Agricultural Education and Extension Collection

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://10.10.97.169:4000/handle/123456789/28

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Land use assessment in reserve lands: a case study of Mboole-Muyonzo traditional land in Zambia
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 1993) Mulongo, Manford Chilube
Reliable and up to date information about land use practices and available land resources in an area is essential for successful resource development and conservation. A land use assessment study was carried out in Mboole-Muyonzo Traditional Land, within the Tonga-Choma Reserve Land No. 21 in Southern Zambia. The objectives of the study were (a) to assess current land utilisation and management, (b) to assess land use change and demographic change between 1970 and 1991, and 1969 and 1990 respectively, and (c) to estimate future land requirement in the year 2000, assuming all other factors are held constant except population growth. Sequential aerial photography was used in assessing land use change during the study period. The study also attempted to project human population in the year 2000 using the exponential population growth model. A field survey was carried out to assess land utilisation and management and resource degradation in the area. The results of the study are: human population more than doubled in two decades with 5% annual growth, cultivated land expanded by 68.4% between 1970 and 1991, cattle stocking level was 2.4 ha/beast/year at the time of the survey (i.e. 40-60% overstocking) and available grazing land was less than half the requirement, and shortage of good arable land has forced the inhabitants to cultivate the hilly terrain resulting in all forms of soil erosion. The study also established that land shortage in the area was more as a result of the 1969 coercive displacement of people to give way for the Batoka ranch project than of rapid population growth. Changes in land tenure structure and land distribution pattern in the province are advisable. Periodic surveillance and monitoring land utilisation on both reserve lands and state land farming areas through sequential aerial photography and sequential geographical analysis techniques is a must if the nation is to succeed in resolving the problems of land degradation in reserve lands and land idleness in state land farming areas. Relocation of some families (e.g.the 13.6% who own 44.4% of the cattle) is advisable. Initiating a land and water management project with livestock development,grazing land management,and soil-and-water conservation as major project components is strongly recommended in the area.
Factors influencing the level of water access for livestock in semi-arid areas of Monduli district, Tanzania
(Tanzania Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2023-08-28) Mfinanga, Fredrick; Msuya, Catherine; Madaha, Rasel Mpuya
Access to water by livestock is critical for their growth, reproduction and quality of products. However, despite its relevance, water access for livestock has received comparatively little attention in developing countries Tanzania included. Therefore, the paper examines factors influencing water access for livestock in the semi-arid areas of Monduli district, Tanzania. A cross-sectional research design was adopted whereby primary data was collected using a pre-structured questionnaire discussions from 367 randomly selected pastoralist households. In addition, focus group discussions were used to allow triangulation. Quantitative data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) whereby both descriptive (frequencies and percentages) and inferential statistics were determined. An ordinal logistic regression model was used to determine the factors associated with livestock access to water. Qualitative data was analysed using content analysis. The findings show that the majority (76.3%) of households experienced low levels of water access for their livestock. Additionally, findings show that off-farm income, access to credit, access to subsidies and the use of donkey carts and or tied jerry cans onto donkeys were significantly associated with water access by livestock. The study concludes that most pastoralists in the Monduli district have a low level of water access for livestock. Therefore, it is recommended that all stakeholders in water and livestock sectors should come up with strategies that ensure pastoral communities have access to sufficient amounts of water for their livestock.
