Theses and Dissertations Collection

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://10.10.97.169:4000/handle/123456789/1004

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The effects of chronic diseases including HIV/AIDS on agricultural commercialization in lower Moshi irrigation scheme
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2008) Kikari, Mwanaisha Salim
This study determined the effects of chronic diseases including HIV/AIDS on agricultural commercialization in Lower Moshi Irrigation Scheme. Specifically the study identified and characterized the extent of chronic diseases burden, determined the extent of agricultural commercialisation and compared the extent of commercialisation at varying extents of diseases burden among farming households. A cross sectional design was employed and data were collected through questionnaire, focus group discussions and observations. The population consisted of farming households in all the four villages of the scheme. The sample consisted of 80 rice farming households; 40 with and 40 without a chronically ill person. Data were processed and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences computer software (SPSS). A high burden of chronic diseases existed in the study area. Almost half of the key productive members of households, particularly wives/husbands were chronically ill for more than one year. In all aspects of agricultural commercialization considered (i.e. number of inputs used, productivity and product utilization), agricultural commercialization was significantly lower (p<0.001) in the affected households than unaffected households. Use of inputs and productivity were reduced and larger proportions were utilized for food while smaller proportions were sold. Disease burden was considered in terms of who was sick, duration of the sickness, type of diseases, degree of sickness and who was the care taker. The extent of agricultural commercialization at varying extents of disease burden did not show significant difference in all aspects except for productivity. Surprisingly, productivity was significantly higher (p<0.01) when the care taker was either wife or husband (household heads), than when the care taker was another relative in the household. However, this observation requires further investigation. The study recommended for education on control of diseases with particular attention on HIV/AIDS, use labour saving technologies and provision of soft loans.
The contribution of farmer’s training for improvement of household income: a case study of UMADEP in Mgeta division Morogoro, Tanzania.
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2005) Djalou, Franco
Farmer training is essentially an agriculture extension educational service for training and influencing farmers (and their families) to adopt improved practices in crop and livestock production. This study examined the contribution of farmer training to farmer’s household income. More specifically the study examined the influence of the training to farm production. The study was carried out in Tchcnzema, Bunduki and Langali wards in Mgcta division. A cross section design was adopted where structured questionnaires were administered to both trained and non-trained farmers and project workers. A representative sample of 86 respondents (40 trained farmers. 40 non-trained farmers and 6 project workers) was drawn from a sampling frame. The Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software was used for data analysis. The study showed that farmer training had an influence on farmers household income. Unlike non-trained farmers, trained farmers were found to be more knowledgeable on improved crop and husbandry practices. The training received had improved their skills, farm production and the income derived from farming. As a result of increased income, their general living standards had improved as well. Some of the trained farmers have taken their children to secondary schools,' construct good houses and few own valuable assets like milling machines. The success of trained farmers has brought impact on neighbouring farmers and now few of the non-trained farmers have adopted the improved techniques from their friends. It was then concluded and recommended that continuous delivering of training to farmers (extension) has social and economic influence to farmer’s life. Furthermore, training needs assessment should be conducted and recommendations given should consider farmers socio-economic and ecological condition. The study further deduced that for increased agriculture productivity which is targeting the improving farmers’ household income, other agriculture development processes such as marketing, credit services, policy frameworks and physical infrastructure should be given priority and taken as of great importance.
