Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Collection

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Contribution of saccos to poverty reduction in Singida Rural District
(2014) Pallangyo, Joyce
This study was conducted in Singida Rural District to assess the contribution of SACCOs towards poverty reduction. The specific objectives of the study were: To determine the social economic factors affecting participation on SACCOs, to assess the effect of SACCOs’ on household income and assets and to assess the effect of SACCOs on food security. “With and without research design” together with “before and after” was employed to determine contribution of the SACCOs towards poverty reduction. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 100 participants and 100 non participant of SACCOs. The data were processed and analyzed using SPSS. Among all independent variables only house ownership, farm size and education level of head of the household revealed significant influence on participation in SACCOs. From the study findings it was observed that there was no significant difference on income between participants and non-participants of SACCOs. On the other hand participant were having significant (p<0.05) higher values assets as compared to non-participant at after period. Diet was found to be significantly more diversified among participants than participants of SACCOs. Participants were able to improve their housing condition than non-participant significantly (P<0.05). It is upon this conclusions that all null hypotheses have been rejected. To improve contribution of the SACCOs towards poverty reduction the study recommends that SACCOs should start lending in groups; Government should introduce SACCOs on other district, SACCOs should reducing interest charged for business loans and Research on other poverty and SACCOs to e focused on other poverty indicators apart from those discussed under this study.
Nutritianal status, functional ability and food habits of institutionalised non- institutionalised elderly people in Morogoro region, Tanzania.
(East African Medical Journal, 2004-05-05) Nyaruhucha, C. N. M; Msuya, J. M; Matrida, E
To determine nutritional status, food habits and functional abilities of the institutionalised and non-institutionalised elderly. Design: A cross-sectional population survey. Setting: Free living and institutionalised elderly of Morogoro municipality, Tanzania. Subjects: A total of 100 elderly people, fifty institutionalised and fifty non-institutionalised were included. Gender distribution was of equal numbers. Measurements: Anthropometric measurements of weights and heights were taken to enable calculation of Body Mass Index (BMI) of each subject. Questionnaires were used to collect information on types of foods, amount and frequency of consumption and functional abilities of the elderly. Amount of food consumed was expressed in grams per person per day. Results: There were significant differences (p=0.001) in nutritional status between the institutionalised and the non- institutionalised males, but this relationship did not exist among the females. Similarly, 30% and 26% of the institutionalised males and females, respectively, and none of the non- institutionalised males was observed to be overweight. On the other hand, 39% and 23% of the non-institutionalised males and females, respectively, were underweight or malnourished. Consumption of sardines was higher (p=0.05) among the institutionalised subjects, but the situation was opposite for the case of fruits. Alcohol consumption was higher (p<0.05) among non- institutionalised subjects in both sexes. No difference was noted in consumption of beans, vegetables, cereals and meat. The most common functional disability was urinary incontinence (36%) while feeding (5%) was the least common. The most affected by urinary incontinence were institutionalised male subjects. Conclusion: There was a great variation between elderly people who are cared for in institutional centres and those who are cared for by their relatives in terms of nutritional status, reflected by their BMI levels. The institutionalised ones appear to be better off than their counterparts. However, this condition is not equally reflected in their eating habits. Generally, most of the elderly have poor or no source of income, which make them to have poor living conditions. They are also faced with problems of functional disabilities of which urinary incontinence was more common among males.
The effect of seasonal variation on anthrax epidemiology in the upper Zambezi floodplain of western Zambia
(Veterinary Science, 2012-03-25) Munang’andu, Hetron Mweemba; Banda, Fredrick; Siamudaala, Victor Mukulule; Munyeme, Musso; Kasanga, Christopher Jacob; Hamududu, Byman
Anthrax has become endemic throughout the upper Zambezi floodplain located in the Western Province of Zambia over the recent years. To date, no comprehensive study has been carried out to determine whether recurrence of anthrax outbreaks may be linked to differences in precipitation and human activities. Retrospective data for the period 1999 to 2007 showed that a total of 1,216 bovine cases of anthrax were reported. During the same period, 1,790 human anthrax cases and a corresponding case fatality rate of 4.63% (83/1,790) was documented in the upper Zambezi floodplain. Occurrence of human cases was highly correlated with cattle outbreaks (r = 0.94, p ＜ 0.001). Differences in precipitation were significantly associated with the occurrence of anthrax outbreaks (χ 2 = 4.75, p ＜ 0.03), indicating that the likelihood of outbreaks occurring was higher during the dry months when human occupancy of the floodplain was greater compared to the flooding months when people and livestock moved out of this region. Human dependency on the floodplain was shown to significantly influence the epidemiology of anthrax in the upper Zambezi floodplain of western Zambia. Methods for mitigating anthrax outbreaks by disrupting the cycle of transmission are herein highlighted.