Water use strategies for livestock by pastoralists: The case of semi-arid areas in Monduli district, Arusha region, Tanzania
(African Journal of Climate Change and Resource Sustainability, 2023-02-10) Mfinanga, Fredrick; Msuya, Catherine; Madaha, Rasel Mpuya
The paper explores livestock water use strategies that have been employed to cope with the problem of water shortage in Monduli District, Tanzania. The study employed a cross-sectional research design. Quantitative data were collected by using an interview schedule from 367 respondents who were randomly selected from Moita and Makuyuni Wards. Focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and observations were used to supplement the collected data. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 was used to analyse quantitative data, while qualitative data were analysed by using content analysis. The study findings show that livestock water scarcity and high-water supply charges caused pastoralists to come up with strategies for accessing water for livestock. These strategies include selling live livestock, engagement in off-farm income generation activities, water supply for livestock schedule, Charco dam rainwater harvesting technology, migration, small ruminant birth control and the use of temporary traditional dug well. Most of the strategies used play multiple roles since they not only enhance access to water for livestock but they play other beneficial roles. For example, selling livestock and birth control serve the problem of land degradation caused by overgrazing and also overcome the conflicts between farmers and pastoralists. It is therefore recommended that such strategies should be promoted for the development of livestock and agriculture sector in general. Other strategies used are traditional, for example, the use of traditional temporary wells, which do not allow pastoralists to access water throughout the year. This calls the need for local government and development partners to come up and promote improved and permanent structures like the Charco dam and other strategies that allow water accessibility throughout the year
Exploring electronic waste situation in Africa: a review
(J. Appl. Sci. Environ. Manage., 2023-12-30) Martin, Respikius; Madaha, Rasel Mpuya; Mwakatoga, Joyce; Babili, Innocent; Kinonde, Suma; Sanga, Camilius
In recent years African countries are grappling with the increase of electronic waste (e-waste) which poses challenge to environment and human health. However, factors influencing electronic waste situation in Africa have not been explored and thus not well understood. To fill the gap, this paper aims at exploring e-waste situation in Africa and analysing factors influencing the situation. To address the objective, a systematic literature review was adopted. Findings show that the amount of e-waste has been increasing in both developed and developing countries over time. Although there are common factors associated with the increase of e-waste, some factors are unique to Africa. These are: reduced cost of used items, taxi incentives for importation of electronic devices and increased use of ICT devices in various sectors. Furthermore, findings show that developed and developing countries differ in terms of the risks posed by the e-waste and this difference is dependent on how e-waste is managed. Based on the findings, it can be concluded that the situation of e-waste in Africa is somehow different from developed world both in terms of the factors influencing the situation and ways of managing e-waste. In order to deal with e-waste situation, African countries need to improve awareness of their people, establish and capacitate institutions for dealing with e-waste and invest in technologies for managing e-waste.
Interactive radio programming and gender perspectives in agricultural knowledge sharing: a study of women crop farmers in Dodoma city, Tanzania
(East African Journal of Agriculture and Biotechnology, 2024-02-23) Libent, Stella; Madaha, Rasel Mpuya; Busindeli, Innocent
This study examines the accessibility of interactive radio-based agricultural information for women crop farmers in Dodoma City, Tanzania. With a focus on face-to-face interviews, supplemented by Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and key informant interviews, the research involved 32 purposively selected individual participants. The study uses content analysis to unveil a limited interaction between radio programmers and women crop farmers in Dodoma City. Identified barriers include a scarcity of radios and mobile phones, absence of electricity for device charging, domestic responsibilities, fear of spousal disapproval, non-contact by programmers, voucher purchase costs, and language obstacles. The findings underscore the need for intervention to enhance women's engagement with radio programs. The study recommends that the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) addresses financial constraints hindering women's interaction. This aligns with the TCRA's commitment to prioritizing information consumer interests. Additionally, the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology is urged to empower schoolgirls by providing agricultural education through secondary levels. Such initiatives can foster improved access to vital agricultural information for women crop farmers in Dodoma City, contributing to their socio-economic development.
