Articles, Conference and Workshop Papers Collection

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://10.10.97.169:4000/handle/123456789/1003

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Determinants and disparities in profitability along the potato value chain in South-Western Uganda
(IIARD – International Institute of Academic Research and Development, 2024) Nsiime, Patricia; Ndyetabula,Daniel; Jeckoniah, John
Potato farming, while meeting the demands of new food consumption patterns emanating from Uganda’s urbanization and dietary diversification due to globalization, has potential to provide a steady and reliable stream of income to its value chain actors. However, challenges and disparities such as unequal distribution of profits exist among the various value chain actors (VCAs) and these include seed multipliers, producers, aggregators, traders, and processors. The study aims at assessing determinants of profitability along the PVC in South- Western (SW) Uganda, by examining factors that influence revenues, operational costs and profits. A cross-sectional research design was adopted to collect data from a sample population of 375 respondents from the districts of Kabale, Kisoro, Rubanda and Rukiga using a semi-structured questionnaire. Using the International Business Machine (IBM) Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), primary data was analysed to determine descriptive statistics. In addition, the Logistic Regression Model (LRM) was used to determine the factors associated with PVC actors’ profitability. Study findings show that PVC actors’ revenues, operational costs and profit varied along the value chain with processors, aggregators and traders reporting the highest profits in relation to their operational costs while farmers reported the lowest. Notably, results indicated that sales turnover, lack of access to new knowledge, and failure to realise effective collaboration significantly influenced profitability along the chain. Thus, it is concluded that farmers do not benefit as much as the other actors in the PVC due to factors of power imbalances, market structures and, knowledge access. It is, therefore, recommended that the government of Uganda should formulate strategies to increase producers’ profitability. Such as the introduction and strengthening of farmers’ cooperatives, undertaking focused capacity-building programs, and making policy reforms
Participatory inclusiveness in the potato value chain in South-Western Uganda
(African Scientific Research and Innovation Council, 2025) Nsiime Patricia; Ndyetabula Daniel; Jeckoniah John; Ariho Alex
Smallholder farmers play a major role in the agricultural value chains (AVCs) of developing countries Uganda inclusive, and this has been of great concern to policy makers, development partners, research, and extension workers. The study underscores the evidence of participatory inclusiveness on the potato value chain (PVC) in South-Western (SW) Uganda. The study on which the paper is based adopted a cross- sectional mixed method research (MMR) design whereby both quantitative and qualitative data were collected using a Survey Research Questionnaire (SRQ) and a semi-structured interview (SSI) grid respectively. The population sample of 375 respondents to the SRQs and 79 participants to the SSIs was sourced from four Districts of Kisoro, Rubanda, Kabale and Rukiga in SW Uganda. The study was guided by the Relational Risk Theory (RRT) and the Theory of Incentives (TI) in examining participatory inclusiveness. The concept of participatory inclusiveness was studied along the independent variables (IVs) of collaboration, innovation, support opportunities, and combined participatory inclusiveness and dependent variables (DVs) of actor influencers (AIs) chain influencers (CIs) and environmental influencers (EIs). The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software was used to analyse quantitative data while thematic analysis helped to examine qualitative data. Generally, results from the descriptive statistical analysis and regression analysis through the Ordinary Least of Squares (OLS) model, showed that participatory inclusiveness was evident and affected by the PVC actors’ ability to access new knowledge, existing governance policies, and availability of extension services. The study recommends that individual actors in the PVC should have access to new and appropriate knowledge, chain leaders should enact and pursue good governance policies and the Government of Uganda (GoU) should empower and deploy its extension workers with the appropriate skills, competences, expertise, and necessary tools and equipment to effectively assist PVC actors, especially the small-holders. Development partners like Non- Governmental Organisations (NGOs) need to facilitate effective dissemination of information and influence policies and regulations relevant to PVC.
Gender differences in rice production participation among smallholder farmers in small-scale irrigation schemes in mbarali district, Tanzania
(ELSEVIER, 2024) Mwalyagile Neema; Jeckoniah, John N.; Salanga, Rymond J.