Nutritional status and feeding practices of under-five children in Simanjiro District, Tanzania
(Tanzania Health Research Bulletin, 2006) Nyaruhucha, C. N. M; Msuya, J. M; Mamiro, P. S; Kerengi, A. J
This study was undertaken to assess the nutritional status and feeding practices of <5 year children among the pastoral communities of Simanjiro district, northern Tanzania.. Face-to-face interviews with the sampled mothers were conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements using weight-for-age criterion were employed to assess the nutritional status. The study showed that 31% of the children were undernourished, some (6%) of them severely. Children 2 - 3 years old were the most affected. Breastfeeding duration of more than one year was common among the mothers. Fifty-four percent of the mothers weaned their children as early as two months after birth. The most common type of weaning food was maize porridge (gruel) mixed with cow’s milk (46%). Generally, 87% of households were facing some degree of food insecurity where some of them either experienced food shortage for 3-4 months (40%) or reported to eat less than three meals per day (75%). An educated mother was less likely to have an undernourished child, while a child from a teenage mother was more likely to be undernourished. Small size of a household was in favour of nutrition status. There is a great need to undertake interventions through community education to rescue the situation in Simanjiro district. Efforts should also be undertaken to mobilize the community members to adopt practices that favour good nutrition of children.
Prevalence and awareness of obesity among people of different age groups in educational institution in Morogoro, Tanzania
(East African Medical Journal, 2003-02-02) Nyaruhucha, C. N. M; Achen, J. H; Msuya, J. M; Shayo, N. B; Kulwa, K. B. M
Objective: To determine the prevalence rates and level of awareness of obesity among people of different age groups in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania. Design: A cross-sectional, descriptive study. Subjects: One hundred adults aged 19-50 years old and 40 pupils aged 14-18 years old. Setting: Four educational institutions in Morogoro Municipality were included in the study. The four institutions included a primary and a secondary school, a teacher's training college and a university. Results: The prevalence of obesity among the sampled subjects in Morogoro Municipality was 25 %, whereby 15.7% had a Body Mass Index (BMI) of between 25 and 30, and 9.3% had a BMI of more than 30. Age and occupation of all the subjects, together with marital status of adult subjects, were significantly related with obesity status. Prevalence of obesity increased with the increased age whereby subjects in the 41-50 years had the highest rate (45.4%). Employed subjects had higher rate of obesity (22.2%) than pupils or students. Similarly, married adults had higher rate of obesity (27.8%) than the single ones (4.7%). Unlike the old age group (41-50 years), 70% of the youngest subjects were not aware about the harmful effects of obesity. On the other hand, more than two thirds of all the subjects could not associate excess body weight with chronic non-communicable diseases such as coronary heart disease, high blood pressure and breathing problems. Conclusion: Results of the current study indicate that obesity is increasingly becoming a public health problem in Morogoro Municipality, and probably in many other places in Tanzania. There is need for more public awareness on the effect of obesity on people's health through information, education and communication. It would be of great importance if such interventions were introduced at early age of life, for example by inclusion in school curricula.