The cultural role of civil societies and the national parliament in the domestic enforcement of international laws on corruption in Tanzania
(East African Journal of Law and Ethics, 2023-12-09) Rasel Madaha
Social structures composed of active and responsible actors can be essential in curbing corruption. However, studies focusing on culture and corruption, especially in Africa, are scant. This article has focused on the role of culture in influencing anti-corruption efforts and enforcing international law on corruption in Tanzania. Using ethnography, the paper responds to two questions: What is the cultural role of civil societies and the media in influencing the domestic enforcement of international law? Furthermore, what is the cultural role of the Tanzanian legislature in influencing the domestic enforcement of international law? A cultural study can only be conducted after some time. It calls for a longitudinal study that considers a local context. In this regard, a case study research design has been used. The technique can explore issues over a long period and examine context-specific issues. Overall, the study's findings highlight the development of a unique culture among civil societies, which prompts the Parliament to create and formalize anti-corruption measures. The paper adds to international law, corruption, and culture scholarship.
Co-decided agriculture information radio program needs: a case study of women crop farmers in Dodoma city, Tanzania
(Asian Journal of Agricultural Extension, Economics & Sociology, 2024-02-24) Libent, Stella; Madaha, Rasel Mpuya; Busindeli, Innocent
The shift from top-down programming to co-decision-making, aimed at capturing listeners' needs, has been significant. However, there is a notable gap in studies assessing how gender considerations factor into radio programming for listeners' needs. This study addresses this gap by investigating co-decided agricultural radio program needs, specifically focusing on women crop farmers in Dodoma City, Tanzania. Utilizing a sample of 32 participants selected purposively for in-depth face-to-face interviews, supplemented by Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and key informant interviews, the study employed content analysis to analyze the collected data. The findings reveal variations in co-decided agricultural information radio programs among radio programmers, indicating a lack of alignment with the specific needs of women crop farmers. In light of these findings, the study recommends that the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) should address financial constraints hindering the co-decision approach to work accurately. With the accurate working of the co-decision approach intended listeners’ needs will be identified.
Coping strategies of feminine peasant networks and social protection (SP): the case of village community networks (VCONEs) in Tanzania
(International Journal of Advanced Research, 2023-12-09) Madaha, Rasel Mpuya
Networking among African women has become one of the community centered strategies to deal with the shortfalls of the market. VCONEs, as self-created women's networks, provide informal social protection (SP) to marginalized communities because they have taken on board the local context. VCONEs have created a platform that accommodates women's context-specific needs and interests. Accordingly, the study employed an exploratory longitudinal action research design and an embedded multiple-case study research method to explore the coping strategies of Village Community Networks (VCONEs) as a new form of self-created women's networks in providing SP and promoting community development in Tanzania. VCONEs have emerged following the market's and the government's failures to reach marginalized people. The findings indicate that VCONEs have developed replicable context-specific coping strategies to cope with the contingencies of the patriarchy and the market economy. The coping strategies can be replicated elsewhere to create a relatively similar impact in other communities. Overall, there is a need for a major structural change in existing social protection systems. Development agencies should avoid implementing social protection schemes that instill over-dependency on marginalized people on external resources. Specifically, development agencies should adopt a "VCONE cash transfer" to be disbursed as a one-time cash transfer to successful VCONEs.
Decentralisation and the empowerment of local communities in Tanzania with special focus on water issues
(Educational Action Research, 2022-12-29) Madaha, Rasel Mpuya
Action researchers are empowered because they carry out research with rather than on participants. Likewise, the Tanzanian government has been attempting to devolve power to the people since independence. The latest efforts started in the 1980s and focused on the devolution of power from central government to the people through local governments. The uniqueness of the decentralization process and the associated reforms in the country have attracted some scholarly attention, with researchers asserting that the existing model of local government, famously known as Decentralization by Devolution (D-by-D), has considerable potential. However, past research on decentralization has generally been disempowering. Using Action Research (AR), this study aimed to explore strategies to empower local marginalized communities, as co-researchers, to identify key local challenges in accessing public resources, notably water, and enable them to take initial steps towards addressing them through existing local government structures. The application of AR suggests that Tanzania has strong local government structures that can accommodate the participation of marginalized communities in the management of water and other public resources. Nevertheless, local communities need to be empowered through participatory approaches to best interact with the local government structures and ensure accountability in the management of such resources.