Smallholder farmers are crucial to agri-food production in sub-Saharan Africa. However, gender disparities in rice production participation persist in Tanzania. Existing research has yet to fully explore how demographic and socioeconomic factors influence gendered participation in rice production. This study assesses gender differences in rice production participation patterns among smallholder farmers and identify gender-related socio-economic and demographic factors influencing differences in participation within small-scale irrigation schemes in Mbarali District. Using cross-sectional approach, data were collected from 397 randomly selected farmers through structured questionnaire and analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics, including ordered probit regression. The results revealed significant gender differences in rice production participation (p < 0.01). Male farmers had higher participation rates in activities such as land preparation, seedbed preparation, seedling management, irrigation, herbicide, fertilizer, pesticide application, harvesting, transporting, storage, and selling, while female farmers had higher participation rates in transplanting and weeding. The overall level of partici- pation was moderate, with 78 % of male farmers and 49 % of female farmers. However, larger proportion of females (43 %) were at a lower participation levels compared to only 1 % of male farmers, while 21 % of males and 8 % of females were at high participation levels. Factors like household size, farming management, hier- archical position within households, decision-making power, and the ability to access irrigation water positively influenced participation levels, while land size cultivated had a negative impact (p < 0.05). These were gender- related socio-economic and demographic factors that disadvantage female farmers’ participation (p < 0.05). While the age of the farmer and inadequacy of irrigation water significantly affected participation levels, farm- hired labour had positive influence, however, these factors were not gender-specific. The study concludes that gender differences in participation in rice production are influenced by demographic and socio-economic factors. To address these, the study recommends for interventions that reduce gender disparities by promoting equality in resource access, enhancing women’s decision-making power over resources and ability to access irrigation water, and ensure sufficient water in small-scale irrigation schemes. The government should create an enabling envi- ronment that supporting female farmers in small-scale irrigation schemes for broader gender equality in agri- culture and rural development.
Understanding gender power relations in irrigation resource access and decision-making in small-scale irrigation schemes in Mbarali District, Tanzania
(IIMT Journal of Management, 2024) Mwalyagile Neema; Jeckoniah John Nshimba; Salanga Raymond J.
Purpose – Resource access and decision-making power remain critical gender concerns. This paper examines gender power relations in irrigation resource access and decision-making among smallholder rice farmers in Mbarali District, Tanzania. Design/methodology/approach – The study utilized a cross-sectional research design with mixed-method approaches. Quantitative data from 397 smallholder rice farmers were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including multiple linear regression models. Qualitative data from focus group discussions and key informant interviews were analyzed through thematic analysis. Findings – The study reveals that access to irrigation resources was mediated through multiple sources of power derived from the economic status of farmers, land ownership, marriage and social capital, shaping access differently for male and female farmers. Males dominated decision-making over land, labor, income and farming equipment, with exclusive irrigation water access rights. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that being male increased the decision-making power (coef. 5 0.890, p < 0.05). Factors like land size, scheme membership and joint farm management were positively associated with male decision-making power and marriage and joint rice selling enhanced female farmers (p < 0.01). Practical implications – The findings provide valuable insights for development practitioners and policymakers, highlighting the persistent gender inequalities in irrigation resources and decision-making. These insights inform practical and policy interventions to promote gender equality in resource access and decision-making. Originality/value – This paper contributes to the literature on how gender power relations shape irrigation resource access and decision-making, underscoring the need for gender-specific interventions to promote gender equality in resources.
Unveiling research gaps on male intimate partner violence (IPV) victims: a 25-Year bibliometric analysis
(ELSEVIER, 2026) Mdoe Christopher N.; Jeckoniah John N.; Ngowi Edwin E.
