gateway communities, Northern Tanzania
(African Journal of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisur, 2023) Alpha J. Mwongoso; Agnes Sirima; John T. Mgonja
Tourists perceptions and satisfaction are likely to be affected by attributes found in a particular stage of destination development. This study examined 24 attributes considered important in influencing tourist perception and satisfaction in three tourism destinations found in gateway communities; Loliondo, lake Natron and Burunge in northern Tanzania. Using confirmatory factor analysis, four factors, namely, Amenities, Accessibility, Core Attractions and Ancillary services, were predictors of tourists’ perception and satisfaction. The Importance- Performance Analysis (IPA) model was also employed to assess tourist’s perspectives on attribute importance and performance towards overall satisfaction. It was found that, attributes for core attraction factor are the most important to tourists and performed well (“Keep Up the Good work” quadrant of IPA grid). Although, the perceived overall satisfaction among the 422 sample tourists was high, some attributes reflecting on Accessibility, Amenities and Ancillary services factors were perceived to be underperforming (“Concentrate here” quadrant), thus demanding immediate attention of destination managers. This study has addressed the knowledge gap emanating from prior studies in gateway communities by examining tourists’ perceptions and extent of satisfaction with destination attributes in the development stage of destination life cycle, thus, provided necessary input information to destination planning for further tourism development.
Land Fragmentation, agricultural productivity and implications for agricultural investments in the Southern Agricultural Growth Corridor of Tanzania (SAGCOT) region, Tanzania
(Journal of Development and Agricultural Economics, 2017-01) Kadigi, Reuben MJ; Kashaigili, Japhet J; Sirima, Agnes; Kamau, Felix; Sikira, Anna; Mbungu, Winfred
There are polarized evidences of the impact of agricultural land fragmentation on land productivity. On the one hand there viewpoints which consider land fragmentation to harm agricultural productivity. On the other hand there are counter thoughts which view land fragmentation as a positive situation which allows farmers to cultivate many environmental zones, minimise production risk and optimise the schedule for cropping activities. We use the case of Ihemi cluster in the Southern Agricultural Growth Corridor of Tanzania (SAGCOT) to investigate the impact of land fragmentation on crop productivity. We furthermore discuss the nature and causes of land fragmentation in the SAGCOT region and its implication on the future structure of agricultural landholdings and welfare of smallholder farmers in the region. The results showed that the nature and level of fragmentation in the study area were the outcome of combined, rather than isolated influences of supply and demand driven factors. Overall, the results did not support the claim that fragmentation reduces land productivity. This then implies that land fragmentation should not always be considered as defective. There were evidences of increasing chunks of land owned by rich farmers and investors which increased the possibility for increased consolidation of agricultural land under large scale farming. However, the landholdings for smallholder farmers might become increasingly more fragmented as poor smallholder farmers continue selling their land holdings to rich farmers and investors. Releasing the SAGCOT region’s potential for agricultural development will require that smallholder farmers are helped to secure adequate and suitable land for farming, raise agricultural productivity, diversify their sources of income, and adopt good production practices. This requires setting up a strong base of investor - farmer synergies for inclusive agricultural growth.
Local foods as an Impetus for Strengthening Leisure, Recreation and Sustainable Tourism in East Africa
(Taylor’s Press, 2016-09-02) MGONJA, J, T.
Leisure and recreation are relatively young fields of study in East Africa; as such, there is a scarcity of published information in these fields. Tourism on the other hand, has been extensively studied in this area. However, studies have focused on economic benefits of tourism. Food is considered to be a central component in all three fields but only a handful of studies have focused on the contribution of local food in the field. This study proposes that promoting local food can enhance leisure, recreation and tourism management leading to sustainability of parks and protected areas in the region.

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