The role of AfCFTA in enhancing capital accumulation through vegetables and fruits trade: a case of Tanzania
(Eastern and Southern Africa Journal of Agricultural Economics & Development, 2025-03) Msemo, Emanuel Mbazi; Hella, Joseph Phillip; Mgeni, Charles Peter
Tanzania's ratification of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presents an opportunity to enhance regional trade and stimulate capital accumulation in the fruits and vegetables sectors. This paper is based on a study that explored how trade liberalization driven by AfCFTA can promote capital accumulation through increased net exports, the reinvestment of trade surpluses, and improved financial linkages. Using the Dynamic Equilibrium Model for Economic Development, Resources, and Agriculture (DEMETRA)—a single-country computable general equilibrium (CGE) model—and the Modular Applied General Equilibrium Tool (MAGNET), a global multiregional CGE model, the study simulated two trade liberalization scenarios: (i) tariff-only reductions and (ii) reductions combining both tariff and non-tariff measures (NTMs). These scenarios were evaluated across four trade schedules: Revenue from Tariff (REV), which focused on optimizing government revenue; Agricultural Trade (AGR), which prioritized food security and market access; Intermediate Inputs Trade (INT), which supported industrialization through supply chain enhancements; and Revealed Comparative Advantage (RCA), which targeted competitive export sectors. The study findings indicate that the Tariff + NTM scenario yielded be er trade outcomes, with net exports for fruits projected to reach 115.79 billion TZS and for vegetables 86.26 billion TZS by 2035, compared to 112.25 billion TZS and 83.48 billion TZS, respectively, under the Tariff-only scenario. The RCA and INT schedules generated the most significant trade surpluses, highlighting the importance of strategic tariff reductions and targeted trade facilitation. Key policy recommendations include reducing NTMs through streamlined customs procedures, investing in export-support infrastructure such as cold storage and transport networks, and enhancing competitiveness through value addition and regional market integration. These measures would maximize the benefits of AfCFTA in strengthening Tanzania's agricultural trade, fostering capital reinvestment, and ensuring long-term economic resilience.
Dynamics of adjusted net National income per Capital and its determinants application of ARDL and vector error correction models to Sub-Saharan Africa
(Eastern and Southern Africa Journal of Agricultural Economics & Development, 2025-03) Kadigi, Barthlomeow R; Sanga, Gody J; Mgeni, Charles P; Kadigi, Michael L
Over the past few decades, the Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) region has experienced a myriad of economic challenges, including highly dynamic trade trends, fluctuating commodity prices, stagnating capital accumulation trends, varying levels of foreign investment, and rapid population growth. These, coupled with the region's unique socio-economic landscape, necessitate a comprehensive understanding of how different variables interact to shape income outcomes. This paper employs the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) and Vector Correction Models (VECM) to analyse the dynamics of Adjusted Net National Income Per Capita (ANNIPC). The results show complex interdependencies of capital formation, trade, inflation, and demographics indicating that increased gross capital formation and manageable inflation positively affect ANNIPC. This underscores the need for policymakers in SSA to prioritise capital investment strategies, such as infrastructure development and enhanced financial access, to spur sustainable economic growth. Additionally, improving export capacities and trade balances for elevating income levels and paying attention to population dynamics is essential. Similarly, integrating human capital enhancement through education and skills training into economic policies remains one of the important focal areas. We also found a quick adjustment to long-run equilibrium among variables that underscores the need for proactive policymaking to mitigate short-term economic shocks. A comprehensive approach, considering these interconnected factors, will be critical for SSA's governments to create a stable economic environment, ultimately fostering resilience and prosperity in the region.
Production efficiency among smallholder arabica coffee farmers in Buhigwe and Kigoma districts, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2014) ANDREW,ROGERS
Coffee is one of the most important export commodities in Buhigwe and Kigoma districts. Unfortunately, production is still low and information on technical efficiency has remained a scarce. This study sets out to contribute to the efforts of improving coffee productivity to enhance cash income of smallholder Arabica coffee farmers in Buhigwe and Kigoma districts, Tanzania. To achieve its objective, the present study estimates the Technical Efficiency (TE) and inefficiency effects using single stage Maximum Likelihood Estimation. Additionally, it uses gross margin to determine profitability whereas descriptive statistics to assess contribution of coffee production to household cash income and challenges facing smallholder coffee farmers in various economic activities. The results show that the mean TE index is 68% and number of coffee trees and farming experience being the key factors affecting TE. Moreover, the results show that, coffee production is profitable with the mean gross margin of TZS 730/tree and contributes about 39% of total household cash income. Input prices, taxes and other deductions, shortage of extension services, unreliable markets and low coffee price, low quality of coffee, transportation and delayed payment delay are significantly reported by respondents as challenges face coffee production. The present study farmers are technically inefficient and there is a 32% scope for increasing TE. Number of coffee trees, experience and education level are the management levels that influence TE. Coffee production is profitable and contributes to household income and hence useful in reducing poverty. The study recommends deliberate education on farm expansion and engaging youth in production to improve TE. Interventions on supply of new coffee varieties, prices, taxes, extension services, quality, transport and delayed payment delay and economic activities diversifications are crucial to enhance farmers' income
Evaluation of individual level access to formal financial services: a case study of Morogoro region Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2007) Seluhinga, Nicetus Simon
