Dissertations (Master's) MAED

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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Analysis of social-economic factors affecting cashew nut production in Ruangwa District, Tanzania
(Mzumbe University, 2014) Mallya, Paschal B. N.
The study was concerned with the analysis of socio-economic factors affecting cashew nut production with special reference to Ruangwa District Council. Data collection was through structured questionnaire administered to 200 respondents selected through random sampling technique. The overall aim of this study was to investigate the socio- economic factors that affect production of cashew nuts in Ruangwa District. The study objective was realized through the utilization of the multiple linear regression models since model consisted seven variables, F-test and Z-test were used to test the overall significance of the variables. The main objective in using this technique was to predict the variability of the dependent variable based on its covariance with all the independent variables. The methods of analysis used were descriptive statistics and production function analysis using the Ordinary Least Square (OLS) criterion to estimate the parameters of the production function. Econometric techniques were used to estimate the determinants of cashew production. Linear regression analysis using SPSS (16) and STATA (9) software programs were employed for the modeling of cashew nut production as determined by postulated determinants and to assess the relative importance of various variables. Results showed that majority of the farmers were female engaged in cashew nut production. Cashew nut farming was the main activity as a minimum farm size was 4.125 acres. Results further revealed that farm size (acreage) physical capital, fertilizer, price, extension services, primary education were positively related to cashew output while labour and secondary education were inversely related. Based on findings, the study recommend that the government should emphasize on following in order to increase the production of cashew nut including: increase of land size for the purpose of increasing marginal productivity, use of fertilizers, provision of credits to farmers and improvement of infrastructures including roads, communication infrastructures and energy.
Contractual arrangements and smallholder cane growers’ performance: Evidence from Kilombero and Turiani, Morogoro – Tanzania
(Mzumbe University, 2015) Nsindagi, Thobias Edward
Contract farming (CF) is widely accepted as a tool for improving performance of smallholder farmers in developing countries. In Tanzania CF has been practised in the sugar sector since 2006. However, ever since its commencement, sugarcane production trend portrays ambiguous conclusion with regard to smallholders‟ performance. Based on these trends, this study intended to examine the role of CF on performance focusing on process upgrading, profitability and income diversification in sugarcane production. The objectives were (i) to assess whether CF arrangements facilitate or obstruct farmers from upgrading their production processes, (ii) to determine the levels of efficiency of smallholder cane growers and identify factors influencing the efficiency levels, and (iii) to determine the extent of diversification among sugar cane growers and identify factors influencing diversification. Each objective had its own methodological approach. In analysing these objectives, various econometric tools were used e.g. Cobb Douglas stochastic profit function to analyse factors influencing farm profitability, and single limit Tobit regression for analysing factors influencing income diversification using a sample size of 386 respondents. The findings indicated that CF offers limited incentives and capabilities necessary for upgrading smallholder cane growers‟ processes. About 84% of cane growers affirmed that price of sugarcane, payment systems, and enforcement mechanisms were the main constraints for them to upgrade their production process. Similarly, the capability parameters such as training, extension services, input provision and access to credit were not included in the agreements and therefore cane growers‟ capabilities were adversely affected. Econometric model result indicated that, market satisfaction, a proxy for CF arrangement was not a significant determinant of farm profitability. However, descriptive statistics showed that price and payment mechanisms exhibited high profit inefficiency. This implies that market access restricts attainment of optimal farm frontier profit. Regarding input use, fertilizer was used much below the optimum amount, suggesting that there is a considerable room for input use expansion to boost productivity, and consequently, farm profitability. Tobit result indicated that land ownership, education, household size, and access to paved road were important determinants of diversification. On the basis of these findings, it is concluded that access to incentive and capability variables, improved pricing and payment modalities, and access to various assets might improve performance, profitability and welfare of the sugarcane growers.
