Policy Planning and Management Collection

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Access to reproductive health services and factors contributing to teenage pregnancy in Mtwara Region, Tanzania
(2017) Dunor, H.; Urassa, J. K.
Generally, adolescents/teenagers sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs are largely unmet in developing countries despite this group’s size. This paper examines teenage girls’ accessibility to reproductive health services and factors contributing to teenage pregnancy. The study on which the paper is based adopted a crosssectional explanatory design and was conducted in Mtwara Region, Tanzania covering four secondary schools. Teenage girls in the four secondary schools were randomly selected to participate in the study. Data was collected using questionnaires, focus groups discussions and key informant interviews. A total of 156 people participated in the study. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPPS while qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis. Generally, results show that teenage pregnancy is a major problem in Mtwara and the attributing factors include poverty, culture, desire for money, peer pressure, lack of education on reproductive health issues and poor parental support. Results also show that teenagers in Mtwara lack access to youth friendly reproductive health services. Additionally, the findings show a disparity in terms of access to reproductive health services (RHS) between rural and urban teenage girls: those in the urban area had relatively more access compared with their rural counterparts. It is therefore concluded that access to reproductive health services for teenage girls is a serious challenge in Mtwara region. It is hereby recommended it is recommended that households be empowered to earn sufficient income to provide for their families, particular emphasis should be put on non-farm income generating activities. It is also recommended that youth friendly SRH services be established in the study areas; doing so will improve youth’s access to the same
Access to reproductive health services and factors contributing to teenage pregnancy in Mtwara Region, Tanzania
(2017) Dunor, H.; Urassa, J. K.
Generally, adolescents/teenagers sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs are largely unmet in developing countries despite this group’s size. This paper examines teenage girls’ accessibility to reproductive health services and factors contributing to teenage pregnancy. The study on which the paper is based adopted a crosssectional explanatory design and was conducted in Mtwara Region, Tanzania covering four secondary schools. Teenage girls in the four secondary schools were randomly selected to participate in the study. Data was collected using questionnaires, focus groups discussions and key informant interviews. A total of 156 people participated in the study. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPPS while qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis. Generally, results show that teenage pregnancy is a major problem in Mtwara and the attributing factors include poverty, culture, desire for money, peer pressure, lack of education on reproductive health issues and poor parental support. Results also show that teenagers in Mtwara lack access to youth friendly reproductive health services. Additionally, the findings show a disparity in terms of access to reproductive health services (RHS) between rural and urban teenage girls: those in the urban area had relatively more access compared with their rural counterparts. It is therefore concluded that access to reproductive health services for teenage girls is a serious challenge in Mtwara region. It is hereby recommended it is recommended that households be empowered to earn sufficient income to provide for their families, particular emphasis should be put on non-farm income generating activities. It is also recommended that youth friendly SRH services be established in the study areas; doing so will improve youth’s access to the same.
Assessment of functionality in monitoring and evaluation systems of selected agricultural non-governmental organizations in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2024-05) Evelyne, Manyama
Monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems have evolved over time as important tools that can enhance the management of programmes and thus facilitate measurement of progress on project implementation. This has raised interest among researchers who have noted the importance to assess M&E system so as enhance the efficiency of the systems. The study aims to assess functionality of the selected agricultural NGOs’ M&E systems to determine the functionality of key M&E components and the challenges of the M&E system in its current status. The study adopted case study research design and data were collected through desk reviews and interviews with M&E technical officers guided by a checklist of items. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics whereas qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis. Generally, the enabling environment and data and information management well functioned respectively at 88.9% and 91.1%. Specifically, the functionality differed and ranged from 76.7% to 100% from one NGO to another. However, the Kruskal Wallis H Test showed no significant difference at a 5% level of significance among the NGOs. Therefore, the selected agricultural M&E system NGOs well functioned but needed improvement to strengthen some indicators. The study concludes that the M&E system of agricultural NGOs was functioning well with minimal improvements. Challenges were revealed in human capacity, communication and advocacy plan, databases and data dissemination. The assessment of agricultural NGOs revealed that there are improvements needed for the M&E system to be sustainable. These include a more systematic and long-term approach to develop M&E systems, staff training in M&E principles and practices, stronger supervision, feedback loops, and technical assistance and an information system that links program-specific sub-systems
Assessment of local government's social accountability for poverty reduction in Tanzania
(2016-12-10) Marcossy, A. M.; Urassa, J. K.
