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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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Contribution of small scale irrigation schemes to the livelihood of rural households: the case of Lumuma irrigation scheme in Kilosa district; Morogoro region
(Mzumbe University, 2013) Chiwaya, Willy Gerald
Irrigation farming is one of the most important rural development investments that can have both direct and indirect impacts on poverty and food security. Small-scale irrigation is said to be the dominant contributor to the total irrigated areas. Despite the contribution of small scale irrigation systems in enhancing rural agricultural production and alleviating poverty being widely recognized, this contribution has not been evident for small scale holder farmers at Lumuma irrigation scheme. The general objective was to assess the contribution of small scale irrigation scheme at Lumuma in enhancing the livelihood of rural households. Case study research design was used in the methodology. A sample size of 75 respondents (including small scale holder farmers and extension officers) was involved. Data collected were descriptively analysed using SPSS computer software. The findings from the study showed that 70% of the respondents agreed that the availability and utilization of Lumuma irrigation scheme has reduced indebtedness caused by poverty which they faced before the commencement of the scheme. However, 78% of the respondents argued for the presence of poor infrastructure which does not enable farmers to attain the expected yields and 80% of the respondents reported the lack of reliable markets and information which necessitate farmers to sell their yields in a low price. Likewise, 78% of the respondents agreed on improving the physical infrastructure of Lumuma irrigation scheme in order to carter for a good number of small scale holder farmers and access to marketing the products as to enable farmers to freely sell their products at the reliable market for the purpose of attaining profits. The utilization of Lumuma irrigation scheme has been a success to small scale holder farmers in Kilosa district. Policy makers have to see a need for promoting irrigation development so that farmers can irrigate more crops, fruits, vegetables and other fresh produce while encouraging group cohesion in scheme activities like marketing and maintenance of infrastructure.
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.
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.
Analysis of consumer choice on contraceptive use as a tool for improving family welfare in Meru District
(Mzumbe University, 2013) Thadei, Selina
This study analyzed consumer choice on contraceptive use and its implications on family welfare in Meru district. The study had two main research questions: what guides the consumer choice to use family planning and how does the use of family planning help in improving family welfare. The study used cross sectional study design and simple random sampling technique was used to obtain a sample of 100 individuals whose data was collected through face to face interviews. Based on descriptive data among economic variables; that were strongly associated with family planning were income and education specifically data revealed that university education has high percent contribution about 60% to family planning choice. Among demographic variables; that were strongly associated with family planning were age, gender and family size specifically data revealed female (75%) are the ones who access family planning than male, among social cultural factors; that were strongly associated with family planning were social networks and gender role specifically data revealed 65 respondents agreed that social network influenced their family planning choice, among perceived benefits; that were strongly associated with family planning were development needs and mothers health specifically data revealed that development 56 respondents needs guided their choice towards family planning. Based on the regression results, the economic factors that were important in determining family planning were distance at 10% significance level and education at 10% level. With regard to perceived benefits which were pooled into the same variable it was significant at 1% level. Based on the findings the study suggests that to make a successful move towards controlling population, family planning education is inevitable. This is to say there is a need to incorporate element of family planning for economic development when providing family planning education. It must make people perceive family planning beyond child spacing and more important incorporate how it affects family’s economic status.
Assessment of the factors affecting perfomance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs): a case of Kilimanjaro Region
(Mzumbe University, 2013) Lema, John P.
This study attempted to assess the factors that are affecting performance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Kilimanjaro region in Tanzania. The aim of this study is to provide the knowledge to the people in the region on how they should start and manage their SMEs by being aware with the factors affecting performance of SMEs which in turn will help them to manage their business sustainably. The factors tested were: Demographic characteristics (age, sex, and education level of SMEs owners and managers); Business characteristics (age of SMEs); Capital structure (source of initial capital, and capital size); Legal structure (means of operating SMEs); the Marketing strategy used by the enterprise to increase sales revenue and the enterprise management. The study was conducted in Moshi urban, Moshi Rural, Hai, Siha, Same and Mwanga towns in Kilimanjaro region. The study used the cross sectional study design in which data of 200 SMEs owners, and managers from all Moshi urban, Moshi Rural, Hai, Siha, Same and Mwanga towns was collected only once. Both descriptive and empirical methods were applied during the study. The regression results shown that, the most significant factors affecting the performance of SMEs determined by income in the study area were: Demographic characteristics (age and education level of SMEs owners and managers), Business characteristics (age of SMEs), Capital structure (source of initial capital, and capital size), and the Marketing strategy. Sex and Legal structure (enterprise management) did not significantly contributed to the SMEs performance in this study. There is a need for policy makers to make sure that education is given to the SMEs owners, managers and the employees together, with supporting them, if possible there is a need of having curriculum in primary and secondary schools by making business and entrepreneurship subjects as compulsory subjects, this will help to equip learners with appropriate business and entrepreneurial knowledge and skills which will encourage them to start and manage business successful. There is also, a need for the government to make sure that, businessmen and women are enabled to have access to loans (credits) with reasonable conditions from banks and other financial intermediaries for expanding their businesses; also soft loans should be provided to those who want to start new businesses. There is also, a need to put more emphasis on how to encourage women to engage in SMEs business and lastly there is a need to make sure that education on saving behavior is encouraged among the people in the study area, this is because in this research most of the businessmen/women started their businesses from personal savings as their source of initial capital.
