Theses and Dissertations Collection

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://10.10.97.169:4000/handle/123456789/4504

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The impact of microfinance institutions on rural livelihoods: the case of village community banks in Bunda district – Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2011) Maditto, Said .Juma
This research examined the impact of microfinance institutions on rural livelihoods particularly in the case of Village Community Banks (VICOBA) in Bunda District - Tanzania. The overall objective of the research was to engender information that would help improve performance of the VICOBAs and livelihoods of the rural communities in Bunda District. Specifically, this research identified the socio-economic factors that determined participation in the VICOBA schemes, assessed the impact of VICOBA schemes on the livelihoods of the beneficiaries and lastly, identified the problems facing the schemes in the study area. A total of 130 randomly selected heads of households consisting of 65 VICOBA beneficiaries and 65 non-beneficiaries were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire supplemented by focus group discussions, key informants and participant observations. Results indicated that age and total number of dependants were the main socio-economic factors that determined participation in VICOBA. It was also found out, in this research, that there was a significant improvement in livelihoods among participating households compared to non-participating households in terms of micro entrepreneur assets. Moreover, the research found that VICOBA schemes were constrained with institutional problems like limited working capital, lack of entrepreneurship skills, lack of security of deposits, poor financial record keeping and lack of linkage with formal microfinance institutions. Based on these findings, the research recommends that the government and other stakeholders should create a regulatory framework enabling the community based microfinance services, like VICOBA, to reach more marginalized rural communities so that they might improve their well-being through financial services and other diversified products. Furthermore, the VICOBA groups should be capacitated in terms of training, financial support and working facilities, in order to improve their efficiency and effectiveness in serving the poor in rural areas.
Credit demand and supply for single mothers: a case of caritas development office in Mbeya region, Tanzania.
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2007) Mabula, David .M.
Phenomenon of single mothers has not been perceived by the society for a long time, although many people are confronted with it in their neighbourhood and families. Single mothers are given full responsibility and guilty of their own situation and position in the society. Many of them, especially young girls become outcasts of the society. Recently it has become very difficult to ignore the fact that the increase of single mothers is more obvious in urban area due to increase of cases of divorce, lack of responsible fatherhood, death of husbands, early unprotected sexual practices among adolescents, unprotected sexual practices in general and increased migration from rural to urban. Even though the economic situation and life standards of single mothers as the most vulnerable group among the single parents is worse, there is no micro finance organization which deals explicitly with single mothers as such, despite the fact that there is very strong demand of credit for them. In that sense there is a need to carry out a case study on credit demand and supply for single mothers to support the observations stated in this study.
The role of pass in promoting private commercial farming in Tanzania.
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2008) Kiteja N. M
Success for PASS and other stakeholders in promoting commercial farming depends on their ability to anticipate and prepare for the benefits and challenges associated with the process of agricultural commercialisation. This study on the role of pass in promoting private commercial farming in Tanzania was conducted at PASS in Morogoro municipality. The objective of this study was to analyse the role of PASS in promoting private commercial farming and agribusiness. The study used secondary data only, which were subjected to a simple descriptive analysis. Results show that, PASS alone cannot address all the problems hindering agricultural commercialisation due to unfavourable environment for a vibrant commercial farming and complexity of some problems, which call for government interventions. PASS management structure is still that of a project, it is also flat and lean and therefore falls short of an organization that would conveniently and effectively penetrate to the hinterlands of Tanzania. The majority (63%) of PASS clients are in Morogoro region receiving more financial services (37%) than other regions. It was also found that, due to poor information regarding to PASS products and services, there is a tendency of PASS clients in some regions to concentrate on same particular business, which is very risky due to competition and the possible outbreak of diseases. However, due to availability of the CGF funds, PASS is in an overall strong competitive position and it can continue to pursue its current business- or corporate-level strategy profitably. The corporate strategy that PASS is pursuing is to operate in just two core businesses (business development services and financial services) with related diversification. But only financial services are found to contribute more (95%) to PASS competitive advantage than the business development services (5%). This indicates that, the clients mostly need financial services than business development services from PASS.