The role of ngos in primary school education service delivery in rural areas: a case study of Morogoro and Mvomero districts
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2007) Chande,Maggie Aminbile
This research began when Morogoro District included what is now known as Mvomero District. This study to examine the role of NGOs in promoting Basic Primary School Education in rural areas was conducted in Morogoro and Mvomero rural districts with the view to broaden the community awareness and knowledge about the contribution of NGOs to the education sector. NGOs in this study are regarded as organizations involved in development activities with the objective of alleviating poverty through the promotion of primary school education sector in the rural areas. Recommended strategies that would promote co-operation between the NGOs and the two districts in improving service to universal primary school education have been presented.A strategic research design collection involved documentation, interviews and structured questionnaires, which were administered to a sample of 217 respondents. The data collected were described and analyzed by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) computer software. Results showed that there is a slight performance improvement of pupils in schools The NGOs supported by NGOs. are operating in areas of infrastructure availability, whereas the remote areas of distance more than 80 kilometres from the districts’ headquarters are disadvantaged from the support. Pupils’ performance in school supported by NGOs was significant at t-test (P < 0.001). Services provided by the NGOs include, among others; the construction and rehabilitation of school buildings, provision of books, supply of teaching materials, equipments such as computers and photocopy machines; and school greening (environmental conservation). which allows collection of information from the intended groups was adopted. Data
Indigenous knowledge in selection for breeding longhorn Ankole cattle in Western Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2006) Byamungu,Noely
For decades pastoralists in Western Tanzania have been using indigenous knowledge in selection for breeding longhorn Ankole cattle. Indigenous knowledge in breeding Ankole cattle has not been documented regardless of the fact that its existence is acknowledged worldwide. This study interviewed 60 Ankole cattle keepers and conducted village level workshops in order to document the traditional lifestyle of Ankole cattle keepers, indigenous knowledge concerning animal husbandry practices and potential ofthe Ankole breed. Furthermore, the study conducted a hypothetical experiment with 111 Ankole cattle owners to determine traits (animal profile) preferred by Ankole cattle keepers for qualifying animals for breeding. The study revealed that, 95% of Ankole cattle keepers in Western Tanzania are still pastoralists. Further the study revealed that the pastoralists had Ankole cows producing more milk (6.9 litres/day at average) compared to other indigenous cattle breed in East Africa producing 3.1 litres/day at average. The study also found that Ankole bulls are determinants for phenotypic expression and performances of herds. Hypothetical choice experiment results revealed that, there are specific combinations of traits preference for breeding stocks used in selection for breeding long horned Ankole cattle. The combined traits qualifying animal as a breeding bull are: long white horns, dark red coat colour, large body size, docile and in line with high milk yield ancestors. For cows, the best combination of traits involves high milk yield (above 41itres/day) and high fecundity (yearly calving after puberty). Hence the recommendations from the study focus on the right combination between indigenous knowledge and formal knowledge aiming atimproving performances and conservation of unique Ankole cattle breed not only in Western Tanzania but also, in other places where Ankole cattle breed is found.
An assessment of institutional factors affecting cashew nut marketing in Mtwara region
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2003) Ghasia,Hawa Abdulrahman
The study on an assessment of institutional factors affecting cashew nut marketing was carried out in Mtwara Region. The study had the following objectives:- (i) To assess the role played by each institution involved in cashew nut marketing, (ii) To examine the effectiveness and efficiency of each institution involved in marketing of cashew nut in the study area, (iii) To analyze the effect of government policies such as taxation on marketing of cashew nut in Mtwara Region, (iv) To identify kind of capacity building required for strengthening and promoting cashew nut marketing system in Mtwara region, (v) To identify the constraints and problems affecting cashew nut marketing system. Both primary and secondary data were collected. A sample of 160 cashew nut producers. 20 cashew nut buyers and 44 institutional officials were interviewed using structured questionnaires. The tools of analysis used, include descriptive statistics and content analysis. The result of analysis revealed that:- (i) Poor rural infrastructure was indicated as tire main constraint affecting cashew nut marketing, (ii) unreliable market and low producer price was the second constraint affecting cashew nut marketing, (iii) other constraints are lack of access to the reliable credit facilities, (iv) traders decide price (dictation of price) dropping prior to notice, (v) inadequate competitive market which lead to low producer price, (vi) price variation from one place to another and (vii) lack of communication and marketing should be improved, (ii) Government should find the reliable cashew nut market outside the country, (iii) Government should revive the free market policy to avoid the private traders information to be available adequately and timely, (v) To create competition on cashew nut marketing, (vi) The rural primary societies should be strengthened by being given with soft to exploit producers, (iv) To improve communication system so as to enable marketing information. From the above results, it is recommended that:- (i) Rural infrastructure loans to buy crops and enable them to sell crops outside the country and the market be in the hand of union, (vii) More credit to the cashew nut producers, buyers and institutions. (viii) Price should be stabilized, (ix) Training on how and where to apply for credit, how to find cashew market out side the country, cashew processing using simple technology but modem one, and grading of cashew nut should be provided.
