Articles, Conference and Workshop Papers Collection

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Income Linkage as an Aspect Of Power Relations Among Chain Actors In The Groundnuts Seed Value Chain In Kongwa And Kiteto Districts, Tanzania
(Tanzania Journal of Community Development, 2022) Mulokozi, G. G.; Massawe, G. D; Mwololo, J.
This study aims at addressing limited knowledge on income linkages and power dynamics within the groundnuts seed value chain. The study population comprised members from three clusters: research institutes, village and district authority level, including innovation platform members in Kiteto and Kongwa Districts. Primary data was collected through focus group discussions and interviews, while secondary data was obtained from records relating to the groundnut crop and its value chain. Four Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) (two in Mlali Village-Kongwa District and two in Kiteto District) with a total of 48 purposively selected respondents participated in the discussions. Key informants were also selected using a purposive sampling technique to obtain a range of cases with relevant knowledge of the groundnut seed value chain. Social network data on income linkages among actors was analysed using the UCINET statistical software package integrated with the NETDRAW program to determine centrality measures and the level of influence and importance among chain actors. Qualitative data from semi-structured interviews were also analysed through content analysis involving breaking, comparing, and categorizing to complement the social network data. The study revealed that farmers and middlemen had the highest relative normalized betweenness compared to other actors in both district and village levels, indicating that they are powerful due to their importance in the value chain setup. The study concluded that there is a need to ensure inclusive and improved income linkages both vertically and horizontally with other actors for stable and functional groundnuts seed value chain.
Factors associated with post-harvest milk losses at collection centres and among vendors in Tanzania
(Tanzania Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2023) Lugamara, C. B.; Urassa, J. K.; Massawe, G. D.
Tanzania has engaged in various interventions to improve the countries food and nutritional security among which is the creation of a good environment for increased milk production, collection, storage, marketing and consumption. However, milk losses continue to occur along the country’s milk value chain (4.4% and 7.0% at the collection centres and the milk vendors respectively). The study on which the paper is based assessed factors associated with post-harvest milk losses among milk collectors and vendors in Tanzania. A cross-sectional research design was adopted whereby 35 individuals who were in-charge of milk collection centres (MCCs) and 52 milk vendors were selected for the study covering the period June 2021 to September 2022. Generally, the results show that milk was mostly lost through spoilage (2.7% & 3.5%), spillage (1.9% & 3.3%) and contamination (0.1% & 0.2%) at the MCCs and vendors respectively. In addition, Generalised Linear Mixed Model results show that characteristics of the milk transporter (Adjusted Coefficient (AC) = -3.519; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): -5.752--1.286), market stability (AC = -9.525; CI: -18.092--0.958), season (AC = -0.19; 95% CI: -0.37--0.010) and awareness/knowledge on post-harvest milk losses (AC = -0.274; 95% CI: -0.490--0.058) were negatively and significantly associated with post-harvest milk losses. Therefore, respondents’ characteristics, market stability, season, milk handling facilities and awareness/knowledge of post-harvest milk loss were the main drivers of post-harvest milk losses (PHMLs). Therefore, there is a need for the livestock extension officers in Tanzania to create awareness but, also train milk collectors on how to reduce PHMLs. In addition, there is a need for collective investment in milk infrastructures and other logistics if milk losses by the above-mentioned are to be reduced. Lastly, the Government needs to create a conducive environment that enhances the availability of quality and affordable milk handling equipment to allow the storage and transportation of milk that minimizes its losses.
Smallholder rice farmers’ technical efficiency: implication for competitiveness through agricultural marketing co-operative societies in Tanzania
(Tanzania Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2023) Mauki, C.; Jeckoniah, J.; Massawe, G. D.