Stakeholders’ views on the contribution of wards secondary schools in promoting progression to the next level of study in Shinyanga Rural
(Mzumbe University, 2016) Ngasa, Revocatus
The purpose of this study was to explore stakeholders‟ views on the contribution of wards secondary schools in promoting progression to next level of study in Shinyanga rural as a result of mushrooming wards secondary schools in each ward of Tanzania since the establishment of SEDP in 2004. The specific objectives of the study are; first, to find out stakeholders‟ views on the contribution of wards secondary schools in promoting progression of students to next level of study; second, to examine the performance trend of national examinations in wards secondary schools from 2010 to 2014; third, to explore the factors that affect students‟ progress to the next level of study in wards secondary schools; and lastly, to identify the strategies which might be employed to improve the performance of national examinations among students in wards secondary schools. Three methods of data collection which are interviews, FGDs and documentary reviews were employed to collect data from 53 potential respondents. The major findings of the study is that some education stakeholders were found to be satisfied with the contribution given by wards secondary schools in promoting progression of students to next level of study but to lesser extent others were dissatisfied with very few numbers of students who joined the next level of study from 2010-2014 in three wards secondary schools where only 89 (16%) out of 561who sat for CSEE joined advanced level of study which is equal to only 69 (78%) of males and 20 (22%) females students. The study is of the opinion that education stakeholders should ensure conducive teaching and learning environment like presence of enough science teachers, laboratories, and good enumeration of teachers among others in order to experience the desired outcomes. This study however recommends that there should be involvement of all stakeholders in education sector before the implementation of a new education policy for effective results.
Role of teachers in implementation of inclusive education: The case study of Songea municipal council
(Mzumbe University, 2016) Masanja, Perpetua
Although the government of Tanzania has been implementing inclusive education strategy to include the marginalized pupils, some pupils with special needs are still not accommodated as their encounter parts. Among many other important stakeholders, it is assumed that teachers are the key resource persons. This study therefore aims to explore role of teachers in terms of attitude about integrating inclusive education in schools. The study also intends to identify challenges encountered by teachers, examine the enrollment of pupils with special needs as well as identify capacity building strategies among teachers to enhance inclusive education. This study employed mixed approach whereby, interview guides in conjunction to documentary review, observation guide, and questionnaires used to collect data. 30 respondents from Luhira, Subira, and Mfaranyaki inclusive primary schools, and Municipal Education Department were involved. While quantitative data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel, qualitative information were manually analyzed using content analysis in which codes, meaning and patterns were systematically developed from transcribed interviews based on the study objectives, and literature reviewed. The findings reveled a variation of teachers‟ attitudes on perceived efficacy items about integrating inclusive education. Besides, the implementation of inclusive education in Tanzania is still facing some challenges support from administrative officers; teachers‟ motivation; as well as professional development for teachers to work inclusively. With regards to enrollment, there are no proper records of students with special needs in inclusive classes in the selected schools and favoritism in gender and type of disabilities in enrollment. In terms of strategies, lack of guideline in schools and Municipal Education Department. This study recommended among many others; Supportive policy, teaching and learning environment, and responsive strategies as per Education 2030 UNESCO declaration and teachers training. More studies on leadership in implementation of inclusive education should be done in other districts and schools
The role of communication between the school and community in ward secondary schools performance at Singida municipality
(Mzumbe University, 2016) Emmanuel, Andrew
This study was conducted to examine the role of communication between the school and community in ward secondary schools performance in Singida Municipality. The specific objective of the study were to find out the role played by schools and community in ensuring communication exists and it is effective in the school, to explore community participation in everyday activities of schools, to find out the perception of community and the school on the need for the effective communication between them and to find out the influence of effective communication between community and schools to the students performances. The study involved 105 respondents (58 male and 47 female). The study has used simple random and purposive sampling techniques, also the study employed case study research design, employed interview and questionnaire methods for data collection. The study used thematic and statistical descriptive techniques for data analysis. The findings shows that schools and community do not ensure the existence of effective communication between them since there is great communication breakdown that lead to the difficulties in teaching and learning activities in the ward secondary schools, poor participation of parents into different schools activities as well as poor channel used for school and community communication. Also, the findings noted that there is poor participation of community in everyday activities of school such as indiscipline cases of their children, payment of school contributions and to participate in school`s meetings for decision making on different matters. The presence of poor perception of the community and school hinder effective communication between them. Lastly the study revealed the impacts caused by lack of communication between community and schools to the students’ performances. Lack of effective communication lead to indiscipline of students, lack of parents’ seriousness on making follow up of their children academic progress.
