Articles, Conference and Workshop Papers Collection

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The what, why, and how of health information systems: A systematic review
(College of Social Sciences and Humanities, Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), 2022-06-26) Haule, Christiana D.; Muhanga, Mikidadi; Ngowi, Edwin
The literature on the topic of health information systems (HISs) is reviewed in this paper. Specifically, the paper reviews the literature on (i) the theoretical concept of HISs (The What), (ii) the rationale, purposes, and importance (The Why), and (iii) the operationalization of the HISs (The How). For this systematic review, we searched Research Gate, Science Direct, Google Scholar, JSTOR, ProQuest, Scopus, PMC, BMJ, PubMed, and published documents by World Health Organization (WHO). Only 35 articles out of 1,400 articles identified were included in the study depending on the 3 contextualised questions i.e., the what, why, and how of the HISs. Literature published between 1960 and 2021 were considered in the review as the concept of HIS was introduced in the 1960s, excluding literature published before the 1960s and non-English publications. Generally, the HISs is one of the six pillars that make up a strong health system, designed to collect, process, store and manage health information. The main goal of the HISs is to deliver quality services. The importance of these systems includes quick access to medical records, sharing of patient information, reducing paperwork, reducing medical errors, improve the quality of care. Therefore, there is a great need to promote this concept, taking into account its rationale, purposes, and importance of it in the health care system.
Health and Nutrition Literacy among Community Health Workers in Rural and Urban Tanzania: A Comparative Study
(Tanzania Journal of Health Research, 2025) Mihambo,Brian; Mikidadi,Muhanga; Edwin,Ngowi
Introduction: Community health workers (CHWs) are vital in primary health care delivery, especially in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). However, the quality of their services is often questioned due to their limited training compared to professional healthcare providers. Despite evidence of CHWs’ contributions to health and nutrition in Tanzania, the country continues to face high levels of malnutrition and preventive diseases. This underscores the need to evaluate CHWs’ literacy in health and nutrition to enhance their role in promoting these areas. This paper aimed to assess health and nutrition literacy among Community Health Workers (CHWs) in rural and urban Tanzania while exploring factors influencing these literacy levels. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study, conducted in Pwani and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, involved 194 CHWs, who were obtained using Yamane’s formula for sample size determination. Data was collected via face-to-face interviews using the adapted European Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLS-EU-Q47) for health literacy and the Short Food Literacy Questionnaire (SFLQ) for nutrition literacy. Pearson correlation analysed the association between nutrition literacy (NL) and health literacy (HL), while multinomial logistic regression identified factors influencing HL and NL among CHWs. Results: Our study found limited health literacy among CHWs to be higher in rural areas (24.5%) than in urban areas (17.6%), while health literacy rates were higher in urban (31.9%) compared to rural (22.9%). Regression analysis showed limited health literacy was significantly associated with age (P = 0.048, OR = 1.041, 95% CI), area of residence (P = 0.002, OR = 0.318, 95% CI) and supervision frequency (P = 0.01, OR = 5.266, 95% CI). Limited nutrition literacy was significantly associated with weekly time spent on CHW activities (P = 0.006, OR = 0.183, 95% CI), age (P = 0.013, OR = 1.050, 95% CI) and area of residence (P = 0.008, OR = 0.387, 95% CI). The correlation between health literacy and nutrition literacy had a Pearson coefficient of 0.517 (P = 0.000). Conclusion: Our study shows a higher prevalence of limited health and nutrition literacy among rural CHWs than urban ones, with area of residence being the most decisive associated factor. The area of residence is the strongest associated factor for NL and HL. Policymakers can use the identified factors in areas with similar social demographic characteristics to improve community-based health intervention that will, in turn, improve the health and nutrition outcomes of the community.
