Research Articles[FSS-Eco]

Permanent URI for this collection

Browse

Recent Submissions

Now showing 1 - 20 of 24
  • Item
    The dynamics of natural population increase and urbanization in East Africa: Heterogeneous panel data analysis 1960–2020
    (Journal of Asian and African Studies, 2024) Kitole, Felician A; Mkuna, Eliza; Sesabo, Jenifer K; Lihawa, Robert M
    The question of whether urbanization represents a boon or a bane for developing nations has triggered enduring discourse within academic and political spheres. Notwithstanding the persistent deliberations, scant attention has been devoted to examining the influence of natural population augmentation in propelling urbanization. Therefore, this study bridges this gap through a heterogeneous panel data analysis employing the use of Mean Group, Dynamic Fixed Effects and, Pooled Mean Group models, delving into the dynamics linking natural population increase and urbanization across the East African Countries of Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and Tanzania using data from World Bank spanning from 1960 to 2020. The findings reveal the significant and heterogeneous enduring impact of natural population increase on regional urbanization, intertwined with variables such as fertility rate and population growth. Moreover, findings reveal that migration have a higher influence on urbanization compared to natural population increase in the East African context. However, it is important to note that the extent of this influence varies across countries in the region. Drawing from these findings, the study underscores the imperative for member states to bolster socioeconomic provisions in rural domains, curtailing the influx of natural population increase into urban areas. Concurrently, embracing global population management agendas emerges as a vital stride toward attaining sustainable development and alleviating resource pressures. In sum, this study furnishes invaluable insights into the intricate facets of urbanization within developing realms, accentuating the exigency for bespoke strategies to surmount the distinctive challenges encountered by each sovereign nation.
  • Item
    External debts as panacea to economic growth challenges in selected eastern African countries: An application of the autoregressive distributed lag mode
    (SCIENCE MUNDI, 2024) Tile, Augustine; Utouh, Harold M.L.; Sesabo, Jennifer K.
    Foreign aid has significantly influenced medium- and long-term development initiatives in Eastern African countries. Project aid and non-project aid are the two main categories that describe foreign economic assistance (loans, credits, and grants). The primary aim of foreign aid has been to supplement the internal resources needed to quicken the economic development of the nations in Eastern Africa. This study investigated the influence of external debt on the economic growth of Eastern African countries (Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and Tanzania) using the autoregressive distributive lag mode and panel data (1970–2020). The findings revealed that external debt had a significant adverse effect on economic growth. In Burundi, an increase in external debt reduces GDP by 5% in the short run, while in the long run, it reduces GDP by 19%; in Tanzania, it decreases GDP by 22%; and in Kenya, it reduces the GDP by 13%. Conversely, the findings indicated that the increased level of external debt positively influenced Uganda's GDP (0.03%) but was not statistically significant. Therefore, it is recommended that Eastern African countries source their income, apart from more external concessional debt, through bilateral or multilateral arrangements to plug into their budget deficits. Also, it is recommended that East African governments develop their external debt initiatives that offer further profitable investment opportunities to repay their foreign debt gradually. Moreover, strategies in the East African countries must be geared towards strengthening revenue mobilization to provide avenues to balance their external debts. For instance, improving the informal sector in these countries is a viable base for increasing revenue through taxes.