Male victims of intimate partner violence (IPV) remain comparatively underrepresented within the scholarly literature on IPV. While international frameworks and research agendas have primarily focused on violence against women, less scholarly attention has been directed toward male victimization. This study presents a bibliometric analysis of global research on male IPV victimization published between 2000 and 2025. Following the PRISMA 2020 protocol, 219 Scopus-indexed peer-reviewed articles met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed using Bibliometrix and VOSviewer. These tools were used to examine publication trends, co-authorship networks, citation patterns, and thematic research clusters. The results indicate a gradual increase in publications after 2015, with the most pronounced growth occurring between 2020 and 2025. >70% of studies were pub- lished within criminology, psychology, and social work, while public health, legal, and medical subject areas were comparatively less represented. Over 80% of publications originated from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, with limited contributions from developing regions. Only 14.6% of the liter- ature consisted of review articles, indicating limited synthesis of existing evidence. Reported funding information also suggests a stronger emphasis on female-focused IPV research. Overall, the findings highlight disciplinary and geographic imbalances in scholarly attention to male IPV victimization and provide a structured evidence base to inform future empirical, theoretical, and bibliometric research.
Access to public soft loans and job creation among marginalised groups in Tanzania
(RearchGate, 2024)
Access to soft loans is an important tool in the promotion of self-economic sustenance and job creation. Moreover, globally the rate of unemployment is on the rise and particularly so for the youth and women. Therefore, the study aimed at assessing how access to soft loans issued by local government authority (LGA) contribute to job creation among the marginalised groups in the city of Dodoma, Tanzania. A cross sectional research design was used whereby using a questionnaire, data was collected from 336 randomly selected respondents. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS and STATA whereby both descriptive and inferential statistics were determined. In addition, binomial regression analysis was used to determine factors associated with the marginalised groups’ job creation following their access to LGA soft loans. Generally, findings from the study show that on average two jobs were created by the soft loan beneficiaries. In addition, findings show that the soft loan beneficiaries’ education, soft loan duration and type of income generating activity on which the loans were used were significantly (p ≤ 0.001) associated with job creation (p<0.01). In addition amount of loan received was negatively and significantly (p ≤ 0.05) associated with the marginalised groups’ job creation. Thus, it can be concluded that access to soft loan enables marginalised groups to create jobs. Therefore, it is recommended that Dodoma City Council should expand its provision of soft loans to marginalised groups so as to promote more job creation hence, reduce the rate of unemployment among the marginalised groups.
Correlates of livelihood pathway choices among smallholder farmers in rice commercialization in Kilombero, Tanzania
(The sub Saharan Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2025-05-19) Jeckoniah, John
Improving livelihoods in agrarian economies remains a central development challenge, particularly within the context of agricultural commercialization. This study investigates the correlates influencing smallholder farmers’ choices of livelihood pathways; stepping up, stepping out, hanging in, or dropping out; within the rice commercialization processes in Kilombero District, Tanzania. Guided by the APRA (Agricultural Policy Research in Africa) framework, a repeated cross- sectional design and mixed-methods approach were employed, drawing data from 10 purposively selected villages. Inferential analysis using multinomial logistic regression revealed statistically significant associations between farmers' socio-economic profiles and livelihood trajectories. Female farmers (p < 0.01), households with low empowerment scores (p < 0.05), and multidimensionally poor (MPI) farmers (p < 0.01) were significantly more likely to hang in or step out rather than step up in commercialization. Additionally, limited access to extension services (p < 0.05), weak market linkages (p < 0.05), and lack of credit access (p < 0.01) were negatively associated with upward livelihood mobility. Qualitative findings reinforced the role of institutional and structural barriers, particularly gender norms and asset inequality, in constraining farmers’ commercialization outcomes. The study recommends targeted policy interventions that enhance women’s and youth empowerment, promote equitable access to technologies such as the System of Rice Intensification (SRI), and strengthen institutional support systems and market integration for smallholder farmers.
Gender dynamics in small-scale fish business in Mwanza Region, Tanzania
(IJDS, 2023) Gibe, Advera; Massawe, Fatihiya A.; Jeckoniah, John N.
This study established the typology of gender dynamics within small-scale fish business in Mwanza Region, Tanzania. Data were collected using key informant interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), personal observations, and documentary reviews. The collected data was analyzed using content analysis, and ATLAS.ti computer software was used to transcribe the field notes before analysis. The study found that gender inequalities existed in all aspects of gender roles, gender relations, and access and control over productive assets in the small-scale fish business. Men dominated high economic valued activities, such as receiving and collecting fish from fishermen, while women had limited decision-making power over income, freedom of movement, access and control over productive assets, and participation in the fish business. The study concludes that these inequalities negatively affect women's active participation in the business as well as the business growth prospects. The government and non-governmental organizations are recommended to establish programs and policies that create awareness on gender issues for equitable and sustainable development of small-scale fish business in the study area, benefiting both men and women equally.