Socioeconomic Factors associated with Household Level Solid Waste Management Practices in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania
(The sub Saharan Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities (SJSSH), 2022) Clara,Mdetele P; Allan T, Tumaini; Ngowi E, Edwin
Effective solid waste management stands as a critical global challenge, impacting human well-being, environmental sustainability, and the ongoing climate crisis. In Morogoro Municipality, the complex interplay between household-level waste management and socioeconomic factors amplifies this concern. As urbanization and consumption patterns evolve, comprehending the dynamics shaping waste practices becomes paramount. This study investigates the intricate relationship between socioeconomic factors and household-level solid waste management. Employing a descriptive cross-sectional design, we engaged 70 households across diverse wards: Mji mkuu, Mazimbu, and Mji mpya. Through structured interviews, we extracted insights, complemented by perspectives from ten purposively selected key informants. Leveraging the robust Kobo Collect survey tool and a designed question checklist, we harnessed descriptive statistics to fathom waste management associations within and across wards. Binary logistic regression analysis unveiled intricate relationships between socioeconomic characteristics and waste practices. Noteworthy trends emerged, indicating a majority of female respondents (65.7%), aged 46 to 60 (34.3%), married (67.1%), with primary education (55.7%). A substantial number of self-employed individuals (65.7%) actively participated in waste management. Deeper analysis underscored the significant impact of independent variables on waste disposal practices through binary logistic regression. Chi-Square Tests illuminated associations between waste practices across wards, highlighting the nuanced challenge. In conclusion, household waste management in Morogoro Municipality is intricately tied to socioeconomic factors. These findings drive policy adjustments, given the inadequacy of current waste practices. Urgent steps include grassroots environmental education and comprehensive policy enhancements to foster progress in waste management practices.
Assessment of community perception on proper solid waste management at household-level in Morogoro municipality, Tanzania
(Tanzania Journal of Community Development, 2024) Mdetele,Clara; Allan,Tumaini; Ngowi,Edwin
Effective solid waste management is integral to environmental sustainability and public health. The success of waste management initiatives is intricately linked to community perceptions, as their awareness and attitudes significantly influence outcomes. This study, conducted in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania, aimed to assess the community's perception of proper solid waste management at the household level. Employing a descriptive cross-sectional design, data were gathered from 70 respondents across three randomly chosen wards: Mazimbu (26), Mji Mkuu (22), and Mji Mpya (22). These wards were pivotal in capturing a comprehensive view of solid waste management practices, accounting for variations across different areas within Morogoro Municipality. Data were also collected from five key informants using the Kobo Collect survey tool. Inferential statistics, specifically Pearson chi-square tests, were applied to analyze the data. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages, were used to explore the types of solid waste generated at the household level. The findings revealed that 38.6% of respondents produced vegetable waste, 28.6% generated leaves/grass, 20% produced plastic waste, and 12.9% generated other types of solid waste. The chi-square tests showed no significant differences in community awareness regarding the importance of proper solid waste management across wards, except for a significant difference in relation to disease outbreak reduction. Descriptive statistics were employed to analyze the community's perception of obstacles hindering proper solid waste management. To evaluate the community's perception of solid waste management, a composite mean score was calculated; a mean score above 2.00 indicated a positive perception, while a score below 2.00 suggested a negative perception. In conclusion, while the community generally holds a positive perception of solid waste management, factors such as collection fees and inadequate infrastructure hinder its effectiveness and efficiency at the household level. It is recommended that municipal authorities enhance solid waste management strategies and implement educational campaigns to raise awareness within the community
Socioeconomic Factors associated with Household Level Solid Waste Management Practices in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania
(The sub Saharan Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities (SJSSH), 2022) Clara,Mdetele P; Tumaini,Allan T; Edwin,Ngowi E