Social Accountability is an aspect of governance that links and interlinks other aspects of development and governance, In Tanzania, various forms of social accountability monitoring in have been implemented by CSOs, these include; the holistic st)~al accountability monitoring (SAM) and Public Expenditure Tracking Surveys, PETS, Others are Community Score Cards, Budget Analysis, Citizen Jury, Local needs analysis and Social Auditing. These initiatives fulfill a number of functions, as they enable individuals and user groups at community level to provide feedback and exercise their voice vis-a-vis central, local government and service providers. The main objective of this study has to establish the relationship between social accountability and poverty alleviation in a few selected Tanzanian local councils. Specifically, the study aimed at; describing the forms of social accountability in the selected local government authorities (LGAs), to determine the status of social accountability among the selected LGAs, to empirically link social accountability with identified poverty indicator and to examine the public's perception on social accountability and improvement of people's livelihoods. The study employed a cross-sectional research design whereby data were collected at one point and time. A total of320 respondents were randomly selected from the selected wards and villages using a multi-stage sampling technique from Mwanza City Council (MCC), Kinondoni Municipal Council (KMC), Kibaha Town Council (KTC) and Handeni District Council (HDC). In addition, forty and ten other individuals were involved in focus group discussion (FGDs) and key informant interviews respectively. The study used both primary and secondary data; the former was collected through the use of interview schedules and checklists. Specifically, the study employed Social accountability monitoring tools which included; the Social Accountability Cycle and the Question-Information-Analysis (QIA) tools. Data collected using the QIA were analyzed by the help of participant stakeholders; the CSOs, Businesses, LGA officials, a handful of policymakers and other participants. Generally, the study shows that SAM positively empowers local people not only to engage their governments but, does also influence decisions and the confidence of public officials in service provision. However, there are setbacks in enhancing social accountability in local governments in Tanzania. One such challenge is access to Government information which is inconsistent and preferential. This can further be deduced as showing a strong potential for linking poverty reduction initiatives with social accountability in local government.
Assessment of rice diseases and yield under system of rice intensification (SRI) in Morogoro, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2015) Mwakasege, Leah D.
The overall objective of the study was to assess the status of rice diseases under system of rice intensification (SRI) and farmer’s production system in Morogoro. A checklist survey in nine farmer fields was done and later experiments at Sokoine University of Agriculture, Crop Museum for two seasons. The experiment was laid down in a randomized complete block design with 4 replications. The treatments were three different types of spacing 25 cm x 25 cm for SRI, 20 cm x 20 cm for farmers practice one (FP1), random spacing for farmers practice two (FP2). Rice leaf samples were tested for presence of rice diseases pathogens using blotter method. Five rice diseases were observed in the survey. Rice brown spot diseases (RBSD) occurred most frequently in all locations while rice yellow mottle virus disease (RYMVD) was observed in seven locations. Rice sheath blight diseases (RSBD) and rice blast diseases (RBD) were recorded from four locations while rice bacterial leaf blight (RBLBD) in one location. On the other hand three diseases (RYMVD, RSBD and RBSD) were observed in on- station experiments, in all treatments for both seasons. The diseases incidence and severity were significantly different (P<0.001) between rice growing stages. System of rice intensification (SRI) plots appear to have high RYMVD incidence and severity than in FP1 and FP2 while the incidence and severity of RSBD and RBSD were higher in FP2 followed by FP1. The total yield were significantly higher for SRI than FP1 and FP2 (P<0.01). Diseases, water for irrigation and poor rice diseases knowledge were the main factors influencing yields in rice production. Adoption of SRI, farmer’s knowledge on SRI and field management, research on identification and characterization of disease pathogens and development of rice varieties which are resistant to diseases with preferable characteristics required by farmers and consumers is recommended.