Determinants of the adoption of charco dam rainwater harvesting technology by pastoralists in semi-arid areas of Monduli district in Tanzania
(East African Journal of Science, Technology and Innovation, 2023-09-29) Mfinanga, Fredrick; Msuya, Catherine; Madaha, Rasel Mpuya
The use of water harvesting ponds in Tanzania known as charco dams in watering livestock have been developed to enhance livestock production in semi-arid areas. However, the adoption of charco dam has been very low. This paper examined the determinants of the adoption of charco dam by pastoralists in semi-arid areas of Monduli District in Tanzania. The study used a cross-sectional research design where data were collected at a single point in time. Quantitative data were collected by using pre-tested structured questionnaire from 367 respondents who were randomly selected from seven villages, namely Moita Kipok, Moita Kilorit, Kilimatinde, Moita Bwawani, Makuyuni, Mbuyuni and Naiti in Monduli District. The collected data was entered into SPSS.20 for analysis. Data was analysed using frequency, percentages, and a binary logistic regression model. The study results show that the intervening factors (perceived advantages and disadvantages of charco dam) have a slightly high influence on the adoption of charco dam with predictive power R2 ranging from 29.5 to 44.5 per cent as compared to independent variables with predictive power R2 ranging from 27 to 37 per cent at a 5 per cent level of significance. Furthermore, the study results indicate that the independent variables namely socio-economic factors specifically age (p=0.000), household size (p=0.002), off-farm income (p=0.025), livestock keeping experience (0.001), herd size (0.002) and institutional factors including access to extension services (p=0.030) and subsidies (p=0.005) have an influence on the adoption of charco dam. This study recommends policymakers to devote more weight to perceived advantages and disadvantages of charco dam technology while constructing charco dam rainwater harvesting projects in order to influence pastoralists to accept the technology and increase water access for livestock in semi-arid areas.
A comparative analysis of RIPAT and other selected participatory rural development approaches used in Tanzania.
(Mkuki na Nyota, 2023) Madaha, Rasel; Martin, R.; Mwakatoga, J.
Influenced by the African socialism philosophy of the late Julius Nyerere and the participant research practices of Marja Liisa Swantz, Tanzania is one of the pioneers of participatory action research in the world. Within the mentioned milieu, participatory approaches have become widespread. The approaches are geared at enabling rural communities to address their challenges through participatory approaches. This book chapter focuses on a comparative analysis of locally improved rural development approaches that have been developed and improved in the Tanzanian context. Using primary and secondary data from some Tanzanian rural interventions by Uluguru Mountains Agricultural Development Project (process approach) and World Vision Tanzania (ADP approach), the chapter focuses on a comparative analysis of the mentioned strategies and RIPAT (Rural Initiatives for Participatory Agricultural Transformation) to shed some light on rural development efforts in the Tanzanian context. The process approach involves participatory endogenous processes of development that start with the recognition of the local capacities of the people. The ADP (Area Development Programmes) approach is a participatory approach that seeks to induce communities with capabilities to undertake appropriate actions to accomplish economic and social progress. More recently, World Vision Tanzania (WVT) reframed the acronym ADP by calling it Tanzania Empowerment ADP Model (TEAM). RIPAT is a participatory extension approach that transfers a ‘basket’ of agricultural technology options, including various crops and livestock, to groups of 25 to 30 smallholder farmers in a way that allows for joint, experiential, and participatory learning. In 2017 Research, Community and Organisational Development Associates (RECODA) entered a two year contract with WVT of co-owning the approach; the agreement ended in 2019. The engagement allowed World Vision Tanzania to use the RIPAT approach in ADPs. All in all, some literature suggests that participatory approaches fail to empower people in real life situation. In this regard and drawing from the participatory theory and practice, the chapter assesses the sustainability of the approaches.
