Faculty of Social Sciences

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Classroom support for students’ digital literacy skills for learning in Tanzania’s public universities
(Development in Practice, 2022) Nalaila, Stephano ; Wawire, Violet; Mugo, Peter G.P
This paper explores classroom support for students’ acquisition of digital literacy skills for learning at the University of Dar es Salaam and Sokoine University of Agriculture in Tanzania. The paper contains qualitative data collected through questionnaires and informal discussions. The study found limited classroom support for students’ digital literacy skills for learning because instructors are not prepared for it. Teaching activities that instructors implement do not reflect the attributes of digital literacy skills students should possess. Therefore, the paper challenges universities to mainstream students’ digital literacy skills and train instructors to assume the skills support role
Rural-out migration as a livelihood diversification strategy to rural households: A study of Makete and Iringa Rural districts, Tanzania
(Mzumbe University, 0201) Rwechungura, Fred Alfred
This study assessed whether rural-out migration as a livelihood strategy enhanced livelihoods of rural households in Iringa region. The objectives were, to establish how dependent households were on diversified livelihood portfolios, what the determinants for rural-out migration were, and outcomes of rural-out migration and remittances from it to household assets. The study used cross-sectional data involving 272 migrant and non-migrant households. Findings revealed that out of 272 households, 93(34%) had out-migrants. Additionally, all 272 households were dependent on diversified livelihood portfolios, with agriculture dominating, followed by non-farm activities. However, in ranking these portfolios, migration came eighth out of nine listed activities, suggesting it was not a valued source of livelihood. At household level, the following variables were significant and positively associated with rural-out migration: household size, age of household head, and the marital status of head of household. At societal level, lack of job opportunities such as non-farm self-employment, casual labour, and working in enterprises; and poor or lack of infrastructures and /or utilities such as water dams, irrigation schemes, electricity, and markets/market places accounted for rural-out migration. On the outcomes of migration to the households’ assets, migration did not have any significance to the households; instead it had more detrimental outcomes, including withdrawal of productive human resource from community; family abandonment; erosion of morals; spread of HIV/AIDS; increasing number of vulnerable children; and school drop-out. The main conclusion from these findings is that unlike what many studies had found (in other countries), out-migration did not have better outcomes to the livelihoods of rural households in the studied districts. The policy implication of these findings is that unless rural livelihood is improved, rural-out migration will continue, as rural dwellers continue searching for ‘greener pastures.’ As this continues, poverty is perpetuated. Consequently, not only will this affect urban and other economically vibrant areas where migrants continue flocking to by saturating these destinations’ capacity to handle the migrants, but it will also affect poor rural areas negatively by draining their energetic and productive human resource. On this basis, the need to promote rural livelihood diversification by breaking the cycle of poverty through development of correct policies on human capital, infrastructure and utilities, credit provision, and enabling environments for grassroots initiatives is imperative. Likewise, adopting social protection approach, market-based approach, labour union approach, and rehabilitation approach could be steps in the right direction towards addressing problems associated with rural-out migration.
Systematic review of open education resources repository: A gateway for scholarly communication in developing countries
(Dar es Salaam University Press, 2002) Beth Kachota; Kardo J. Mwilongo
Development in information technology has universally led to an increase of the importance of the Open Education Resources Repository. This has been of great help in achieving the sustainable development goals on the promotion of quality education and supporting innovation in the community. The technology of open education resources repository has been prominent since 2010 and comprehensively adopted in developed countries. However, it has been dynamically improving in developing regions though its performance fairly convinces appreciations on the invested initiatives. This paper establishes the need to examine the users’ awareness of the repository, performance and influencing factors on the performance of open education resources repositories in developing countries. A systematic review of literature was employed in which 25 research papers were investigated. The papers were searched from four aggregate tools, namely Google Scholar, Research Gate, Open Praxis and Refseek. The Excel computer application software was used to analyse quantitative data whereas qualitative data were subjected to content analysis. Among other things, higher learning institution open education resource repositories in developing countries are becoming common among the academic community. Their performance is significantly remarked in erratic context between regions and diagnostically hampered by varying factors, including technological and infrastructural aspects, financial disputes, environmental and institutional issues. On this, the institutional management support committed to creating open access resources. These resulted to minimal satisfaction on the contribution of the repositories among the scholars. Such open education resources repository guidelines including policy, procedures and standards impacted the repositories performance. The paper encourages on the need for improving information resources acquisition, efforts on raising awareness, dissemination, advocacy, marketing, and management and user support services. However, open education resources repository policy needs to be improvised for quality control and procedures for backup to enhance security, intrusion and mitigation of the effects of potential disasters and fostering sustainability of the open education resources repository
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.