Gender dynamics and climate variability in small-scale fish business: a case of Mwanza Region, Tanzania
(Tanzania Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2023) Gibe, A.M.; Jeckoniah J.N.; Massawe F.A.
Small-scale fish businesses in Mwanza, Tanzania are crucial to the local economy, providing livelihoods and ensuring food security. However, the impacts of climate variability on gender dynamics often marginalize women in this sector, due to prevailing norms and power imbalances. This study explores how climate variability affects gender dynamics in the sector; Strategies employed by women to adapt to climate change and, how can gender-sensitive interventions enhance the resilience of small-scale fish businesses in the face of climate change. The study adopts a feminist theory framework to understand gender roles and power dynamics in shaping various social, economic, and political outcomes and Socio-ecological systems framework to analyze complex interactions between human societies and the environment. Qualitative research methods, such as interviews, focus group discussions, observation, are employed, with data analyzed thematically and discursively. The study found that climate variability affects existing gender dynamics by exacerbating women’s difficulties in accessing fish resources and creates opportunities for women to take new roles and responsibilities. The study found that women employ different strategies such as enhancing resourcefulness and diversifying income-generating activities. The study found that gender-sensitive intervention enhance the resilience of small-scale fish businesses by promoting access to climate change information; capacity-building programs on climate-smart fishing techniques, sustainable resources management and access to financial credits. The study concludes that, climate variability exacerbates gender inequalities in the sector and recommends to policymakers, stakeholders, and relevant institutions to take responsibility for implementing gender-sensitive interventions like climate information, training, and financial support to women.
Informal environmental awareness as entry point for formal environmental education programmes: A case of East Uluguru Mountains, Tanzania
(Journal of Continuing Education and Extension (JCEE), 2010) Mahonge C.P.I; Nsenga J.V.; Mattee A. Z.
In all communities where formal arrangements exist, informal arrangements which directly or indirectly support, oppose or are neutral to such formal arrangements are inevitable. Informal arrangements can be institutionalised to formal arrangements or can enrich, transform or revolutionize the existing formal arrangements. In environmental education field, formal environmental education programmes implemented at the community level can be influenced by informal conditions. One of such conditions is people’s awareness on the natural resources that manifest in their practices in the use of these resources. Formal environmental education arrangements imposed without prior comprehension of the existing environmental awareness undermine existing and useful interactions or exacerbate existing counteractions between human and environmental resources. This study aimed at determining farmers’ awareness on degradation of water sources and streams in private farm plots (micro-water resources) in East Uluguru Mountains in Tanzania so as to provide insight to planning formal environmental education programmes. Farmers owning farm plots where micro-water —sources are located were interviewed. Transect walk — as also conducted to implement the interviews. Findings indicated that farmers were aware of the degrading micro-water resources but could not link the degradation with their anthropogenic practices. Following insights on farmers’ awareness and knowledge on field realities, a formal environmental education was given to the farmers. This study recommended that a thorough understanding of interactions among socio-economic, market, ecological and cognitive factors is imperative for sustainability of micro-water resources (private farms) and therefore further research is recommended in this direction.