Challenges facing micro finance institutions in Tanzania case study saccos in Dodoma region
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2007) Maziku P.
The study sets out to examine the main challenges and lending systems used by SACCOS, the growth and performances of SACCOS in Dodoma region The study was conducted through extensive secondary research, interviews withSACCOS’ managements and clients in the period'between June and December 2006 in Dodoma region. Structured questionnaires were used to gather primary data while focused group discussions were used to extract diverge opinions from board members about challenges. The study reveals that, SACCOS face many challenges that hamper their growth and performance. These challenges include; competition, poor loan repayment and recovery, lack of cooperative skills for management, embezzlement of funds, robberies, weak capital bases for most SACCOS, poor remuneration of employees and shortage of cooperative officers. SACCOS in the region use both individual and group lending approaches. Lending is based on the amount of savings a member has. Basing on study findings it can be concluded that, the available challenges have an impact on the performance and growth of SACCOS. This was revealed in increasing loan delinquency in which 21% and 18% of the total loans disbursed were in arrears for Majengo and Kibaigwa SACCOS respectively and 28% of respondents mentioned existence of lack of cooperative skills among board members. The study recommends that, government, donors and other stakeholders should work together in promoting policies and programmes that support the establishment and growth of SACCOS so as to save the majority poor ordinary Tanzanians. Further more the study recommend on the improvement in SACCOS lending methodologies, by-laws. educating system lor members and managements. To minimize Ioan delinquency by assuring collateral availability for each loan and establishment of a specialised Act which allows SACCCOS to operate as business entity
Inquiring into spouses’ consent to mortgage a matrimonial home in mainland Tanzania: A critical analysis of the law and practice Mzumbe University
(Mzumbe University, 2012) Marwa. M
This study examined the law and practice of inquiring into spouse’s genuine and informed consent to mortgage a matrimonial home in Tanzania mainland. The study focused mainly on bankers and their practices in advancing a loan facility on the security of a matrimonial home. The study was conducted in Morogoro and Dar es Salaam regions in which a survey design was adopted. Random and purposive sampling technique was employed, a sample of 50 respondents was considered in the study. Questionnaires and unstructured interviews were used in soliciting for primary data while secondary data was obtained through review of various documents, both local and international. Descriptive statistical method was used to summarise data obtained, and in the end, data was presented descriptively using percentages so as to reflect the reality of the law and practice of obtaining a spouse’s free, genuine and informed consent to mortgage a matrimonial home in Tanzania mainland. The study reveals that the laws in Tanzania are quite clear on how a spouse’s consent is to be obtained; the problem is on the practice of bankers doing business in Tanzania. Currently, bankers are only concerned with obtaining a spouse’s signature on a standardised consent form. They are not bothered to inquire on how such signature was obtained. Whether the spouse received an independent advice, or was forced to sign, or there was undue influence, or misrepresentation, forgery of signature and the like is not within the ambit of practices of our banks. In the end, the study recommends that banks should adopt standard reasonable procedures in inquiring into spouse’s genuine and informed consent to mortgage a matrimonial home. Banks should also make use of independent advice to spouses and acknowledgement of an advocate that a spouse have been informed and consented to mortgage a matrimonial home. Banks should further be cautioisS in keeping all the records regarding the inquiry of a spouse’s genuine and informed consent to mortgage a matrimonial home rather than relying on the consent form alone.
Assessment on the role of board of external trade in enhancing export marketing of agricultural products in Tanzania.
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2007) Fwalo J.J
The purpose of this study was to assess the role of Board of External Trade (BET) in facilitating the export of agricultural products geared to attain an export lead economy. The study examined the strategic mission of what BET has done and how far it has been realised and how much has been exported in those years. The analysis was carried out by reviewing official field reports of the implemented.tasks that illustrate participant involvement, as well as investigating the types of export product. quantities and values. Descriptive statistics were used to provide empirical evidence on the attained performance and trend analysis to show the importance of the organisation. The export growth rate in agricultural products quantity was 44.5% form 1980 while export values rate were 0.67%. However, the net export volume was 139,855 metric tonnes and the export value has negative balance of 1.7 millions of USD. The increase of export goods not only resulted from increase in product types but also in the improved economic and trade policies in the late years. However, the value of traded agricultural goods was not enough to lead the economy as global trade policies effect outpace the domestic effort on trade policy strategies. Therefore, strategic reforms are required not only in the functioning approaches but also work in coordination with public - private joint venture in cooperating business councils of rural entrepreneurs in creating a large demand base that could support export of agricultural products.