E-Government in marketing a country: A strategy for reducing transaction cost of doing business in Tanzania
(International Journal of Marketing Studies, 2011) Kachwamba, Muhajir; Sæbø, Øystein
There are limited studies examining the role of Investment Promotion Agencies (IPA’s) and their respective marketing techniques used in attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Using an exploratory case study approach, this article addresses this research gap by exploring the role of e-government as a promotion technique in eliminating barriers to FDI inflows in Tanzania; particularly barriers related to information accessibility and bureaucratic procedures facing foreign investors in acquiring relevant licenses and business permits. The findings indicate that foreign investors utilize information to create knowledge of business environment in the host country, though some additional information may not be found due to informational specificity of a particular investment project. In addition, the findings indicate that implementation of e-government has reduced some monetary and non-monetary transaction costs of complying with government authorities. The article contributes to the existing body of knowledge in the field of marketing by examining the role of e-government services in the public sector marketing within a macro-marketing domain.
The role of education for rural development: The case of selected Haydom Lutheran hospital’s educational activities in Mbulu district, Tanzania
(University of Agder, 2011) Kilasi, Perpetua Kalimasi; Havnevik, Kjell (Supervisor)
This study explores the role that education and training programs initiated and/supported by Haydom Lutheran Hospital play to the development of the rural community. The study have identified some education and training programs by Haydom Lutheran Hospital and explored the motives behind the establishment of those programs as well as the perceptions of the local community towards education in general and established programs in specific. The challenges associated with the establishment of education and training programs have also been explored. The experiences learned from the case study as a development project have been highlighted as lesson and example for the expected project at Kabanga Nickel in implementing the Corporate Social Responsibility mission. The findings indicate that various education programs, formal and non-formal have played a great role in the improvement of the living standard of the people around the hospital. On the other hand the contribution of education has been evidenced in the capacity building to the majority of the population that have been possible through education programs. This was highlighted by the number of people that have passed though Haydom Primary School, Dr. Olsen Secondary School, Nursing school, The vocational/trade School, Ngwandaq Primary School as well as by the working population that have been going through in-service training for various professions in the hospital. The life standard of the educated working population is used as a role model to the rest of the illiterate community and continues to build the positive attitude towards education. The main recommendation for the Kabanga Project is that they should aim to build the capacity of the local community through quality education programs that fit the local community around the project. The educated population will be the foundation of the socio-economic success of the community and they will not solely depend on the project because of the skills and knowledge through education. The establishment of the programs should be in a participatory way so that the community also contribute to the development of education programs using the available resources. The implication here is that they will feel that they own the programs and they are responsible for future improvement of the programs.