Tree planting and household food security: the case of the Shouthern Highlands of Tanzania
(Mkuki na Nyota, 2025) Mwaseba Dismas L.; Martin Respikius; Friis-Hansen Esbern; Nyanda Susan S.; Nsenga Justus; Mhando David Gongwe
Large-scale investment in land in Sub Saharan Africa has been well documented (Cotula et al., 2009; Fairhead et al., 2012; German et al.,2013). Since independence, tree plantations in Tanzania had gone through undulating phases (Van den Berg et al., 2013; MNRT, 2014; PFP, 2016; Held et al., 2017; Kimambo et al., 2020). Promotion of tree planting by donor funded projects has been focusing on environmental aspects such as carbon trading (Lasco, 2008, MNRT, 2010; Vainio- Matilla, 2011, Kimambo et al., 2020). Furthermore, the dominance of the sector by the state during the 1970s and 1980s was primarily focused on the establishment of large-scale tree plantations in the Southern Highlands (Pedersen, 2017)37. Nevertheless, for a long period of time, tree plantations in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania has been done by public plantations and big commercial private companies for timber and other commercial purposes (PFP, 2016). A study done by PFP found that Tanzania experienced a reduction in government managed plantations particularly in the supply of mature pine round wood logs (PFP, 2016). It indicated a reduction of 30% (total 540,300 m3) in government allocations from 2014/15 to 2015/16 harvesting season whereas the number of beneficiaries for allocations increased from 832 to 964 respectively.
Perspectives and approaches for sustainable rural development in Africa
(Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), 2004) Nsenga J.V.; Mahonge C.P.I; Mtengeti E.J.; Rutatora D.F.; Tamura K.; Itani J.; Kanda Y.; Araki M.
SCSRD has been involved in developing the “SUA Method” by putting participation at centre and emphasizes on fieldwork to understand multiple realities of each location, while aiming at leading to sustainable rural development. Mbinga District is one of the project activity sites, and located in the Ruvuma region of southern Tanzania. While understanding the realities of the area, SCSRD together with the local government and NGOs, shared ideas and implemented the activities in the framework of the Ntambo perspective, as the focal feature which characterizes Mbinga. In this paper, after the brief introduction of Mbinga and SCSRD’s approach, two case studies from Kindimba and Kitanda villages are introduced so as to explain how characteristics of SUA method are put in practice in real situation.
Effect of seed size on yield of two groundnut genotypes
(WHURR PUBLISHERS LTD, 2003) Sibuga K. P.; Nsenga J.V.
Small, medium and large seed sizes of the groundnut genotypes Spancross (a released variety) and 2/91 (a breeding line) were assessed for growth and yield under field conditions in 1996 and 1997. In 1997, there were significant effects of cultivar and seed size on shoot and root biomass. The shoot diy matter for large seeds was 36% and 24% greater than for small seeds of Spancross and 2/91 respectively. Large seeds of 2/91 showed a significant increase of 26% in root biomass but Spancross recorded a decline of 8% over small seeds. Generally, productivity increased with seed size. In 1996, rainfall was low and varietal differences were significant, with 2/91 giving significantly higher kernel yields (2082 kg/ha) than Spancross (1498 kg/ha) when averaged across seed size.
Factors in smallholder farmers’ vulnerability to climate change impacts in the Uluguru Mountains, Morogoro, Tanzania
(Springer International Publishing Switzerland, 2025) Mattee Amon Z.; Mussa K.R.; Mwaseba Dismas L.; Mahonge C.P.; Nsenga J.V.
This study assessed factors in smallholder farmers’ vulnerability to climate change impacts in the Uluguru Mountains in the Morogoro Region, Tanzania. To this end, the study first determined the smallholder farmers’ awareness and perception of climate change and identified adaptation options preferred by the farmers. A combination of methods, including focus group discussions, key informants interviews, participant observations, and household surveys, were used for data collection. The results indicate that smallholder farmers had a poor understanding of climate change issues, but their knowledge was enhanced by a project that was implemented collaboratively by Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) and Professionals for Fair Development (GRET), a French non-governmental organization (NGO). The adaptation strategies preferred by smallholder farmers included terracing, planting fruit trees, the rehabilitation of micro-irrigation canals, and fish farming. However, a noticeable disparity in preference between men and women was observed. The results further revealed that smallholder farmers were vulnerable to climate change and variation due to their limited knowledge of climate change risks, low level of literacy, limited access to climate information, and absence of farmer-based organizations to facilitate better access to credit and market services. The study concludes that crucial factors for smallholder farmers’ vulnerability to climate change in the Uluguru Mountains are access to information and resources, road and market infrastructure, and smallholder farmers’ organization.