The impacts of teachers’ workload allocation on teaching and learning effectiveness of science subjects in secondary schools: The case of Hanang District, Tanzania
(Mzumbe University, 2016) Chirimi, Denis O
The impacts of teachers’ workload allocation on teaching and learning effectiveness of science subjects in secondary schools: The case of Hanang District, Tanzania The research aimed to examine the impacts teachers‟ workload allocation on teaching and learning effectiveness of science subjects in secondary schools. The research was a case study design covering Hanang District Council. A sample size of 101 respondents was obtained by using both simple random and purposive sampling techniques of which both primary and secondary data were collected by using interview, observation, focus group discussion and documentary review and analyzed qualitatively using content analysis. The data were collected from teachers, students, academic teachers head teachers and DSEO from selected secondary schools of Endasak, Gitting, Chief Gidobat and Endagaw. The report has shown the increase crisis in teachers‟ workload allocation to science teachers and has been identified as consequences to the poor academic results among students in secondary schools in Tanzania. The report have shown all respondent heads of school, academic teachers, science teachers DSEO and students have agreed to the contributing effects of teachers workload on teaching and learning effectiveness. Among prevailing causative factors of teachers workload is shortage of science teachers to visited school where the number of science teachers was very few compared to arts teachers. Also the observed issues were shortage of teaching and learning materials including lack of laboratory with equipments to make practices. But also the other observed case was inability for the academic teachers to distribute working load among science subjects‟ teachers due to few number of science teachers which led to some of science subjects like mathematics and physics being left without having allocated to any teacher. This has resulted to students fail to complete syllabus, poor performances, lack of preparations among teachers, poor concentration in marking class tasks and assignment and fail to implement students centered approach methods of teaching. These among many were explained in this report. The results revealed that, presence of heavy workload has lead to lack of motivation to both teachers and student.
Determinants of loan defaults in microfinance institutions in Tanzania: A case of two selected microfinance institutions in Dodoma Municipality
(Mzumbe University, 2016) Mosha,Emmanuel Severine
The study on determinants of loan defaults in Microfinance Institutions in Tanzania was carried in Dodoma Municipality in two selected branches namely PRIDE and FINCA. Specifically, the study intended to: assess the default rate of the selected MFIs for the period between 2004 and 2014; determine factors influencing the likelihood of loan default and identify effects of loan defaults to borrowers and MFIs. The study used cross-sectional design to gather information at the study area. Non-purposive (simple random) sampling technique was applied to select 196 respondents. Purposively, Micro finance institutions and key informants were selected. Primary data were collected directly from the respondents using structured interview and semi - structured interview whereas secondary data were collected through a documentary review of sources including published and unpublished materials. Data obtained were analyzed by descriptive statistics and logistic regression using SPSS version 11.5. Logistic regression model estimated the factors influencing the likelihood of borrowers to default. The results of the Logistic regression model shows that age of borrowers and interest rate charged by MFIs were significant at (p <0.05) and business type, business management education and loan uses were found to be significant at (p <0.01) Majority of respondents identified loss of collaterals and denial of future loan as major effects of loan default. Loss of Interest incomes, reduction of operating profit through provision for bad debts and reduction of lending capacity are effects reported by MFIs. Further, this study recommends MFIs should involve borrowers in reviewing loan repayment terms, effective monitoring of loans, credit training programs and where necessary the use private debt collectors.