The role of parliament in oversight functions “government budget implementation”
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2008) Kiula N.R
The purpose of this study was to asses the Role of Parliament in Oversight Functions “Government Budget and Implementation” The data collection methods comprised interviews, questionnaires and documentary sources. The units of inquiry were Hon. Speaker, Clerk of the National Assembly, Directors of Parliamentary Committees, Table Office, Research Departments as well as Committees Secretaries. Members of Parliament from Committees as well as Officials from the Budget Unit. Purposive and random sampling was done in this study to sample out the required respondents. The sample size was 35. The results of the study indicated that the role of Parliament in Oversight functions “Budget implementation” is affected by difficulty in accessing information from Government departments, inadequate of Independent research facilities and support, inadequate of power to amend the Budget and low level of education among Committee Members.
The challenges facing microfinance institutions in supporting entrepreneurship in tanzania case study of Mombo Talanta saccos in Korogwe district
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2011) Masalumarcel, Salum Misungwi
Financial institutions play an important role in Tanzania’s economic progress. Failure of financial institutions, particularly insufficient or ineffective institutions result in high transaction costs limiting poor people’s accesses to formal financial services. This research paper discusses the importance of SACCOS in mobilising savings and credit through providing low-income people with financial services in Tanzania. The main purpose of this study is to find out weather savings and credit cooperative societies face problems in supporting the growing entrepreneurial activities in respective areas of the country. This is done by analysing the Mombo T SACCOS as a case study. Results obtained show a number of challenges which need to be addressed these include: Weak sources of income for the organization, poor loan repayment, lack of effective strategic planning skills, lack of entrepreneurial skills among SACCOS stake holders, increased competition, poor remuneration of employees, lack of adequate capacity to assess and manage risks, increased loan demand, poor accessibility of cooperative services from the district level, failure in supporting the small entrepreneurs, use of traditional technology in daily activities, lack of publicity programme on the firm’s activities, lack of research on customer wants/services, and lack of external auditing. To improve performance of Mombo T SACCOS the following are recommendations of the study; use of Strategic management which applies effective strategic planning as the best alternative, putting in place an effective information system to facilitate decision making, putting efforts in place to sensitize members and the general public on SACCOS benefits, facing up the challenges of providing innovative products and services; strengthening capitaliii and loan base; provision of key knowledge /skills to leaders and staff to modernize their activities; encourage use of better loan appraisal and follow-up methods, introduce use of corporate and other planning tools.
The challenges facing the user-owned microfinance institutions: a case study of jiendeleze saccos in Mbeya rural district.
(SOKOINE UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE, 2007) Abubakary, H.
The importance of accessibility of credit to all social classes has necessitated the formation of microfinance policy so as to guide the development of the sector. With the formation of microfinance policy there is a number of public and private MFIs including some banks that provide micro finance services. However, with the current micro finance institution in Tanzania there is no sufficient documentation of the , strengths and weaknesses of user owned microfinance institutions. This study thus, aimed at evaluating the challenges faced by user owned MFI’s in Mbeya district. Primary data were collected using questionnaires administered to randomly selected samples of 30 members of user owned MFI. MFI management team and staffs were also interviewed as key informants to supplement information of the respondents. Secondary data were collected from various sources including library, IFAD, District council offices, and SACCO’s data. Descriptive statistics (percentages and frequencies) were employed using SPSS computer software to describe the challenges faced by MFIs. User owned MFIs found to have both internal and external barriers limiting their performances. Internal barriers were found to be those related to poor education background whereas external barriers involve institutional weaknesses. Many MFI members (73%) reported to lack adequate basic financial skills, whereas 67% are not conversant with business planning and operation. Hence this study recommended that proper measures such as period, provision of entrepreneurship skills and business training for MFI members and changing of laws and regulations which seem to be barriers to the development of user owned microfinance institutions.