Socio-economic impacts of the presence of refugees from Rwanda and Burundi in Ngara district
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2010) Nicholaus William Savery Lusesa
This study investigated the impacts of the presence of the refugees on the socio economic lives of the local host population in Ngara district, Tanzania. The objectives of the study were to determine the access of the local people to social services as a result of the settlement of the refugees, to determine the socioeconomic benefits and or the losses to the refugees host communities. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and interview schedules. A total of 120 respondents were interviewed from six villages obtained by random and stratified sampling techniques. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations were used to analyse the data. Results of the study showed that social services such as health, education and water services were adversely affected by the arrival of refugees in the refugee host communities. The results also showed that the expansion of business and market opportunities, cheap refugee labour, employment opportunities for local people were the socio economic benefits to the local population due to arrival of the refugees. While banditry, deforestation, loss of capital, diseases and prostitution were evident due to the arrival of refugees. The results show that different interventions which have been initiated by different actors in addressing the negative effects of the presence of refugees in the host communities like construction of schools, water points, dispensaries, environmental protection etc. Based on the findings of the study, it is recommended that the government should prepare emergency preparedness in refugee torn areas to reduce the effects of the refugees upon arriving in the settlement in a country of asylum. The international community, donor agencies and other agencies should continue to support the refugee hosting communities in addressing the impacts of the refugees because the refugee problem is a global shared responsibility.
Adaptation strategies by smallholder rice farmers under the influence of climate change: a case of Kilombero basin, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2013) Sabugo, Rogers Tito
Climate change is emerging as one of the unprecedented challenges facing smallholder farmers in Tanzania who depend largely on rain-fed agricultural production. Weather forecast and prediction in Tanzania indicate that extremes of drought and flood will be more frequent and inconsistent. These changes affect smallholder farmers due to the fact that these farmers are more vulnerable because of limited resources endowment and low knowledge on how to adapt to climate change impacts. Currently, knowledge within academic and policy making cycles on how these smallholder farmers adapt to climate change impacts is limited to permit planning for effective adaptation strategies. This study therefore assessed adaptation strategies by smallholder rice farmers under the influence of climate change in Kilombero Basin. Specifically, this study determined farmers’ perception on climate change attributes, identify the impact of climate change to rice production, identified various adaptation strategies by small scale rice farmers and to examine sustainability of adaptation strategies by small-scale rice farmers. Data collection for this study involved interviews with heads of households using questionnaires, focus group discussion and key informants’ interview using checklist questions. Secondary data were obtained from published and unpublished documents. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS and content analytical procedures were used to analyze qualitative data. Results indicated that the adaptation to climate change varied by household characteristics, knowledge and practices. Households’ assets to permit vibrant adaptations to climate change were found weak and inconsistence in rainfall pattern and inadequate climatic information complicated further the ability of various households to effectively adapt to climate change. In order to improve adaptability to climate change impacts, awareness rising among farmers is recommended through training and information transfer through mass media. Also Tanzania Meteorological Agency has to put more emphasis on information flow concerning weather forecasts to reach wider groups of smallholder farmers.