Effective solid waste management stands as a critical global challenge, impacting human well-being, environmental sustainability, and the ongoing climate crisis. In Morogoro Municipality, the complex interplay between household-level waste management and socioeconomic factors amplifies this concern. As urbanization and consumption patterns evolve, comprehending the dynamics shaping waste practices becomes paramount. This study investigates the intricate relationship between socioeconomic factors and household-level solid waste management. Employing a descriptive cross-sectional design, we engaged 70 households across diverse wards: Mji mkuu, Mazimbu, and Mji mpya. Through structured interviews, we extracted insights, complemented by perspectives from ten purposively selected key informants. Leveraging the robust Kobo Collect survey tool and a designed question checklist, we harnessed descriptive statistics to fathom waste management associations within and across wards. Binary logistic regression analysis unveiled intricate relationships between socioeconomic characteristics and waste practices. Noteworthy trends emerged, indicating a majority of female respondents (65.7%), aged 46 to 60 (34.3%), married (67.1%), with primary education (55.7%). A substantial number of self-employed individuals (65.7%) actively participated in waste management. Deeper analysis underscored the significant impact of independent variables on waste disposal practices through binary logistic regression. Chi-Square Tests illuminated associations between waste practices across wards, highlighting the nuanced challenge. In conclusion, household waste management in Morogoro Municipality is intricately tied to socioeconomic factors. These findings drive policy adjustments, given the inadequacy of current waste practices. Urgent steps include grassroots environmental education and comprehensive policy enhancements to foster progress in waste management practices
Mapping the trends, knowledge production, and practices of climate-smart aquaculture scholarship: Empirical insights from bibliometric analysis
(Elservier, 2024) Mdoe,Christopher N; Mahonge,Christopher P; Ngowi,Edwin E
This bibliometric review synthesizes the trends, knowledge, and practices in climate-smart aquaculture (CSAq) research globally, underscoring its significance amidst climate change’s growing threat to food security and aquaculture sustainability. Using the PRISMA 2020 protocol, 369 records from the Scopus database (2010–2024) were systematically analyzed. The research found a significant rise in CSAq publications over the years, particularly from 2013 onward, with the United States leading with 58 publications, followed closely by India (54), China and the United Kingdom (34 each). Germany had the highest total link strength (55), reflecting its extensive international collaborations in CSAq research. Although most research contributions were from developed countries, there was a notable scarcity of CSAq interventions documented in developing regions, despite being disproportionately impacted by climate change. Statistical analysis of publication trends revealed that the most active journals in CSAq research were Aquaculture, Sustainability (Switzerland), Ocean and Coastal Management, and Science of the Total Environment, with the highest output between 2020 and 2024. Annual publication frequency increased steadily, peaking at 64 publications in 2023, but a drop to 19 in 2024 was observed, attributed to the analysis being conducted before the year’s end. Keyword analysis highlighted recurring themes such as “climate change,” “sustainability,” and “food security,” emphasizing the global focus on CSAq as a critical tool for building resilience in aquaculture systems. Notably, Integrated Aquaculture- Agriculture (IAA) emerged as a key practice, alongside polyculture and aquaponics. The study concludes that CSAq research is gaining momentum, driven by global collaborations, but calls for more focus on developing regions, where the impacts of climate change are most severe.
Governance of political-administrative relations in public development projects implementation in local governments, Tanzania
(African Journal of Accounting and Social Science Studies (AJASSS), 2019) Njunwa Kelvin M.; Chingonikaya Emanuel
Good governance is a global issue. It is a crucial aspect in new public management as it ensures among others, participation, transparency, accountability and adherence to the rule of law among the parties involved in development. This paper sought to examine governance of political-administration relations in health and educational projects in Morogoro Rural District. Specifically, the study aimed at examining participation, transparency, accountability, and adherence of the rule of law by the elected and the appointed official in the construction of health and educational infrastructures projects. The paper adopted a case study research design and used qualitative data where by Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) were employed to collect data. The study used content analysis to analyse the data. The study found that the relationship between the elected and the appointed officials was poor due to lack of good governance among the appointed officials. This trend affected negatively the relationship of the two parties in the implementation of development projects. The study found that the two parties cooperated much in designing and less in the implementation of development projects. The study revealed further that, there was poor transparency in financial matters among both the elected and the appointed officials, which resulted in financial mismanagement. The relationship was highly influenced by dual accountability of the appointed officials and lack of adherence to the rule of law in project implementation. It is concluded that harmonious relations between the elected and the appointed officials is less likely to be achieved, if the two parties fail to adhere to good governance practices. Therefore, it is recommended that local governments at council level should promote adherence to governance aspects in the construction of health and education infrastructures at local levels. Local governments have to build capacity and awareness among both the elected and the appointed officials on governance aspects. The elected officials should ensure that meetings such as village assembly, village councils, WDCs are conducted regularly as required by law in order to improve participation, accountability, and transparency in the implementation of the projects.