Agricultural strategic partnerships and farmers’ capabilities in Tanzania: what has (not) worked and why?
(Elsevier, 2025) Kahamba Judith S.; Xu Xiuli
Agricultural Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) are increasingly promoted as new institutional frameworks to introduce agricultural value chain technologies, transform subsistence farmers into independent commercial producers, and connect them to the global market. Using the case of Tanzania’s Southern Agricultural Growth Corridor (SAGCOT) agricultural strategic partnerships, this study questions the role of agricultural PPPs in integrating smallholder farmers into global value chains. It explicitly evaluates the partnership interventions and their contributions to the capabilities of smallholder farmers along the soybean and potato value chains. Through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with partnership actors, the study found that partnership efforts mainly targeted the production and marketing nodes to boost farm productivity and market access. The partnerships partly improved farmers’ capabilities by increasing knowledge and good agronomic practices. However, they had a limited impact on access to and use of quality inputs, modern farming technologies, value addition, and marketing capabilities. The effect on production capabilities was constrained by the unsustainable supply of improved seeds and limited access to fertilizers and pesticides, resulting from the absence of arrangements for aggregating input acquisition. The findings also reveal that the partnerships created new markets; however, most farmers were unable to benefit from them due to a lack of market contracts and collective bargaining power among farmers. The study concludes that for agricultural PPP to transform subsistence farmers into commercial ones, it requires inclusive infrastructure development and strong institutions that promote interactions, facilitate technology flow, and address exploitative market structures.
Implications of non-governmental organizations’ roles in the success of agricultural public-private partnerships: a case study of Tanzania’s Southern agricultural growth corridor partnership initiative
(Elsevier, 2026) Kahamba Judith S.; Xu Xiuli
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are increasingly involved in public–private partnerships (PPPs) as key players in delivering services and goods. This paper explores a unique scenario in the Southern Agricultural Growth Corridor of Tanzania (SAGCOT) PPP initiative, in which NGOs serve as secondary partners. These NGOs augment an already established PPP as the partnerships revolve around the NGOs’ donor-funded projects. Drawing on the institutional logics perspective, the paper examines how NGOs’ roles within the context of PPPs influence the success and sustainability of a soybean strategic partnership. Based on interviews with actors involved in the partnership, focus-group discussions with smallholder farmers, and key informant interviews with leaders of farmers’ groups and SAGCOT Center Limited staff, the paper identifies two key roles NGOs play in the partnership. First, building farmers’ capacity through training in soybean production and processing to foster inclusiveness; second, mediating between companies and smallholder farmers by linking them to input suppliers and soybean buyers. The paper highlights the partnership’s vulnerability, stemming from NGOs’ roles shaped by competing logics within the partnership and the nature of their donor-funded projects. Also, the phasing out of NGO projects has weakened the soybean strategic partnership. The study argues that the NGO’s role in promoting inclusiveness depends on aligning partnership interventions with the NGOs’ institutional logics. It recommends expanding NGOs’ roles to include strengthening farmers’ associations and institutionalizing sustainable farmer-private-sector linkages to ensure long-term inclusiveness and resilience within agricultural PPPs.
A review of decolonial praxis in development studies [review of the book challenging global development: towards decoloniality and justice
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2026-05-21) Salanga Raymond J.; Kahamba Judith S.; Ngowi Edwin E.
This review critically assesses Challenging Global Development: Towards Decoloniality and Justice, edited by Henning Melber, Uma Kothari, Laura Camfield, and Kees Biekart (Palgrave Macmillan, 2024), as a timely and provocative contribution to the decolonisation of development studies. The review employs a threefold analytical framework examining: (i) theoretical contributions to post-development and decolonial thought, (ii) epistemological innovations in research methodology and knowledge production, and (iii) practical implications for pedagogy, research ethics, and development practice. The edited volume brings together scholars from the Global South and North to challenge essentialist ontological assumptions underpinning mainstream development, particularly those embedded in the Sustainable Development Goals framework. Key strengths include the volume’s grounding in grounded alternatives, such as India’s Vikalp Sangam process, Zapatista self-rule in Mexico, and Indigenous resistance to extractivism in Latin America, and its attention to relational accountability, refusal, and Indigenous Data Sovereignty in research ethics. However, the review identifies limitations, including an underdeveloped engagement with degrowth and South-South cooperation’s contradictory relationship with decoloniality, as well as challenges in translating decolonial pedagogy within career-oriented university programmes. While the volume successfully deconstructs development’s coloniality, it leaves unresolved whether “development” itself remains a viable category after decolonisation. This review concludes that the book is an essential resource for scholars and practitioners committed to epistemic justice, though future work must more concretely address material reparations, redistributive justice, and the tensions between local autonomy and large-scale systemic transformation in an era of polycrisis.