Agricultural Marketing Co-operative Societies (AMCOS) are increasingly being advocated by the government of Tanzania as a way to enhance smallholder farmers’ competitiveness countrywide. Yet, the smallholder rice farmers’ competitiveness is low. This paper analysed the smallholder rice farmers’ competitiveness in terms of Technical Efficiency (TE) in Morogoro and Mbeya regions, Tanzania. Data were collected from 382 smallholder rice farmers. The Cobb-Douglas stochastic frontier model was used to establish the frontier line of the farmer’s production potentials by a single-stage Maximum Likelihood Estimates. The findings show that the mean TE indices for Kapunga, Madibira and UWAWAKUDA AMCOS were 84.9%, 87.6% and 79.1% respectively. Across AMCOS, it was found that intermediate costs, labor costs, fixed costs and amount of fertiliser influenced productivity ( P<0.05) while access to training, water distribution, ploughing time, planting systems, and access to credit influenced TE (P<0.05). The mean TE for the whole sample was 83.8% indicating that smallholder rice farms in the study area have been operating below the maximum level of production frontier and given the available technology, farmers can increase their production by 16.2%. The rice production in terms of TE has not reached a plateau, hence there is a potential for improvement. This study recommends that policymakers should prioritize the implementation of targeted training programs and enhance access to agricultural inputs and credit facilities to improve the technical efficiency of smallholder rice farmers. The Local Government Authority and development partners espoused with improving smallholder farmers’ livelihoods should ensure farmers’ access to credit and increase farmers’ linkages to credit providers in the rice farming schemes.
Traditional livestock systems in Tanzania; an application of the TEEB Framework
(The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB), 2020) Baltussen, W.; van Berkum, S.; Dijkxhoorn, Y.; Helmes, R.; Özkan Gülzari, Ş.; Vellinga, T.; Massawe, G. D.; Galgani, P.; Borniotto, D.; van den Elzen, F.; Smith, T.
A review of post-harvest milk losses in Tanzania’s milk sector: lessons from production to consumption
(Tanzania Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2023) Lugamara, C.B.; Urassa, J. K.; Massawe, G. D.
Tanzania has engaged in various policies, strategies and programmes in order to increase production, processing and marketing infrastructure for milk and milk products and minimise animal product losses. However, not much is known in relation to post-harvest milk losses. Therefore, the review paper aims to establish from empirical literature the extent of Tanzania’s post-harvest milk losses and the causes in relation to efforts made by the government to minimise the same. To achieve the above, the authors used various databases to locate documents reporting on Tanzania’s post-harvest milk losses whereby 1605 documents were identified and screened remaining with 82 that were deemed relevant. Thereafter, an assessment of the 82 documents led to only 12 being included in the critical review, with ten being dropped due to either being similar or using the same data. Therefore, in the end, only two documents are captured in this paper. Generally, the review shows that there is insufficient empirical information on Tanzania’s post-harvest milk losses with the most recent study having been conducted almost 19 years ago. In addition, the study’s scope was quite limited, covering a sample of 66 respondents and a narrow geographical coverage of only three regions (i.e. Coast, Dar es Salaam and Morogoro). Furthermore, the study used the rapid appraisal approach. Therefore, there is a need for disaggregated information on Tanzania’s extent of post-harvest milk losses at various nodes of the milk value chain so as to inform policy makers and other stakeholders interested in curbing the same. Keywords: Milk losses, milk supply chain, post-harvest losses.
Food insecurity among working poor and their coping strategies in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.
(Social Work Journal, 2024) Njalambaya, C. A; Kayunze, K. A; Massawe, G. D.
Food insecurity is one of the contemporary global challenges as a large number of people in the world have inadequate access to sufficient and quality food. The objectives of the paper are as follows: to assess the status of food insecurity among working poor class members in Dar es Salaam, examine their coping strategies, and determine the association between the status of food insecurity and coping strategies. The study used a cross-sectional research design. A structured questionnaire and Focus Group Discussions (FDGs) were used to collect data from 336 respondents. Chi-square was used to determine the association between the status of food insecurity of the working poor and their coping strategies in Dar es Salaam. The findings show that the working poor mainly relied on loans from friends and relatives and participating in Rotating Savings and Credits Associations (ROSCAs) as coping strategies. Furthermore, less than 20% of the working poor households experienced food insecurity. Coping strategies such as changing the place of residence, receiving financial assistance from friends and relatives, and participating in ROSCAs were significantly associated with food insecurity status of the working poor. It is concluded that food insecurity among the working poor is a relatively invisible aspect. Being a worker with a monthly wage does not prevent the working poor from falling into the food-insecure population category. It is recommended that the information on the association between the status of food insecurity and the coping strategies used by the working poor should be considered in the amendments of policies such as the Food Insecurity Policy for them to be efficient.