This study was conducted to evaluate individual level access to formal financial services in Tanzania. The study entailed surveys conducted in three districts of Morogoro Region. Namely, Morogoro Municipality, Morogoro Rural and Kilosa. Specifically the study had four objectives which were (a) to describe the general issues as to why access to formal financial services is important to economic development and social perspectives.(b) to establish the proportion of adult population which have access to various types of formal financial services, (c) to identify socio economic factors that influence the access to formal financial services in the research area(d) to suggest the possible interventions for improvement of access to formal financial services. The study is based on 120 respondents. Multistage random sampling was employed to select interviewees in the study area. The data were coded and analyzed with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) computer software. Data analysis entailed a number of descriptive statistics including frequencies, cross tabulations and Chi- square tests. A binary logit regression model, which tested the effects or influence of socio economic factors on access to formal financial services, was used. Results showed that socio economic factors such as age, income, education, occupation and distance to formal financial institutions affect the access and use of formal financial services (P< 0.05). The study has also revealed that savings services are popular therefore used by the majority of adult population, followed by transaction services, credit, then insurance services. In addition, the study found that cost of services, ignorance, low income were among the reasons mentioned by the respondents as hindering access to formal financial services in the research area. Based on the study findings, the study recommendsiii effective linkages between financial institutions in order to increase the proportion of people with financial access, capacity building to financial institutions, improving infrastructure, improving condition and quality of financial services and to offer finance education to the people.
Economic analysis of improved banana cultivars production in Tanzania. A case study of Rungwe, Mvomero and Mkuranga districts
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2009) NDUNGURU,AGNESS ALEX
A study was carried out to assess the profitability of improved banana cultivars in Rungwe, Mvomero and Mkuranga districts. Specifically, the study aimed at comparing benefits of improved versus non improved banana cultivars production, determining the contribution of banana enterprise to total household income, assessing the factors that influence banana household income, assessing the changes in gender roles in improved banana farming system and suggesting the system of distributing new cultivars and clean planting materials to farmers. Data for the study were collected from a sample of 120 farmers; purposive sampling method was used to select the study villages. Cost Benefit and Regression analyses were employed in this study. Study results showed that, NPV was positive and higher on improved cultivar in comparison to non improved cultivars by Tsh 4 429 504 , CB ratio was greater than one though higher in improved cultivars by 3.3 , and IRR was greater than the opportunity cost of capital in both cultivars 16% per acre at 12% discount factor. Regression results in the three districts showed that age, education, gender, farm size, household size and number of extension visits per household were positively related to banana income, while, marital status was inversely related. However, there were no significant differences in contribution of banana income among the three districts. Gender role and decision making results indicate that no changes in these roles were observed among the three districts. To improve distribution of clean planting materials, it is suggested that, contact farmers should provide these cultivars to other farmers and establishment of more demonstration plots as sources of planting materials. Based on profitability of banana technologies, the study recommends the adoption of improved banana technology and the replication of this innovation to other areas with similar characteristics, as an approach towards poverty reduction.
The impact of microfinance institutions on performance of microenterprises and house hold welfare: a case of Mufindi community bank, Iringa region
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2005) MHIMBA,FESTO MODESTUS
Recently, development practitioners have come to realize that the poor of the poorest can indeed make effective use of credit to raise their income and get access to many welfare indicators such as food and other necessities. But knowledge about the achievements of such initiatives, though are of interest to many stakeholders, remains undocumented in many parts of the world. This study, therefore, was an attempt to assess the impact of credits administered by Mufindi Community Bank (MuCoBa) on performance of micro enterprises and improvement of the household welfare. Specific objectives were to: (i) establish micro enterprises profile in the District, (ii) evaluate the impact of credits on micro-enterprises performance and market participation, (iii) assess the impact of credits on household welfare, and (iv) assess factors that would enhance impact of Mufindi Community Bank’s credit on beneficiaries. Cross-sectional surveys were conducted to collect primary data from 151 respondents of whom 88 were credit participants, 35 had qualified to get credit but had yet to start and 28 had secured credits for farm activities. Semi-structured and structured questionnaires were used. Secondary data were secured from the bank and government offices. The bank provides credit to support legally existing economic enterprises that should have been in operation more than a year. For easy interpretation of data, descriptive and quantitative analytical techniques were employed. Common types of enterprises identified are petty trade/utility services, agro marketing and manufacturing/artisans. The findings indicate a statistically significant difference (p<0.0001) between credit participants and non-participants in terms of average annual profit, available working capital arid value of selected durables of household assets. It is noteworthy report here that start up capital, initialiii credit, available working capital, family size, type of enterprise and monthly turnover affected positively the performances (profit) of the enterprises. Also, credit beneficiaries were able to employ (40%), access distant markets (18%), acquire high value household assets and improved their diets (14.4%) comparatively to non beneficiaries. The differences in enterprise performance observed suggest that credits are important to improve performance of micro-enterprises and hence household welfare. However, nature of collaterals, high borrowing transaction costs and interest rates suggest that the bank has replaced the commercial ones referring to the objectives of the bank. Hence, its impact on welfare indicators is very marginal, and equally important, the rural poor of the poorest have been excluded from borrowing. It is evident from the findings that flexibility of the bank through revising of their policies would be necessary to reach more farmers and small entrepreneurs by encouraging saving and attracting borrowers. The government should continue to support micro-finance institutions such as Mufmdi Community Bank through capitation and maintained rural roads for comprehensive outreach.
