Faculty of Social Sciences

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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.P
This 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 role
Rural-out migration as a livelihood diversification strategy to rural households: A study of Makete and Iringa Rural districts, Tanzania
(Mzumbe University, 0201) Rwechungura, Fred Alfred
This 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.
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 Alfred
This 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.
Participation of private sector companies in emerging capital markets: A study of capital markets in Tanzania
(Mzumbe University, 2011) Nangawe, Abbi Godfrey
This 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, the 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 sug
E-Government in marketing a country: A strategy for reducing transaction cost of doing business in Tanzania
(International Journal of Marketing Studies, 2011) Kachwamba, Muhajir; Sæbø, Øystein
There are limited studies examining the role of Investment Promotion Agencies (IPA’s) and their respective marketing techniques used in attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Using an exploratory case study approach, this article addresses this research gap by exploring the role of e-government as a promotion technique in eliminating barriers to FDI inflows in Tanzania; particularly barriers related to information accessibility and bureaucratic procedures facing foreign investors in acquiring relevant licenses and business permits. The findings indicate that foreign investors utilize information to create knowledge of business environment in the host country, though some additional information may not be found due to informational specificity of a particular investment project. In addition, the findings indicate that implementation of e-government has reduced some monetary and non-monetary transaction costs of complying with government authorities. The article contributes to the existing body of knowledge in the field of marketing by examining the role of e-government services in the public sector marketing within a macro-marketing domain.
The role of education for rural development: The case of selected Haydom Lutheran hospital’s educational activities in Mbulu district, Tanzania
(University of Agder, 2011) Kalimasi, Perpetua K; Kjell, Havnevik (Supervisor)
This study explores the role that education and training programs initiated and/supported by Haydom Lutheran Hospital play to the development of the rural community. The study have identified some education and training programs by Haydom Lutheran Hospital and explored the motives behind the establishment of those programs as well as the perceptions of the local community towards education in general and established programs in specific. The challenges associated with the establishment of education and training programs have also been explored. The experiences learned from the case study as a development project have been highlighted as lesson and example for the expected project at Kabanga Nickel in implementing the Corporate Social Responsibility mission. The findings indicate that various education programs, formal and non-formal have played a great role in the improvement of the living standard of the people around the hospital. On the other hand the contribution of education has been evidenced in the capacity building to the majority of the population that have been possible through education programs. This was highlighted by the number of people that have passed though Haydom Primary School, Dr. Olsen Secondary School, Nursing school, the vocational/trade School, Ngwanda Primary School as well as by the working population that have been going through in-service training for various professions in the hospital. The life standard of the educated working population is used as a role model to the rest of the illiterate community and continues to build the positive attitude towards education. The main recommendation for the Kabanga Project is that they should aim to build the capacity of the local community through quality education programs that fit the local community around the project. The educated population will be the foundation of the socio-economic success of the community and they will not solely depend on the project because of the skills and knowledge through education. The establishment of the programs should be in a participatory way so that the community also contribute to the development of education programs using the available resources. The implication here is that they will feel that they own the programs, and they are responsible for future improvement of the programs.
Participation of private sector companies in emerging capital markets: A study of capital markets in Tanzania
(Mzumbe University, 2011) Nangawe, Abbi G
This 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.