Assessment of the implementation of primary education development plan (2002-06) in Mbarali district council, Mbeya region, Tanzania
(Sokoine Universitry of Agriculture, 2010) Chikoyo, Rashid Abdallah
This study assesses the Primary Education Development Plan (2002-06) implementation in Tanzania. The specific objectives are to determine the changes in pupil enrollment and number of teachers, the state of teachers’ qualifications, the quantity and quality of Government support to primary schools before and after the five years of PEDP implementation. The study used both the quantitative and qualitative research approaches. The methods employed to collect data were questionnaires, key informant interviews, field observation, focus group discussions and documentary analysis. Findings revealed that, there are some improvements on access, quality, transparency and management of primary education. The Gross Enrolment Ratio has increased from 77.6% in 1990 to 114.4% in 2007. The Net Enrolment Ratio reached 97.3% compared to 58.8% in 1990 (Okkolin, 2006; URT, 2007a). The pupil - book ratio has increased from one book to fifteen pupils in 2002 to one book to eight pupils in 2006 up to 1:5 pupils in 2009. The teacher to pupil ratio has improved from one teacher to ninety pupils in 2002 up to one teacher to sixty three in 2006. The school buildings have also relatively increased in number. The pass rates also showed some improvement from 10% in 2002 to 24% in 2006. The study revealed some challenges including, unfinished infrastructure and pupils over crowded in the classroom, limited financial and human resources, about 5% of the teachers are under qualified, the school management lacked both relevant knowledge and experince and, extreme poverty was found to be the stumbling block to the PEDP initiatives. The study recommended further study to find out the PEDP successes and challenges in the region and Southern Highlands zone at large.
Causes and management of land conflicts in Tanzania: A Case of farmers versus pastoralists
(2016) Massawe, G. D.; Urassa, J. K.
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.icts 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 .
The contribution of farmers’ organizations to smallholder farmers’ well-being: A case study of Kasulu district, Tanzania
(2015-06) Msuta, B. P.; Urassa, J. K.
Farmers’ Organizations’ (FOs) play a significant role as an institutional vehicle for promoting agricultural development through helping farmers solve common problems in relation to agricultural inputs, credit, technical knowledge and marketing of produce. All these services aim at improving farming activities and enabling them to gain economic benefits to sustain their well-being. Based on the above, this paper assessed the contribution of FOs to smallholder farmers’ well-being in Kasulu district. Specifically, the study assessed farmers’ perception towards FOs, identified goods and services accrued by farmers from the organizations, and the contribution of goods and services from the same to farmers’ well-being. A cross-sectional research design was employed whereby data was collected from 160 randomly selected farm households. Primary data was collected using a prestructured questionnaire with both open and close-ended questions. Both quantitative and qualitative information was collected. Observations from the study showed that FOs contributed positively to their members’ well-being. Generally, FO’s members had a relatively higher income compared to the nonmembers, based on t-test analysis; the difference was shown to be statistically significant. Generally, the results indicated that extension services and the use of inorganic fertilizers and pesticides were positively associated with a household’s income and assets ownership. Therefore, it is recommended that, rural farm households be encouraged to form or join farmers’ organizations as these have a great potential of solving their problems.
The contribution of HIV/AIDS on family dissolution in Makete district, Tanzania .