Determinants of post-harvest milk losses among milk producers in Tanzania
(ASRIC Journal on Agricultural Sciences, 2023) Lugamara, Charles B.; Urassa, Justin K.; Massawe, Goodluck D.
Despite the Tanzania’s programmes that aimed at improving infrastructures for milk and milk products, milk losses continue to be substantially high. The paper evaluated the determinants of post-harvest milk losses at the milk producers in Tanzania. The study adopted the cross-sectional research design whereby data were collected from 370 household heads and 38 Farm Managers in both the dry (June to October 2021; June to September 2022) and wet (November to December 2021; January to May 2022) seasons. Generally, study findings showed that milk was mainly lost through spillage, spoilage and contamination. In addition, Generalised Linear Mixed Model results showed existence of significant associations between location (Adjusted Coefficient (AC) = -0.80; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): -1.28-0.31), cattle keeping systems (AC = -0.75; 95% CI: -1.38-0.11), market price (AC = 0.66; 95% CI: 0.23- 1.10), transport means (AC = -0.69; 95% CI: -1.29—0.10) and spillage. Additionally, washing cow’s udder before milking (AC = -2.10; 95% CI: -3.70-0.49), water used for washing milk utensils (AC = -1.302; 95% CI: -2.43—0.17) and storage equipment (AC = -1.26; 95% CI: -2.47—0.05) were significantly associated with spoilage. Therefore, the Tanzanian government needs to improve extension services and workable strategies to minimise milk losses.
Causes and management of land conflicts in Tanzania: a case of farmers versus pastoralists
(Uongozi Journal of Management and Development Dy namics, 2016) Massawe, Goodluck Dastan; Urassa, Justin Kalisti
Land conflicts are on the increase in many parts of Tanzania. Though the same existed even in the planned economy era 1961 to 1985, there has been an escalation of thesame since Tanzania opted for the.free market economy in the mid-1980s. While land corif!.icts are experienced by all walk<; of life and people engaged in different economic activities, those between farmers and pastoralists have been more dread.fit! leading to loss of life and property in many instances. The aim of this paper is twofold: firstly, to examine the factors that have contributed to the causes and persistence of .farmer-pastoralist conflicts in Tanzania; and secondly, to examine the strategies that have been applied in managing .farmer-pastoralist conflicts. The paper contains a review that is organised into three .fundamental sections. After introduction, Section Two discusses the literature that analyses the conflict by drawing on the social, historical and economic causes. In Section Three, the papei· introduces some of the key framework<; used within the peace and conflict literature, particularly in reference to the dffering notions of conflict management, conflict resolution and conflict transformation that could be applied in solving or managing conflicts between .farmers and pastoralists in Tanzania for the good of both groups. The paper makes two conclusions: firstl y, the farmer-pastoralist conflict tends to be best explained through an interpretive lens that sees many processes impacting on the highlighted issue. Whilefarmer-pastoralist corifl.i cts have been produced by social, historical, economic and discursive factors; the former three factors have dominated most of the analysis within the literature . Secondly, there is no single solution for managing the conflicts. However, to effectively manage the conflicts communities need to adopt a multidimensional approach that takes into account a range of the contributing factors .