The effect of low tannin sorghum (tegemeo variety) as a replacement of maize in broiler diets.
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 1994) Allen Zakayo Griffin Gilbert
A study was carried out to investigate the possibility of replacing maize with low tannin sorghum (Tegemeo variety) as an energy source in broiler diets. Three hundred and twenty, week old broiler chicks were fed on four diets in which maize was replaced by sorghum at 0, 33.3, 66.7 and 100% levels, for dietary treatment A, B, C and D, respectively. The control diet contained maize as the only cereal grain. Twenty birds per group were randomly assigned to the four dietary treatments. Liveweight, daily gain, cumulative feed intake and feed gain ratio(FGR) were measured weekly. At eight weeks of age, sixteen birds from each treatment were picked at random and slaughtered for the analyses of their carcass characteristics. Dressing percentage, gizzard, heart, liver and abdominal fat as proportions of carcass weight were determined. At six weeks of age, sixteen male birds were used in the balance trial to determine the metabolizable energy. Mean proximate composition of low tannin sorghum for crude protein, crude fibre, ether extract, nitrogen free extracts and ash was 12.1, 5.4, 3.0, 65.3 and 1.6%, respectively. Calcium and phosphorus content were 0.03 and 0.2%, respectively. iii Liveweight gains, feed gain ratio and dressing percentage were not significantly affected by the dietary treatments. Substitution of sorghum for maize significantly decreased the proportionate weights of internal organs. Proportionate weights of liver and abdominal fat increased with increasing level of sorghum in the diets, whereas that of gizzard and heart decreased. Mean metabolizable energy values not corrected for nitrogen retention were 9.6, 10.9, 8.9 and 8.0 MJ/kgDM, whereas the mean nitrogen - corrected metabolizable energy values were 8.8, 10.0, 8.1 and 7.1 MJ/kgDM, for diet A, B, C and D, respectively. Mean true metabolizable energy values were 9.6, 11.0, 8.9 and 7.8 MJ/kgDM, respectively. From these findings it can be seen that, low tannin sorghum (Tegemeo variety) can entirely replace maize in the broiler diets, without causing any adverse effects on performance.
Economic assessment of urban and peri-urban vegetable production in Mbeya municipality, Tanzania
(SOKOINE UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE., 2011) Lumililo,S. M
A study on economic assessment of urban and peri-urban vegetable production was conducted in Mbeya Region. Urban Agriculture (UA) is defined as the growing of plants and the raising of animals for food and other uses within (intra) and fringing (peri) urban built up areas. The general objective of this study was to investigate the economics of growing vegetable in urban and peri-urban areas. Specifically, the study aimed at determining the quantity and monetary value of four selected vegetables produced in (MM); identifying the vegetables grown, assessing the area used; analyzing the gross margins (GM) of the selected four major vegetables and examining the contribution of vegetable production to household incomes in (MM). The data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Purposive and simple random samplings were used to select 160 respondents engaged in urban and peri urban vegetable production. Data were analyzed using SPSS computer programme. Chi-square test showed statistical significant differences at (p< 0.035) in GM between urban and peri-urban vegetable growers and revenue analysis showed a statistical significant difference at (p<0.053) between urban and peri-urban vegetable growers. Plot sizes analysis showed statistical significant differences between urban and peri-urban vegetable growers at (p < 0.008) for Amaranthns, at (p < 0.001) for Chinese cabbage, at (p< 0.031) for Brassica carinata and at (p < 0.008) for Swiss chard. The contribution of vegetable analysis showed high statistical significant differences between urban and peri-urban vegetable growers at (p< 0.01) for Amaranths and Chinese cabbage. Statistical significant differences also showed at (p< 0.001) for Brassica carinata and at (p< 0.015) for Swiss chard. This study recommended that extension agents should provide education on vegetables with high (GM) per square meter and provision of credits to urban and peri-urban vegetable growers by the Government. Longitudinal studies were suggested to be carried out to ascertain the most profitable species of vegetables countrywide.