The challenges facing the user-owned microfinance institutions: a case study of jiendeleze saccos in Mbeya rural district.
(SOKOINE UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE, 2007) Abubakary ,H
The importance of accessibility of credit to all social classes has necessitated the formation of microfinance policy so as to guide the development of the sector. With the formation of microfinance policy there is a number of public and private MFIs including some banks that provide micro finance services. However, with the current micro finance institution in Tanzania there is no sufficient documentation of the , strengths and weaknesses of user owned microfinance institutions. This study thus, aimed at evaluating the challenges faced by user owned MFI’s in Mbeya district. Primary data were collected using questionnaires administered to randomly selected samples of 30 members of user owned MFI. MFI management team and staffs were also interviewed as key informants to supplement information of the respondents. Secondary data were collected from various sources including library, IFAD, District council offices, and SACCO’s data. Descriptive statistics (percentages and frequencies) were employed using SPSS computer software to describe the challenges faced by MFIs. User owned MFIs found to have both internal and external barriers limiting their performances. Internal barriers were found to be those related to poor education background whereas external barriers involve institutional weaknesses. Many MFI members (73%) reported to lack adequate basic financial skills, whereas 67% are not conversant with business planning and operation. Hence this study recommended that proper measures such as period, provision of entrepreneurship skills and business training for MFI members and changing of laws and regulations which seem to be barriers to the development of user owned microfinance institutions.
The role of microfinance in improving the livelihoods of the community: the case study of crdb-microfinance company
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2008) Kalemera, Florian Alibagaya
Microfinance is defined as the supply of Ioans, savings, and other basic financial services to the poor. People living in poverty, like everyone else, need a diverse range of financial instruments to run their businesses, build assets, stabilize consumption, and shield themselves against risks. Poor people, with access to savings, credit, insurance, and other financial services, are more resilient and better able to cope with the everyday crises they face. This study aimed at describing the role of microfinance services in improving the livelihood of the community. The research was conducted at CRDB-Microfinance Company Limited. This company was established in 2001. A focus group research design was used to collect data from clients of microfinance institutions throughout the country. A simple random sampling procedure was applied to obtain the microfinance institutions. Out of 193 partner institutions, only five partner institutions were selected for the study. The primary data collection was through interviewing the management of microfinance institutions. This included the secretaries or managers. The secondary data was obtained from existing information/literature, published and unpublished reports. It also involved surfing/browsing through different websites by internet. Trend analysis was employed to come up with certain judgments. The study showed an increase in number of members, shares, deposits, loans disbursed as well as the net profit in respect to time. This shows that people have faith in microfinance institutions and they are benefiting from them. The increase in shares and deposits increases the capital base of the institutions enabling them to lend to more people as well as bigger amounts. The increasing of disbursed amount shows that people are taking the loans. As in June 2006 the company was serving more than 105 652 clients through 193 partner institutions in the Tanzania Mainland. Also by December 2007 the company had disbursed a total of Tshs 122 126 501 000. The study goes further to the microfinance market as well as the regulatory environment in Tanzania. It gives the brief profile of CRDB Bank Limited and the history of CRDB-Microfinance Company including its initial proceedings, supports it offers to SACCOS, Products and services it offers to SACCOS and members. It also gives the brief profiles of other commercial banks and financial institutions involved in microfinance in Tanzania. The study concludes that microfinance industry seems to be the only vehicle in improving the livelihood of the community after many people being left out of the conventional financial system. Also the study gives some recommendations on areas which should be worked on in order to make the impact of microfinance services to be vivid in improving the livelihood of the community.