Smallholder rice farmers profitability in Agricultural Marketing Co-operative Societies in Tanzania: A case of Mvomero and Mbarali districts
(Heliyon, 2023) Mauki, C.; Jeckoniah, J.; Massawe, G. D.
mallholder rice farming in Tanzania is an important economic activity that has the potential to livelihood improvement of smallholder farmers, yet their profitability remains low due to several challenges they face. This study analyzed costs and benefits associated with smallholder rice farming, determined profit distribution among farmers and assessed risk bearing ability of smallholder rice farmers under changing circumstances of total variable costs, price and yields. The study was conducted in Mvomero and Mbarali districts and adopted a cross-sectional research design, the sample size was 382 smallholder rice farmers selected from three Agricul tural Marketing Co-operative Societies during 2021 cropping season. Data were collected through a questionnaire-based survey and key informant interviews. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and excel whereby Enterprise Budgetary Technique and Sensitivity Analysis were performed. The study found an average Return on Investment of 0.42, Benefit Cost Ratio of 1.42 and Profit Margin of 24%. The level of profitability differed among co- operatives where ‘Umoja wa Wakulima Dakawa’ (UWAWAKUDA) had the highest return per acre (524 417 TZS) followed by Kapunga (414 111 TZS) and Madibira (316 638 TZS). Furthermore, smallholder rice farmers’ Gross Margins were significantly affected by changes in Total Variable Costs, output price and yield per acre. The study concludes that rice production is a profitable business in the study area. Therefore, the local government, co-operatives and other stakeholders should improve drivers that lead to increased profitability such as the water infrastructures, organize markets and build farmers’ capacities to improve yields and profitability among smallholder rice farmers.
Determinants of smallholder rice farmers’ market outlet selection in Mbarali and Mvomero Districts, Tanzania
(Tanzania Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2023) Mauki, C.; Jeckoniah, J.; Massawe, G.
Understanding smallholder farmers’ market outlets have the potential to improve the productivity and incomes of smallholder farmers engaged in rice farming. Tanzania rice farmers select market outlets from a diverse spectrum. There is a scarcity of empirical information on the drivers of farmers’ decision-making associated with market outlets in the context of Agricultural Marketing Co-operative Societies’ marketing initiatives. This paper explores the smallholder rice farmers’ drivers for the selection of market outlets. A cross-sectional research design was used. A sample of 382 smallholder rice farmers was selected from three co-operative societies selected from two districts in Morogoro and Mbeya Regions. Multivariate Probit regression was applied to examine the determinants of market outlet selection decisions. It was found that the market outlets were wholesale, retail, millers, middlemen and private buyer. The majority (65.7%) of farmers sold to more than one outlet. The quantity of paddy sold, access to market information, smartphone ownership, access to credit, the amount of rice sold and frequency of extension visits were the important determinants of the selection of market outlets (p<0.05). It is concluded that the majority of farmers have access to multiple market outlets which contributes to livelihood improvement. To promote livelihood through agricultural transformation in Tanzania, policymakers should prioritize increasing smallholder rice farmers' access to market outlets through initiatives such as building rural infrastructures, improving market information systems, and promoting public- private partnerships.
Smallholder rice farmers’ access to information in Tanzania: can agricultural marketing co-operative societies provide quality information?
(Journal of Co-operative and Business Studies, 2023) Mauki, Consesa; Jeckoniah, John; Massawe, Goodluck
Access to quality information plays a crucial role in enhancing the competitiveness of smallholder rice farmers in Tanzania. Agricultural co-operatives have the potential to overcome smallholder farmers’ information asymmetry. Yet, there is a lack of comprehensive understanding regarding the extent to which Agricultural Marketing Co-operative Societies (AMCOS) can effectively provide quality information to smallholder farmers as required by Co-operative Principle number five (Education, Training, and Information). This paper analyses the current level of access to information among smallholder rice farmers in AMCOS, evaluating the relevance, adequacy and reliability of information provided by AMCOS to its members and identifying the factors influencing the adequacy of the information provided by AMCOS. The study was conducted in Mvomero and Mbarali Districts. A cross- sectional research design was used and data were collected using a questionnaire that was administered to 382 randomly selected farmers based on registers availed by co-operative managers in three co-operatives. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) whereby ordinal logistic regression was used to estimate the influence of various factors on the adequacy of information obtained from AMCOS. The study found that 77.2% of farmers accessed information on rice agronomy. Smallholder rice farmers obtained adequate (52.6%), relevant (35.6%) and reliable (37.7%) information from their respective AMCOS. The adequacy of information was influenced by membership in social groups, access to rice agronomy information and financial information at p<0.05. It is concluded that agricultural co-operatives are potential platforms for providing quality information in enhancing smallholder rice farmers’ informed decision-making. The study recommends that efforts should be made to strengthen AMCOS by providing them with resources, training, and support to enhance their capacity to deliver accurate and timely information to farmers. This include collaboration with agricultural extension service providers and leveraging their networks to access up-to-date information on agronomic practices, weather forecasts, and market trends to enhance farmers’ competitiveness in rice farming.