Potential and limitations of smallholder seed production in Ethiopia: the case of Soro District
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2002) Mitke, Tsigedingil Mengist
While the majority of smallholder farmers use traditional ways of ensuring their livelihood, small-scale farming is the most important sector of agricultural production in Ethiopia. With increasing effort of the Extension Package Program, farmers started to adopt improved seeds. However, the supply of improved seeds to small-scale farmers by the formal sector was not sufficient. To alleviate the seed shortage, the Smallhlode Seed Production (SHSP) program has been implemented as one of the alternatives to produce and supply seeds to small-scale farmers. This study examined the potential and limitations of smallholder seed production. A cross-sectional survey method was used for this study and respondents were selected randomly. Data were collected using an interview schedule for farmers, self-administered questionnaires for extension workers and other seed professionals, checklists for informal discussions with farmer groups and co-operative committee members as well as using personal observations. Likert-type interview items were also employed to determine opinions of farmers, extension workers and seed professionals. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages and cross tabulation were used. The findings from has a potential the analysis show that SHSP in Ethiopia for increasing seed availability and improving seed distribution at prices that small-scale farmers can afford. However, the findings indicate that it has limitations such as producing low quality seed, lack of ready market for produced seeds, inadequate supply of credit and lack of integrated efforts among organisations that can contribute a lot to the sustainability of SHSP.The study recommends the selecting of farmers that are interested and ready to devote their money, labour and skills for quality seed production. As seed quality7 was the major problem indicated by users, reinforcing the technical skills of farmers is important to improve the seed quality, beside this, close supervision and field inspection together with laboratory' analysis should be done. To ensure the sustainability of SHSP and to alleviate the problem of market, strong linkages and co-ordination with ESE. fanners' co-operatives and other concerned organisations should be created.
Contribution of cassava value addition on reduction of poverty for smallholder farmers in Bagamoyo district
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2014) Nyangassa Batuli Jumanne
Cassava (Manihot spp.} has become an important crop in many parts of the world for processing into several human foods and industrial products. In poorer developing countries of the tropical and semi-tropical climate cassava has become a major source of revenue, contributing significantly to industrial development, food security and livelihoods. The objective of the study was to assess the contribution of cassava value addition on reduction of poverty for smallholder farmers. The study was conducted in Bagamoyo, 120 producers/farmers and 25 actors in the cassava production and value addition participated. Data collected was summarized using Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) and content analysis. Analysis of data shows that value addition was done by producers after flour making, grading cassava in size, sun dried cassava to reduce moisture content respectively. In general on farm value adding technologies became difficult because most of cassava producers/processors don’t have cassava processing machines. Low on farm value adding technologies is a result of poor quality of value added cassava products. Three main marketing channels exist in the study area: Producers selling directly to consumers; producers to retailers to consumer; and producers to hawkers/village vendors to consumer. Also data showed that majority of producers /processors don’t pack their products (flour) or use plastic bags instead of using paper bag. The sub-sector in general faces a number of structural and technological problems that need immediate attention to help smallholder farmers in reduction of poverty. The study revealed that value added cassava have more profit than raw cassava. The mean gross margin of value added cassava was 621 000 Tshs/ha while the mean gross margin of raw cassava was 275 000 Tshs/ha. The GM difference is 346 000 Tshs. This implies that value added is more profitable than raw cassava.
Gender roles in tomato value chain in Dodoma municipality and Kilolo district, Tanzania.
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2014) Khassa,P M .
