Development of a computer-based decision support tool for selection of optimum tractor-plough system for upland farming in Tanzania:
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Date
2015
Authors
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Sokoine University of Agriculture
Abstract
This thesis is the result of a study carried out in Mvomcro District in Morogoro region,
Tanzania. The success of this work was made possible by moral and material support of
different persons and institutions. First, and foremost, I thank the almighty God for
providing me with the courage, strength, guidance, patience and passion throughout my
study period, for I understand without him I could not have been able to accomplish this
study.
I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the Management of the National
Institute of Transport (NIT) for enabling and financing my studies in the Department of
Agricultural Engineering and Land Planning of Sokoine University of Agriculture. Special
thanks are directed to the then top management members: Dr. A. M. Rashid (Principal),
Mr. E. Mgonja (Deputy Principal-Academics, Research and Consultancy) and Mr. E
Msonge (Deputy Principal- Finance and Administration), for their moral and financial
support.
Special thanks are directed to my Supervisors Prof. Z. M. Mganilwa, Prof. S. M. Mpanduji
and Prof. D. N. Kimaro, for their tireless guidance, wise advice and constructive criticism.
Without them my academic dreams and aspirations would have not become a reality.
I am indebted to Prof. A. K. P. R. Tarimo for his guidance and moral support during my
study. I am extending my sincere thanks to all academic members of staff of the
Department of Agricultural Engineering and Land Planning, for their material and moral
support, advice and for creating a harmonious environment during my stay at the
University. I am also extending my sincere thanks to the Centre for Agriculturalvii
Mechanization and Rural Technology (CAMARTEC) for providing test equipment and
support staff.
1 am also grateful to the farmers (respondents), extension engineer Mr. Felix Temu and
other Mvomero District Council staff including District Agricultural and Livestock
Development Officer (DALDO) and extension officers for their support during data
collection. I am also extending my sincere thanks to Mr. Issaya M. Mwansasu (National
Institute of Transport) and King George Magaga (INFOSYS LTD) for their support during
computer programming work.
I express my sincere appreciation to my lovely wife Juster Kemilembe Mwasandube and
my children Lisa, Merina and Richard for their moral and material support, patience and
encouragement which in one way or another made my study successful.
Also, I am very grateful to my brothers: Mr. Alley C. Mwakibolwa, P. Mwasandube,
Asukenye Mwasandube, my son in-law Daudi Mbugulu, my in-laws T. Kalinjuna and G.
A. Kalinjuna for their moral support and encouragement. It is not easy to mention all who
contributed in one way or another in making this work done but I say to you all thank you
very much. Let the Almighty God grant you all with his glory, peace and blessings.
Description
Keywords
Agricultural mechanization, Soil physical properties, Tractor-plough system, Soil characterization, Mvomero District