  • Item
    Evolution in key indicators of maternal and child health across the wealth gradient in 41 sub-Saharan African countries, 1986–2019
    (BMC Medicine, 2024) Lee, Yeeun; Bolongaita,Sarah; Sato, Ryoko; Bump, Jesse B; Verguet, Stéphane
    Background Aggregate trends can be useful for summarizing large amounts of information, but this can obscure important distributional aspects. Some population subgroups can be worse off even as averages climb, for example. Distributional information can identify health inequalities, which is essential to understanding their drivers and possible remedies. Methods Using publicly available Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data from 41 sub-Saharan African countries from 1986 to 2019, we analyzed changes in coverage for eight key maternal and child health indicators: first dose of measles vaccine (MCV1); Diphtheria-Pertussis-Tetanus (DPT) first dose (DPT1); DPT third dose (DPT3); care-seeking for diarrhea, acute respiratory infections (ARI), or fever; skilled birth attendance (SBA); and having four antenatal care (ANC) visits. To evaluate whether coverage diverged or converged over time across the wealth gradient, we computed several dispersion metrics including the coefficient of variation across wealth quintiles. Slopes and 5-year moving averages were computed to identify overall long-term trends. Results Average coverage increased for all quintiles and indicators, although the range and the speed at which they increased varied widely. There were small changes in the wealth-related gap for SBA, ANC, and fever. The wealth-related gap of vaccination-related indicators (DPT1, DPT3, MCV1) decreased over time. Compared to 2017, the wealth-gap between richest and poorest quintiles in 1995 was 7 percentage points larger for ANC and 17 percentage points larger for measles vaccination. Conclusions Maternal and child health indicators show progress, but the distributional effects show differential evolutions in inequalities. Several reasons may explain why countries had smaller wealth-related gap trends in vaccination-related indicators compared to others. In addition to service delivery differences, we hypothesize that the allocation of development assistance for health, the prioritization of vaccine-preventable diseases on the global agenda, and indirect effects of structural adjustment programs on health system-related indicators might have played a role.
  • Item
    Deciphering the drivers of food security in Tanzania: Non-experimental research design
    (SCIENCE MUNDI, 2024) Sesabo, Jenifer A
    Food security is a pressing global concern, particularly in developing countries such as Tanzania, where rural areas, predominantly inhabited by smallholder farmers, bear the brunt of its adverse effects. This study looks into the determinants of food security among smallholder farmers in Tanzania, utilizing data from the agriculture sample census survey of 2019/20 conducted by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). Employing a Non-experimental research design, the study used a probit regression model to estimate key factors influencing food security. The results underscore the significance of factors such as irrigation (-0.906, p<0.01), extension services (-0.040, p<0.05), crop storage (-1.473, p<0.01), land ownership (-0.070, p<0.01), and female land ownership (-0.909, p<0.01) as crucial determinants of food security in Tanzania. The study advocates prioritizing community-based irrigation for reliable water sources, expanding targeted extension programs, investing in modern crop storage, ensuring secure land tenure, implementing comprehensive seed subsidies, and adopting a holistic approach to soil fertility management. Policymakers are urged to support these measures to enhance food security among smallholder farmers in Tanzania, promoting resilience, productivity, and sustainability.
  • Item
    Climate change, food security, and diarrhoea prevalence nexus in Tanzania
    (Humanities and Social Sciences Communications., 2024) Kitole, Felician A.; Mbukwa, Justine N.; Tibamanya, Felister Y.; Sesabo , Jennifer K.
    The impact of climate change on food security and public health has hindered poverty reduction efforts in developing nations, including Tanzania, resulting in the impoverishment of millions and compromising both health and food production. To unravel these complex interactions, rigorous scientific research is indispensable. Leveraging three waves of the Agriculture Sample Census (2002/03, 2007/08, 2019/20), this study meticulously examines the interplay between climate change, food security, and diarrhoea prevalence in Tanzania. Employing Instrumental Variable Probit and Control Function Approach models to address endogeneity and heterogeneity, temperature anomalies serve as instrumental variables. The findings reveal a substantial impact of climate change on both food security (−0.331142, p < 0.01) and diarrhoea incidence (0.214602, p < 0.01). These results signify that climate change places significant stress on food security, rendering households more susceptible to insecurities, and heightens health concerns through increased diarrhoea prevalence. This underscores the urgency of prioritizing public health and well-being through an agricultural lens in climate change mitigation. A comprehensive strategy is imperative, entailing a synergy of sustainable agricultural practices, robust public health interventions, and targeted policies to fortify the adaptive capacity of communities. Special emphasis should be placed on cultivating climate-resilient agricultural systems, ensuring food security, and implementing health programs tailored to address the unique challenges posed by climate-induced factors. Moreover, community engagement and awareness initiatives play a pivotal role in fostering a collective understanding and commitment to sustainable practices, contributing to the overall resilience of societies amidst the challenges of climate change
  • Item
    Determinants of household food expenditure in Tanzania: Implications on food security
    (Agriculture &Food Security, 2024) Ndakije Furaha R; Sesabo,Jennifer K; Lihawa, Robert M; Mkuna, Eliaza
    Food expenditure in developing countries particularly those in sub-Saharan Africa constitutes about 65–70% of total household expenditure. Existing literature on the determinants of household food expenditure in developing countries have mixed results. Thus, this study aimed at examining the determinants of household food expenditure in Tanzania and their implications on food security using country representative data from the 2017/18 household budget survey. The Two-Stage least squares (2SLS) regression analysis was used as method of analysis. Results show that, on average, monthly household food expenditure in Tanzania is about TZS 159,072.80(≈ US $ 69.2). Food expenditure exhibited a non-linear relationship with age of household head with income elasticity of 0.72%. Expenditure also increases with household size, household head sex, education, asset ownership, group membership and marital status while being located in rural areas is negatively associated with food expenditure. To increase household’s food expenditure with dietary diversity for improved health, strategies aiming at improving household income, family planning, gender equity, education and social cohesion are important which will further increase household’s food security.