This study was conducted to assess gender roles in tomato value chain in Dodoma municipality and Kilolo District of Dodoma and Iringa Regions, Tanzania. The study objectives were to: (i) identify various actors in the tomato value chain; (ii) determine the roles of different gender categories in the tomato value chain; (iii) assess opportunities and constrains of different gender categories in the tomato value chain. A total of 120 respondents were randomly selected and interviewed. The cross tabulation was performed to segregate roles performed in tomato value chain by gender. Study results showed that major actors in tomato value chain in Mbabala A and Ikokoto villages are input suppliers, tomato producers, box /crate/tenga makers, box buyers, middlemen, coolies, traders,transporters and consumers. In Dodoma Municipality media people were regarded as important actors in the chain while in Ilula District box/crate creators were regarded as important actors in the chain. This implies that in agriculture there is a possibility of a same crop to have different actors involved in the chain depending on the area of operation. The analysis of value chain for a specific crop in a certain area is crucial in order to identify and involve important actors in the chain. Different gender categories play different roles identified in the tomato value chain in both study areas. It is seem that Middle aged males and females perform more than half of the activities in the tomato value chain. It is therefore recommended that any intervention aimed at improving tomato production should focus more on the identified gender categories that are important in the chain. Also opportunities and constrains in the tomato value chain were indicated.The opportunities should be taped and constrains should be addressed in order to improve tomato production and productivity.
The role of peasantry women initiated networks in the promotion of Community Development in Mkalama District, Tanzania
(African Journals online and SUA, 2022-05-30) Madaha, Rasel; Shayo, Rose; Mwaipopo, Rosemarie
Community development is a phenomenon referring to communities that can attain and sustain a better standard of living for every community member. Although the thinking is advocated by the proponents of community development, the opponents throw their trust and thrust on the market. They are of opinion that the market is the driver and engine of development, not communities. Individuals are driven by self-interest and not those of the community. On the contrary, the proponents of community development assert that communities are drivers of their development. They advocate for the development of the capabilities of communities for them to collectively take care of their development. Networking is one of the community-centred strategies to deal with the shortfalls of the market and to promote community development. However, the literature focusing on the role of women networking in addressing some of the shortfalls of the market economy is scant. As such, this study employed an exploratory research design and, an embedded multiple-case study research method, to explore the role of Village Community Networks (VCONEs), as self-initiated peasantry women’s networks, in the promotion of community development at selected wards of Mkalama District. VCONEs are networks of female peasants who engage in agricultural production during the rainy season and petty businesses during the rainy and dry season. Overall, the findings indicate that VCONEs serve as tools which enable community members to address some of the challenges of the market by collectively working together to build a better standard of living, increasing access to modern technologies, recognizing their problems, as well as attaining self-reliance and empowerment. It is recommended that the government, in collaboration with other stakeholders, need to create a platform to up-scale VCONEs to the rest of farming communities in Tanzania to boost community development and agricultural development through the mitigation of some of the shortfalls of the market economy.
An economic comparison between alternative rice farming systems in Tanzania using a monte carlo simulation approach
(MDPI, 2020-07) Kadig, Ibrahim L.; Mutabazi, Khamaldin D.; Philip, Damas; Richardson, James W.; Bizimana, Jean-Claude; Mbungu, Winfred; Mahoo, Henry F.; Sieber, Stefan
Tanzania is the second-largest producer of rice (Oryza sativa) in Eastern, Central, and Southern Africa after Madagascar. Unfortunately, the sector has been performing poorly due to many constraints, including poor agricultural practices and climate variability. In addressing the challenge, the government is making substantial investments to speed the agriculture transformation into a more modernized, commercial, and highly productive and profitable sector. Our objective was to apply a Monte Carlo simulation approach to assess the economic feasibility of alternative rice farming systems operating in Tanzania while considering risk analysis for decision-makers with different risk preferences to make better management decisions. The rice farming systems in this study comprise rice farms using traditional practices and those using some or all of the recommended system of rice intensification (SRI) practices. The overall results show 2% and zero probability of net cash income (NCI) being negative for partial and full SRI adopters, respectively. Meanwhile, farmers using local and improved seeds have 66% and 60% probability of NCI being negative, correspondingly. Rice farms which applied fertilizers in addition to improved seeds have a 21% probability of negative returns. Additionally, net income for rice farms using local seeds was slightly worthwhile when the transaction made during the harvesting period compared to farms applied improved varieties due to a relatively high price for local seeds. These results help to inform policymakers and agencies promoting food security and eradication of poverty on the benefits of encouraging improved rice farming practices in the country. Despite climate variability, in Tanzania, it is still possible for rice farmers to increase food production and income through the application of improved technologies, particularly SRI management practices, which have shown a promising future.