Impact of off-farm employment on rural household food and nutrition security: evidence from the southern highland regions of Tanzania
(African Journal of Economic Review, 2024) Mapunda, Fausta Marcellus
Despite the rural off-farm economy becoming increasingly important, the question whether off- farm income-generating activities increase household food and nutritional security in Tanzania remains unanswered. The current study explores the issue of off-farm employment by addressing two objectives: (i) to examine the drivers of households’ decision to participate in off-farm employment in a high-potential agricultural zone in Tanzania and (ii) to evaluate the impact of off- farm activities on rural households’ food security and nutritional security. We use household survey data from the southern highland districts of Mbeya and Songwe regions collected in 2014 and 2016. We employ difference-in-difference and propensity score matching techniques to evaluate the impact of participation in off-farm employment on household food security using three indicators with different recall periods. Results show that more adults per household and a larger farm size stimulated involvement in off-farm activities, while farming experience and livestock ownership had a limiting effect. Participation has a significant impact on food security, but the strength of the effect depends on the specific indicator selected. We recommend that the development of policies and programs that pay more attention to off-farm work can boost rural household income and thus promote food security and nutritional security.
Estimating heterogeneous effects of land titling on rural household’s agricultural productivity: evidence from the southern highland regions of Tanzania
(Canadian Center of Science and Education, 2024-02-15) Mapunda, Fausta Marcellus
This paper analyses the effect of land titles on agricultural productivity in the southern highland regions of Mbeya and Ruvuma and assesses the potential mediating effect of access to credit. The contribution of this paper to the existing literature is threefold. First, it contributes to the general literature on the impact of land titling on agricultural performance. Second, it investigates whether access to credit is an important mediating variable. Third, it assessed whether households respond differently depending on farmer and land characteristics. To contribute to the evidence on the impact of land titling four hypotheses were tested: Since the study is based on observational data, propensity score matching technique was employ to determine the land titling effects. The findings suggest that land titles have a statistically significant positive effect on productivity. This can at least partially be explained by an increase in credit access for titled households. The study results further suggest heterogeneous effects of titles, which vary with age of the head of household and size of land cultivated.
Do grassroots institutions promote household food security? Evidence from cooperative membership in the southern highland regions of Tanzania
(Tanzania Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2021) Mapunda, F. M.
This study investigated the impact of Agricultural Marketing Cooperative Society (AMCOS) membership on household food security. The Propensity Score Matching (PSM) and Endogenous Switching Regression (ESR) models were used to evaluate whether changes in the treated group attributed to their membership. The study used cross-section data collected in 2016 from 1400 households in the southern highland regions of Mbeya and Songwe in Tanzania. The outcome variable of interest was the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS). The logit estimates indicated that age of the household head, total land owned, land cultivated, and whether a household head accessed credit from microfinance institutions significantly predicted the likelihood of joining a cooperative membership. Results of PSM show that ATT was negative (-0.039) implying that being treated cooperative members were likely to improve household food security. On the contrary, the result from ESR suggested that being treated cooperative membership a had negative impact on reducing household food insecurity status. The differences in ATT from PSM and that from ESR models suggest that both observed and unobserved factors influence the decision to join cooperative membership and household food security outcome given the joining decisions. However, the Transitional Heterogeneity effect was negative (TH= -0.486) implying that the impact on reducing food insecurity was much higher to rural farm household that did receive intervention compared to untreated cooperative members. The study recommends the need to promote policies that aim to strengthen cooperatives and their functioning for the rural farming households to boost their income and improve household food security.
Do market opportunities for the nile perch matter in contributing to household income? Evidence from lake victoria fisheries in Tanzania
(The sub Saharan Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities (SJSSH), 2021-06-15) Fausta M. Mapunda 1.* ,2, , 3 , 4,5 and 6; Medard, Modesta N.; Kusiluka, Lugano L.; Anders Dalsgaard, A; Mdegela, Robinson H.
