Browsing by Author "Kayunze Kim Abel"

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    Association between household socio-demographic factors and postharvest management technologies use for grains in Dodoma Region, Tanzania
    (CARI Journals, 2026-06-04) Mtenga Deodata Vicent; Kayunze Kim Abel; Nsenga Justus Vincent
    Purpose: Postharvest management technologies for grains have received inadequate attention as part of food security programmes, and there are has been scant literature detailing their association with socio-demographic factors. This paper assesses the association between socio-demographic factors and postharvest management technologies used for grains in Dodoma Region, Tanzania, focusing on socio-demographic factors of maize and sorghum farmers, postharvest management technologies used for maize and sorghum, and associations between the socio-demographic factors and the technologies. Methodology: The study employed a cross-sectional research design whereby proportionate stratified random sampling was used to select 384 households from eight villages. Data were collected using a questionnaire, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics software Version 20 whereas thematic analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. Findings: Results showed that small-scale farming households in Dodoma Region used three main types of postharvest management technologies for grains: Improved technologies which include metal silos, airtight containers, and Purdue Improved Crop Storage Bags (PICS); semi-improved technologies, mostly polypropylene bags; and local technologies, particularly granaries. Chisquare analysis tests showed that household size, household head’s sex, age, marital status, and education level were significantly associated with the types of postharvest management technologies used (p < 0.05). Unique Contributions to Theory, Practice, and Policy: This study offers a comprehensive understanding of the ways in which household sociodemographic characteristics are associated with adoption of postharvest management technologies. Its contributions include policy ideas for promoting postharvest technologies for grains in Tanzania, based on socio-demographic factors.
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    Contribution of organic cotton production to household income relative to conventional cotton production in Bariadi District, Tanzania
    (East African Nature and Science Organization (EANSO), 2025-08-08) Said Castory Masanja; Nsenga Justus Vicent; Kayunze Kim Abel
    This paper determines the percentage of household income that is due to organic cotton production and differences in incomes from organic cotton production, conventional cotton, other crops, and non-farm activities among smallholder farmers in Bariadi District, Simiyu Region, Tanzania. Using a mixed-methods cross-sectional design, primary data were collected in 2025 from 364 households through a structured questionnaire, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions (FGDs). Quantitative data were analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics to compute descriptive statistics and perform the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, while qualitative data were analysed thematically through content analysis. The results indicated that organic cotton contributed 11.7% to overall income per capita, unlike conventional cotton, which contributed 9.4%. The median income per capita from organic cotton (TZS 23,964.29) was significantly higher than that from conventional cotton (TZS 0.00) (T = 23,617.50, z = -4.706, p < 0.001, r = 0.247), suggesting that organic cotton provided more reliable and profitable income than conventional cotton. Income from conventional cotton was either absent or minimal for many households, largely due to market instability and input costs. Qualitative findings reinforced the quantitative results by revealing that farmers perceive organic cotton production as more rewarding due to improved access to premium markets, price stability through contractual arrangements, reduced input costs, and alignment with environmentally sustainable practices. Respondents emphasised that organic farming not only enhances income but also promotes soil health and long-term agricultural resilience. These findings highlight organic cotton’s potential as a transformative livelihood strategy capable of reducing rural poverty, enhancing household economic resilience, and contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to no poverty, decent work, and climate action. To maximise these benefits, policy interventions should prioritise strengthening organic certification systems, enhancing extension services, and improving market linkages.