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Item Classroom support for students’ digital literacy skills for learning in Tanzania’s public universities(Development in Practice, 2022) Nalaila, Stephano ; Wawire, Violet; Mugo, Peter G.PThis paper explores classroom support for students’ acquisition of digital literacy skills for learning at the University of Dar es Salaam and Sokoine University of Agriculture in Tanzania. The paper contains qualitative data collected through questionnaires and informal discussions. The study found limited classroom support for students’ digital literacy skills for learning because instructors are not prepared for it. Teaching activities that instructors implement do not reflect the attributes of digital literacy skills students should possess. Therefore, the paper challenges universities to mainstream students’ digital literacy skills and train instructors to assume the skills support roleItem Rural-out migration as a livelihood diversification strategy to rural households: A study of Makete and Iringa rural districts, Tanzania(Mzumbe University, 2011) Rwechungura, Fred AlfredThis study assessed whether rural-out migration as a livelihood strategy enhanced livelihoods of rural households in Iringa region. The objectives were, to establish how dependent households were on diversified livelihood portfolios, what the determinants for rural-out migration were, and outcomes of rural-out migration and remittances from it to household assets. The study used cross-sectional data involving 272 migrant and non-migrant households. Findings revealed that out of 272 households, 93(34%) had out-migrants. Additionally, all 272 households were dependent on diversified livelihood portfolios, with agriculture dominating, followed by non-farm activities. However, in ranking these portfolios, migration came eighth out of nine listed activities, suggesting it was not a valued source of livelihood. At household level, the following variables were significant and positively associated with rural-out migration: household size, age of household head, and the marital status of head of household. At societal level, lack of job opportunities such as non-farm self-employment, casual labour, and working in enterprises; and poor or lack of infrastructures and /or utilities such as water dams, irrigation schemes, electricity, and markets/market places accounted for rural-out migration. On the outcomes of migration to the households’ assets, migration did not have any significance to the households; instead it had more detrimental outcomes, including withdrawal of productive human resource from community; family abandonment; erosion of morals; spread of HIV/AIDS; increasing number of vulnerable children; and school drop-out. The main conclusion from these findings is that unlike what many studies had found (in other countries), out-migration did not have better outcomes to the livelihoods of rural households in the studied districts. The policy implication of these findings is that unless rural livelihood is improved, rural-out migration will continue, as rural dwellers continue searching for ‘greener pastures.’ As this continues, poverty is perpetuated. Consequently, not only will this affect urban and other economically vibrant areas where migrants continue flocking to by saturating these destinations’ capacity to handle the migrants, but it will also affect poor rural areas negatively by draining their energetic and productive human resource. On this basis, the need to promote rural livelihood diversification by breaking the cycle of poverty through development of correct policies on human capital, infrastructure and utilities, credit provision, and enabling environments for grassroots initiatives is imperative. Likewise, adopting social protection approach, market-based approach, labour union approach, and rehabilitation approach could be steps in the right direction towards addressing problems associated with rural-out migration.Item Participation of private sector companies in emerging capital markets: A study of capital markets in Tanzania(Mzumbe University, 2011) Nangawe, Abbi GThis study aimed at determining factors influencing participation of private sector companies in Tanzanian emerging capital market. The study answered the question on the relationship between a company‟s going public decisions on the one hand and going public rules and regulations (which include ordinance compliance requirements, prospectus information disclosure and external monitoring and corporate governance), going public costs, company‟s confidentiality, company‟s reputation and credibility, and company‟s portfolio diversification to allow risk sharing on the other hand. The testable hypotheses were formulated as follows: (i) Going public rules and regulations are negatively associated with company‟s decision to go public; (ii) Going public costs are negatively associated with company‟s decision to go public; (iii) Company‟s confidentiality syndrome is negatively associated with companys’ decision to go public; (iv) Company‟s reputation and credibility is positively associated with companys’ decision to go public; and, (v) Company‟s portfolio diversification to allow risk sharing is positively associated with companys’ decision to go public. The study adopted a survey design using a cross-sectional approach. The sample size comprised of 168 private profit making companies from three regions of Tanzania mainland, namely Arusha, Dar es Salaam, and Kilimanjaro. The three regions were selected because they account for over 61% of all private profit making and non-profit making companies in Tanzania mainland (CRE, 2007). Data analysis used the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software and applied a multiple linear regression analysis (MLRA) model, using the ordinary least square (OLS) estimation technique. Findings of the study had mixed support for the hypotheses. Four predictor variables which slightly supported the hypotheses are: portfolio diversification to allow risk sharing; external monitoring and corporate governance; company‟s confidentiality and prospectus information disclosure requirements. Surprisingly enough, company‟s control variables did not support our hypotheses. The actual results of the study revealed that, empirical support came from company portfolio diversification to