(Sokoine university of agriculture, 2007) Sanga, Upendo Attu
The impact of HIV/AIDS on family dissolution is one of the most serious problems facing the world at this era of HIV/AIDS. The traditional African family is collapsing very rapidly due to HIV/AIDS pandemic. Implications of having HIV/AIDS in the family have been documented in many parts of the world. They range from increased medical costs and expenditures on funerals to withdrawal of family members from work or school to look after those who are ill. Also these problems lead to burdens to the family in terms of human pain, suffering, health care expenditures, school requirements, child- headed households and increased families headed by single parents. Although efforts have been taken by the government and other partners to address these issues, the problems are still rapidly increasing throughout the country and Makete in particular. If challenges that face families are not examined, there is a danger of destroying a large and growing segment of our young population. The overall objective of this study was to determine the impact of HIV/AIDS on family dissolution. The study adopted a cross sectional design by using open and closed ended questionnaires applied to a sample size of 135 respondents. Interviews with key informants, individual in-depth and focus group discussions (FGD) were also used during the study. The analysis of collected data was done using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and the Statistical Analysis System (SAS). A Logit regression model was used to estimate the influence of socio-cultural, socio- economic and other external factors on respondents’ family dissolution. Family dissolution was high (42.6%) among households controlled by widows/widowers. The conclusion is that, family dissolution in Makete is not much affected by migration but is much affected by death of household members and economic hardship of the area. To ease this situation, it is recommended that, among other things, new infections of HIV/AIDS should beiii reduced in order to limit the number of widows and orphan headed households and to improve economic well being of the people.
The contribution of incubation programmes to youth employment creation: a case of Sokoine university graduates entrepreneurs cooperative, Morogoro, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2020) Donge, H.
Globally, youth employment is a major issue with remarkable differences within regions and Tanzania is among the Sub-Saharan African countries facing youth unemployment. However, at times it is claimed that the youth are to be blamed for being lazy and less creative. But in reality, the youth are willing to work if a conducive environment is created to make them work or be innovative. Generally, incubation programmes are identified as sources of employment creation, wealth generation at local and national level and reduction of poverty in general. Incubation programmes generate a conducive environment for entrepreneurs at the early stage of lunching a venture by helping an entrepreneur reduce costs associated with starting a business venture. In addition, incubation increases confidence and capacity and linking the entrepreneur to the resources required to start an enterprise. Sokoine University Graduates Entrepreneurs Cooperative (SUGECO) is one of the incubation Programmes which offers selected participants an exciting opportunity to be mentored through the Youth Entrepreneur Incubation program located at Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro. Therefore, the study aimed at evaluating how the SUGECO Incubation programme has been successful in enabling its incubatees not only to be self-employed but, also create employment for others. The study adopted a cross-sectional research design and a mixed methods approach whereby both quantitative and qualitative data were collected from SUGECO incubation center and its incubatees. A total of 88 respondents from SUGECO participated in the study, 43 males and 45 females. Primary data were collected using a questionnaire and in-depth interviews. Data collected through the questionnaire was coded and analyzed using IBM SPSS whereby descriptive statistics and inferential statistics were determined. Generally, study findings show that SUGECO supports young entrepreneur’s development and job creation in Tanzania. In addition, SUGECO transforms the minds of the youth using a business model that activates their innovative behavior, thus, making them more creative and entrepreneurial which in turn stimulate agribusiness development and creation of employment. The findings also show that SUGECO offers a variety of trainings which equip the incubatees with business management and employment skills. However, findings also show that SUGECO faces a number of challenges which include inadequate funding, lack of commitment among the incubatees, unsupportive government policies, quality of entrepreneurs and location specific challenges. Furthermore, binary logistic regression results show that out of the nine independent variables entered into the model only two variables i.e marital status and being trained in agribusiness were significantly (P≤ 0.05) associated with youth employment creation. Nonetheless, findings show that the graduates faced some challenges, the critical being lack of start-up capital. Other challenges faced are poor commitment, inadequate market access, insufficient working equipment and poor infrastructure, lack of confidence and patience, land access and poor supervision and coaching. Therefore, it is recommended that SUGECO adheres to its predefined criteria when selecting incubatees so as to recruit only the committed ones. In addition, the Government of Tanzania and Non-Governmental organizations such as should collaborate and place more support to promote SUGECO Agribusiness Incubation programme as it has show the potential for youth’s employment creation and poverty reduction.