Privatization and employment opportunities in Morogoro municipality
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2006) Mdule,Kidawa Omari
A study on privatization and the livelihood of the people was conducted in Morogoro Municipality in Morogoro Region. The general objective of the’ study was to assess the impact of privatization on employment opportunities in Morogoro Municipality. Specifically to: assess the employment opportunities before and after privatization; assess the categories of employees; assess the living standard of laid off employees; job contracts and income are indicators of employment opportunities, number of meals, housing, clothes and ability to manage education cost and asset ownership observation were used to collect data. The total sample size was 105 respondents of which 85 respondents were from industries. Among them there were 4 top managerial officers and another 20 respondents were retrenched employees. The employment opportunities have decreased by 52% therefore null hypothesis was accepted. All top managerial officers were skilled, 53% of other industrial workers were unskilled and income of employees ranged between 30 000- 50 000 Tsh per month which was inadequate for livelihood sustenance. Chi Square Test revealed no statistically significant association (p>0.005) between training and salaries per month. The laid off employees were 80% skilled; only 20% unskilled and 55% had an experience of more than ten years. The income of some laid off employees was low and unsustainable and fluctuates compared to eamings from formal sector therefore were not able to sustain their livelihood. The highest meal cost was 5 000 Tsh and the lowest cost was I 500 assess the attitude of employees towards privatization. Number of employees, skill, were indicators of livelihood. Structured, unstructured questionnaire and direct 47% were skilled. About 76.5% of employees were temporarily employed. The iii Tsh per day and about 75% paid house rent of 5 000- 8 000 Tsh per month which was difficult for them to afford. The employees showed negative attitude towards privatization. The study also revealed other findings such as sabotage, corruption and abusive language. The study concluded that; the employment opportunities have decreased, some factories were closed and some operated under capacity after privatization, new technology introduced was very little; the living standard of laid off employees was affected. The recommendations are; the government is required to monitor and supervise employment opportunity; to review privatization contract documents; to review workers salaries; preparations for the payment of the retrenched.
Socio-economic, institutional, and behavioral determinants of accessibility and utilization of agricultural information by women farmers in the Korogwe District
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2007) Mntambo,Betty David
This study on the socio-economic, institutional, and behavioural determinants of accessibility and utilization of agricultural information was conducted in Korogwe District. Two wards were selected, these were Vugiri and Magunga and thereafter four villages were purposively selected namely; Vugiri, Bagamoyo, Kwesemangube and Magunga. The broad objective of this study was to investigate the accessibility and utilization of agricultural information for production among women farmers in Korogwe District. The study involved 100 women farmers randomly selected from four villages. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire supplemented by interview checklists for key informants and FGDs. The SPSS software was used to analyse data to obtain frequencies, percentages, and means. Chi Square test was used to determine the association between some of the variables. The findings of this study showed that education, age, extension services, and mass media determine the access and utilization of agricultural information. Furthermore, the results showed that poor household production financial credit and ignorance of sources of information. Moreover, the study found out that, sources of agricultural information (extension services, mass media, and farmers own efforts) have a direct linkage with the accessibility to agricultural information. The following recommendations were made from this study. First, since the results indicated that there is limited accessibility to agricultural information to women farmers, therefore efforts to increase the accessibility of agricultural information should be increased. Secondly, there is a need of improving extension services so as to reach targeted clients. The fact that Vugiri ward is located in the highlands, and soil erosion is among the problems which have contributed to poor production it is thus suggested that efforts should be made to introduce soil management programmes so as to increase crop production.