Increasingly fish marketing in Tanzania has become demand-driven. Recently, domestic and regional markets for fish are emerging as lucrative business ventures. To what extent Lake Victoria Nile Perch marketing contributes to fishers, processors, and traders’ income in the region remains unclear. This study specifically: (i) examined the marketing opportunities of the Nile perch (Lates niloticus) in the Lake Victoria basin and its contribution to household income and (ii) analyzed opportunities and challenges facing the Nile perch value chain actors. Random sampling was employed to select 100 fishers, processors, and traders. A structured questionnaire was the primary tool for data collection. A multiple regression model was used to estimate the causal effect relationship between fish market opportunities and the income earned. Results indicate that the size of the business capital, knowledge of fish quality control, and bookkeeping were statistically positive and significantly contributed to increased household income at P<0.01. The quantity of fish sold per month shows a significant contribution to household income at p<0.05. The freshness of fish was an important attribute affecting customers' attraction, thereby increasing the income of the fisheries. Weak institutional support forms another potential constraint for Nile perch stakeholders from realizing the benefits of integration in the regional market. The fish chain actors need to develop appropriate marketing strategies such as segmenting the market according to consumers’ preferences to exploit new market opportunities. There is a need to promote policies that support strengthening domestic and regional fish markets for increasing employment opportunities, household income, and economic growth. A comprehensive policy analysis governing fish marketing arrangement and credit markets remains a potential area for further research.
The nexus between school environment and pupils’ learning outcomes within the framework of the unlock literacy program in Handeni district, Tanzania
(Journal of Research Innovation and Implications in Education, 2025) Kasilima, Joan; Kadigi, Michael
This study employs a quasi-experimental design to examine the influence of the school environment on pupils' learning outcomes within the Unlock Literacy Program in Handeni District. Data from 200 pupil respondents were collected through surveys and key informant interviews with teachers. The analysis utilized STATA 17 software for descriptive statistics to assess educational infrastructure and resources and ordinal regression to evaluate the school environment's impact on pupil learning outcomes. The findings indicate significant disparities in access to infrastructure and resources between treatment and control groups. Treatment schools had superior access to toilet facilities, classroom conditions, books, and libraries, with 37.5% having good classroom environments and similar percentages reflecting adequate book and library access. In contrast, control schools exhibited deficiencies, with 50% reporting inadequate books and 37.5% lacking library facilities. Ordinal regression revealed that factors like teacher encouragement, peer interaction, homework management, borrowing books, and engaging in fun activities significantly improved learning outcomes when integrated into a structured program. Conversely, the absence of such support led to less effective or negative impacts on pupils’ learning. Based on these findings, the study recommends adopting structured educational programs integrating supportive activities like teacher encouragement and peer interactions to enhance learning. Emphasizing positive teacher-pupil relationships through targeted training, improving access to essential resources, and regularly evaluating educational programs are crucial for fostering effective educational environments and improving pupil success.
Stochastic frontier analysis of technical efficiency of smallholder maize farmers in Morogoro municipality: a reflection from RIPAT program
(East African Journal of Agriculture and Biotechnology, 2025) Aman, Raphael; Nyanda, Suzana; Massawe, Goodluck; Kadigi, Michael
This study looks into the elements that influence maize production and technical efficiency among households participating in the RIPAT SUA Project in Morogoro Municipality, using stochastic frontier analysis for the 2022 – 2023 season. The focus was on socio-economic characteristics, land size, seed usage, use of fertilizer extension services, training from the project, and education. The primaryobjective was to examine the factors influencing maize production and Stochastic Frontier, efficiency by evaluating socioeconomic aspects and specific Technical Efficiency, agricultural techniques. A total of 110 households were surveyed with standardized questionnaires. Socioeconomic data was collected, key variables were evaluated and key variables were analyzed using descriptive statistics and analysis. The results reveal that land size harms productivity (β = -0.436, p < 0.001), whereas improved seed usage has a positive impact (β = 0.401, p = 0.016). Education level (β = -1.168, p = 0.002) and agriculture experience (β = -0.016, p = 0.049) considerably reduce insisting on the importance of education interventions. Additionally, 40% of households have access to VSLA, revealing financial problems. While 94.55% of households got training, only 18.18% received extension services which could hamper the best productivity. Every household reported owning land and using seeds highlighting that they had the necessary materials for maize production. Regarding technical efficiency, Magadu ward high score of 5%, while Kauzeni has the lowest at 1.9% suggesting significant disproportions in productivity among wards. These findings emphasize the importance of focused initiatives to improve agriculture productivity through enhancing farmer education and training, experience, and increased access to finance. These strategies are critical for improving maize productivity and addressing food security issues among households participating in programs like the RIPAT SUA initiative hence will increase agricultural efficiency and contribute to more farmer-sustainable farming methods throughout the region .