Contribution of Malawi’s decentralized agricultural extension service system to farmers’ maize productivity
(Tanzania Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2022) Mphepo, P. J.; Urassa, Justin
Agricultural extension plays a critical role in the agricultural sector’s development and sustainability of farmers’ productivity and well-being. Malawi has consistently been reforming its agricultural extension services to increase accessibility by farmers. However, smallholder farmers’ productivity remains low. Therefore, the study on which the paper is based, aimed at examining the contribution of Malawi’s decentralized agricultural extension system (DAESS) to households’ maize productivity. Specifically, the study aimed at determining how farmers’ access to agricultural extension services, factors associated with their maize productivity and lastly, farmers’ satisfaction with Malawi’s DAESS. The study adopted the cross-sectional research design whereby a structured questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data from 150 smallholder maize farmers in Mangochi district, Malawi. In addition, supplementary data were collected from 10 focus group discussions involving 6 – 8 participants and from nine (9) key informant interviews. IBM-SPPS was used to determine descriptive and inferential statistics. Regression analysis was run to determine how access to extension services is associated with maize productivity. Farmers’ satisfaction with DAESS was measured using a 5-point Likert scale. Study findings show that farmers’ access to extension services was positively and significantly (p<0.001) associated with maize productivity and that 73.3% of smallholder farmers expressed a high level of satisfaction with the services provided. It is concluded that access and number of visits to extension services raise farmers’ maize productivity. It is also concluded that most smallholder farmers in Mangochi district were satisfied with the extension services they received. Therefore, it is recommended that the government of Malawi should continue with the implementation and improvement of the DAESS and use of the lead farmer approach to expand access to quality agricultural extension services by smallholder farmers.
The contribution of mangrove forests to the livelihoods of adjacent communities in Tanga and Pangani districts .
(Sokoine university of agriculture, 2007) Ngomela, Anna
Mangrove ecosystems play crucial role in protection of coastlines. Apart from this most people living adjacent to these ecosystems depend on this resource to meet basic socio-economic needs and livelihoods. Though Joint Forest Management has been practiced in mangrove ecosystem for a significant period now little if any is quantitatively documented on the contribution of mangrove products to the livelihoods of communities. This study aimed at identifying and assessing the existing and potential mangrove products and their contribution to local people livelihoods in Tanga and Pangani Districts. Specifically the study assessed availability of the products, extent to which the products contribute to household income and other forest based goods. Socio-economic data were collected in Chongoleani, Machui, West Pangani and Kipumbwi villages through questionnaires and discussions with key informants. The Statistical Package for Social Science and Excel programs were used to analyse socio-economic data and Content and Structural-Functional Analysis techniques were used for qualitative data. Findings from the study showed, firewood was the major product obtained and accessed from mangrove ecosystems followed by mangrove poles, fish, bee products and crabs. The accessibility of the products is through permits which are obtained from the village environmental committees and District Mangrove Officer. Males earned an average income of about 1 704 000 Tshs per year and females earned 3 027 000 Tshs per year from trade in mangrove products. On the other hand the average income from other sources was reported to be 1 058 000 Tshs per year for males and 958 900 Tshs per year for females. It is concluded that mangrove ecosystem have moderate contribution to livelihood. The study recommends strengthening of local institutions and increasing people’s awareness on sustainable utilization of mangrove ecosystems in order to increase positive attitude on conservation and hence increase the availability of products, income and improve livelihoods.
The contribution of savings and credit cooperative societies to income poverty reduction: A case study of Mbozi District, Tanzania
(2015-04-30) Kwai, M. D.; Urassa, J. K.