allow risk sharing, prospectus information disclosure requirements, company reputation and credibility and company confidentiality. On the other hand, results revealed there was no empirical support for going public costs, while going public ordinance compliance requirements was only slightly supported. The study recommends measures which will enhance capital markets policy interventions. First, are measures to be instituted by policy makers to increase supply of and demand for security instruments and to strengthen the regulatory operating capacity. Second, are training and research measures which will enable Capital Markets and Securities Authority (CMSA), in collaboration with Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange (DSE), training and research institutions, to develop and promote new market strategies, such as curricular programmes to enhance the public's awareness of capital markets. Last, but not least, the study recommends strategic measures to private sector companies which will enhance their incentives to save, and mechanisms to channel those savings into further investments. Finally, the study suggests directions for future research on capital markets participation in emerging markets and Tanzania in particular.Item Determinants of interest rate spread in commercial banks: A case study of selected local and foreign banks in Tanzania(Mzumbe University, 2013) Aikoh, Kenedy J.The behaviour of interest rate spread in Tanzania for a very long period of time has been strong, high and persistently showing little signs of narrowing. When compared with other East African countries, the interest rate spread in Tanzania seems to be the highest. It is this persistent and low narrowing trend of the interest rate spread which gave rise to the need of studying the factors which cause high interest rate spread in commercial banks in Tanzania. The overall objective of this study was to identify the Determinant of interest rate spread in commercial banks in Tanzania and compare the interest rate spread between the selected banks. The determinants were ascertained from a review of previous literatures. Related parameters from the selected determinants were studied for the chosen banks for the period between 2006 and 2012, a period after adoption of market determined interest rate regime. The study based on the secondary data from 28 quarters of published quarterly reports of the selected commercial banks and Bank of Tanzania quarterly economic bulletin publications. Multiple regressions were applied to establish relationship between the dependent variable, interest rate spread and the chosen independent variables which were non-interest income, provision for loan losses, non-performing loans, non-interest expenses, gross domestic product rate, treasury bills rate and inflation. The results from the study indicate that the key determinants of interest rate spread for the selected commercial banks are the treasury bills rate, TBillrate; Real GDP rate, Non-interest income, NII; Provision for loan losses, PLL and Non-performing loans, NPL. The results also show that the interest rate spread for the selected local commercial bank is higher than that of the selected foreign commercial bank. The policy implication from the study is that the high responsiveness of commercial banks spread to the treasury bills and real GDP rate needs to be regulated. This study can be extended by exploring the impact of financial sector development on interest rate spreads in commercial banking system.Item Influence of leadership styles on teachers' job satisfaction: A case of selected primary schools in Songea and Morogoro Districts, Tanzania(International Journal of Educational Administration and Policy Studies., 2014) Machumu, Haruni J & Mafwimbo, Kaitila M.This study reports on the kind of school leadership style that best suits for promoting teachers' job satisfaction in primary schools in Tanzania. The study employed cross sectional research design with samples of 200 teachers from 20 selected primary schools in Songea and Morogoro districts. Interviews, documentary analysis and questionnaires were used to collect data. The data were analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively using tables, frequencies and percentages. It was found that the democratic leadership style was the most dominant in best performing primary schools. It is therefore suggested that there is much to be learnt with democratic leadership style as a copying strategy in least performing primary schools. Moreover, level of teachers' job satisfaction was reportedly high in best performing schools compared to least performing schools. The findings commended that democratic leadership style is the one which promotes high teachers' job satisfaction among teachers in primary schoolsItem Contractual arrangements and smallholder cane growers’ performance: Evidence from Kilombero and Turiani, Morogoro - Tanzania(Mzumbe Univesity, 2015) Nsindagi, Thobias EdwardContract farming (CF) is widely accepted as a tool for improving performance of smallholder farmers in developing countries. In Tanzania CF has been practised in the sugar sector since 2006. However, ever since its commencement, sugarcane production trend portrays ambiguous conclusion with regard to smallholders‟ performance. Based on these trends, this study intended to examine the role of CF on performance focusing on process upgrading, profitability and income diversification in sugarcane production. The objectives were (i) to assess whether CF arrangements facilitate or obstruct farmers from upgrading their production processes, (ii) to determine the levels of efficiency of smallholder cane growers and identify factors influencing the efficiency levels, and (iii) to determine the extent of diversification among sugar cane growers and identify factors influencing diversification. Each objective had its own methodological approach. In analysing these objectives, various econometric tools were used e.g. Cobb Douglas stochastic profit function to analyse factors influencing farm profitability, and single limit Tobit regression for analysing factors influencing income diversification using a sample size of 386 respondents. The findings indicated that CF offers limited incentives and capabilities necessary for upgrading smallholder cane growers‟ processes. About 84% of cane growers