  • Item
    Navigating the economic landscape: A comprehensive analysis of government spending, economic growth, and poverty reduction nexus in Tanzania
    (Applied Economics Letters, 2024) Kitole, Felician A; Msoma, Liberati J; Sesabo, Jenifer K
    This study delves into the intricate nexus between government expenditure, GDP per capita, and poverty reduction in Tanzania. Employing Granger causality analysis, Vector Autoregressive (VAR) and Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) on the World Bank dataset spanning from 1990 to 2022 the study unveils dynamic relationships and crucial insights for policymaking towards poverty free society. The findings underscore significant directional causation between government expenditure and GDP, underscoring their pivotal roles in poverty alleviation. Furthermore, the study reveals that while an increase in gross domestic per capita initially reduces poverty, it exacerbates its prevalence in the long run. Conversely, government spending emerges as a consistent force in reducing poverty across both short and long-run periods. These results emphasize the imperative need for Tanzania and other developing nations to comprehend these interconnected factors, facilitating the formulation of effective strategies that foster inclusive growth and propel the nation towards sustainable development.
  • Item
    The Heterogeneity of socioeconomic factors affecting poverty reduction in Tanzania: A multidimensional statistical inquiry
    (Society, 2024) Kitole Felician A; Sesabo, Jenifer K
    Persistent poverty poses a formidable challenge for the developing world, and Tanzania is no exception. Despite earnest efforts spanning decades to implement poverty reduction strategies, Tanzania grapples with the complexity of poverty within its households. Leveraging data from the Tanzania Household Budget Survey spanning 2011/2012 to 2019/2020, this study employs Probit, first difference generalized method of moment, and diverse poverty measurement techniques to unravel the dimensions, determinants, and socioeconomic intricacies influencing poverty prevalence among Tanzanian households. Key findings underscore the pivotal influence of age, household size, geographical zones, and income-generating activities on poverty. The study notably illuminates the substantial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on poverty levels across households nationwide. The study acknowledges the heightened vulnerability of women and advocates for the implementation of gender-sensitive programs, and women’s social inclusion for equitable poverty reduction. The study further stresses the importance of prioritizing accessible education and financial inclusion, supported by regional strategies that significantly contribute to poverty alleviation. The establishment of social safety nets is highly imperative to ensure a sustained poverty reduction
  • Item
    Cooking energy choices in urban areas and its implications on poverty reduction
    (International Journal of Sustainable Energy Volume 42, 2023 - Issue 1, 2024) Kitole Felician A; Tibamanya, Felister Y; Sesabo, Jenifer K
    Developing nations face higher stakes in the race towards a cleaner energy future, where it's a matter of life, wealth, and basic human needs. Using Tanzania Panel Survey data, this study examined urban households' cooking energy choices and their impact on reducing poverty. Employing advanced statistical models, it found that traditional energy sources still dominate cooking methods, and households relying on them are more likely to be trapped in poverty. Clean energy sources, on the other hand, reduce poverty prevalence. Education and income diversification programs can facilitate an immediate shift towards clean energy and achieve Sustainable Development Goals. This study highlights the urgency of the situation and the need for decisive action towards a cleaner, equitable world for all.