Rapid environmental flow assessment for sustainable water resource management in Tanzania’s Lower Rufiji River Basin: a scoping review
(Heliyon, 2023) Kimambo, Offoro N.; Mbungu, Winfred; Massawe, Goodluck D.; Hamad, Amina A.; Ligate, Elly J.
The use of Environmental flow (e-Flow) assessment is a widely adopted approach to facilitate informed decision-making concerning sustainable management and utilization of water resources in river systems. The Lower Rufiji River Basin faces various developmental pressures from several sectors, including hydropower, mining, agriculture, livestock, fishing, and tourism, necessitating effective management of the sub-catchment area to prevent significant environmental impacts. Consequently, it is essential to acquire a comprehensive comprehension of the catchment’s at tributes, encompassing both climatic and non-climatic factors. Supported by e-Flow batch anal ysis of the available data at Stiegler’s Gorge using the global environmental flow calculator, a scoping review was conducted to determine the status of environmental flow in the lower Rufiji River basin. The findings suggest that, while there has been progress in understanding eFlow estimation, limited data and ecohydrological processes’ poor comprehension still present chal lenges. Hydrological and holistic methodologies are commonly employed in Tanzania; however, uncertainties remain, raising questions concerning trust between decision-making tools and water resource utilization by the public. Climate variability influences e-Flow in the Rufiji River Basin, and the projections under various scenarios indicate an increased temperature, varying rainfall, and humidity levels. Further, the area has been identified as a vulnerable “hotspot” where communities face greater climate stressor risks. With the existing and planned developmental projects in the basin, including hydroelectric dams, mining, agriculture, livestock, and fisheries, it is critical to assess e-Flow in the Lower Rufiji River basin to ensure resource sustainability. Advocating for preserving a dynamic environmental flow regime in rivers is recommended, considering the Rufiji River Basin’s habitat connectivity. The future research direction should be quantifying the contribution of base flow to the surface flow, and salinity dynamics in the Lower Rufiji River Basin, which can affect the Delta’s biodiversity.
Media narratives and agrarian conflicts: unveiling the discourse on farmer-pastoralist tensions in Tanzania
(The sub Saharan Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2023-12-27) Massawe, Goodluck D.
This paper explores the portrayal of farmer-pastoralist conflicts in Tanzanian media, focusing on how these narratives influence public perception and policy. Despite significant contributions to the economy, pastoralists face negative media depictions that exacerbate tensions with farmers. Using Norman Fairclough's model of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), the research examines the language and framing in media articles to uncover biases and their societal impact. The paper employs a qualitative methodology, analyzing headlines, lead paragraphs, and lexical choices in media representations over the last 30 years. Findings reveal that media often depict pastoralists as violent, irrational, and obstructive to development, which marginalizes them and reinforces societal prejudices. Positive portrayals, though less frequent, highlight their roles as peaceful, environmentally conscious, and politically significant. The discussion delves into the political economy of media in Tanzania, showing how dominant socio-political groups' interests are served at the expense of pastoralists. Conclusions stress the need for balanced media representations to foster understanding and sustainable coexistence between farmers and pastoralists. Recommendations call for media practices that reflect the complexities of pastoral life and contribute to more equitable policy frameworks.
Influence of livelihood assets on coping strategies against poverty among the working poor in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.