affirmed that price of sugarcane, payment systems, and enforcement mechanisms were the main constraints for them to upgrade their production process. Similarly, the capability parameters such as training, extension services, input provision and access to credit were not included in the agreements and therefore cane growers‟ capabilities were adversely affected. Econometric model result indicated that, market satisfaction, a proxy for CF arrangement was not a significant determinant of farm profitability. However, descriptive statistics showed that price and payment mechanisms exhibited high profit inefficiency. This implies that market access restricts attainment of optimal farm frontier profit. Regarding input use, fertilizer was used much below the optimum amount, suggesting that there is a considerable room for input use expansion to boost productivity, and consequently, farm profitability. Tobit result indicated that land ownership, education, household size, and access to paved road were important determinants of diversification. On the basis of these findings, it is concluded that access to incentive and capability variables, improved pricing and payment modalities, and access to various assets might improve performance, profitability and welfare of the sugarcane growers.Item Effects of contract farming on production and income of sunflower farmers in Kongwa district in central agricultural zone of Tanzania(Mzumbe University, 2015) Mpeta, Daniel F.This thesis undertakes to explore the effects of farming contracts on technical efficiency of production and incomes of smallholders in Kongwa district of great interest in the study is fact that, farming contracts examined involve sunflower crop, a low value crop which does not belong to conventional crops considered to be ideal crops for contract farming. Most contract crops as described in Prowse (2012) are often those which exhibit higher net return per hectare of land than staples; have high degree of perishability and require product homogeneity in their production, high hygiene, and safety requirement at the end market. They are crops such as vegetables, fruits, flowers, ornamentals, condiments and spices whose transactions costs in spot market are usually high (Temu&Temu, 2005; Prowse, 2012). Sunflower does not have such characteristics. It is an easy to grow crop, an indispensable edible crop, with low perishability and with many buyers. Econometric modeling is used to determine the contract effects on productivity and income of sunflower farmers. Considering contract farming as a governance form between smallholders and agri-business firms, the study uses a value chain approach to examine the role of contracting firms in coordination of trade relationships. A cross-sectional data set of 400 small-scale sunflower farmers in Kongwa district and chain survey data covering 7 sunflower processing firms based in Dodoma and Singida practicing contract farming are used. Results show that participating in contract farming lead to an average increase in technical efficiency of a farmer by 4.5- 7.4 percent. Contract participation also increases land productivity of a farmer. The expected output per acre of contract farm is 24% higher than non-contact farm. Similarly, contract farmers realize positive income effects from sunflower production. Results also show that innovativeness of firms and collaborations with Local Government Authorities, are a key to contract farming success. Promotion of contract farming could be done by e.g. providing improved services to contract firms and farmers such as by supporting the availability of improved seeds, and creating conducive contract farming laws and regulationsItem Institutional context, household access to resources and sustainability of river basin resources in Tanzania towards an analytical framework(University of Antwerp, 2015) Shitima, Christina MRiver basin resources contribute in diverse ways in the livelihoods of rural people in Tanzania. People living around these areas depend on small scale agriculture, subsistence forestry, artisanal fishing, livestock keepings, artisanal mining and small-scale trade as sources of livelihoods. While it was expected that these important livelihood assets would be used in sustainable ways, the destructive practices behavior related to the use of basins resources are increasing. Increase of population, declining of agricultural productivity without increase of employment in industrial sector are among the factors that lead to competition for the use of river basin resources. This paper aims at providing an analytical framework that elaborates the relationship between people’s access to and control over resources and sustainability of River basin resources in Tanzania. It uses the concept of livelihood framework, together with institutional theories to build the analytical framework that elaborates multiplicity of factors that affect sustainability of river basin resources in Tanzania. The livelihood framework is modified to include the concept of Ostrom’s polycentric governance system to study how different institutions interact in the governance of river basin resources in Tanzania to affect the sustainability of River basin resources. This is the first paper to link the concept of polycentric governance system with the livelihood framework. This paper is part of the literature review that will feed into the PhD research on household development strategies and their linkage to RBR degradation in Tanzania.Item Contractual arrangements and smallholder cane growers’ performance: Evidence from Kilombero and Turiani, Morogoro – Tanzania(Mzumbe University, 2015) Nsindagi, Thobias E.Contract farming (CF) is widely accepted as a tool for improving performance of smallholder farmers in developing countries. In Tanzania CF has been practiced in the sugar sector since 2006. However, ever since its commencement, sugarcane production trend portrays ambiguous conclusion with regard to smallholders‟ performance. Based on these trends, this study intended to examine the role of CF on performance focusing on process upgrading, profitability and income diversification in sugarcane production. The objectives were (i) to assess whether CF arrangements facilitate or obstruct farmers from upgrading their production processes, (ii) to determine the levels of efficiency of smallholder cane growers