  • Item
    Exploring the nexus between health status, technical efficiency, and welfare of small-scale cereal farmers in Tanzania: A stochastic frontier analysi
    (Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, 2024) Kitole, Felician A; Tibamanya, Felister Y; Sesabo, Jenifer K
    Cereal production is important component of Tanzania's agricultural sector, as it provides food security and income for a significant portion of the population. However, low levels of technical efficiency and the negative impact of ill-health on cereal productivity have posed significant obstacles to the welfare of small-scale farmers in the country. This study estimates the technical efficiency of cereal producers in Tanzania, investigates the relationship between farmer health and cereal productivity, and establishes a link between technical efficiency and the welfare of smallholder farmers. Using data from the Tanzania Agriculture Sample Census survey 2019/20, the stochastic frontier production function was used to estimate technical efficiencies, while Tobit and instrumental variables models analyzed the impact of health on cereal production efficiency and the effects of efficiency on the welfare of cereal's small-scale farmers respectively. The findings indicate that the overall technical efficiency of cereal producers in Tanzania is 44.44%, with pure technical efficiency standing at 56.50%. In addition, poor health reduces the likelihood of cereal productivity efficiency by 0.297 (p < 0.01). In addition, efficiency was found to significantly improve household welfare, as it increases food security (0.35327, p < 0.01), household income (0.2914, p < 0.01), and nutrition status by reducing malnutrition (−0.36607, p < 0.01). The study recommends that rural agriculture development programs include health components to increase productivity, sustainability, and ultimately the standard of living of rural communities.
  • Item
    Digitalization and agricultural transformation in developing countries: Empirical evidence from Tanzania agriculture sector
    (Smart Agricultural Technology, 2024) Kitole, Felician A.; Mkuna Eliaza; Sesabo, Jenifer Kasanda
    Agribusiness can potentially increase value for agriculture and the entire value chain, but it is hard to achieve these goals without digitalizing the sector. The transformation reforms modern technology and digital infrastructure adoption to facilitate growth and inclusively. These conditions make the agricultural digitization transformation more appealing. Therefore, using a survey of 400 smallholder farmers in four regions of Rukwa, Ruvuma, Morogoro and Tabora, this study examines the interplay between digitization and agriculture transformation in Tanzania by focusing on the determinants and effects of digitization on smallholder farmers' welfare. The study used the double hurdle model to estimate the determinants and extent of digitization adoption; the Two-stage least square (2SLS) and the Control function approach (CFA) to estimate its effects on smallholder farmers' welfare. The findings revealed that access to credit (0.17428, p < 0.01), extension services (0.52884, p < 0.01), education and government support (0.10922, p < 0.05) are key determinants for agricultural digitization. Moreover, digitization was found to influence smallholder farmers' welfare significantly. The benefits of digitization across smallholder farmers in all regions were observed in enhancing extension services (76.50 %), pest management (71.25 %), and accessibility of the market information (72.25 %), enhance an access to financial services (74.75 %). In sum, to promote digital technology adoption among smallholder farmers, policymakers in Tanzania and developing nations should prioritize financial inclusion through tailored microfinance programs, educational initiatives must integrate digital literacy, enhance extension services, subsidized technology access, and encouraging public-private partnerships to create incentives for sustainable agricultural development.