This paper explores the contribution of Savings and credit cooperative societies (SACCOS) in reduction of rural households’ income poverty. Specifically, the paper looks at; activities undertaken by SACCOS that can lead to reduction of income poverty; comparing income levels between SACCO’s members and non-members; determining the impact of SACCOS to household’s income poverty reduction, and exploring community’s attitude towards SACCOS. A total of 160 respondents were involved in the study on which this paper is based; 80 SACCOS members and 80 non-members. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS where descriptive and inferential statistics were determined: qualitative data was analysed using content analysis. Study findings show that SACCOS perform different activities in the provision of financial and non-financial services to members. They provide shares, investment opportunities, savings, credit, and training on entrepreneurship skills. T-test analyses show a highly significant difference (p<0.001) between the two groups on income earned from agricultural activities and household expenditures; for the assets owned by household there was also a significant difference (p<0.05). Using MLR analysis, the impact of SACCOS to income poverty reduction was significant (p < 0.05). Generally, the respondents’ attitude towards SACCOS was favourable. The paper concludes that SACCOS play a significant role in improving the conditions of smallholder farmers. The paper recommends that SACCOS be empowered to enable them perform better and provide a range of services to members thereby helping beneficiaries to reduce their income poverty.
The contribution of small scale dairy farming to community welfare: A case study of Morogoro Municipality
(eSAP, 2017) Urassa, J. K.; Raphael, E.
A socio-economic survey was conducted in Morogoro Municipality to study the contribution of the small-scale dairy farming to the welfare of the community. The main focus was on the identification of the production level of milk from the dairy cows, amount of income earned by the dairy farmers, items on which income from the dairy enterprise is spent and the constraints faced by the small-scale dairy farmers. A total of thirty seven smallholder dairy farmers from Morogoro Municipality were selected at random and were interviewed using structured questionnaire. Information on daily milk yield per cow and the amount sold by each household was collected through the questionnaire. Information was also collected on the contribution of the dairy enterprise to the family income, level of education of the respondents, employment status of respondents and constraints associated with the dairy enterprise as identified by the farmers. Results from the study show that about two thirds of the respondents had some formal employment and about a quarter (24.3) were involved in business. All the respondents reported the dairy enterprise to be an income supplementing activity to the household. The average milk yield for the respondents ranged between 6-10 litres per cow per day. Average milk production per farmer per day was 22 litres whereas the average daily income earned by the respondents was 3,950/= Tshs. The results from the study show that the dairy enterprise was mainly a male domain (94.6%) whereas only 5.4 percent were women. The major constraints experienced by the respondents in this study were lack of land and high costs of supplementary feeds as reported by 32.4% and 21.6% respectively. Other constraints included, diseases, lack of adequate capital, and theft of animals, milk market and death of animals, which were reported by less than 20% of the respondents. The study observed that income from the dairy enterprise was used to meet costs of various items including; buying food, paying for health services, school fees, purchase of new assets, paying bills for water and electricity and building houses. It can be concluded from this study that small-scale dairy farming has a potential of improving the welfare of households. In order to protect, promote and develop the smallholder dairy enterprise in Morogoro Municipality and elsewhere there is need for the farmers to form co-operative societies, which could assist them to acquire more capital needed in improving dairy production, and also seek markets for their milk. The Government should also improve the infrastructure for milk marketing so that smallscale dairy farming could contribute towards poverty alleviation
Determinants of conflicts coping strategies among farmers and pastoralists in Kilosa and Kiteto districts, Tanzania
(Rural Planning Journal, 2018) Saruni, Parit; Urassa, Justin; Kajembe, George
Natural resource use conflict is a global issue. In sub-Saharan Africa, such conflicts can be extreme; even resulting into deaths of individuals. There is a plethora of literature exploring the causes and effects of such conflicts. The study explored farmers-pastoralists coping strategies to natural resource use conflicts and determinants of these strategies. To answer the above objectives, key informant interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with stakeholders in Kilosa and Kiteto Districts in Tanzania to establish the understanding of the issue and its local context. A stratified random sample of pastoralists (n=143) and farmers (n=230) was selected to quantify responses to conflict. The finding show that conflicts were quite extreme and included cases of physical violence including setting fire on the farms. Those affected were forced to buy food or rely on relatives and wider social networks (including local government) to provide practical support. Emotional support from relatives and social networks and from religious organisations was also important. Male-headed, larger, and younger households were more likely to use coping strategies (p <0.05) than female-headed, smaller, and older households. Also, land ownership is likely to increase the use of strategies for coping with conflicts among households. Therefore, it is recommended that people in the areas affected by conflicts should be encouraged to own land, have proper land planning and use in order to minimize natural resource use conflicts among actors especially farmers and pastoralists. Additionally, the design of rules and regulations should be informed by the actual coping strategies adopted by farmers and pastoralists.