Profitability of gliricidia-maize system in selected dryland areas of Dodoma region, Tanzania
(MDPI, 2021-12) Swamila, Martha; Philip, Damas; Akyoo, Adam Meshack; Manda, Julius; Mwinuka, Lutengano; Smethurst, Philip J.; Sieber, Stefan; Kimaro, Anthony Anderson
Declining soil fertility and climatic extremes are among major problems for agricultural production in most dryland agro-ecologies of sub-Saharan Africa. In response, the agroforestry tech- nology intercropping of Gliricidia (Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.)) and Maize (Zea mays L.) was developed to complement conventional soil fertility management technologies. However, diversified information on the profitability of Gliricidia-Maize intercropping system in dryland areas is scanty. Using data from the Gliricidia and maize models of the Next Generation version of the Agriculture Production Systems sIMulator (APSIM), this study estimates the profitability of the Gliricidia-Maize system relative to an unfertilized sole maize system. Results show significant heterogeneity in profitability indicators both in absolute and relative economic terms. Aggregated over a 20-year cycle, Gliricidia- Maize intercropping exhibited a higher Net Present Value (NPV = Tsh 19,238,798.43) and Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR = 4.27) than the unfertilized sole maize system. The NPV and BCR of the latter were Tsh 10,934,669.90 and 3.59, respectively. Moreover, the returns to labour per person day in the Gliricidia-Maize system was 1.5 times those of the unfertilized sole maize system. Sensitivity analysis revealed that the profitability of the Gliricidia-Maize system is more negatively affected by the decrease in output prices than the increase in input prices. A 30% decrease in the former leads to a decrease in NPV and BCR by 38% and 30%, respectively. Despite the higher initial costs of the agroforestry establishment, the 30% increase in input prices affects more disproportionally unfertilized sole maize than the Gliricidia-Maize system in absolute economic terms, i.e., 11.1% versus 8.8% decrease in NPV. In relative economic terms, an equal magnitude of change in input prices exerts the same effect on the unfertilized sole maize and the Gliricidia-maize systems. This result implies that the monetary benefits accrued after the first year of agroforestry establishment offset the initial investment costs. The Gliricidia-Maize intercropping technology therefore is profitable with time, and it can contribute to increased household income and food security. Helping farmers to overcome initial investment costs and manage agroforestry technologies well to generate additional benefits is critical for the successful scaling of the Gliricidia-Maize intercropping technology in dryland areas of Dodoma, Tanzania.
Major agricultural extension providers in Tanzania
(kyoto university IRR, 2001-12) Rutatora, Deogratias F.; Mattee, Amon Z.
While agricultural extension services in Tanzania have mostly been provided and financed by the public sector, the landscape is changing with regard to the provision of extension services in the country. Observations reveal that several non-governmental organi- sations (NGOs) and farmer-led initiatives have, over time, supplemented extension service delivery of the public extension services with cost-sharing, but these experiences have not been formally integrated into the extension system nor has their potential to reduce public expenditure and improve quality of extension service been considered. As the government continues to face financial difficulties, it has started to reconsider the issue of public exten- sion service and is currently entertaining the possibilities of gradually divesting the public sector of extension, leaving the private sector and users to take an increasing responsibility. This paper brings to light major providers of extension services in Tanzania to help inform decision-makers on how various actors can support agricultural extension on a sustainable basis.

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