and identify factors influencing the efficiency levels, and (iii) to determine the extent of diversification among sugar cane growers and identify factors influencing diversification. Each objective had its own methodological approach. In analyzing these objectives, various econometric tools were used e.g. Cobb Douglas stochastic profit function to analyses factors influencing farm profitability, and single limit To bit regression for analyzing factors influencing income diversification using a sample size of 386 respondents. The findings indicated that CF offers limited incentives and capabilities necessary for upgrading smallholder cane growers‟ processes. About 84% of cane growers affirmed that price of sugarcane, payment systems, and enforcement mechanisms were the main constraints for them to upgrade their production process. Similarly, the capability parameters such as training, extension services, input provision and access to credit were not included in the agreements and therefore cane growers‟ capabilities were adversely affected. Econometric model result indicated that, market satisfaction, a proxy for CF arrangement was not a significant determinant of farm profitability. However, descriptive statistics showed that price and payment mechanisms exhibited high profit inefficiency. This implies that market access restricts attainment of optimal farm frontier profit. Regarding input use, fertilizer was used much below the optimum amount, suggesting that there is a considerable room for input use expansion to boost productivity, and consequently, farm profitability. To bit result indicated that land ownership, education, household size, and access to paved road were important determinants of diversification. On the basis of these findings, it is concluded that access to incentive and capability variables, improved pricing and payment modalities, and access to various assets might improve performance, profitability and welfare of the sugarcane growers.Item Engaging the Tanzanian diaspora in national development: What do we know and what are the gaps?(African Journal of Economic Review, 2015) Utouh, Harold M ; Mutalemwa, Darlene K.Over the past ten years there has been a significant change in African governments’ perception of their Diasporas. In the previous three decades, Diasporas were not seen as a resource that countries of origin could tap into for their development needs. This is no longer the case. Now, Diasporas are increasingly seen as positive actors: as countrymen and women abroad, who can contribute to development efforts in their homelands. In this context, this paper reviews literature on the major policies and initiatives used by countries to help support and promote diaspora engagement. To be specific, countries which have successfully engaged their diaspora in the national development process. The paper also highlights key factors of success of Tanzania’s neighbouring countries and other countries. It attempts to relate these practices to the case of Tanzania, given the current social, economic, political and cultural contexts. The Tanzanian experience reveals a wide range of interventions taken to facilitate participation by its diaspora in national growth efforts. While these interventions, are highly laudable- especially considering financial limits - there remains important weaknesses. Suggestions to improve existing measures are provided.Item Impacts of parental involvement in school activities on academic achievement of primary school children(International Journal of Education and Research, 2015) Kimaro, Anathe R & Machumu, HaruniThe study explores the extent of parental involvement in school activities and its relationship with schooling process among primary school children. Parental involvement questionnaire and children academic questionnaire with two rating scales each were administered to 288 children and 125 teachers from six primary schools. The study found a positive significant relationship between parental involvement in school activities and children’s academic standing (r =.766, p<.01) and the provision of key school items related to schooling outcomes (r =.733, p<.01) respectively. Parents-teacher conferences and parent-teacher face-to-face contacts were perceived to be desirable modes of communications that impacts children’s school academic achievement.Item Farmer’s perceptions on climate change impacts in different rice production systems in Morogoro Tanzania(International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications, 2016) Mugula, Victoria Jovin; Mkuna, EliazaThis study was done to assess farmers’ perceptions on climate change impacts in different rice production systems in Morogoro Tanzania. In specific the study analyzed farmers' socio-economic characteristics in different rice production systems in Morogoro Tanzania and also examined farmers' perceptions on climate change impacts in different rice production systems in Morogoro Tanzania. Both secondary and primary data using a structured questionnaires and focus group discussions were collected from Morogoro rural and Mvomero Districts in Morogoro Region, Tanzania. The study employed cross sectional research design by which data were collected at one point in time. However the sample size involved was 150 respondents. The analyses were done using descriptive statistics to analyze farmers socio-economic characteristics and Likert scale was used to assess respondents’ perceptions on the climate change impacts in different rice production systems. The results indicate that socio-economic factors such as age, education level, household size and main activities of the household affect the climate change adaptation and coping strategies perception of rice farmers. Moreover small number of respondents believed that the climate change is threat to future food security, and also majority of farmers perceived that climate change might lead to crop failure, unpredicted seasons, drought and floods. The study suggested that there is a need for upscalling of awarewness, education and capacity building on good agricultural practices which will assist farmers to cope with climatic changes.Item Maternal health care utilization and its socio-economic implications in Tanzania: A study of Ilembo and Masoko wards in Mbeya district(Mzumbe University, 2016) Maguja NestoryThis study examined the socio-economic