  • Item
    Micro-credentials in higher education institutions: An exploratory study of its place in Tanzania
    (IJEDICT , 2019) Ghasia, Mohamedi ; Machumu, Haruni; Smet, Egbert
    Micro-credentials represent an alternative approach to career and professional development whereby an individual’s skills, achievements, and accomplishments get to be recognized. They offer the possibility to enhance skills, to manage career pathways as well as adding practicality in the academic content. Moreover, micro-credentials are the cost-effective professional development strategies that significantly minimize employees training cost and time. Also, micro-credentials in higher education institutions (HEIs), refers to the integration of digital badges within universities curricular and community engagement activities to inspire connected and lifelong learning for the professional development of students, educators and communities in formal learning settings. This paper explores ways in which micro-credentials can be offered in the Tanzanian Universities. Specifically, we explore educators’ perception, readiness and implementation strategies. The qualitative methods such as in-depth interviews with thirty-one lecturers, fifty-four students and twelve educational technologists were deployed. The four Tanzanian universities were purposively chosen whereas theoretical sampling was used to identify respondents. Data were analysed within NVIVO software in accordance with the Strauss and Corbin Grounded Theory. The results suggest that university lecturers and students are optimistic that micro-credentials stimulate lifelong and connected learning as well as expand the scope of the universities’ mandate. However, to leverage from these potentials, multi-level interventions are needed. We recommend the creation of micro-credentials ecosystem, formulation of strategies and policies, deployment of necessary infrastructure as well as building relevant skill-base. Implications, contributions and limitations of the study are discussed in line with the findings. Finally, the paper contributes to the literature on the implementation of micro-credentials in higher education (HE).
  • Item
    Intersections of gender and age in accessing river basin resources in Tanzania: A comparative analysis of fishing and agro-pastoralist communities in rural areas of Tanzania
    (Africa Focus, 2018) Shitima, Christina
    This paper applies intersectionality theories to investigate how informal social relations factors in terms of age and gender interact to affect people’s access to river basin resources (RBR) in Tanzania. Access to RBR is defined as practical rights to use RBR and benefits that are accrued from the use of RBR. Data were collected from a survey conducted among households living along the Kilombero River in Tanzania. Three villages that differ in cultural backgrounds i.e. a fishing community, an agro-pastoralist community and a village with people from multi-cultural groups were included in the survey. A multivariate probit model is used to determine access in terms of practical rights to use RBR, and a generalized ordered logit model is used to determine access in terms of benefits from the use of RBR. Findings show that both practical rights to use RBR and benefits from the use of resources are highly gendered, though their impact differs according to age groups and cultural groups. One common feature in all cultural groups is that the norms that deny women rights to use RBR result in a gendered distribution of labour, especially when access to RBR leads to income-generating activities. The findings also highlight that women are less likely to benefit from the use of resources. Within a single cultural group, a fishing community, the study found that benefits from the use of RBR vary according to age. In line with intersectionality theories, we conclude that, both men and women are heterogeneous groups in societies. While it is generally perceived that women in rural areas are the victims of norms that deny their development, this is not the case for all women. Findings also reveal the importance of distinguishing between practical rights to use resources and benefits derived from their use
  • Item
    An analysis of the household development strategies and their linkage to river basin resources in Tanzania
    (Mzumbe University, 2018) Shitima, Christina
    More than a decade ago, the Tanzanian government reformed its policy on the governance of water resources from a predominantly centralized system to a more participatory approach. The implementation of the policy required a simultaneous consideration of both the ecological and social cultural context of the basin and involvement of different stakeholders during the planning and management of water resources. The policy implementation was expected to conserve basins resources without negatively affecting livelihoods of people who depend on river basin resources (RBR). Despite the water policy reform, RBR in Tanzania are still degrading. While the factors for the RBR degradation are well articulated in literature, there is still a knowledge gap in terms of individuals’ characteristics that govern their use of RBR in Tanzania. From this vantage point, our study sets out to investigate in more depth the factors that influence the uses of RBR in different socio-economic and cultural contexts to inform policies on the improvement of rural livelihoods while at the same time protecting the river basin natural resource bases. More specifically, we analyze household characteristics that govern decisions regarding RBR use and assess linkages between people’s access to RBR , choices of development strategies and degradation of RBR. The study uses data collected from households residing along Kilombero Basin and Simiyu Basin.Intra-household data were collected from different household members aged 18 and above who carry out different socio-economic activities. A mixed methods research design, the qualitative— quantitative—qualitative approaches, were used in a sequential manner to answer the research questions. Findings show that informal social relation factors influence both practical rights to use RBR and benefits from the use of resources, which further result in diversities in occupational choices. While almost everyone practices seasonal farming to provide food for household consumption, informal social relation factors and access to social and financial capitals, affect participation in activities that are used for income generation. Lastly, yet importantly, gender, participation in multiple activities and environmental awareness are important factors for people to practice pro-environmental behavior The study provides important contributions to the literature on access to resources as well as to the policy settings by showing the importance of distinguishing between practical rights to use resources and benefits derived from their use. Furthermore, the study confirmed intersectionality and intra-household theories by demonstrating that both men and women are heterogeneous groups in societies. The findings that show that access to social and financial capitals are important factors for people to diversify away from non-environmental to environmental friendly activities provide important information to policy makers and other practitioners dealing with conservation. The study also sheds light on the importance of providing people with environmental education and incentives to encourage pro-environmental behavior.