(Tanzania Journal of Community Development,, 2024) Njalambaya, C. A.; Kayunze, K. A.; Massawe, G. D.
Studies inadequately addressed the influence of livelihood assets on coping strategies against poverty used by the working poor in Tanzania. This paper examines coping strategies used by the working poor, identifies the ownership of livelihood assets and examines the influence of livelihood assets on the coping strategies used. The study used a cross-sectional research design, whereby quantitative data were collected from 336 respondents using a structured questionnaire. A multivariate regression model was used to determine the influence of livelihood assets on the coping strategies against poverty. The study findings show that the working poor mainly resorted to taking loans from relatives and friends and participating in ROSCAs as coping strategies. Despite having low income, the working poor managed to own various livelihood assets such as human, physical, natural and social capital. Furthermore, the use of coping strategies by the working poor households was generally influenced by livelihood assets. Conclusively, the working poor are more likely to vary their strategies in accordance with the assets at their disposal. It is recommended that the local authorities should adequately address the constraints of using livelihood assets so that the working poor use life-improving coping strategies.
Land tenure security and households’ food security nexus: implications for an improving land governance in Iringa District, Tanzania
(African Journal of Empirical Research, 2024) Usika, Gerald; Kabote, Samwel J.; Urassa, Justin K.
This study was conducted to determine the contribution of the Certificate of Customary Rights of Occupancy (CCRO) to farming households’ food security in the Iringa District Council. Particularly, the study aimed to determine the influence of land tenure security on the food situation of households, the influence of land tenure security on food consumption, and the influence of land tenure security on the source of food for households. The study was guided by the institutional theory and the theory of access, these theories linked the study to the existing body of literature. The study adopted a quasi-experimental research design where villages that received CCRO were considered as the treatment group of the study and those villages without CCRO were categorized as the control group for the study. The study decided to adopt the Propensity Score Matching method for constructing a comparison group. The total sample size for this study was 400 households, with equality divided between the two villages, with and without CCRO. The study used a systematic random sampling approach to select a sample size of 400 households from the targeted population. The study employed a mixed methods approach whereby both qualitative and quantitative data were collected through questionnaires and interviews respectively. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics using IBM SPSS for quantitative data, while qualitative data was analyzed using a content analysis approach. The study found that those households with CCROs show a high score of food consumption compared to households without CCROs, this indicates that CCROs enhance food security in households. This was supported statistically by regression results and bivariate outcomes that illustrate the significance of CCROs ownership in improving the food situation of households between households having CCROs compared to those that haven’t. Furthermore, the study found that there is a difference in food consumption patterns between households with CCROs and those without CCROs. The study concluded that land tenure security has a great impact on the food security of households in the Iringa district, also, it was concluded that CCRO ownership contributes to improving the food situation of households enhancing their capacity to access diverse food groups. The study recommended that government and local government authorities develop policies and strategies that are tailored and applicable to agriculture development and land ownership to improve land governance structure that allows land registration easy.
Digital literacy and crop productivity: evidence from cross- sectional data in Hai and Moshi districts, Kilimanjaro-Tanzania
(AJOL, 2024-03-08) Hassani, M.S.; Mohamed, H.I.; Urassa, J.K.; Muhanga, M.I.
Access to information through digital platforms particularly social media has the potential to improve agricultural productivity, henceimprovement of smallholder farmers' well-being. This is anticipated where farmers can significantly access, understand, evaluate and apply information obtained in agricultural-related activities. However, this depends, inter alia, on the extent to which farmers are digital literate, despite notable access and general use of digital platforms by farmers, there is a need to empirically understand how farmers digital literacy contributes to crop productivity . The study explored the use of social media and the Internet through digital platforms by smallholder farmers and determined the contribution of digital literacy to agricultural productivity. The study adopted a cross-sectional research design; data were collected using a structured questionnaire from 200 purposefully selected smallholder farmers. Focus group discussions and key informant interviews were used to collect complementary data. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to explore the use of the internet and social media, multiple linear regression analysis was used to determine the contribution of digital literacy to agricultural productivity. The results show that 70.5 per cent of smallholder farmers have access to social media. However, the majority (95%) lack awareness of agricultural information apps. Although digital literacy had a negative but significant effect on maize productivity, it nonetheless had a positive and significant effect on common beans' productivity. It is concluded that smallholder social media and the internet contribute to agricultural productivity. It is recommended that the agricultural and ICT departments in Hai and Moshi districts and other interested stakeholders should conduct awareness campaigns and training in rural areas on accessing information concerning agricultural activities through the use of digital platforms towards improved productivity.