implications of Maternal Health Care in Tanzania using Masoko and Ilembo wards as a case study. The specific questions were (a) To what extent does maternal health care utilization affect household production in Tanzania? (b) To what degree does maternal health care utilization affect the healthy days of maternal mothers in Tanzania? (c)To what level does maternal health care utilization reduce vulnerability to diseases of maternal mothers in Tanzania? (d)To what extent does maternal health care utilization affect the health expenditure of the Tanzanians? The random probability sampling technique chose a sample size of 143 respondents. The findings show that most respondents (64%) made one to three antenatal Care visits, while 36% made the required number of four and above antenatal care clinic visits. Based on these data, it can be confirmed that the utilization is low. The findings also show that the maternal mother’s age, distance, lack of education, and income level were reasons for the low utilization of maternal health services. On the socio-economic effects, the results showed that respondents with higher antenatal care visit majority 76.7% of them earned more than 500,000Tzs per year compared to 23.3% with lower antenatal care visits (p=0.0005). Furthermore, among respondents with higher antenatal care clinic visits, only 7.6% were unhealthy for more than 40 days per year compared to 92.4% with lower antenatal care clinic visits (p= 0.0005). In respondents with higher antenatal care clinic visits, only 17.9% were vulnerable to hemorrhage, puerial-sepsis, eclampsia, and anemia compared to 82.1% with lower antenatal care clinic visits (p=0.0005). 91.4% of respondents with lower antenatal care visits spent more than 100,000Tzs on health problems compared to only 8.6% with higher antenatal care visits (p=0.0005). Increase of health facilities Availability and provision of maternal health knowledge were some of the study's policy recommendations.Item Maternal health care utilization and its socio-economic implications in Tanzania: A study of Ilembo and Masoko wards in mbeya district(Mzumbe University, 2016) Maguja, NestoryThis study examined the socio-economic implications of Maternal Health Care in Tanzania using Masoko and Ilembo wards as a case study. The specific questions were (a) To what extent does maternal health care utilization affect household production in Tanzania? (b) To what degree does maternal health care utilization affect the healthy days of maternal mothers in Tanzania? (c)To what level does maternal health care utilization reduce vulnerability to diseases of maternal mothers in Tanzania? (d)To what extent does maternal health care utilization affect the health expenditure of the Tanzanians? The random probability sampling technique chose a sample size of 143 respondents. The findings show that most respondents (64%) made one to three antenatal Care visits, while 36% made the required number of four and above antenatal care clinic visits. Based on these data, it can be confirmed that the utilization is low. The findings also show that the maternal mother’s age, distance, lack of education, and income level were reasons for the low utilization of maternal health services. On the socio-economic effects, the results showed that respondents with higher antenatal care visit majority 76.7% of them earned more than 500,000Tzs per year compared to 23.3%with lower antenatal care visits (p=0.0005). Furthermore, among respondents with higher antenatal care clinic visits, only 7.6% were unhealthy for more than 40 days per year compared to 92.4% with lower antenatal care clinic visits (p= 0.0005). In respondents with higher antenatal care clinic visits, only 17.9% were vulnerable to hemorrhage, puerile-sepsis, ecclesial, and anemia compared to 82.1% with lower antenatal care clinic visits (p=0.0005). 91.4% of respondents with lower antenatal care visits spent more than 100,000Tzs on health problems compared to only 8.6% with higher antenatal care visits (p=0.0005). Increase of health facilities Availability and provision of maternal health knowledge were some of the study's policy recommendations.Item Internet use among secondary schools and its effects on their learning(IATED Proceedings, 2017) Almasi, Mustapha ; Machumu, Haruni; Zhu, ChangInternet represents the greatest collection of human knowledge and has enabled many communities in the world to manage communication and solve problems faster. With the Internet access in education, a wide range of ideas, teaching and learning resources, techniques and innovations have been widely shared. This study explored internet use among Tanzania secondary schools students and its effects on their learning. We employed mixed methods research with the descriptive design. A total of 310 students were involved to fill in the questionnaires, semi-interviews and observation to examine students’ use of the internet. This study is important for educators and policy makers in understanding the link between internet use and its effects on students learning due the central role of the internet in the educational setting. Findings report that internet uses for educational purposes had improved among secondary schools. However, most of students used the internet as a social media for chatting and socializing, watching movies and listening to music. Waste of time, delay on schoolwork submission, poor academic results and school dodging were reported among effects associated with the internet uses among secondary students. The results of this study shed light on the most effective use of the internet in the teaching-learning process among students on the proper use of the internet. This implies educators and policy makers need to devise proper ways in which school students will utilize the internet for effective learning.Item The relationship between student conceptions of constructivist learning and their engagement in constructivist based blended learning environments(International Journal of Learning Technology, 2017) Machumu, Haruni; Zhu ,ChangEmerging methodological and technological systems designed to accommodate students’ unprecedented demand and needs, which incorporate both in-class learning methods and digital technologies learning environments, invite students to engage in the given learning activities. This study investigated the relationship between