The role of education for rural development: The case of selected Haydom Lutheran hospital’s educational activities in Mbulu district, Tanzania
(University of Agder, 2011) Kilasi, Perpetua Kalimasi; Havnevik, Kjell (Supervisor)
This study explores the role that education and training programs initiated and/supported by Haydom Lutheran Hospital play to the development of the rural community. The study have identified some education and training programs by Haydom Lutheran Hospital and explored the motives behind the establishment of those programs as well as the perceptions of the local community towards education in general and established programs in specific. The challenges associated with the establishment of education and training programs have also been explored. The experiences learned from the case study as a development project have been highlighted as lesson and example for the expected project at Kabanga Nickel in implementing the Corporate Social Responsibility mission. The findings indicate that various education programs, formal and non-formal have played a great role in the improvement of the living standard of the people around the hospital. On the other hand the contribution of education has been evidenced in the capacity building to the majority of the population that have been possible through education programs. This was highlighted by the number of people that have passed though Haydom Primary School, Dr. Olsen Secondary School, Nursing school, The vocational/trade School, Ngwandaq Primary School as well as by the working population that have been going through in-service training for various professions in the hospital. The life standard of the educated working population is used as a role model to the rest of the illiterate community and continues to build the positive attitude towards education. The main recommendation for the Kabanga Project is that they should aim to build the capacity of the local community through quality education programs that fit the local community around the project. The educated population will be the foundation of the socio-economic success of the community and they will not solely depend on the project because of the skills and knowledge through education. The establishment of the programs should be in a participatory way so that the community also contribute to the development of education programs using the available resources. The implication here is that they will feel that they own the programs and they are responsible for future improvement of the programs.
Participation of private sector companies in emerging capital markets: A study of capital markets in Tanzania.
(Mzumbe University, 2011) Nangawe , Abbi Godfrey
This 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) (iii) (iv) (v) Going public costs are negatively associated with company‟s decision to go public; Company‟s confidentiality syndrome is negatively associated with company‟s decision to go public; Company‟s reputation and credibility is positively associated with company‟s decision to go public; and, Company‟s portfolio diversification to allow risk sharing is positively associated with company‟s 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.
Internet-based information and foreign direct investment (FDI) location decision making: An information cost perspective
(Acadenic journals, 2012) Kachwamba, Muhajir; Sæbø, Øystein
Information and communication technology (ICT) is considered to play an important role to reduce information cost for potential foreign investors. While a growing body of literature has suggested such connections, conceptual clarity is yet to be achieved. This study introduces a conceptual framework based on the Information-theoretic approach and transaction cost perspective to explore how ICT may reduce information cost. To illustrate our proposed framework, we apply it to examine the role of Internet-based information, published by the Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) on the information needs for foreign investors intending to invest in Tanzania. The findings indicated that general information on investment opportunities and regulatory entry procedures is mainly accessible through IPA´s web pages. Nevertheless, the findings revealed that more specific information on industry competitiveness is not found, although it is important for strategic investment location choice. Public information is combined with alternative sources of information to meet the information requirement for potential investors. Our findings indicate that Internet-based sources of information can reduce part of the information cost facing foreign investors, if properly organized. Our proposed framework extends the discourse on how ICT may influence information cost for foreign investors and contributes to our knowledge on the impact of ICT in the business sector focusing on the Government to business domain. Based on our findings we propose insights into studying and developing ICT-based services for IPAs in their efforts to attract Foreign Direct Investment.
Economic institutions that influence women investment return in Zanzibar
(Mzumbe University, 2013) Ame, Mtumwa Haji
Women nowadays are engaged in Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises as a source of income generation and employment. However, the return does not grow significantly; due to a number of factors including existence of economic institutions that affect their performance. This study centered on examining the economic institutions that influence women investment returns in Urban District of Zanzibar. Interviews, focus group discussion, questionnaires, survey, and documentary reviews were methods employed to collect information of the study. Primary data of 105 women investors was used. Statistical Package for Social Sciences was used to analyze both quantitative and qualitative data and Multiple Linear Regression of Model of Ordinary Least Square was used to find out the relationship between the variable. The findings show that there is a statistical significance relationship between economic institutions i.e Institution 1 (1)= interest rate, Institutions 2 (I2) = accessibility of the market and institution 3 = entrepreneurs behavior. Other institutions are Institution 4 (I4) = access to credit and institution 5 (I5)= level of education. The study recommends the need for promotion of provide gender equality in Zanzibar. This can be done by promoting this in schools, colleges, and universities. Furthermore, the study recommends the need to educate husbands, fathers, and brothers on the importance of allowing their wives, sisters, and daughters to market. At the same time to establish a policy that guides women in the reduction of family responsibility because of their importance in the economy. However, microfinance institutions must be responsible to provide education on business skills meanwhile women must be encouraged to attend these seminars. Micro financial institutions like WEDTEF, SACCOSS and PRIDE need to reduce constrain on women investors who request for loans given that they understand to need for repaying the loan. With such strategies, women will continue applying for more loans and repay those loans to leverage their capital to run their business efficiently.