Social security policy in Tanzania: a review of benefits, challenges and effectiveness
(Asian Research Journal of Arts & Social Sciences, 2024-11-29) Nyamwero, Nyamsabhi M.; Kadigi, Michael
Social security systems provide financial support during unemployment, illness, disability, and old age, evolving from informal, community-based support to structured, state-regulated schemes. A review was utilized in methodology covering publications from 2013 to 2023 aimed at identifying current social security schemes, challenges, and policy effectiveness and is guided by Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Different search engines and databases including JSTOR, Google Scholar, and the Social Science Research Network (SSRN). The search involves the use of key search strings such as social security, social policy, health insurance, social protection, policy formulation, and implementation. A total of 114 publications were obtained, and due to selection criteria, a total of 25 relevant articles remained and were included in the study. The findings reveal that Tanzania's social security system comprises various schemes like the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) and the Public Service Social Security Fund (PSSSF) which offer diverse benefits. However, challenges such as limited coverage, particularly in the informal sector, governance issues, and financial sustainability hinder their effectiveness. Despite these challenges, social security policies have positively impacted society in different ways such as poverty alleviation and healthcare access. Recommendations include expanding coverage, enhancing governance, increasing public awareness, leveraging technology, strengthening institutional capacity, ensuring financial sustainability, and fostering international partnerships. The study highlights the need for comprehensive reforms in Tanzania’s social security system to enhance coverage, governance, and sustainability, thereby ensuring greater social protection for all citizens particularly those in the informal sector, rural and remote areas.
Participation in village savings and lending associations and rice profitability in Tanzania: application of propensity score matching and endogenous switching regression
(Sustainable Futures, 2024-02-13) Mtenga, Rozalia P.; Funga, Anthony; Kadigi, Michael
We assess the contribution of participation in bundled service-bundled VSLAs on rice productivity and profit among smallholder rice farmers in Mvomero District, Tanzania. The study propensity score matching (PSM) and endogenous switching regression (ESR) models, and found that participation in VSLA has a positive and sig nificant contribution to rice productivity and profit for smallholder rice farmers. Participation in VSLAs increases farmers’ ability to regenerate income for investing in improving productivity and profitability and enhancing rice sector development. VSLAs prove as a tool for building financial capital through savings and easy access to credit in rural areas. This study improves on existing research and offers new insights into the effects of VSLA as one of the financial inclusion tools on the economic activities of agricultural households in Tanzania.
Motivational factors for participation in domestic marine tourism: the case of marine protected areas of Dar es salaam coast, Tanzania
(European Journal of Development Studies, 2024-05-09) Bright, Neema; Mkiramweni, Nickson; Kadigi, Michael
Domestic tourism has rapidly become one of the better options for enhancing social, economic, and environmental development in many countries. For a country to benefit from this option, the participation of citizens in tourism activities is highly encouraged. Several efforts have been made by the government of Tanzania to encourage its citizens to participate in tourism. Despite these efforts, there is still an absence of knowledge of what motivates citizens to visit Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). The study was conducted in marine park reserves, namely Bongoyo, Mbudya, and Fungu Yasini-all located in the Indian Ocean in the Dar es Salaam region of Tanzania (Marine Park & Reserves, n.d.). The study adopted an exploratory research design to explore the factors that visitors consider important for participating in marine tourism. The study used a sample size of 60 respondents. The respondents were gathered using the convenience sampling technique. Data has been collected using questionnaires and telephone interviews and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) v26. The partial least square structural equation model (PLS-SEM) was used to explore the statistical relationships between destination attributes and visitors’ psychological needs for their satisfaction. Findings indicate that psychological needs have a strong relationship with destination attributes. The destination attributes have a significant impact on satisfaction. The study revealed that resting and relaxation, pride, and novelty are the psychological needs that significantly influence satisfaction. Likewise, destination attributes that were mentioned by respondents as important were scenic beauty, clean water, cruising environment, and staff hospitality. It is recommended that service providers understand and match visitors’ psychological needs with destination attributes for their target markets and accordingly design the provision of products and services at affordable rates.