The Swot analysis of the National Network of Farmers Groups In Tanzania (MVIWATA)
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2007) Mkenda, Susan Vandeline
This study was carried out to assess the functioning of the Network of Farmers Groups in Tanzania (MVIWATA) which was founded in 1993 and formally registered in 1995.The research was conducted to analyze the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Challenges (SWOC) which face the organization. The main source of data used in this study was the secondary data collected from MVIWATA website, Sokoine University of Agriculture Library (SNAL), literatures from MVIWATA library, and holding discussions with MVIWATA members and technical staff. The network has broad base grass root membership in 19 regions of Tanzania. The author spent six months of internship to learn how the network performed its day to day activities particularly those related to agribusiness. It was revealed that not all members of MVIWATA were producers; a few undertook trading and processing of agricultural produce at small-scale level. Members included traders of agricultural commodities who sold products from their own farms or products procured from other producers and small scale processors of various products. MVIWATA’s mission is to link farmers’ groups and local networks of such groups together into a sound and strong national Farmers Organisation capable of ensuring representation and advocacy of their interests in decision-making processes at all levels. MVIWATA’s overall objective is to develop a strong and effective representation of farmers’ interests in jointly persuing their needs and challenges, mainly through participatory communication, lobbying and advocacy, plus organizational strengthening to provide agronomic and marketing services. MVIWATA advocates strong organizations for smallholder farmers, establishing reliable markets for their farm produce, ensuring provision of sustainableiii financial and technical advisory services, as well as ensuring representation of farmers at all levels. From this study a number of lessons about the structure and functioning of umbrella farmer organization were derived. First, MVIWATA as the farmer’s voice helped the farmers to be able to understand the economic viability of their productive activities. Second, it also improves their communication skills and ability by participating in farmer-to-farmer dissemination workshops and exchange visits. Third, effective use and incorporation of the available information into improved technologies requires close interaction between researchers, extension staff and farmers themselves. Finally Organizations and agencies that focus on sustainable agriculture need more expertise in small business management and entrepreneurship, and organizations that focus on small business management and entrepreneurship need more expertise in on-farm applications. There is a need for networking and collaboration between organizations with good business and entrepreneurship information, and organizations that work with family farmers and the sustainable agricultural communities.
Manufacturing of Bottled water at Uzima beverage Company and Marketing of bottled water in Moshi Municipality and Dar es salaam City
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2008) Mwasamila, Basil C
A study was carried out to determine the marketing strategies for newly introduced bottled water brand in the market and to identify factors that influence the sales of bottled water. A case study was conducted of Uzima bottling Company. In addition about 50 consumers, 30 wholesalers and 20 retailers were randomly selected for the interview using structured questionnaire, group discussion and on-site observations. Results from the study revealed that factors such as ease of handling, availability of the products, high quality products and low price can influence the penetration of the product to the market. Bottled water with sizes 350ml and 500ml are liked more by consumer because of their small size, and easy handling. Uhai pure drinking water which is available everywhere is one of the brands that is consumed more than any other brand in Moshi municipality and Dar es salaam city. Kilimanjaro pure drinking water because of good taste is number two in consumption in the above areas, also studies shows that Kilimanjaro bottled water is popular brand in Moshi municipality and Dar es Salaam city. In terms of price, consumers of bottled water are satisfied. and most of those interviewed said bottled waler price is fair. Heavy promotion influences some consumers to shift from existing bottled water brand to new introduced bottled brands. However the challenges facing the small bottled water industries like Uzima Beverage Company are: policies which do not support small and medium enterprises (SMEs), poor technology, availability of packaging materials, loan accessibility from financial institutions, stiff competition, and keeping environment clean
Impact of credit on the performance of Banks and other Financial institutions, A case study of Kilimanjaro Co operative Bank limited
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2008) Mwedadi, Nassib