Constraints to growth of small and medium enterprises in Zanzibar: The case of urban west region
(Mzumbe University, 2013) Hassan, Zena M.
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are very important to the Zanzibar economic growth and hence, the need to ensure that SMEs grow sustainably cannot be over emphasized. At present, however, SMEs growth rate is still limited due to a number of factors that act as the barriers to its growth. This study empirically examined the constraints to SMEs Growth. A survey of 70 small firms was carried out to firms in services, food processing, and agriculture and tourism sectors in Urban West Region of Unguja. The Principal Component Analysis was used to determine dominant constraints, of which five constraints were identified. These include lack of entrepreneur skill, unfavorable government regulations, lack of access to finance, lack of access to power supply, and unreliable of water supply. The constraints were analyzed further to determine the extent to which the identified constraints actually hinder SMEs growth. In this, a logistic regression model was estimated. The result of the analysis shows that unfavourable government regulations and unreliable utility supply (power) significantly hinder SME growth in Zanzibar. Therefore, this study argues that weaknesses and lack of government policy and inadequate provision of power supply do not meet requirements of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) growth. The non government organization supported by central government should provide education concerns with business skills at the same time entrepreneurs should be ready to attend seminars on how to run their business, institutions finance should regulate and reduce constrain on SMEs so as smoothing take a loan . To overcome these obstacles, various measures are suggested include appropriate policies that create conducive environment toward SMEs growth. The study concludes with a discussion of policy implications and areas for further research.
The impact of government expenditure on pro poor sectors in reducing poverty: The case of Kibaha District
(Mzumbe University, 2013) Musiba, Crispin
This study examined the impact of government expenditure on pro poor sectors in reducing poverty in Kibaha district for the period of 2000 – 2009. The tool of analysis used is error correction model and pair wise granger causality to examine the impact of government expenditure on pro poor sectors for economic growth and poverty reduction. Tanzania has been characterized by increased public expenditure on pro poor sectors yet, it is experiencing an economic activity and pro poor growth been shrinking. For example, inflation has fallen from 30% in 1995 to 4.4% in 2004 and GDP grew at 5.2% in 2004, up from 2.6% in 1995. Despite these achievements, the decline in poverty has been only 3% during the 1990s (from 39 to 36%). The main objective of this study is to analysis the impact of government expenditure on pro-poor sectors in reducing poverty in Kibaha district. Pro poor sectors mentioned in this study are agriculture, health, education and roads. This study carried out statistical examinations to ensure the data was valid and reliable. Therefore, data diagnostics (stationery and unusual data) and good-fit model specification test (time series properties, normality test, unit root test, autocorrelation test, and cointegration test) were established. The study indicated that cointegration exist only when Per Capital Income (PCI) act as dependent variable. A long run relationship exists among PCI, road, health, education and agriculture expenditure in Kibaha district. The result for causality shows that government health expenditure granger causes per capital income and the causality runs from health expenditure to per capital income. Moreover, the result shows that on average, government expenditure on education have a positive significant effect on per capita income in Kibaha district. Others, government expenditure on agriculture and roads have positive relationship on per capita income and insignificant. Coefficient of health government expenditure has negative insignificant relationship on per capita income. The results emphasize the importance of government prioritization on its expenditure and spend.The implications of study are to improve investment to the pro poor sectors. In the course of implementing the development of pro poor sectors and other poverty reduction policies and strategies, people need to be trained for skills necessary to cater for the changing poverty and economic environment. It is recognized that, the success of poverty reduction policy depends on among others, well-developed human resources base.
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.