Internal control systems and the revenue collection performance among Local Government Authorities (LGA) in Tanzania
(Journal of Policy and Development Studies, 2025-02-17) Hyera, Dennis W.; Kadigi, Michael L.; Ndyetabula, Daniel W.
This study examines the influence of internal control systems on revenue collection performance in selected Local Government Authorities (LGAs) in Tanzania. Weak internal controls contribute to inefficiencies, fraud, and inconsistent financial reporting, posing challenges to revenue collection. The study evaluates the influence of internal control mechanisms in three LGAs, Mbeya, Mwanza, and Manyara, categorised as high, medium, and low performers by the Controller and Auditor General (CAG). A cross-sectional survey design was employed, collecting data from 400 revenue officers across the three LGAs. The study applied Two-Stage Least Squares (2SLS) regression, using external audit frequency as an instrument to address endogeneity concerns. Structured questionnaires facilitated standardised data collection. Findings reveal that solid internal controls significantly improve revenue collection. Accurate financial records (β = 0.045, p < 0.01), timely reporting (β = 0.226, p < 0.01), and effective monitoring (β = 0.152, p < 0.01) enhance revenue efficiency. However, fraud incidents negatively impact revenue growth (β = -0.042, p < 0.1). Internal audits strongly influence revenue increments (β = 0.241, p < 0.01), highlighting their crucial role. To enhance revenue performance, LGAs should strengthen internal audits, improve the accuracy of financial records, implement fraud prevention measures, and optimise reporting timelines. Policymakers should establish standardised internal control frameworks, invest in technology, and engage Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), local communities, civil society organisations, and NGOs to enhance external oversight, promote citizen participation, and reinforce trust. Additionally, conducting regular policy reviews will improve accountability and efficiency in revenue collection processes.
Impacts of sustainable agricultural practices on food security, nutrition, and poverty among Smallholder maize farmers in Morogoro region, Tanzania
(African Journal of Empirical Research, 2023) Mugula, Joseph J.; Ahmad, Athman K.; Msinde, John; Kadigi, Michael
The study utilized data from adoption pathway survey and utility maximization theory to examine the impacts of adopting sustainable agricultural practices (SAPs) on food security, nutrition, and poverty among smallholder maize farmers in the Morogoro region of Tanzania. The SAPs considered include manure, crop rotation, intercropping, crop residuals, and improved maize varieties. Using the endogenous treatment effect model, data collected from 470 farming households in Kilosa and Mvomero districts through a multi-stage sampling procedure were analyzed. Prior to data analysis, weak instrument and zero first-stage tests were employed to test the robustness and validity of the selected instruments, with results deemed satisfactory. The empirical findings indicate that the application of improved maize varieties, crop residual, and crop rotation practices had positive and significant impacts on the household’s food security and nutrition. Notably, the usage of improved maize varieties alone demonstrated positive and significant impacts on poverty indicators, suggesting its potential to alleviate poverty among smallholder farmers. The study recommends the development of agricultural productivity enhancement programmes. These programmes should feature a precise targeting strategy aimed at food-insecure households and poor farming households, with the goal of eradicating hunger and nutrition deficiencies within these vulnerable groups. Furthermore, the poverty-alleviating impacts of SAPs, such as improved maize varieties, are expected to grow with increased adoption. Consequently, it is crucial to prioritize significant investments in agriculture. Strengthening and improving maize seed systems becomes imperative, aiming to guarantee the availability and affordability of enhanced maize varieties for smallholder farmers in Tanzania. This step will facilitate wider adoption and contribute to poverty reduction among farming communities.
