Browsing by Author "Kadigi, Ibrahim L."

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E-Ng’ombe: a mobile phone ICT to tackle the pitfall of information asymmetry in the value chain of indigenous beef cattle in Mwanza Region, Tanzania
(Sciknow, 2013) Kadigi, Ibrahim L.; Muhiche, Lupyana; Kadigi, Reuben M.J.; Makindara, Jeremiah; Laswai, Germana; Kashaigili, Japhet J.
A value chain (VC) study was conducted in Ilemela and Magu Districts of Mwan za region in Tanzan ia to evaluate the performance of different actors in the VC of indigenous beef cattle and identify opportunities for upgrading the VC. Specifically, the study mapped the VC, assessed profitability in each node and identified priority issues for short term intervention. Two major working hypotheses were tested. First is the hypothesis that the profits gained by beef cattle actors in the VC are unevenly distributed. Second is the hypothesis that efficiency in cattle and beef product production and marketing will translate into increased market margins for producers and other actors in the VC. We identify several pitfalls: importantly is perhaps the p itfall of info rmation asymmetry, especially among actors upstream the VC. We develop an electronic mobile phone Information and Co mmunicat ion Technology (ICT) system namely, “e-Ng‟o mbe” in an attempt to tackle this problem. This is in line with our fundamental argu ment that the introduction and use of appropriate ICT, especially by beef cattle producers, is likely to add value and upgrade the VC. We reco mmend that the Govern ment of Tan zania, through the Ministry of Livestock Development and Fisheries (M LDF) should own the process of out-scaling and up-scaling the use of e-Ng‟o mbe ICT system in the country. We underline the fact that the provision of market ing information is by large a public good, though public -private partnerships may go a long way in realizing the benefits of using mobile phone ICT in the indigeno us beef cattle sub-sector in Tan zania.
The effect of nitrogen-fertilizer and optimal plant population on the profitability of maize plots in the Wami river sub-basin, Tanzania: a bio economic simulation approach
(Elsevier, 2021) Kadigi, Ibrahim L.; Richardson, James W.; Mutabazi, Khamaldin D.; Philip, Damas; Mourice, Sixbert K.; Mbungu, Winfred; Bizimana, Jean-Claude; Sieber, Stefan
Maize (Zea mays L.) is the essential staple in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and Tanzania in particular; the crop accounts for over 30% of the food production, 20% of the agricultural gross domestic product (GDP) and over 75% of the cereal consumption. Maize is grown under a higher risk of failure due to the over-dependence rain fed farming system resulting in low income and food insecurity among maize-based farmers. However, many practices, including conservation agriculture, soil and water conservation, resilient crop varieties, and soil fer tility management, are suggested to increase cereal productivity in Tanzania. Improving planting density, and the use of fertilizers are the immediate options recommended by Tanzania's government. In this paper, we evaluate the economic feasibility of the improved planting density (optimized plant population) and N-fertilizer crop management practices on maize net returns in semi-arid and sub-humid agro-ecological zones in the Wami River sub-Basin, Tanzania. We introduce a bio-economic simulation model using Monte Carlo simulation pro cedures to evaluate the economic viability of risky crop management practices so that the decision-maker can make better management decisions. The study utilizes maize yield data sets from two biophysical cropping system models, namely the APSIM and DSSAT. A total of 83 plots for the semi-arid and 85 plots for the sub humid agro-ecological zones consisted of this analysis. The crop management practices under study comprise the application of 40 kg N-fertilizer/ha and plant population of 3.3 plants/m2 . The study finds that the use of im proved plant population had the lowest annual net return with fertilizer application fetching the highest return. The two crop models demonstrated a zero probability of negative net returns for farms using fertilizer rates of 40 kg N/ha except for DSSAT, which observed a small probability (0.4%) in the sub-humid area. The optimized plant population presented 16.4% to 26.6% probability of negatives net returns for semi-arid and 14.6% to 30.2% probability of negative net returns for sub-humid zones. The results suggest that the application of fer tilizer practices reduces the risks associated with the mean returns, but increasing the plant population has a high probability of economic failure, particularly in the sub-humid zone. Maize sub-sector in Tanzania is pro jected to continue experiencing a significant decrease in yields and net returns, but there is a high chance that it will be better-off if proper alternatives are employed. Similar studies are needed to explore the potential of interventions highlighted in the ACRP for better decision-making.
Value chain of indigenous cattle and beef products in Mwanza region, Tanzania: market access, linkages and opportunities for upgrading
(Academia Publishing, 2013) Kadigi, Reuben M. J.; Kadigi, Ibrahim L.; Laswai, Germana. H; Kashaigili, Japhet J.
The potentials of the traditional beef cattle sector in Lake Victoria Basin (LVB) have only been utilized marginally. The sector still suffers from limited access and linkages to premium markets, lack of entrepreneurial dynamisms by actors, as well as, use of poor production and processing technologies. This paper applies the results of participatory market analysis and questionnaire surveys to map the value chain and assess profitability in each node. The study findings suggest that the value chain was generally operating inefficiently. Overall, cattle producers received lower prices and profit margins. Vertical integration of livestock farmers, beef processors, and traders was limited. The paper recommends tailor made campaigns and training that will sensitize producers to treat beef cattle keeping as a business, set aside at least few animals for sale in each year, fatten them using locally available feeds and produce animals of good quality which will earn them good money.