Entrepreneurship in economic development
(ENCOSTOR, 2008) Wim ,Naude
What is the role of entrepreneurship in economic development? At a minimum the answer should be able to explain the role of entrepreneurs in the structural transformation of countries from low income, primary-sector based societies into high-income service and technology based societies. More broadly though, it should also be able to explain the role of entrepreneurs in the opposite pole of stagnating development (including conflict) and in high innovation-driven growth. Although economic development lacks a ‘general theory’ of entrepreneurship, which could encompass a variety of development experiences, much progress has been made in extending the understanding of entrepreneurship in the process of development. This paper surveys the progress with the purpose of distilling the outlines for a more general theory of entrepreneurship in economic development. Entrepreneurship in developing countries remains a relatively under-researched phenomenon, so by surveying the current state of research, and by discussing the role of entrepreneurship in dual economy models of structural transformation and growth, a secondary objective of this paper is to identify avenues for further research. Finally, the policy implications from the economic literature suggest that a case for government support exists, and that this should focus on the quantity, the quality, and the allocation of entrepreneurial ability. Many routinely adopted policies for entrepreneurship, such as provision of credit and education, are shown to have more subtle effects, not all of which are conducive to growth-enhancing entrepreneurship.
Malnutrition and desease
(Freedom from Hunger Campaign, 1963) WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATIO
The first half of the twentieth century has witnessed three major revolutions. The political revolution has given self-government to nearly a third of the world's population and has brought their aspirations for a better life to the forefront of world attention. The revolution in communications has broken down the barriers of distance and language, and the dynamism of ideas can no longer be contained within the limits dictated by social privilege or political considerations. The demographic revolution has imparted to the challenge of poverty and want a new dimension.
Effects of Agricultural Reforms on The Agricultural Sector in Nigeria
(Journal of African Studies and Development, 2011-11-12) Ugwu, D. S; Kanu, I. O
The various economic reform strategies undertaken by governments over a period of about three decades on the agricultural sector in Nigeria were the exploitative strategy, agricultural project strategy, direct production strategy and integrated rural development strategy. Overall, these economic reform strategies were geared toward the achievement of food self-sufficiency and food security, generation of gainful employment, increased production of raw materials for industries, increased production and processing of export crops, rational utilization of agricultural technologies for the improvement of life of its citizens. These strategies notwithstanding, government also pursued other on-going initiatives to step-up agricultural development across the country. The effects of economic reforms on the agricultural sector was examined alongside its fundamental roles of food security, supply of raw materials to industries ,provision of market, employment and foreign exchange as well as generation of savings for investment in agriculture and other sectors. Agriculture contributed minimally during the period in terms of output, market, foreign exchange and capital formation or transfer as a result of policy instability, poor coordination of policies, poor implementation and mismanagement of policy instruments and lack of transparency. It is recommended that an enduring genuine democracy and good governance should be allowed to thrive in Nigeria in order to achieve poverty reduction, sustainable livelihood and food security which will guarantee comprehensive economic development and attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
The traditional homegarden agroforestry system of Bukoba, Tanzania:
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 1992) Rugalema,Gabriel H.R
A socio-economic study was carried out in the Kyamtwara division in Bukoba District, Tanzania. The objectives were: to describe the homegarden agroforestry system found in Bukoba district, to investigate the nature and magnitude of constraints of the farming system and to do a farm economic analysis of possible alternatives to counter falling productivity. Descriptive statistics, statistics, linear regression and one way analysis of variance were the methods used to analyze the data. In the linear regression model banana and coffee yield were dependent (predictor variables) whereas homegarden size, hired labour, cattle keeping, and household size were independent variables. It was found that homegarden productivity has significantly declined over the years due to; decline in soil fertility and cattle population, outbreak of banana pests and diseases, increase in human population and lack of cash. Economically, it was found more profitable to rehabilitate the homegarden by reintroducing cattle rather than shift to a completely new farming system based on annual cropping. Further research into soil fertility restoration, pests and disease management and other aspects of the farming system, is proposed.