  • Item
    The dynamism of communication technology adoption, market information and welfare: evidence from Nile perch (Lates niloticus) fish market, Mwanza, Tanzania
    (Likes & Reservoirs : science, policy and management for suistanable use, 2023) Kitole, Felician ; Lihawa, Robert; Sesabo, Jennifer; Shitima, Christina
    Despite the growing importance of digital technology in modern society, its adoption in some sectors and regions has been slow. One such sector is fishing in developing countries, where the potential benefits of technology have yet to be fully realized. This study examines the adoption of communication technology among Nile perch fishers on Lake Victoria in Mwanza, Tanzania. Using a Probit model and Ordinary Least Square (OLS) estimations with Robust Standard Errors (OLSR), the study analyzes the impact of technology adoption on fishers' welfare, with a focus on income. The results suggest that the type of mobile phone, fishing experience, and the desire to exploit digital marketing are key factors in technology adoption among fishers. Furthermore, the study finds that technology adoption has a significant positive impact on fishers' welfare, indicating that digitalization can increase market competitiveness, openness, and improve livelihoods. To capitalize on these benefits, the study recommends that the government should support the digitalization of the fishing market and make accurate and timely market information readily available to fishers
  • Item
    Formalization of sand mining in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
    (Resources Policy, 2023) Shitima, Christina ; Suykens , Bert
    While artisanal and small-scale mining have for decades gained attention of both policy makers and academic researchers, very little is known about the organization and governance of sand extraction. Sand extraction is often related to violence and mafia organization. This article goes beyond criminalization and mafia to interrogate different governance regimes around sand mining. It further the debate of sand governance by looking at the formalization process of artisanal and small-scale sand mining in rivers in the Dar es Salaam Region of Tanzania. Based on the interview with different stakeholders, the paper unpacks the key aspects and rationales of the formalization by looking at the roles of different institutions and their relations, the way the formalization process has been perceived across the sand commodity chain and community and the environmental impacts of sand mining. Given booming sand extraction in many parts of Sub-Sahara Africa, policy makers, both at the national and international level, should take stock of governance efforts for sand mining in the Dar Es Salaam area and the integration of, and even clear focus on artisanal mining formalization in this.
  • Item
    Gendered health impacts of industrial gold mining in northwestern Tanzania: Perceptions of local communities
    (Impact assessment and project appraisal journal , 2021) Merten, Sonja; Kihwele, Andrea; Lyatuua, Fadhila; Kengiad, Isaa; James T,; Winklera, Andrea; Mirko S; Merten, Sonja
    Mining projects affect the health of surrounding communities by inducing environmental, economic, social and cultural changes in different population groups. Health impact assessment (HIA) offers an opportunity to manage these impacts. This paper aims to explore gender differences of impacts on the wider determinants of health as described by communities impacted by industrial gold mining and consider the implications for impact assessment. We conducted 24 gender-separated, participatory focus group discussions at three study sites in northwestern Tanzania. Participants reported on a broad range of impacts on the wider determinants of health. Based on a thematic analysis, we identified gendered health impacts on men and women; in addition, children and adolescent boys and girls emerged as differently affected subpopulation groups. Located in the theory of the ‘triple role of women’, we suggest that different gender needs should be addressed more explicitly by HIA. Increased use of mitigation measures that recognise and address impacts on women’s engendered roles, and their health, through addressing women’s strategic gender needs, would strengthen HIA as a tool towards sustainable development.