Religion and HIV / AIDS prevention in Dar es-Salaam region, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2009) Kayombo,Martha
Globally, religious leaders are striving for various efforts as a response to the HIV/AIDS menace, a health problem which has profound impact the people. Religion permeates into all walks of lives and that it influences peoples' morals on what is right and what is wrong. Contrary, although Africa is a global epicenter of religious practices, it is a core habitat of HIV/AIDS. Thus, the general objective of this study was to determine role of religion in HIV prevention in Dar-es- Salaam Region to determine effectiveness of religious' teachings related to HIV prevention. The study adopted cross sectional design'using open and closed ended questionnaires applied to sample size of 300 respondents in three districts of the region. 60 respondents of whom were religious' leaders while followers were 240. Interviews with key informants and focus group discussions (FGDs) were applied in data collection. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 10) was used to analyze the data. Descriptive statistics and index scales were used to determine: level of knowledge of leaders on HIV/AIDS and their behaviours; and followers' altitude HIV/AIDS was high though had little influence on preachings related to HIV/AIDS mostlv affected by peoples' sexual behaviour, low level of religiosity and social religious' institutions and develop common strategies on HIV/AIDS prevention. Il is also recommended that religious' leaders of all denominations should work together on spirituality of towards religious' preachings. The study found that the knowledge of leaders on prevention. Religious followers had positive attitude towards religious preachings and their leaders' behaviour. The conclusion is that HIV/AIDS prevention was economic factors. The study recommends the government to work together with spiritually with focus on social and economic factors which also contributes to the menace so as to avert the problem.
Participation in development interventions: the case of selected community projects supported by TASAF II in Mwanga district
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2010) Mussa, Salimu
Despite the fact that funds to support TAS Ah' II sub projects in Mwanga District arc disbursed in time, most of sub projects are not timely completed. Therefore, this study assessed the nature and extent of community participation in development intervention in the case of selected community sub projects funded by TASAF II in Mwanga District. Specifically, the study aimed at identifying different stakeholders involved in community sub projects, assessing the level of awareness of the community in TASAF II sub projects, examining the extent to which community members arc involved in sub projects, comparing the levels of participation among categories of respondents and identifying the factors that influence community participation in sub projects funded by TASAF II. This study used a cross-sectional research design in which 150 respondents were selected from five villages using both simple random and purposive sampling methods. Data collection methods were questionnaires for respondents and checklists for key informants. The data were statistically analysed to obtain frequencies, percentages and chi square tests. The study findings show that stakeholders in the sub projects were local government officers, village governments, community management committees and the community at large. In addition, findings show that 51.3% of the respondents had least understanding about TASAF II while more respondents participated in awareness (96.7%), EPRA (100%) and in part of actual implementation (91.3%). The study further identified factors influencing participation as: project awareness. level of community participation, willingness and time availability. Chi-square tests indicated that the extent of participation in TASAF II sub projects’ activities was not associated with tested demographic and socio-economic factors. Furthermore, poor participation in meetings, inadequate awareness raising and poor economic status were the major challenges to community participation. The study recommends regular awareness raising and training to key stakeholders on the concept of community participation, project design, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. Also motivation to encourage more participation by villages is essential if the continuous participation in sub-project work is to be maintained.
Perception of local communities on the effectiveness of opportunities and obstacles to development (o&od) in Kishapu district, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2011) Nyalaja, Paulo Andrea
This study was conducted in Kishapu District with the objective of investigating the perception of local communities on the effectiveness of Opportunities and Obstacles to Development (O&OD) in rural area. Three specific objectives were addressed namely, to determine the perception of community members on using O&OD on planning and implementation of development projects; to identify how the grassroots’ communities understand the types of development projects implemented through community participation and to examine the status of O&OD in line with implemented development projects at grass root levels. An interview schedule and checklist of questions were used to collect data. A total of 120 respondents who were the household heads from four villages were interviewed. The collected data were analyzed using quantitative and qualitative approaches. The major findings in the study area revealed that: First, most of the respondents were aware of the O&OD as a community participatory planning technique. Second, the local communities had positive perception towards O&OD. Third, O&OD had sensitized the local community on adoption of bottom - up planning approach. Fourth, O&OD as a participatory planning technique empowered people in decision making, participation on development projects identification, planning, implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E). Fifth, the implemented development projects were effective and the local communities’ benefited from them. Then, the regression model results revealed that community participation on projects implementation, number of years of schooling and the size of the households had positive correlation to effectiveness of O&OD and statistical significant at 5% confidence interval level.