This study investigated the impact of credit on the performance of financial institutions focusing on the Kilimanjaro Cooperative Bank Limited (KCBL) in Moshi Municipality, Kilimanjaro Region. Tanzania. The researcher interviewed the Bank Manager, credit officer, and the Management board. He also obtained valuable information through reviewing relevant documents (reports and credit documents). The information was analyzed using a simple impact assessment approach. The study revealed that KCBL is poorly performing on account of unsatisfactory asset quality attributed to poor loan administration, unsatisfactory earnings and credit management as loans. On the other hand the study also revealed that the bank was performing well in terms of extending loans and overdrafts to many borrowers to cater for inputs acquisition and other expenses. The total gross loans amounted to TZS 3,351.06 million and were extended to various sectors including Agriculture (28.37%), Education (12.62), Transport & Communication (12.13%), Trade (10.75%). and manufacturing (8.22%) Hotels & Tourism (6.45%). Personal loans (6.36%). Real Estate and Construction (5.63%), Health (4.87), Fishing (3.05%) and the remaining (1.49%) were on insurance and finance. The Bank faced various risks ranging from financial and non-financial risks. KCBL has several systems in place which include various management and board committees to address credit risk. The study also found out that the KCBL did not have an approved credit policy manual for its day to day lending activities making it difficult to abide by the best practices of credit management. It is therefore suggested that the bank should prepare a credit policy to act as a blue print in credit management. The study also recommends s that there should be both English and Swahili versions of the contract documents so that indigenous borrowers can comprehend these documents easily
The value chain of traded products of medicinal plants in Tanzania: the emerging role of formulators
(African Journal of Economic and Management Studies, 2021-10-04) Mpelangwa, Eziacka Mathew; Makindara, Jeremia Ramos; Sørensen, Olav Jull; Bengesi, Kenneth Michael-Kitundu
Products of medicinal plants play significant roles in management of diseases. Their accessibility through trade plays a key role in health, economic and livelihood improvement. However, the traceability of the production process from their source in Tanzania is lacking. This study aims to depicture the production process of formulated products of medicinal plants. Design/methodology/approach. The study applied the value chain theory using qualitative data from literature review and survey to practitioners of traditional medicine. Survey data were collected through 15 indepth interviews and ten focus group discussions in five regions of Tanzania. Findings. Input to output structure is performed through a five actors’ value chain. The raw material is provided by harvesters who collected medicinal plants from wild. The processing is conducted by wholesalers and formulators. The wholesalers add value by drying, milling and bulk packaging of individual medicinal plants. Formulators mix different medicinal plants to create readymade products for specified diseases. Distribution is done by retailers and healers. There were six regulating and two supporting organizations. Private supporters were millers and transporters. Governance structure was deduced to be relational. Relational governance was a result of lack official standards along the value chain. Originality/value. The described value chain can be used to guide investments in production of products of medicinal plants by improving formulation technology
Adoption and impact of dairy and irrigated rice technologies on poverty alleviation in Dodoma, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture., 2003) Kisusu, Robert Wankanya
This study was conducted in Mvumi and Bahi, Dodoma Rural District, Tanzania. The general objective of the study was to assess adoption and impact of improved dairy and irrigated rice production on poverty alleviation. The specific objectives were to assess adoption and determine factors influencing adoption of improved dairy and irrigated rice technologies, to assess the impact and recommend policies, which will promote dairy and irrigated rice production for poverty reduction. The study comprised a random sample of 164 project farmers and 46 non- project farmers for Mvumi. For Bahi village it comprised of 164 project farmers and 164 non-project farmers. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics, logistic regression and paired sample T-test. Factors that significantly (P<0.01) influenced adoption of improved dairy technologies were age of household head, number of pupils in the household, type of cattle breed owned before the project and daily milk consumption. On the other hand, factors that significantly (P<0.01) influenced adoption of improved irrigated rice technologies were household working days during the rainy season, rice yield before introduction of improved irrigated rice technologies, number of pupils in the household and amount of irrigation water. The results of impact assessment indicated that average annual per capita income and purchasing power p arity i ncreased by 432% and 567% respectively after improved dairy Project. With regard to improved rice production, average annual per capita income and purchasing power parity increased by 20% and 25% respectively after the Project. Implementation of Mvumi dairy project increased calories intake and milk consumption by 15% and 206% respectively while implementation of Bahi rice project increased calories intake by 4%.iii Furthermore, improved dairy project and irrigated rice project increased significantly (P <0.01) material assets and financial ability to meet various social services after introduction of improved dairy cattle and irrigated rice production. The major conclusion is that both projects have significantly contributed to poverty alleviation in the study area. Therefore, it is recommended that similar development projects be promoted in other rural areas but attempts be made to make sure they target the poor.