  • Item
    Large herbivore assemblages in a changing climate: Incorporating water dependence and thermoregulation
    (Ecology Letters published by CNRS and John Wiley & Sons Ltd., 2019) Veldhuis,M. P; Kihwele, E. S; Cromsigt, J. P; Ogutu,G. M; Hopcraft, J. O; Smith, J. G. C.; Owen, N.; Olff, H.
    The coexistence of different species of large herbivores (ungulates) in grasslands and savannas has fascinated ecologists for decades. However, changes in climate, land-use and trophic structure of ecosystems increasingly jeopardise the persistence of such diverse assemblages. Body size has been used successfully to explain ungulate niche differentiation with regard to food requirements and predation sensitivity. But this single trait axis insufficiently captures interspecific differences in water requirements and thermoregulatory capacity and thus sensitivity to climate change. Here, we develop a two-dimensional trait space of body size and minimum dung moisture content that characterises the combined food and water requirements of large herbivores. From this, we predict that increased spatial homogeneity in water availability in drylands reduces the number of Ungu late species that will coexist. But we also predict that extreme droughts will cause the larger, water-dependent grazers as wildebeest, zebra and buffalo–dominant species in savanna ecosystems– to be replaced by smaller, less water-dependent species. Subsequently, we explore how other constraints such as predation risk and thermoregulation are connected to this two-dimensional framework. Our novel framework integrates multiple simultaneous stressors for herbivores and yields an extensive set of testable hypotheses about the expected changes in large herbivore community composition following climate change
  • Item
    Teaching in the age of covid‑19: The new normal
    (Post digital science and education, 2022) Kihwele, Jimmy E ..et al, 2020
    After several months of personal journey towards accepting that the coronavirus pandemic is real (see Jandrić 2020a, b), in early March, it dawned on me that the pandemic does not need only so-called essential workers. Self-quarantined after returning from abroad weeks before the Croatian government locked down the country, I immediately wrote an editorial for Post digital Science and Education and argued that ‘While doctors, nurses, politicians, food suppliers, and many other brave people self-sacrifices to support our daily survival, this editorial argues that academics have a unique opportunity, and a moral duty, to immediately start conducting in-depth studies of current events.’ (Jandrić 2020c: 234) I had no idea how to even approach these studies, yet I had a strong feeling that something needed to be done urgently. So, I just did what I know best and issued calls for 3 different types of Covid-19-related material to be published in Post digital Science and Education: short testimonies, longer commentary articles, and full-length original articles. I had no idea how much material I would receive, what this material would look like, and what I would do with this material. I just had a deep gut feeling that we are witnessing a unique time in human history, a once-in-a-lifetime event, that needs to be recorded as it unfolds. For better or for worse, I decided to follow that feeling.
  • Item
    Connectedness to water as a predictor of household participation in water resources conservation in Singida municipality, Tanzania
    (African Journal of Empirical Research, 2024) Mulewi, Lunango G ; Shitima, Mwivei; Utouh Harold M
    A low-level household participation in conserving water resources threatens the future of human survival because water is a unique substance with no substitutes. In addition, despite diverse discussions regarding water accessibility the need for conservation, the literature is even scarce on the linkage between these two important constructs. Therefore, this paper examines connectedness to water and its influence on household participation in resources conservation in Singida Municipality, Tanzania. Using a quantitative study approach with a cross-sectional survey, primary data were collected from 391 households in Singida Municipality to investigate water accessibility, considering the aspects of physical access, economic access, and cultural acceptability, as well as the of water conservation practices households engages in. The Structural Equation Model (SEM) analysis reveals a positive relationship between water accessibility and participation in water conservation practices (WCPs)1% (Z=7.34, p<0.01). The study recommends, water sector stakeholders need to enhance their efforts to provide clean and safe water services to all community members to uphold the right to water for everyone and increase the level of participation in water resource conservation..