Assessment of learning tools in the context of different learning approaches: the case of striga biology and management in Dodoma
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2002) Nyankweli,Emmanuel
A study to assess learning tools and approaches for improving fanners’ and other stakeholders’ knowledge as well Dodoma rural, at Chipanga ‘A’ and Mvumi Makulu villages. Striga is a nuisance weed in cereal production and fanners understand it as a primary yield reducer. Despite this fact, there is a general lack of awareness of the problem, especially concerning the biological aspects of Striga. Previous research findings reveal that fanners have little understanding of Striga biology. A multi-phase data collection method was employed whereby 133 respondents were consulted in a scries of focus group discussions, in-depth and key informant interviews. The cut and sort analysis of information transcripts was employed on the evaluation of radio as a learning tool. Training needs for fanners and other stakeholders were assessed and various factors influencing the use of knowledge were explored. The results revealed that farmers and other stakeholders in Tanzania had known Striga before independence. Fanners were noted assigning different names to Striga, which reflects the nature of the weed and its effect on crops. They were able to describe the types of soils where Striga is prevalent as well as some control measures. However most of the farmers control Striga by hand hoe weeding and uprooting since their social economic conditions do not fit the new methods. Moreover fanners and other stakeholders have indicated that Striga does not only attack the fields of economically poor farmers, but rather cuts across all groups regardless of their economical status and the weed has potential to increase and spread to as understanding of Striga biology was carried out in performed. Also SPSS was neighbouring fanners, distant fanners as well as non-governmental organisations. No loaming tool was taken as superior to others in conveying knowledge to farmers, rather the suggestion is to use a combination of learning tools and approaches to meet this crucial goal. Nevertheless, most (about 60 percent) farmers in Dodoma niral do not have radios and a similar proportion farmers confessed that they never heard of any agricultural programme through the radio. About ninety per cent of the farmers had never heard about Striga through the radio. The study recommends the use community theatres and competent resource fanners to send across messages concerning Striga. It also recommends initiating radio farm forums in future as this approach has potential to reach many farmers in the niral population
Liberalized market conditions and effects of informal cross border trade on women traders’ wellbeing at Sirari border, Tarime district, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture., 2014) Nkaina Robi Elizabeth
The main purpose of the study was to assess whether the liberalized market conditions (in the East African Community (EAC) known as Custom Union (CU) protocols) have helped women informal cross border traders (WICBTs) to improve their wellbeing or not. The specific objectives were to: assess the socio-economic characteristics of women who were involved in ICBT, assess women traders’ awareness on liberalized market conditions, examine the push factors for women involvement in ICBT, identify challenges faced by WICBTs and lastly to investigate on the effects of ICBT on women traders’ income. A snowball sampling procedure was employed to obtain 100 respondents at Sirari border. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) Observation and Key informant interviews. Data were analysed through quantitative approaches using SSPS. The major findings from the study show that most of the WICBTs were not aware of liberalized market conditions (EAC Custom Union protocols). Consequently, most of them were unable to maximize their profit from informal cross border trade. The increase of goods penetration from different East African countries by big traders of different value and price limited women’s informal businesses running. Although women traders, to some extent, accessed trading resources needed for ICBT, they hardly controlled the same resources due to lack of financial resources. The findings show that many women traders are in dilemma to choose a safer category between the formal and informal cross border because the two categories face almost the same challenges.
Quality of education of secondary schools under secondary education development program (sedp). The case of Karagwe district, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2010) Paulin,Paul
The main objective of this study was to analyze the quality of education of secondary schools established under Secondary Education Development Program (SEDP) in comparison to private schools in Karagwe District. Specifically the study determined the perception of community members (students, teachers, and parents) toward public ward secondary schools; also a comparison of academic performance between public ward and private secondary schools in rural and urban areas was made. Teaching practices and environment that promote quality of education in schools were also examined. It was an exploratory study which used a cross-sectional approach. The study was carried under two phases. Phase one of the study involved pilot study and the second phase involved structured questionnaire surveys which used as the major tool for data collection. Other instruments used were interview and observation schedules, likert scale. Focus Group Discussion (FGDs) checklist and documentary review. The study was carried in eight secondary schools purposefully selected out of 46 secondary schools in Karagwe District. Four of the selected schools were under SEDP while the other four were private schools. It involved 377 respondents who were purposefully and randomly sampled. The Statistical Package for Social Science was used to analyze quantitative data whereas Content Analysis was used for qualitative data. The study reveals that all community members (students, teachers and parents) had positive attitude toward ward secondary schools. The study findings reveal that the quality of education in public ward and private secondary schools was relatively poor. However, the study reveals that active and participatory teaching and learning methods were not frequently used, in all schools. The study also highlighted teaching environment for improving the provision of quality education. Finally the study highlighted practical recommendations on different educational stakeholders.