Strategic management in cooperative development : case study of Mbozi, Morogoro and Songea - Namtumbo cooperative unions in Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2012) Kikula, Jaraj Sulayman
This study was conducted in Mbozi, Morogoro and Songea Namutumbo cooperative unions. The study areas were selected on the basis of the ailing performance of their respective cooperative unions. The problem which this study strove to address was that after the International Monetary Fund having introduced structural adjustment programs came trade liberalization which allowed many key players in agriculture, where cooperative unions used to operate. Cooperative unions failed to compete under such competitive business environment, the issue at stake was to assess the extent to which strategic management influences the performance of the studied cases. The overall objective of this study was to assess the contribution of strategic management in the management of cooperative unions in Tanzania. The justification of the study is premised on the need for transforming agriculture by putting farmer members and cooperative unions at the centre of economic development for the betterment of the rural poor. A sample of 795 respondents was selected out of the population of 2375, random sampling technique was used to select sampling units thus obtaining 808, 692 and 875 farmer members from each union, thereafter proportional reallocation was computed from each union hence obtaining 270 farmer members from MBOCU, 232 from MOFACL) and 293 farmer members from SONAMCU. Purposive sampling technique was applied in interviews. Both primary and secondary data collection methods were used, the former involved questionnaires. The latter involved reviewing performance reports and reading news papers. Descriptive statistics was applied in the analysis of quantitative data where frequencies, percentages and chi-square were used to analyse results. Content analysis was applied on qualitative data based on verbal discussion and observation. The results of the study indicated that the use of strategic management in the study lacked. Strategic leadership failed to take participatory approach to influence the studied cases. Productivity across the studied cases dwindled due to competition. The study recommends that for competitive viability cooperative unions iii should have corporate plans. Strategic leadership among others should manage the strategic management process. For productivity improvement policy makers and top managers of cooperative unions should ensure that agricultural inputs were available and affordable.
Credit rationing against small and medium scale enterprises in Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2014) Maziku, Martha Adolph
The potential of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in promoting economic growth is widely accepted and documented by scholars and policy makers alike. Limited access to credit for these small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) has been identified as a major bottleneck in realizing this potential. Building on the concept of information asymmetry and transaction costs theories, this study tested the influence of firm and entrepreneur characteristics on bank's credit rationing and the impact of credit rationing on SMEs growth in the Tanzanian setting. A cross sectional survey design was used to collect data from 271 entrepreneurs and 28 credit officers. Descriptive statistics. Analysis of Variances (ANOVA) and binary logistic regression analysis were employed to Analyse the study data. The findings reveal that credit rationing of SMEs is explained by firm characteristics, the findings indicate that young borrowers and entrepreneurs who have had insufficient knowledge about bank requirements, who lack knowledge of preparing business plans, who lack credit history and who arc constrained by the cost of preparing business project plan, were more likely to be rationed. On the other hand, entrepreneurs who have had better past relationship with the banks were less likely to be credit rationed. furthermore, the findings indicate that specific business characteristics, such as firm age, size, industry, geographical distance, poor quality accounting practices and collateral have some influence on credit rationing. The study also reveals that low turnover of bank account, high monitoring costs of SMEs loan and asymmetric valuation of the projects increase bank's credit rationing. The findings reveal further credit rationing affect sales and employment growth. The study recommends that banks should develop training programmes for borrowers about all aspects of the lending transaction and acquire information processing capabilities and lending techniques that overcome asymmetric information. It is also recommended that government should formulate rules on financial reporting and disclosure. Government should also provide training programs in business plans, income tax assessment and financial management for SMEs owners. It is further recommended that SMEs should show consistent cash flow, in line with the performance of their bank accounts. SMEs also need to keep proper financial statements and develop a culture of transparency and accountability.

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