The functionality of health facility governing committees and their associated factors in selected primary health facilities implementing direct health facility financing in Tanzania: a mixed‐method study
(Wiley, 2022-03-22) Kesale, Anosisye Mwandulusya; Mahonge, Christopher Paul; Muhanga, Mikidadi
Background: In Lower and Middle‐Income Countries (LMICs), decentralization has dominated the agenda for reforming the organization of service delivery (LMICs). The fiscal decentralization challenge is a hard one for decentralization. As they strive to make decisions and use health facility funding, primary healthcare facilities encounter the obstacles of fiscal decentralization. LMICs are currently implementing fiscal decentralization reforms to empower health facilities and their Health Facility Governing Committees (HFGCs) to improve service delivery. Given the scarcity of systematic evidence on the impact of fiscal decentralization, this study examined the functionality of HFGCs and their associated factors in primary healthcare facilities in Tanzania that were implementing fiscal decentralization through Direct Health Facility Financing (DHFF). Methods: To collect both qualitative and quantitative data, a cross‐sectional approach was used. The research was carried out in 32 primary healthcare facilities in Tanzania that were implementing the DHFF. A multistage sample approach was utilized to pick 280 respondents, using both probability and nonprobability sampling procedures. A structured questionnaire, in‐depth interviews, and focus group discussions were used to gather data. The functionality of HFGCs was determined using descriptive analysis, and associated factors for the functioning of HFGCs were determined using binary logistic regression. Thematic analysis was used to do qualitative research. Result: HFGC functionality under DHFF has been found to be good by 78.57%. Specifically, HFGCs have been found to have good functionality in mobilizing communities to join Community Health Funds 87.14%, participating in the procurement process 85%, discussing community health challenges 81.43% and planning and budgeting 80%. The functionality of HFGCs has been found to be associated with the planning and budgeting aspects p value of 0.0011, procurement aspects p value 0.0331, availability of information reports p value 0.0007 and Contesting for HFGC position p value 0.0187. Conclusion: The study found that fiscal decentralization via DHFF increases the functionality of HFGCs significantly. As a result, the report proposes that more effort be placed into making financial resources available to health facilities.
Gas extraction operations and livelihood diversification in Tanzania: rhetoric and reality
(Elsevier Ltd, 2023-06-20) Musoma, Beston Musa; Nyanda, Suzana Samson; Muhanga, Mikidadi Idd; Massawe, Fatihiya Ally
The lives and livelihoods of farming and fishing communities in rural Tanzania are highly sus ceptible to extractive investment operations. Livelihood diversification in communities beyond agriculture and fishing can be an effective way to cope with the adverse impacts of extractive investment operations. Gas extraction operations (GEOs) are expected to change and diversify communities’ livelihoods. Tanzania has new GEOs; thus, it is necessary to investigate how they have diversified livelihoods in Mtwara Rural District. This article addresses the associations be tween GEOs and diversifying livelihoods. The paper explores (i) livelihood diversification before and during GEOs, (ii) associations between GEOs and villagers’ livelihoods diversification, and (iii) communities’ perspectives on GEOs and livelihood diversification. Proportionate stratified sampling was used to obtain 260 respondents. A questionnaire-based survey, four (4) Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), and fifteen (15) Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) were used to collect data. IBM-SPSS version 25 was used to analyse quantitative data. The Chi-square test was employed to analyse livelihood diversification concerning GEOs. Content analysis was used for qualitative data. Near and distant communities saw farming decline by 81.5% and 83.5%, respectively. Also, fishing declined by 85.2% and 83.7%. On the other hand, GEOs enhanced motorbike transport by 160.0% and 300.0%, food vending improved by 166.7% and 236.4%, and seashell collection increased by 816.0% and 462.5%, respectively. GEOs diversified farming (p = 0.001), fishing (p = 0.008), agricultural wage labour (p = 0.000), and crop business (p = 0.036) with moderate strength of association. GEOs have diversified livelihoods in the study area. The study demon strates that communities surrounding GEOs are highly socioeconomically vulnerable due to GEOs which caused declining agricultural and fish catches, thus negatively affecting their livelihoods. It is recommended that long-term programmes such as the building of diverse agro-based enter prises for job creation, training on income-generating occupations, agribusiness and technical training are required to increase earnings and enhance living standards. Both public and private entities should conduct a targeted and context-specific initiative to increase livelihood diversi fication among nearby and distant households, which can improve livelihood resilience.