Participation of private sector companies in emerging capital markets: A study of capital markets in Tanzania
(Mzumbe University, 2011) Nangawe, Abbi Godfrey
This study aimed at determining factors influencing participation of private sector companies in Tanzanian emerging capital market. The study answered the question on the relationship between a company‟s going public decisions on the one hand and going public rules and regulations (which include ordinance compliance requirements, prospectus information disclosure and external monitoring and corporate governance), going public costs, company‟s confidentiality, company‟s reputation and credibility, and company‟s portfolio diversification to allow risk sharing on the other hand. The testable hypotheses were formulated as follows: (i) Going public rules and regulations are negatively associated with company‟s decision to go public; (ii) Going public costs are negatively associated with company‟s decision to go public; (iii) Company‟s confidentiality syndrome is negatively associated with companys’ decision to go public; (iv) Company‟s reputation and credibility is positively associated with companys’ decision to go public; and, (v) Company‟s portfolio diversification to allow risk sharing is positively associated with companys’ decision to go public. The study adopted a survey design using a cross-sectional approach. The sample size comprised of 168 private profit making companies from three regions of Tanzania mainland, namely Arusha, Dar es Salaam, and Kilimanjaro. The three regions were selected because they account for over 61% of all private profit making and non-profit making companies in Tanzania mainland (CRE, 2007). Data analysis used the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software and applied a multiple linear regression analysis (MLRA) model, using the ordinary least square (OLS) estimation technique. Findings of the study had mixed support for the hypotheses. Four predictor variables which slightly supported the hypotheses are: portfolio diversification to allow risk sharing; external monitoring and corporate governance; company‟s confidentiality and prospectus information disclosure requirements. Surprisingly enough, the company‟s control variables did not support our hypotheses. The actual results of the study revealed that, empirical support came from company portfolio diversification to allow risk sharing, prospectus information disclosure requirements, company reputation and credibility and company confidentiality. On the other hand, results revealed there was no empirical support for going public costs, while going public ordinance compliance requirements was only slightly supported. The study recommends measures which will enhance capital markets policy interventions. First, are measures to be instituted by policy makers to increase supply of and demand for security instruments and to strengthen the regulatory operating capacity. Second, are training and research measures which will enable Capital Markets and Securities Authority (CMSA), in collaboration with Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange (DSE), training and research institutions, to develop and promote new market strategies, such as curricular programmes to enhance the public‟s awareness of capital markets. Last, but not least, the study recommends strategic measures to private sector companies which will enhance their incentives to save, and mechanisms to channel those savings into further investments. Finally, the study sug
The role of education for rural development: The case of selected Haydom Lutheran hospital’s educational activities in Mbulu district, Tanzania
(University of Agder, 2011) Kalimasi, Perpetua K; Kjell, Havnevik (Supervisor)
This study explores the role that education and training programs initiated and/supported by Haydom Lutheran Hospital play to the development of the rural community. The study have identified some education and training programs by Haydom Lutheran Hospital and explored the motives behind the establishment of those programs as well as the perceptions of the local community towards education in general and established programs in specific. The challenges associated with the establishment of education and training programs have also been explored. The experiences learned from the case study as a development project have been highlighted as lesson and example for the expected project at Kabanga Nickel in implementing the Corporate Social Responsibility mission. The findings indicate that various education programs, formal and non-formal have played a great role in the improvement of the living standard of the people around the hospital. On the other hand the contribution of education has been evidenced in the capacity building to the majority of the population that have been possible through education programs. This was highlighted by the number of people that have passed though Haydom Primary School, Dr. Olsen Secondary School, Nursing school, the vocational/trade School, Ngwanda Primary School as well as by the working population that have been going through in-service training for various professions in the hospital. The life standard of the educated working population is used as a role model to the rest of the illiterate community and continues to build the positive attitude towards education. The main recommendation for the Kabanga Project is that they should aim to build the capacity of the local community through quality education programs that fit the local community around the project. The educated population will be the foundation of the socio-economic success of the community and they will not solely depend on the project because of the skills and knowledge through education. The establishment of the programs should be in a participatory way so that the community also contribute to the development of education programs using the available resources. The implication here is that they will feel that they own the programs, and they are responsible for future improvement of the programs.