Effects of women’s cooperatives on capabilities and gender relations: empirical evidence from women’s dairy cooperatives in Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania
(European Centre for Research, Training and Development, 2021) Kahamba Samwel Judith; Xu Xiuli
Existence of gender imbalances is among the challenges of the agricultural production and marketing cooperatives Sub-Saharan Africa. Promotion of women-only cooperatives have been regarded as a better avenue to enabling women’s inclusion in the labour force and to achieve women’s empowerment. The ability of the cooperatives to achieving women’s empowerment and improving gender relations is still a debate which requires more empirical investigations. The study focused on two women’s dairy cooperatives societies in Kilimanjaro region, Tanzania to assess their effects on capabilities among women and gender relations in the households and community. Explorative research design was employed, which used indepth interviews and focus group discussions with women cooperative members and their spouses. The findings revealed that through women’s cooperatives, women’s capabilities improved in terms of being able to run dairy production businesses, to generate more income and they gained full control over milk revenues. The findings further show that capabilities had little influence on the gender relations. The study found that in most households, the capabilities attained had widened the gap between couples. It was found that joint decision-making between the couples was impaired whereby men perceived women’s increased income and a fully control over generated income as a threat. The developed women’s agency could not change gender roles and social norms. As women’s workloads increased, men continued to dominate political leadership positions in the local government and the secondary agricultural cooperatives. The study concludes that women’s cooperatives do not lead to significant improvement in gender relations and gender equality. It recommends the involvement of men in women’s cooperatives activities to challenge intra-household gender relations, cultural and social norms.
Aligning with the state’s COVID-19 narrative in Tanzania: insights from the tourism sector in Arusha
(Liverpool University Press, 2025) Kahamba, Judith; Mollel, Victor
Tanzania, a hybrid regime, was not immune to COVID-19. However, President Magufuli downplayed the virus’s seriousness in the country, declaring Tanzania free of it in June 2020 and suppressing public discussion on the subject. No curfew was imposed, and citizens were ordered to continue their activities as normal. Despite this, global restrictions had considerable negative impact on the tourism sector, the second-largest gross domestic product (GDP) contributor in 2019. Using sensemaking theory and data from focus groups and interviews, this study investigates the influential information sources, sensemaking processes and alignment with the state narrative among tourism workers in Arusha, a city that has undergone complex, tourism-driven, urban transformation. The findings reveal how various information sources led to different forms of conformity and alignment with the state narrative. The study contributes a more nuanced understanding of citizens’ sensemaking during COVID-19 in a hybrid political regime.
Interplay of institutional logics in legitimising state COVID-19 responses in Tanzania: analysis of newspaper reporting
(Liverpool University Press, 2025) Kahamba, Judith; Kontinen, Tiina; Elia, Emmanuel
Amid the global impact of the March 2020 COVID-19 outbreak, governments instituted measures to manage the spread of the virus and needed to legitimise these responses to appear rational and appro- priate in the eyes of citizens. We focus on Tanzania, which offers an example of a particular COVID-19 response of not having instituted lockdowns or other long-lasting movement restrictions. Drawing on an institutional logics approach, and by conducting a content analysis of 738 newspaper articles in 2020 to 2022, we explore the kinds of logics through which the state legitimised diverse responses during the pandemic and how these changed over time. Results show how the health and economic logics manifested the most, but also state authority, state welfare, religion, traditional and science logics were used. We further discuss the interplay between changes in the logics and in presidential regimes in the midst of the pandemic.

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