Socio-economic and cultural problems facing female Students’ performance in secondary schools: a case of schools in Temeke municipality, Tanzania.
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2011) Msigwa,Walter Joseph
The study on socio-economic and cultural problems facing female students' performance in secondary schools was conducted in Temeke Municipality. In spite of measures taken by key stakeholders including the government and the NGOs in Tanzania the problem of poor academic performance is still unsolved inTemeke Municipality. The overall objective of the study was to assess socio-economic and cultural problems facing female students in secondary school education in Temeke Municipality. The specific objectives were to examine female students learning environment at school, to identify socioeconomic and cultural problems that female students face in home environment and to identify strategics needed to address female students' socio-economic and cultural problems in secondary education. The cross sectional research design was adopted in this study. Four community secondary schools were randomly selected. In each selected school secondary 30 students were randomly selected. Data were collected using structured questionnaires for students, focus group discussion and key informant interview. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 12.0 version computer software program. The results showed that, information on socio-economic and cultural problems that face female students were the root cause for poor academic performance in their secondary education. Among these were verbal harassment such as use of abusive languages, discrimination, living far from school premises, traditional ceremonies, having pre-marital sex and poor economic status of parents. There is a need of providing more education/information to the community and parents on the factors leading to poor performance of female students in secondary education.
Factors causing low response of Maasai parents and girls’ students towards secondary school education in Monduli District- Arusha Region
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2008) Minde,Josephine Joseph
Provision of equality in education at all levels is central in achieving development in any society. However, in Maasai land this situation is limited due to low response of Maasai parents and girls students towards secondary school education. The problem burdens this community and the nation at large in provisions of girls’ access to Secondary Education (SE). Inspitc of government and NGOs efforts to address the issue, the problem is still persisting throughout pastoralist areas. If factors that cause low response of Maasai parents and girls towards secondary education are not examined there is a danger of gender inequality in terms of access to education. The overall objective of this study was to determine factors causing low response of Maasai parents and girls students towards secondary education in Monduli district aiming to generate empirical information on strategies to address the problem. A sample size of 125 respondents was used. Interview with key informants and individual in-depth interview were also employed. The data analysis involved use of Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Study findings show that low response towards SE was influenced by parents’ education, occupation and marital status. Socio-cultural factors such as norms, values and nomadic life also limit access of girls' SE. Parents support and communication to their daughters was low in education issues. Large number of children residing in a Boma was recognised as a ’ factor for the low response in educating girls although girls students attitude towards SE was noted to be positive. The study recommends creating awareness to Maasai parents in order to increase girls’ enrolment in SE. This could be done through sensitization programmes that promote girls’ access to education and adult education, cross sectional research design using open and close ended questionnaires from a bound by cultural beliefs that restrict girls education. The government should develop special policies, programmes and strategies (raising awareness on the importance of girls education to both parents and local leaders) to address the shortfall through current findings.