Participation of private sector companies in emerging capital markets: A study of capital markets in Tanzania
(Mzumbe University, 2011) Nangawe, Abbi G
This study aimed at determining factors influencing participation of private sector companies in Tanzanian emerging capital market. The study answered the question on the relationship between a company‟s going public decisions on the one hand and going public rules and regulations (which include ordinance compliance requirements, prospectus information disclosure and external monitoring and corporate governance), going public costs, company‟s confidentiality, company‟s reputation and credibility, and company‟s portfolio diversification to allow risk sharing on the other hand. The testable hypotheses were formulated as follows: (i) Going public rules and regulations are negatively associated with company‟s decision to go public; (ii) Going public costs are negatively associated with company‟s decision to go public; (iii) Company‟s confidentiality syndrome is negatively associated with companys’ decision to go public; (iv) Company‟s reputation and credibility is positively associated with companys’ decision to go public; and, (v) Company‟s portfolio diversification to allow risk sharing is positively associated with companys’ decision to go public. The study adopted a survey design using a cross-sectional approach. The sample size comprised of 168 private profit making companies from three regions of Tanzania mainland, namely Arusha, Dar es Salaam, and Kilimanjaro. The three regions were selected because they account for over 61% of all private profit making and non-profit making companies in Tanzania mainland (CRE, 2007). Data analysis used the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software and applied a multiple linear regression analysis (MLRA) model, using the ordinary least square (OLS) estimation technique. Findings of the study had mixed support for the hypotheses. Four predictor variables which slightly supported the hypotheses are: portfolio diversification to allow risk sharing; external monitoring and corporate governance; company‟s confidentiality and prospectus information disclosure requirements. Surprisingly enough, company‟s control variables did not support our hypotheses. The actual results of the study revealed that, empirical support came from company portfolio diversification to allow risk sharing, prospectus information disclosure requirements, company reputation and credibility and company confidentiality. On the other hand, results revealed there was no empirical support for going public costs, while going public ordinance compliance requirements was only slightly supported. The study recommends measures which will enhance capital markets policy interventions. First, are measures to be instituted by policy makers to increase supply of and demand for security instruments and to strengthen the regulatory operating capacity. Second, are training and research measures which will enable Capital Markets and Securities Authority (CMSA), in collaboration with Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange (DSE), training and research institutions, to develop and promote new market strategies, such as curricular programmes to enhance the public's awareness of capital markets. Last, but not least, the study recommends strategic measures to private sector companies which will enhance their incentives to save, and mechanisms to channel those savings into further investments. Finally, the study suggests directions for future research on capital markets participation in emerging markets and Tanzania in particular.
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.
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.
The contribution of tourism on poverty reduction at Northern Region in Unguja: A case of pro poor tourism at Kiwengwa- Pongwe Village
(Mzumbe University, 2013) Abdalla, Said Faraji
This study assessed the Contribution of Tourism on Poverty Reduction at Northern region in Unguja; A case of pro poor tourism at Kiwengwa- Pongwe village. The study used the cross sectional data of 91 samples population of households from all Shehias of Kiwengwa-Pongwe. The data analyzed by using SPSS and STATA softwares. The results showed that the most economic activities, by which the local community had been engaged for employments, were employments from the tourism related activities which were about 46.2 percent equivalent to 86.8 percent of total income accrued by the households from that sector. The market chain for the development of livehood of local community in that area the results have shown that about 73.6 percent were access the market for their sea products, the market for local spices to tourists were about 17.6, the market for selling handcrafts were 5.5 percent and only remaining 3.3 per cent were the market for their agriculture products. In other hand the impact of the tourism sector on the growth of other services about the 73.6 per cent of respondents have denoted that the massive flow of the tourism investors in that area have influenced the economic and social transformation in that areas. It was found that about 57.1 percent of the local entrepreneurs got their initial capital from the support of pro poor projects in that areas and only 42.9 percent of local entrepreneurs got their initial capital from their own means of business formulation. It was found that 47.3 percent reported that tourism have more significance on employment opportunities, about 36.3 percent said tourism have significance on development of infrastructure, 12.1 percent said tourism have significance on improvement of the social services and only 4.4 percent said tourism have significance on growth of other sectors. In conclusion there is a need for the government of Zanzibar to address the special policy which will enhance the role of local community on the development of tourism activities .The establishment of that policy should be well organized, documented and implemented. The study also has recognized that the government of Zanzibar should have the decentralization policy that will promote and enhance the pro poor benefits from the income collected by the local government on entire area in order to improve the local community development.
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.