Effects of HIV/AIDS on rural women’s production activities in Mvomero district
(Sokoine Universitry of Agriculture, 2010) Leo, Kiduduye Specioza
The main objective of this study is to determine how HIV/AIDS affects rural women`s production activities. The data were collected from two Divisions of Mvomero District in Morogoro. The specific objectives were, to identify and characterize the rural women`s production activities, to compare the time spent in household production activities before and after HIV infection, to determine the household production and income levels before and after HIV infection and to asses household expenditure variation before and after HIV infection sixty seven (67) women were interviewed using structured questionnaire. The analysis was carried out using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) computer software where means, frequencies and percentages were established. Chi-square statistics was applied to determine relationships between and among variables. T-test was also run to compare time spent in different activities, expenditure on different items, income levels and production levels before and after sickness. The results show that there is a significant difference in time spent in different activities, expenditure on different items, income and production levels before and after sickness. The study revealed that respondents spent more time in household chores, farm and trade activities before than after, spent less time in patient care before than after, also they cultivated bigger land size before than after, and they earned more money from selling farm produce and from business before than after the sickness. Recommendations made were on women access to land, property, credit and knowledge. Agricultural sector to address causes of pandemic such as rural poverty and food insecurity, introduction of labour serving technologies and practices, as well as fuel efficient stoves to reduce time of collecting fire wood.
The effects of tourism investments on poverty reduction in rural communities in Tanzania: the case of Serengeti district
(Sokoine Universitry of Agriculture, 2009) Maleya, Raphael Nyakabaga
Tanzania is among the few countries in the world endowed with vast range of tourist attractions. The tourism industry is Tanzania’s greatest success story since the introduction of free market economy in 1990s. Despite its impressive recent economic performance, Tanzania remains a poor country. The purpose of this study was therefore to assess the effects of tourism investments on poverty reduction in rural communities in Serengeti district. The specific objectives were to: identify types of tourism investments; examine the effects of tourism investments; and determine the potential tourism development investments. Data were collected from 124 respondents, including 100 community members household heads and 24 key informants using questionnaires, researcher’s diary and checklist. Quantitative data were analysed by using SPSS computer software and “content analysis technique” was used to analyse qualitative data. The study identified different types of tourism investments in rural communities in the study area, their effects on poverty reduction, and potential for tourism investments development. It was concluded that: employment opportunities for rural communities were low in cadres with skills and remuneration; local people have complex livelihoods strategies which are affected by tourism in various ways; and there is a clear opportunity to have significantly their benefits from tourism. Thus, it was recommended that in order to increase tourism effects on poverty reduction, there is a need to institute training programmmes that would ultimately provide chance for rural communities to be employed in high cadres with high pay; rural communities to have considerable role in decision making; and the community to integrate its marketing and products strategies to take the best advantage of existing tourism opportunities. Areas for further research are also suggested.
Factors contributing to irregular migration: A case of Kasulu District, Tanzania
(2017-06) Magweiga, R. S.; Urassa, J. K.