Cash crop versus food crop production in Tanzania: An assessment of the major Post-colonial trends
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 1985) Odegaard,Knut
In the less developed countries CLDCs) a substantial share of the output produced in the agricultural sector is con sumed directly on the farm. This share is commonly termed subsistence consumption. The difference between total out put and subsistence consumption constitutes the marketed- from agriculture. In a country dominated by an agricultural sector, the growth of this surplus not only poses a constraint on the rate of structural transformation of the economy by being the main source of food supply for the non-agricultural population, but it is also the major source of investment funding, the size of which of course will also have a decisive bearing on the rate of economic growth and development that can be achieved. Some writers on economic development even argue that the presence of an agricultural surplus is a precondition for economic deve lopment .1 In this study we shall concentrate on identifying the factors that have governed the development of the size and the composition of the marketed surplus. In particular the composition of the marketed surplus in terms of cash crop? and food crops will be in focus. (Definitions of these two categories of crops follows shortly.) A main thesis of the study is that Tanzania should concentrate more on cash crop production than has been the case during the last fifteen years, i.e. that a change of policy in the suggested direc tion will have positive effects on trade, employment, in come and capital formation. In this introductory chapter we seek to provide a framework for the analysis. This will do by (1) giving a brief ac count of the nature of the constraint posed by the marketed surplus from agriculture on economic development, (2) pro viding some definitional terms that are of central im-2 portance for the study, and (3) giving a short presentation of Tanzania’s resources, farming structure and economic structure.
Linking rural entrepreneurs to financial services: a case of private agriculture sector support (pass) LTD
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2007) Mkumbo, Mganzwa
The provision of credit has increasingly been regarded as an important tool for raising the incomes of rural populations, mainly by mobilizing available natural resources to more productive uses. The rural population has for many years been serviced by the informal financial sector. Meyer and Nagajaran (2000) define informal financial sector as including farmer credit from traders, input suppliers, moneylenders, friends and relatives and Rotating and Saving Credit associations (ROSCAs), which are not supervised by the national financial authorities. This informal sector work on loan advances in short term deferred payment system. The credit is advanced to farmers by any of the above mentioned informal service providers and the repayment is usually in form of crops produced upon harvest. Since many farmers3 can't afford to store their produce due to cash requirements, receive poor payments, which do not enable them to retain enough proceeds to facilitate the next planting season. In the recent past, there has been an increased tendency to support agriculture aimed at formation of small-scale agribusinesses. Braverman and Guasch (1986) found that despite the efforts to overcome the widespread lack of credit facilities, especially among smallholders, and the expansion of credit in the rural areas of poor countries, the majority still have only limited access to credit services to support their operations. Seeing this prospect the Private Agricultural Sector Support (PASS) was established under the Agriculture Sector Programme Support (ASPS) Programme (funded by DAN1DA) in 2000 with the aim of bridging this gap by providing financial linkage and business development services to the rural entrepreneurs. These services aim at promoting rural agribusiness by linking the agribusiness men /women to the banking services (URT, 2003). This research paper was aimed at examining the effectiveness of the PASS objectives with the view of establishing their role in determining the access of rural small-scale farmers to financial services.
The economics of resource use under the traditional farming system in Kondoa district : the case of Bereko division
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 1993) Mwenda, Mashaka Salum Jila
The study attempts to investigate the economics of Traditional Farming Systems (TFS) in Bereko division by .identifying the physical, technical and policy factors shaping this TFS. In addition the study attempts to determine the likely adjustments of the system given some changes in factors to be identified in the Traditional Farming system. To analyse the system a multiple regression model was developed for all major crops and two individual crops - maize, and fingermillet. The results revealed that there is a positive relationship between output and available resources (of land, labour and capital), and cropping practices. The results also show that there is a negative relationship in relation to technology used. This means that by adding (or improving) the existing resource and cropping practices productivity will increase in the study area. In order to determine the likely adjustments in the system a LP model was developed for the typical crop mixture in the study area. From the basic model changes (adjustments) were effected in respect to technology, price and cropping practices where improved technology and price changes were tested. The analysis revealed that there is a possibility of increasing agricultural productivity and output and hence income by effecting some changes in technology and other institutional factors. The results also justify that policy reforms on credit facilities and pricing systems will bring some changes to smallholder farmers in Bereko Division. The results from this study suggest that proper farm management and planning in the form of comprehensive farm plans proper information and workable policies, is needed in the area. These will help to improve the incomes hence living standards of the smallholder farmers.