Agricultural financing initiatives in developing countries: Can microfinance fill The gap? The case of Iringa Rural district, Tanzania
(Mzumbe University, 2013) Munuo, Catherine
Developing country, are suffering from financial shortage in almost all economic sectors particularly in agriculture sector. The initiatives done by the government and different donor agency to finance the farmers have not been able to cover the costs associated with agricultural activities to farmers. As the result farmers continue using tradition farming and depend on informal financial institutions to cover up their financial costs (Wenner, 2010).The informal institutions charge very high interests and often do not meet the needs of the farmers. For this case, microfinance is considered as noble substitute for informal credit and therefore regarded as a powerful instrument for poverty alleviation among the farmers who are economically active but financially constrained (Murdoch & Haley, 2002). This study presents an empirical investigation on this considerable effect of microfinance toward agriculture financial predicament. The general question that guided the study was “Can microfinance fill agriculture financial gap in developing countries" with a particular focus to Iringa rural district in Tanzania. Cross- sectional, primary data from a sample of 188 farmers was analyzed using the binary logistic regression techniques, to see if microfinance can fill agriculture financial gap or not. The study shows that; 17% of the farmers depend on informal institution and those who depend on microfinance are only 9%. The supply of microfinance credit to the farmers is very limited and it’s only 27% of the respondent, who were able to receive the same amount they applied for. Furthermore its only 41% of the whole farmers who managed to finance their agriculture cost. The odds ratio in favour of scale of the farm increases the possibility of covering financial gap as the scale of the farm decreases. Government subsidies have negative impact on possibility of microfinance to fill the financial gap where as microfinance awareness has positive influence on the possibility of microfinance to fill the gap. This study therefore contributes to the understanding of the current situation regarding agriculture finance and fills the unknown knowledge of microfinance contribution toward agriculture financing gap.
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.
Analysis of social -economic factors affecting cashew nut production in Ruangwa District, Tanzania
(Mzumbe University, 2013) 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
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.
Assessment of village savings and loans associations on household income at Southern Unguja
(Mzumbe University, 2013) Shauri, Khamis A.
This study was interested on income poverty analysis to the community of southern Unguja in which majority of the household members were engaged on Village Savings and Credits Associations groups (VSLA). The primary objective of the study was an assessment of Village Savings and Loans Associations on Household Income at Southern Unguja. Total sample of 217 head of household who are joined with VSLA were selected. The study has provided two conceptual frame, namely total household income and determinants of VSLA’ income. All technical techniques of sample size and determination were carried out. Two hypotheses were formulated; the result of the first hypothesis shown that income from VSLA, livestock, business and casual labour was economically significance at 1 and 5 per cent level. The result of the second hypothesis was very interesting in which the demographic variables had no impact to the VSLA income, the variable size of member who joined with the group and amount of household saving had shown to have impact at 1 per cent significance level. The Gini index shown the society of southern unguja has relative equality.
Analysis of the factors influencing child labour in tobacco farming: A Case of Urambo District
(Mzumbe University, 2013) Daimon, Benedicto
This study identifies and examines socio-economic factors, which influence child labour in tobacco farming. The study is based on the field survey conducted in Urambo District. Logistic regression modeling was used on a sample of 253 households to determine the influence of education level of parent household, household meals per day, gender, distance from home to school and family parenthood type on children participation in tobacco farming. The study found that the parent’s primary education and secondary education level, number of meals taken per day are strongly significant at 5%, 1%, 5% respectively and positive determinant of child labour in tobacco farming in the district. However, university/college education of parent household, gender and distance from home to school were not significant factors. Moreover, the outcomes of Odd ratio to be greater than one (1) give us some important indications about the future prospects of children participation in tobacco farming. Since the odd ratio of the variables one meal and two meals per day (indication of family wealth) are 6 and 2 respectively are greater than 1 then the odds of not participating in tobacco farming are greater per unit increase in meals taken. Thus, the children living in more wealthy families (three meals per day) are less likely to participate in tobacco farming. Since education odd ratio is less than 1 then the odds of experiencing the characteristic of children participation in tobacco farming is lower for children whose parents have high education level. Based on the findings, the study provides policy recommendations to address the problem of child labour in the area and in other areas facing similar problems.
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.