students' conceptions of constructivist learning and their engagement in constructivist based blended learning environment (CBLE). A mixed research methods design was used to collect data from 722 students at the Mzumbe University, Tanzania. The results indicated a significant positive correlation between students' conceptions of constructivist learning and their engagement in CBLE. The results showed that students had positive conceptions of constructivist learning. The results offer significant contributions to constructivist educators and education stakeholders about what should be considered while encouraging student engagement in CBLE. The study concludes that students' conceptions are essential to the success of their learning in CBLE since their active constructivist engagement in diverse learning activities depends on their constructivist conceptions.Item Constructivist-based blended learning environments in higher education: student and teacher variables in the Tanzanian context2018(Vrije Universiteit Brusse, 2018) Machumu, Harun JuliusIn higher education, constructivist epistemology “constructivist theory of knowledge” is an established research field with several scientific research communities and related scientific studies. Constructivists focus on individual student engagement in the process of knowledge construction based on what is already known or prior acquired knowledge and skills. Despite extensive scientific literature and rapidly growing studies which integrate constructivist pedagogy and related digital instructional technologies, there is an increase of students and teachers being engaged and exposed to one of the following(s): digital instructional technologies, blended learning environments and/or constructivist pedagogy. In this dissertation, it is, therefore, argued that several gaps persist in and between constructivist pedagogy, digital instructional technologies and blended learning environments from local to global contexts. Though, when these teaching and learning praxes are combined to foster authentic learning in the 21st century, ‘a constructivist-based blended learning environment’- “CBLE(s)” is preserved as an important educational environment. Indeed, for effective utilisation of CBLE(s), students and teachers need to be knowledgeable and demonstrate proficiency in the following ways. First, basic computer operational skills. Second, basic ICTs skills. Third, practical use of the internet. Fourth, the e-learning system evaluation skills, and lastly, pedagogical skills for both within and out of classroom management (Meiers, Knight & White, 2009). This dissertation aims to unveil student and teacher instrumental variables related to their engagement learning activities, strategies and practices in CBLEs in the context of Tanzanian higher education institutions (HEIs). The dissertation contributes to the better understanding of these influential variables in CBLEs. In this dissertation, each chapter collects relevant data, presents and discuss findings based on students and teachers who were engaging in blended learning. In this dissertation, the general research question was: “What are the student and teacher variables influencing their constructivist conceptions, engagement learning activities, engagement strategies and practices in CBLEs in the context of Tanzanian higher education institutions?” Five research studies based on five specific objectives with 17 formulated research questions (cf. chapter 1 - Table 2) were conducted. Likewise, the setting of the dissertation is articulated alongside with the research problem presented in chapter 1. The theoretical bases of the dissertation capitalise on the constructivist theory of knowledge (Bruner, 1960) and engagement learning theory (Kearsley & Shneiderman, 1998). These theories are the basis for five studies reported in this dissertation and aid in placing our research project from global to local research contexts. Also, the theories assist in explaining, developing and validating research assumptions relating to examining student and teacher variables in CBLEs in HEIs. The other part of chapter 1 offers the structural organisation of the dissertation and the conduct of five research studies. In this dissertation, chapter 2 (study 1) examines students’ conceptions of learning approaches (i.e., surface, strategic and deep) and their engagement in blended learning environments (BLEs) learning activities (i.e., group work, assessments, interactions and learning community). A survey conducted among 446 undergraduate students in two universities revealed that students had strong conceptions regarding learning approaches. The findings unveiled that strategic learning approach dominated deep and surface learning approaches. Also, the results indicated that students held a high level of engagement in group work activity compared learning community, assessments and interactive activities. The results indicated that students’ conceptions of the deep learning approach could significantly predict interactions, learning community and group work activities and not assessments activity in BLEs. The students’ conceptions of strategic learning approach could predict interactions, learning community and assessments are learning activities and not group work activity. However, the result showed that the conceptions of surface learning could not predict student engagement in BLE learning activities, suggesting that the students with a surface learning approach were less likely to engage in BLE learning activities. Therefore, the results are discussed based on both contributions and implications offered to the growing body of research in the field of blended learning. Chapter 3 (study 2), investigates the relationship between students’ conceptions of constructivist learning and their engagement in a CBLE. Students’ conceptions of constructivist learning were measured by variables related to self-directed learning, active participation and shareable experiences while their engagement was subject to learning activities teacher use to influence constructivist teaching and learning including assessments, group work, interactions and learning community. The findings disclosed that students had positive conceptions of constructivist learning and that they were engaged in a CBLE through multiple learning activities. The results further