Analysis of green investments for combating climatic changes through carbon credit in Tanzania: A case study of Gepat in Karagwe District, Kagera Region
(Mzumbe University, 2013) Charles, Juliana
Carbon credit provision has been reported to be used as an economic incentive in mitigating climate change in the world. It has been reported by different climatic change activists that reforestation is the most important program in combating climate change in the world. This has been a concern for Project Managers (PM) and Economic Planners to address sustainable development in their plan. PMs and other social scientists cannot be involved in different natural scientific experiments, but the only way to participate in climatic change mitigation is to study economic behavioral systems directed to climatic change mitigation. Therefore, the provision of carbon credit in tree planting projects is based on the notion that trees help to mitigate climate change by sequestering carbon dioxide as they grow. This study evaluates the contribution of provision of carbon credit incentives for combating climate change through tree plantation. The study uses a case study analysis in Kituntu and Rwambaizi wards in Karagwe District. The sampling frame was 1093 smallholder farmers (SHFs) whereby a sample of 120 was chosen. The research design was mainly triangulation methods whereby qualitative and quantitative research techniques were employed. Data was collected using questionnaire and observation method. Data collected were analyzed using qualitative and quantitative methods, whereas simple statistics and linear regression model was used to test the hypotheses. The results reveal that the provision of carbon credit incentives such as seeds, seedlings and cash paid to farmers who plant trees have positive impact in increasing the rate of tree planting for combating climate change effects. In addition, the results shows that other factors which influence farmers to plant trees are the size of land owned by farmers and overall level of education which were found to be significant. effect in tree planting. However, the results also reveal that there is lack of extension services and technical support regarding tree plantation to farmers in the rural areas such as Karagwe District.It is recommended that those government institutions and other environmental protection stakeholders such as Wakk Foundation and Green Choice to cooperate with private institution in offering and creating incentive oriented programs in tree planting. The incentives motivates to motivate farmers to plant trees in their own land for the purpose of combating climate change needs to go tandem with planting timber, fruits bearing , oil seed and other beneficial trees. Commercial beneficial trees are relevant to the poor because the poor are continuously fighting poverty and therefore awareness creation on the importance and benefits of trees is equally an incentive to plant trees.The awareness creation on environmental education programs should be done frequently in the rural areas in order to reduce the rate of deforestation and increase the rate of afforestation. There is a need to conserve existing trees and add on new commercial and medicinal trees. Extension services should be established in rural areas so as the farmers will be able to get technical support from extension agents. In a way the goal of combating climate change through planting of trees in farmers' fields organized in a TRUST such as GEPAT will be achieved.
The impact of warehouse receipt system on income poverty reduction of cashewnut farmers in Newala District
(Mzumbe University, 2013) Mpita, Halima Ajali
The Warehouse Receipt System (WRS) is one of the reform measures undertaken by the government of Tanzania in efforts to address the problems inefficient crops marketing systems. It is assumed that an improved efficiency of the marketing system through the WRP can help in poverty reduction by enhancing incomes of farmers via stable prices and reduced transactional risks. The main objective of this study was to examine the contribution of the WRS on the economic welfare of cashew nut farmers in Newala district. The underlying hypothesis of the study is that the WRS improves income of the farm households in Newala. Data was collected in six villages from a representative sample of 200 farmers out of 403,356. The studies applied a regression technique to analyze the postulated relationships. The findings showed that income of the farmers has significant effect on poverty reduction. Output price were negatively related with the income of the farmers using Warehouse Receipt System. These happen due to decrease change of price of cashew nut in the world market. The income of farmer improved slightly, but did not exceed Tshs. 500,000/= per annum. This represents an increase of about 43% of the farmers’ income. Levels of education of the farmers have positive impact with income and marketing on reduction of poverty. It can be concluded that the WRS can be an important tool for alleviating cashew nut marketing problems. However, at present, the significance of the WRS has not been felt much by farmers notably due to other distortions emanating from taxes and levies. The government should look into these issues carefully for the betterment of the cashew nut farmers. For better understanding of the contribution of the WRS, more research is needed especially on the role played by cooperative societies within the WRS framework.
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.
The impact of government expenditure on pro poor sectors in reducing poverty: A 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.
Contribution of own sources revenue collections to implementation of development projects in Dar es salaam Municipal councils
(Mzumbe University, 2013) Masogo, Masore Mwerya
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, whereby 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 statistically 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 concentrate 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 expenses (Recurrent expenditures).

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