The role of mobile money services in improving microfinance services in rural areas: A case of m-pesa in Kilosa, Morogoro
(Mzumbe University., 2013) Hoope, Saskia
After the implementation of National Microfinance Policy in 2001, microfinance was officially recognized as a tool for poverty eradication and it is in the very vein of the country’s economy and national politics. But the service accessibility to rural areas remains untouched to the unbankable and unserved community. The study objective was to examine the role of mobile money services (MMS) to the unbankable people at Kilosa District in Morogoro. Specifically the study aimed:- (i) to compare accessibility of M-PESA financial service to other non-mobile financial services.(ii)to establish MPESA transactions costs and compare with other non-mobile microfinance services.(iii) to study M-PESA user-friendliness and compare to other microfinance services available locally. Primary data was obtained using questionnaire whereby 30 respondents in Kilosa Village in Morogoro were selected at random, interviewed using both open and closed ended questions to obtain the required data for the study. The questionnaire was focusing on respondents’ role of mobile money services in the study area. Data were analyzed using frequencies and descriptive statistics. The results showed that Mobile money services play a greater role to improve the microfinance services in the study area. Costs for using MMS were cheap as compared to bank accounts which require one to visit the nearest bank and ATM which was far from the village and increases transaction costs was the major constraint. Also the MMS from M-pesa menu was user friendly as compared to other service providers. The study recommend MMS to be included in the microfinance policy to establish the legal framework and security measures for the agents at the remote areas where they handle large volume of transaction in a day.
Relationship between foreign direct investment, exports and economic growth in Tanzania: A time series analysis
(Mzumbe University, 2013) Bomani, Bertha Alfred
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and exports play a significant role in promoting economic growth in many countries. However, empirical studies have not found consistent results, with some literature indicating that FDI and export have adverse impacts to the economy. This study examined long run and causality relationships between FDI, exports and economic growth for Tanzania. The study used time series data for 30 years (1980- 2010) which were obtained from TIC and UNCTAD. By using Johansen test of counteraction, Vector Auto regression model and Granger causality test the study found that there was a single cointegrating vector. The equation was relating FDI and exports (as independent variables) to Economic growth, the dependent variable. Furthermore, there was unidirectional causality relationship with the direction from FDI and exports to GDP growth rate (economic growth). There was also a unidirectional causality with the direction from FDI to exports. Therefore, FDI Granger caused GDP growth rate and exports, while exports Granger caused GDP growth rate only. This further implied that, FDI have a direct and indirect causality to GDP growth rate. This observation necessitated the special consideration for making FDI working for growth. Likewise for total exports which had positive and significant relationship to economic growth. The findings in this study support the export-led growth hypothesis and FDI as the engine for economic growth. For export and FDI to effectively promote growth, the study recommends that policy frameworks and incentive packages should be competitive and vigorous enough.
Participation of households in local economic development programme and poverty reduction: Empirical evidence from support to local economy in Mwanza (slem)
(Mzumbe University, 2013) Marco, Salu
The main objective of this study was to assess the various factors that influence participation of households in local economic development income generating activities as well as poverty reduction in the study area of Mwanza region. Two districts were purposively selected basing on the availability of households who participated in local economic development projects. These districts are Misungwi and Sengerema. To better inform, this study employed a sample size of 240 households to determine the factors which influences household participation in local economy and poverty reduction. The study revealed that most of the surveyed households participated in small business with participation rate of 38 percent and income share of 61.4 percent of the total income from household participation in local economy. Local economic development projects perceived to be important economic activities for income generation that assisted the households to finance some of their basic needs such as education 28 percent, food 29 percent, medical services 22 percent and clothing materials 21 percent. Tobit regression analysis was applied to investigate factors that influence households’ decision to participate in local economic activities. The results indicated that household participation in economic activities is significantly influenced by land size, amount of loan, location, other income and age square of household head. For the improvement of the programme there is a need to invest in education and rural infrastructure. Also, attention should be taken into account on the availability of sustainable markets, capital mobilization, accessibility of loans, women empowerment and support on research activities in local economic development programme.