indicated a significant relationship between students’ conceptions of constructivist learning and their engagement in a CBLE. The chapter revealed the importance of understanding students’ conceptions before engaging them in diverse learning activities since their active engagement within a CBLE depends on their actual constructivist conceptions. Chapter 4 (study 3), examines the relationship between student motivational factors to learn and their constructivist-based engagement strategies in CBLE courses. In this chapter, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used to identify presumed motivational factors and constructivist-based engagement strategies among students in CBLE courses. Further, multiple regressions analyses were used to identify the relationship between variables while confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to validate the instrument, checking interrelationship among the observed motivational factors and constructivist-based engagement strategies. The findings revealed four factors structure related to motivational factors and three factors related to engagement strategies. The results showed that students were subject to several motivational factors although external factor dominates their motives to learn while support strategy was more preferred among constructivist-based engagement strategies in CBLE courses. The results regarding gender differences indicated that motivational factors had nothing to do with students’ gender groups while slight gender differences were found between female and male students, with female students scoring high level of constructivist-based engagement in CBLE courses. Overall results showed that a significant relationship exists between students’ motivational factors and their constructivist-based engagement strategies. Therefore, CBLE courses instructors are supposed to use appropriate instructional strategies to encourage students’ intrinsic motivation since extrinsic motivation prolong the use of surface learning rather than deep learning. Furthermore, chapter 5 (study 4), examines the relationship between teachers’ beliefs (cf. teaching methods, course management) and constructivist teaching practices (cf. supportive teaching, explicit engagement and interactions) in BLE courses. The findings revealed that both teaching methods and course management are essential teachers’ beliefs in BLE courses. As for teachers’ constructivist teaching practices, the findings divulged that supportive teaching was more preferred compared to explicit engagement and interactions. The results also revealed that teachers’ beliefs were the same across categories of gender, educational levels, academic ranks and teaching experiences. The overall results indicated a positive relationship between teachers’ beliefs and their constructivist teaching practices in BLE courses, in such a way that teachers’ beliefs significantly predicted explicit engagement (50.5%), supportive teaching (37.6%) and interactions (17.3%) of the total explained variance. Indeed, for successful knowledge construction in BLEs courses, there is a need to align teachers’ beliefs and their constructivist teaching practices. Chapter 6 (study 5), discusses teachers’ perceived roles and their constructivist engagement practices in CBLEs. A mixed-methods research design was used to collect data from 261 university teachers in ten higher education institutions. The findings provided a good rapport among identified three university teachers’ roles, indicating that in CBLEs university teachers hold not only multiple roles but also various constructivist engaging practices including collaboration, facilitation and motivation. Also, gender differences were examined regarding teachers’ perceived roles, and the results divulged no differences in gender categories. The findings unveiled the relationship between teachers’ perceived roles and their constructivist engagement practices in CBLEs. The findings support the prediction that teachers’ perceived roles should be in line with their constructivist engagement practices in CBLEs. In chapter 7, an abridgement of the dissertation is offered alongside with the presented findings based on five studies (cf. chapter 2 to 6). The chapter addresses the main research objective, corresponding specific research objectives and research questions evolved from a critical analysis of the theoretical background and research philosophy guiding the dissertation. The main findings presented (in chapter 2 to 6) are discussed based on 5 specific objectives with comparable 17 specific research questions. On the one hand, general discussions provided crucial suggestions for both theoretical contributions and practical implications to university teachers, students, instructional designers, curriculum developers and most important HEIs embarking on implementing CBLEs. On the other hand, limitations are discussed in tandem with directions for future research perspectives. In the final analysis, the dissertation concludes that studied student and teacher variables about the implementation of CBLEs offer useful theoretical and practical insights regarding the appropriate use of the 21st-century learning skills in HEIs teaching and learningItem An analysis of the household development strategies and their linkage to river basin resources in Tanzania(Mzumbe University, 2018) Shitima, ChristinaMore than a decade ago, the Tanzanian government reformed its policy on the governance of water resources from a predominantly centralized system to a more participatory approach. The implementation of the policy required a simultaneous consideration of both the ecological and social cultural context of the basin and involvement of different stakeholders during the planning and management of water resources. The policy implementation was expected to conserve basins resources without negatively affecting livelihoods of people who depend on river basin resources (RBR). Despite the water policy reform, RBR in Tanzania are still degrading. While the factors for the RBR degradation are well articulated in literature, there is still a knowledge gap in terms of individuals’ characteristics that govern their use of RBR in Tanzania. From this vantage point, our study sets out to investigate in more depth the factors that influence the uses of RBR in different socio-economic and cultural