Perceptions of secondary school girls on the influence of traditional cultural practices on school dropout in Bagamoyo district
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2014) Mbaga,Julieth
This study determined the perceptions of secondary school female students of the influence of traditional cultural practices on school dropouts in Bagamoyo District. It specifically, aimed at describing the various traditional cultural practices in the study area; assessing the attitudes of secondary school female students on how traditional cultural practices influence attendance; and assessing social economic factors influencing female students’ attitudes towards traditional cultural practices which lead to school dropout. A cross-sectional research design was employed using a questionnaire and a checklist. This study was conducted in 8 secondary schools in Bagamoyo which were purposively selected due to their high school dropout rates and simple random sampling was used to obtain 144 respondents within schools and later on 16 female dropouts were selected using snowball technique. The total sample size was 160 respondents. Quantitative data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16. Descriptive statistics that is, frequencies and percentage were obtained in accordance with the objectives of the study. Qualitative data from focus group discussions and key informant interviews were analyzed using structural content analysis. The Likert scale was used to measure attitudes in objective two and the analysis was done through descriptive statistics. Chi-square test was used to find association between socio-economic factors and attitudes of female students in objective three. Results showed that different traditional cultural practices led into girls dropping out of school. These include doing domestic chores, pregnancies, participation in initiation ceremonies, involvement in sexual intercourse, and different traditional cultural practices to ladies. Majority of the female students in the study area have negative attitude towards traditional cultural practices which lead to dropping out of school. On the other hand, participation in the practices was due to the influence of society and parents/guardians. There was also association between socio- economic factors and attitude of students. The study recommends that education stakeholders should discourage traditional cultural practices in the study area which influence girls to drop out of school.
Vocational training and employment opportunities: a case of Mtwara region
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2010) Ngulyamali,Mohamed Bakari
The study was conducted in Mtwara district. Mtwara Region to examine the current status and future utility of vocational training in PPTCs and graduate's access into the labour market. A cross-sectional study was applied. A sample of 120 respondents was interviewed. questionnaires, were used for collecting data. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). Descriptive analysis employed the use of frequencies and percentage. The study revealed that, majority of vocational graduates has secured employment in informal economy through self-employment in carpentry, tailoring and bricklaying. The study also found that only 13% accounted for female graduates in vocational skills. Less number of women joins vocational training in rural areas. Besides vocational training in Post Primary Technical Centers are faced with lack of skilled vocational instructors, working tools and materials and insufficient food provision. It was concluded that vocational training had contributed highly in enabling vocational graduates in securing self-employment in Mtwara. The study recommends that, stakeholders of vocational training to mobilize training inputs including, physical, financial, and human resource to improve trainees' quality learning and performance, mobilize females to join vocational training and provide working tools to graduates as initial capital as well as establish association of service providers and SACCOS as a means for accessing to microfinancing institutions.
Improving community participation in supporting most vulnerable children: case study of children petty hawkers /vendors in Morogoro municipality
(Sokoine University of Agriculture., 2009) Njawa Dismas Robert
Community participation is active and genuine involvement by community in defining issues of concern to them, deciding priorities for action, formulating policies to address them, designing plans, implementing, managing and monitoring solutions and evaluating outcome. Good community participation starts in the early stages of life during which individuals children develop the skills and knowledge necessary to function within their culture and environment. This study explores achievement made in using community participatory approach to children hawkers in Morogoro Municipality. Specific objectives were to determine the main socioeconomic aspect of community participatory approach to support children petty hawkers, to investigate factors for increase on number of children petty vendors and to determine socio-economic condition that may lead to the reducing of children petty hawkers. The study was carried out in Morogoro Municipality. A cross sectional design was adopted. A representative sample of 100 respondents was drawn from a sampling frame. The SPSS was used for data analysis. The study shows that there is an effect over lack of community participation in children petty hawkers. Children who engage in business lack community care. The children petty hawkers develop a deviant behavior which leads the community not to care for their social services needs. This makes the children develop a group of their own age with a unique behaviour. The study shows that the major forces for the community participation failing to help children are due break of down moral and copying western style life. It also shows that the major forces for the children to engage in petty business are the breakdown of the family, death of the parents, peer group pressure and poverty. The study recommends that there is a need to have a comprehensive and implementation policy on the community and family and how to empower these families economically and morally.

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