Socio-economic factors affecting smallholder sunflower production in Mvomero District, Morogoro Region
(Mzumbe University, 2013) Godfrey, Tuntufye
Sunflower is one of the new crops in Tanzania that has high contribution to farmers to food and income of farmers. It is one of the biggest sources of fats, protein, carbohydrates and vitamins for human consumption. The crop is also the source of human nutritious minerals,as well as other manufactured animal feeds. Despite the cited overall importance of the crop amongst smallholder farmers in the country, the factors determining its yield are less understood. The aim of this study was to investigate socio-economic factors affecting smallholder sunflower production. The study was conducted in Mlali ward in Mvomero District in Morogoro region. A total of 50 smallholder sunflower growers was surveyed using questionnaire. A multiple regression analysis was used to estimate and test the relationship between socio-economic factors and sunflower production. The results revealed that the sex of the farmer, size of the farm cultivated by the farmer and use of quality seeds were statistically significant factors affecting the production of the crop in the study area. It is concluded that smallholder sunflower farming sector has high contribution to meet the demand of edible oil, contribute to income of households and used as source of animal feed in the study area. In order to achieve all these, government initiative to provide farmers with adequate subsidies on agricultural inputs and increasing provision of extension officers to assist farmers on proper agronomic practices must be adhered to so as to address the declining farm production being experienced by smallholder farmers in Mlali ward.
Contribution of own sources revenue collections to implementation of development projects in Dar Es Salaam Municipal councils: 2003(I) – 2012(Iv)
(Mzumbe University, 2013) Masogo, Masore M.
This study was based on the contibution of ownsources revenue collection to the implementation of development projects in Dar es salaam Municipal Councils (Ilala, Temeke and Kinondoni). Councils revenue collection and expenditure time series secondary data from 2003 to 2012 collected quarterly were used, where by Ordinary Least square method was used to estimate the model. Overall results by using F-test shows p(0.0000) and it is statistically significant by 1%, this implies ownsources revenue collections have an impact on implementation of development projects in Dar es salaam municipal councils. Despite of that significancy, still there was some variable which did not satisfy all conditions of significance. Variable like funds collected from sales of municipal properties did not show linear relationship to implementation of development projects, but all the remaining variables were statisticaly significant and linearly related to implementation of development projects in Dar es salaam municipal councils. These result will help decision makers to make appropriate policies and decision on how to emphasize and concetrate more on ownsources revenue collection. This also will help many Local Government Authorities to identify more sources of income which can rise their revenue and set a clear demarcation of some amount of funds to be spent for implementation of development projects, rather than spent on everyday expences (Recurrent expenditures).
Determinants of export performance in Tanzania
(Mzumbe University, 2013) Rwenyagila, Geofrey A.
Tanzanian economy is characterized by a large traditional rural sector and a small modern urban sector. Agriculture, accounts for about half of GDP, it contributes about 85% of exports, and employs 80% of the work force. However in the recent years tourism and mining have become the largest foreign exchange earners. Statistics show that the value of traditional exports remained minimal compared to nontraditional exports, whereby the value of non-traditional exports were US$ 2,270.6 million and US$ 1,704.5 million in 2008 and 2007 respectively, representing to an increase of 28.8 percent (Economic Survey, 2008). On the other hand the value of traditional exports were USD 319.7 million and USD 418.4 million in 2008 and 2007 respectively (URT, 2008). This study examined factors affecting export performance in Tanzania using a time series data for the period between 1990 and 2009. Specifically, the study analyzed the influence of macroeconomic factors such as Foreign Direct Investment, Gross Domestic Product, inflation rate, real exchange rate and terms of trade. The main proposition of the study was that macroeconomic factors significantly influence export performance. In testing this proposition, three regression models were estimated for total export, traditional exports and non-traditional exports. Empirical results and analysis indicated that real exchange rate and foreign direct investment were significant to export performance in all sectors that is total export, traditional and nontraditional exports. Gross Domestic Product was also found significant in all sectors except traditional sector. However, Inflation Rate and Terms of Trade were found significant determinants to total export and traditional exports. The same variables were found insignificant to nontraditional exports. The study concludes with a recommendation to improve export performances for both traditional and nontraditional exports, as well as to diversify export base of the country by formulating good trade policy, attract more Foreign Direct Investment, improve infrastructure and create good business environment.