contexts to inform policies on the improvement of rural livelihoods while at the same time protecting the river basin natural resource bases. More specifically, we analyze household characteristics that govern decisions regarding RBR use and assess linkages between people’s access to RBR , choices of development strategies and degradation of RBR. The study uses data collected from households residing along Kilombero Basin and Simiyu Basin.Intra-household data were collected from different household members aged 18 and above who carry out different socio-economic activities. A mixed methods research design, the qualitative— quantitative—qualitative approaches, were used in a sequential manner to answer the research questions. Findings show that informal social relation factors influence both practical rights to use RBR and benefits from the use of resources, which further result in diversities in occupational choices. While almost everyone practices seasonal farming to provide food for household consumption, informal social relation factors and access to social and financial capitals, affect participation in activities that are used for income generation. Lastly, yet importantly, gender, participation in multiple activities and environmental awareness are important factors for people to practice pro-environmental behavior The study provides important contributions to the literature on access to resources as well as to the policy settings by showing the importance of distinguishing between practical rights to use resources and benefits derived from their use. Furthermore, the study confirmed intersectionality and intra-household theories by demonstrating that both men and women are heterogeneous groups in societies. The findings that show that access to social and financial capitals are important factors for people to diversify away from non-environmental to environmental friendly activities provide important information to policy makers and other practitioners dealing with conservation. The study also sheds light on the importance of providing people with environmental education and incentives to encourage pro-environmental behavior.Item Impact evaluation of international aid supported road project on beneficiaries’ income: A case of Tanzania strategic cities project (TSCP) in Mwanza city council(Mzumbe University, 2018) Mdula JaneThis study evaluated the economic impact of Tanzania Strategic Cities focusing on Mwanza City as a case study. The Tanzania Strategic Cities Project (TSCP) is funded by International Development Association (IDA) with the objective of enhancing accessibility of basic urban services. TSCP has been in operation for eight (8) years and therefore this study set to evaluate it. Specifically, the study intended to assess the cost of the projects under Tanzania strategic cities projects in Mwanza city; evaluate the benefits of roads projects under Tanzania strategic cities projects in Mwanza city and; assess the economic impact of roads projects on change of per capital income of road users in Mwanza city. The study involved 130 diverse respondents in terms of gender, education background and age group. Questionnaire was used as research tool for gathering information and that data was analyzed through frequency statistics, cross tabulation and other descriptive statistics. The study found out that income of road users has risen due to construction of the new roads and rehabilitation of old roads. The findings have also shown among the costs incurred by road users in regard to access and use of roads to include public transport fare, wastage of traveling and transporting time, maintenance cost, increase of house rent and fuel consumption. Road users also benefited from time saving on the roads, reduced transportation cost, availability of goods and services at lower price, opening of business opportunities, job creations, and population growth. Lastly the study recommends to the Government on the need to put much emphasis on road maintenance after on road constructed as it is cheap to maintain road than constructing it. Good road infrastructure will allow materials and goods transported in lower price to the industries and so join President John Pombe Magufuli on making“Tanzania ya Viwanda” a realityItem Impact evaluation of international AID supported road project on beneficiaries income: A case of Tanzania strategic cites project (TSCP) in Mwanza city council(Mzumbe University, 2018) Mdula, JaneThis study evaluated the economic impact of Tanzania Strategic Cities focusing on Mwanza City as a case study. The Tanzania Strategic Cities Project (TSCP) is funded by International Development Association (IDA) with the objective of enhancing accessibility of basic urban services. TSCP has been in operation for eight (8) years and therefore this study set to evaluate it. Specifically, the study intended to assess the cost of the projects under Tanzania strategic cities projects in Mwanza city; evaluate the benefits of roads projects under Tanzania strategic cities projects in Mwanza city and; assess the economic impact of roads projects on change of per capital income of road users in Mwanza city. The study involved 130 diverse respondents in terms of gender, education background and age group. Questionnaire was used as research tool for gathering information and that data was analyzed through frequency statistics, cross tabulation and other descriptive statistics. The study found out that income of road users has risen due to construction of the new roads and rehabilitation of old roads. The findings have also shown among the costs incurred by road users in regard to access and use of roads to include public transport fare, wastage of travelling and transporting time, maintenance cost, increase of house rent and fuel consumption. Road users also benefited from time saving on the roads, reduced transportation cost, availability of goods and services at lower price, opening of business opportunities, job creations, and population growth. Lastly the study recommends to the Government on the need to put much emphasis on road maintenance after on road constructed as it is cheap to maintain road than constructing it. Good road infrastructure will allow materials and goods transported in lower price to the industries and so join President John Pombe Magufuli on making “Tanzania ya Viwanda” a reality