Prevalence and factors associated with early childbearing in Sub-Saharan Africa: evidence from demographic and health surveys of 31 countries
(Springer, 2023-08-14) Shasha, Liness; Phiri, Million; Namayawa, Sibongile; Sikaluzwe, Milika; Nakazwe, Chola; Lemba, Musonda; Muhanga, Mikidadi
Background Early childbearing remains a public health concern in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) because it has substantial implications for women’s and children’s health and population control. However, little is known about recent changes in early childbearing in the region following the implementation of the Family Planning 2020 initiative (FP2020) national-level interventions. Thus, this study examined factors associated with early childbearing among women in SSA. Methods The study used data from the most recent Demographic and Health Surveys conducted in 31 countries in sub-Saharan Africa between 2010 and 2021. The analysis included a pooled sample of 54,671 parous young women aged 20–24 years. A multivariable binary logistic regression model was used to examine the association between early childbearing and individual and household-level factors. All analyses were weighted to account for complex survey design. Results The study shows that the mean prevalence of early childbearing was high in SSA at 39% (95% CI: 35, 43). Chad had the highest prevalence of early childbearing, 62% (95% CI: 60, 64) while Rwanda had the lowest prevalence of 13% (95% CI: 11, 15). Completing secondary school (aOR = 0.57; 95% CI: 0.52, 0.62) or attaining tertiary level education (aOR = 0.32; 95% CI: 0.22, 0.45), first sexual debut in the age range 15–24 years (aOR = 0.15; 95% CI: 0.14, 0.16) and desire for a small family size (aOR = 0.63; 95% CI: 0.58, 0.69) were associated with reduced odds of early childbearing among young women in SSA. Conclusion The study has established that the prevalence of early childbearing is high in SSA. Level of education, age at first sexual debut, household size, and desired family size are associated with early childbearing in SSA. Governments of SSA countries should enhance sexual and reproductive health interventions to change reproductive behaviour, particularly in adolescents and young women.
Health information systems utilization: a comparison of extent and magnitude in public and private health facilities in Dar es salaam, Tanzania
(American Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences Research (AJHSSR), 2023-03) Haule, Christiana D.; Muhanga, Mikidadi; Ngowi, Edwin
Health information systems (HISs) are critical tools that have been widely adopted and implemented in healthcare settings around the world, intending to improve the quality of healthcare services (OHSs) delivered. However, it is the extent and magnitude of HISs utilization that seem to guarantee improvement in the quality of health care. The study explored the extent to which HISs have been utilized in selected public and private health facilities (PPHFs) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and the determinants of its utilization. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed to collect data using the Kobo Collect survey tool from 140 respondents and 12 key informants. Descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages), Inferential statistics (Pearson chi-square tests), and Linear regression analyses were employed to analyse data. The analysis revealed that private ownership has a higher utilization rate of HIS (61.4%) compared to public ownership (38.6%). Moreover, perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness were significant predictors of actual use of the system, suggesting that users who found the system easy to use and useful were more likely to use it. In conclusion, the utilization of HIS in Tanzania seems to be influenced by various factors, including ownership type.

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