Despite the fact that irregular migrants (IRMs) have often been facing a lot of challenges in sustaining their livelihood in Kasulu District, yet in recent years, there has been an increase of IRMs from within and outside Kasulu District in search of casual labour in the local community. The study therefore was undertaken in four villages in Kasulu, Kitanga, Kagera-Nkanda, Mvugwe and Nyachenda. Specifically, the study aimed to determine the driving factors of irregular migration, to assess smallholder farmer’s attitude towards IRMs, and finally, to identify how the IRMs are affected by their interaction with smallholder farmers in Kasulu District. The study on which the paper is based used a cross- sectional research design whereby data was collected at one point and time. The study employed random sampling, purposive and snowball sampling techniques to get 120 respondents. Data were collected using a questionnaire, key informant interviews, focus group discussions and direct observations. Quantitative data were analysed using statistical package for social science (SPSS) whereby descriptive statistics were determined. Qualitative data were analysed using content analysis. The results show social, cultural, economical and political factors are responsible for the irregular migration observed in Kasulu District. It is thus recommended that, the immigration department and other security organs working along the border should establish several entry posts either permanently or mobile along the country borders to deter IRMs and ease visa issuance process for those migrants wishing to enter the country legally.
Factors influencing maize crop production at household levels: A case of Rukwa Region in the southern highlands of Tanzania
(2015-03-05) Urassa, J. K.
Production of staple food occupies an important part in Sub-Saharan Africa’s agricultural production. Maize crop in particular is the most important staple food in this area. The article mainly examines households’ socio-economic characteristics affecting maize production in Rukwa in the context of the market reforms carried out in Tanzania in the mid 1980’s. Rukwa region is one of Tanzania’s most reliant maize producers. The article explores the importance of maize to household’s crop production, its production levels and the determinants of its productivity. A number of specific issues are explored including the importance of factors such as farm size, education, and access to key inputs such as seeds, fertilizers and agricultural extension services. The study on which the article is based uses data collected from three districts of Rukwa. The findings showed that maize crop continues to play an important role in most households’ livelihood. However, the crop production levels were low. Education was observed to be an important factor in raising yields, suggesting that non-agriculture policies may also be important for improving productivity and welfare of farmers. Despite the importance of maize crop to household livelihoods, several constraints were reported to hinder its productivity including access to fertilizers, improved seeds and other chemical inputs necessary for higher production, and extension services. Therefore, efforts need to be taken by both the local and central government to raise households maize productivity and hence increase the possibility of improving their well-being.
Factors influencing nutritional status of children below five years in Mbarali district, Mbeya region, Tanzania
(Sokoine university of agriculture., 2010) Malambugi, Tufingene Reuben
Undernutrition continues to be a major cause of high infant and below five years children mortality in Tanzania. This study was carried out to find out factors influencing nutritional status of under five year's children in Mbarali district. Nutritional assessment was done by using of anthropometric measurements which were subsequently compared to WHO criterion (SD classification) using summary indices of nutritional status: weight-for-age, height-for-age and weight-for-height and MUAC. Overall one hundred sixty (160) children aged below five years were included in the study. Socio-economic, health, environment sanitation and food availability factors were also assessed. Chi-square test was used to detect association between variables which could affect nutritional status of a child. Results showed a total of 39.4% of children were underweight out of whom13.8% were severely underweight. Wasted children were 27.5%, among them 5% were severely wasted. Prevalence of stunting was 30.7%, out of whom 5% were severely stunted. Based on sex of the child 2.5% female were stunted and male were 3.1%. Mid Upper Arm Circumference by sex showed that 1.8% female were severely undernourished, while 3.1% male children were severely undernourished. The study also explored relationship between socio- economic factors (age, occupation, education of the mother and family size) with nutritional status. Statistical analysis showed no significance though mothers with informal and primary education had more children with severely stunted children (5%) compared to secondary school leavers. Other factors that influenced nutritional status were found to be birth weight, diseases, type of food storage, and weaning age of the children. The study concluded that under nutrition is still a problem in the area. Awareness on age ofiii introducing food to children, frequency of feeding, education against low birth weight, public encouragement on good practice of personal hygiene and proper environment sanitation practices should be conducted to families and community members to reduce the problem.

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