Farmers’ awareness of and attitude towards diversified legumes production in Singida region, Tanzania
(European Journal of Agriculture and Food Sciences, 2024-01-11) Lema, Caroline Fredy; Kadigi, Michael; Kayunze, Kim Abel
For an extended period, legumes have served as nutritional sources in the diets of both humans and animals. Efforts have been made to increase the yield of the legume crops in Tanzania, but there is still low awareness of and unfavourable attitudes towards legume crop diversification among farmers. The study, on which this paper is based, aimed at investigating farmers’ awareness of and attitude towards diversified legumes, specifically to analyze socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents, assess awareness of and attitude towards diversified legumes production, and determine effects of awareness of and attitude towards diversified legumes production on management practices of diversified legumes production. A cross-sectional survey was employed whereby primary data were collected from 204 legume farmers using a semi-structured questionnaire. Content analysis was conducted using Nvivo software to analyze qualitative data. For quantitative data, Likert scale analysis was employed as a method for descriptive statistics, and Principal Component Analysis was used as a method for inferential analysis. These analyses were performed using Smart PLS software. The findings of the study revealed that several factors significantly influenced smallholder farmers' awareness and perception of diversified legumes. These factors included ease of cultivation, fair distribution of seeds, food availability, increase in income level, high legume harvest, and higher profitability of legumes (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the statement "enough of information" did not show statistical significance (p > 0.05). However, it exhibited a positive association. Conclusively, criteria like "easy cultivation" and "fair seed distribution" had a big impact on how smallholder farmers perceived and knew about diverse legumes. However, "enough information" did not appear to have a major significance. In addition, it was found that major influences on farmers' attitudes and understanding of diversified legumes included the availability of food, rising income levels, high yields of legumes, and perceived profitability. The paper recommends for the improvement of farmers' awareness and perception of diversified legumes, fair seed distribution methods must be established that provide equal access to high-quality seeds with the help of government organizations, non-profit organizations, and seed businesses.
Effect of training on knowledge, attitude, and practice on the use of hermetic storage technologies among smallholder farmers in Tanzania
(African Journal of Empirical Research, 2024) Mbesa, Baraka; Makindara, Jeremia; Kadigi, Michael; Majubwa, Ramadhani; Madege, Richard
Knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of farmers in post-harvest management (PHM) are essential for reducing food waste. However, their enhancement also depends on the training programs. Previous studies on the linkage between training programs and farmers’ KAP have been conducted with less emphasis on hermetic storage technology (HST) for PHM. This study aimed to assess the effect of training on KAP and, hence, the adoption of HSTs among smallholder farmers. The underlying theory of change of the study assumes that awareness and access to post-harvest technologies have effects on adoption rates, hence improving food security and income. A quasi-experimental matched-pair cluster randomization design was used to establish a cause-and-effect relationship between an independent and dependent variable. Maize farmer groups totalling 637 farmers were randomly selected and followed the experimental design of the “Evidence-based Scaling of Improved On-Farm Storage among Smallholders in Tanzania” intervention from Kilosa and Kondoa districts of Tanzania, whereas the treatment group farmers received training and free five hermetic storage bags each, while the control group farmers did not. However, this study documented the demographic profiles of farmers in association with KAP on HST using a pre-designed structured questionnaire and used ordinary least squares regression to explore this relationship. We find evidence consistent with a positive and significant relationship between training, KAP, and adoption. The results suggest that the KAP score and adoption were high for farmers who received training as an intervention for PHM using hermetic bags. Overall, the results are consistent with the theory that there is an effect between training and KAP and, thus, the adoption of HST. The study recommends placing emphasis on farmer’s training programs regarding PHM, thus increasing their knowledge, attitude, and practices, and hence their adoption, to enhance food loss control.

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