Compliance level and stability of micronutrients in fortified maize flour in Tanzania
(HINDAWI, 2024-02-22) Zacharia, Abdulsudi Issa; Mareni, Gudila Boniface
Maize flour fortification was introduced in Tanzania in 2011 to address the risk of micronutrient deficiency to children, adolescents, and women of childbearing age. Fortified maize flours are processed by small-scale processors who are exempted from mandatory fortification. The current study is aimed at assessing the compliance and stability of fortified processed maize flour with zinc, iron, and folic acid by small-scale processors in comparison to the recommended Tanzania national standards (TZS 328). A total of 69 samples of fortified maize flour were collected at the point of production and retail outlets in Dar es Salaam and Morogoro municipalities, Tanzania. Micronutrients (zinc and iron) were analysed using microwave plasma atomic emission spectrometry (MP-AES), and folic acid was analysed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The mean concentrations of micronutrient were significantly (p < 0 05) higher at the production site compared to the retail outlet. The amount of iron, zinc, and folic acid in the samples at the production site was 27 17 ± 1 63 mg/kg, 30 56 ± 2 01 mg/kg, and 0 69 ± 0 02 mg/kg, respectively, while it was 19 34 ± 0 97 mg/kg, 21 71 ± 1 50 mg/kg, and 0 49 ± 0 02 mg/kg for iron, zinc, and folic acid, respectively, at the retail outlets. Only 31.6% of the assessed samples from production and 12.9% from retail outlets complied with the recommended national standard. The stability of iron, zinc, and folic acid for the fortified maize flour stored at room temperature (20-32°C) for six months was 95.8%, 96.9%, and 66.9%, respectively. Further investigation on the consistency performance of the dosifier and consistency training of working in the processing unit on the requirements of fortification standards should be done.
Status and trends in the international wildlife trade in Chameleons with a focus on Tanzania
(PLOS ONE, 2024-05-16) Isaac Maxim Conrad; Burgess Neil D.; Tallowin Oliver J. S.; Pavitt Alyson T.; Kadigi Reuben M. J.; Ract Claire
Chameleons (family Chamaeleonidae) are a distinctive group of reptiles, mainly found in Africa, which have high local endemism and face significant threats from the international wildlife trade. We review the scale and structure of international chameleon trade, with a focus on collection in and exports from Tanzania; a hotspot of chameleon diversity. Analysis used data from the CITES Trade Database 2000–2019, combined with assessment of online trade, and on-the-ground surveys in Tanzania in 2019. Between 2000 and 2019, 1,128,776 live chameleons from 108 species were reported as exported globally, with 193,093 of these (from 32 species) exported by Tanzania. Both global and Tanzanian cha- meleon exports declined across the study period, driven by decreased trade in generalist genera. Whilst the proportion of captive-bred individuals increased across time for the gen- eralist taxa, the majority of range-restricted taxa in trade remained largely wild-sourced. For Tanzanian exports, 41% of chameleons were from one of the 23 endemic species, and 10 of the 12 Tanzanian endemic species in trade are categorised as threatened with extinction by IUCN. In terms of online trade, of the 42 Tanzanian species assessed, there was evi- dence of online sale for 83.3% species, and 69% were actively for sale with prices listed. Prices were on average highest for Trioceros species, followed by Kinyongia, Rieppeleon, Rhampholeon, and Chameleo. Field work in Tanzania provided evidence that the historic harvest of endemic chameleon species has been higher than the quantities of these species reported as exported by Tanzania in their annual trade reports to CITES. However, we found no field evidence for trade in 2020 and 2021, in line with Tanzanian regulations that applied a blanket ban on all exports of live wild animals. Literature evidence, however, sug- gests that illegal trade continued to Europe from seizures of Tanzanian chameleon species in Austria in 2021.

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