Browsing by Author "Mahonge, C.P."

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Contribution of Heifer In-Trust schemes to smallholder households’ well-being in Highland area of Njombe Region, Tanzania
(Livestock Research for Rural Development, 2015) Msangya, M. L.; Urassa, J.K.; Mahonge, C.P.
Food insecurity and poor income is a big challenge in Njombe Region. The Heifer in-Trust Schemes (HIS) in this region aimed at reducing food and income insecurity. The study’s main objective was to determine the contribution of the HIS farming households’ well-being in the highland areas of Njombe, Tanzania. Specifically, the study aimed at determining the contribution of the HIS to food security measured by number of meals and composition of these meals and at exploring the contribution of sales of milk, calves and pastures to household income. The study adopted a cross-sectional design and using HIS registers books, data were collected from 200 randomly selected HIS beneficiary households using a structured questionnaire. In addition 4 Focus Group Discussion (FDGs) were conducted to supplement information collected through the questionnaires. Results from the study show that dairy farming was the major source of food and income. Despite the variations in seasonality in this highland agro-ecological zone, HIS has enormously contributed to the improvement of smallholder famers’ well-being. Generally, smallholder households’ food was secured; an average of three meals daily with diversified nutrients was taken and income has increased.
Heifer In-trust schemes and incomes of smallholder households in the Highland and Semi-arid regions of Tanzania
(Livestock Research for Rural Development, 2015) Msangya, M. L.; Urassa, J.K.; Mahonge, C.P.
Poor household incomes are a major challenge to smallholder farming households’ expenses in Tanzania including Njombe and Shinyanga regions. The Heifer In-trust Schemes (HIS) were introduced in these regions purposely to enable vulnerable households to improve their food and income security hence raising such households’ purchasing power. The study’s main objective was to assess the role of the HIS to smallholder households’ major expenditures in the above-mentioned areas. Specifically, the study aimed at exploring the assets and income acquired through the beneficiary household’s involvement in the HIS and at examining their ability to meet children’s educational and households' health costs. The study adopted a cross-sectional design whereby data were collected from 402 randomly selected HIS beneficiaries’ households using a structured questionnaire. In addition, nine focus group discussions involving 135 discussants were conducted to complement information collected through the questionnaire. Children’s education, assets acquisition and food accounted for 36.2, 24.3 and 10.5% of the income accrued from the HIS dairy enterprise. The benefits in Njombe (a highland area) and Shinyanga (a semi arid area) zones were similar.
Influence of Agro-Ecological factors and cultural practices on Heifer in-trust schemes in Njombe and Shinyanga Regions of Tanzania
(International Journal of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, 2015) Msangya, M L.; Urassa, J.K.; Mahonge, C.P.
Dairy farming can be a panacea to addressing rural poverty. The Heifer In-trust Schemes (HIS) in Njombe and Shinyanga regions aimed at reducing food and income insecurity. However, the influence of seasonality, traditional livestock grazing systems, animal treatment and protection practices challenge the schemes objectives. The study’s main objective was to assess the influence of seasonality, rainfall patterns; and traditional animal grazing style, animal treatments and protection on HIS. Specifically, the study determined the influence of seasonality unavailability of quality pasture, milk and income, and explored the implications of traditional livestock grazing systems, treatment and protection. Study adopted a cross-sectional design. Data were collected from 402 randomly selected HIS households. Results show that during the wet season average daily milk production increased by six litres per cow. Results also show that more milk is sold during the dry season as the demand is higher while production is low. Results further show that traditional grazing systems and animal protection practices led to low milk production and less income. The diverse agro-ecological factors and cultural practices have influenced HIS in the study areas. HIS beneficiaries should establish pasture plots to address negative agro-ecological influences, reduce free range-grazing methods and avoid adverse traditional animal treatment and protection practices.
Role of heifer In-Trust Scheme in employment among smallholder farmers in Highlands and Semi-Arid Regions of Tanzania
(International Journal of Sciences: Basic and Applied Research (IJSBAR), 2015) Msangya, .M.L.; Urassa, J.K.; Mahonge, C.P.
This paper explores the employment opportunities generated by Heifer In-trust Schemes (HIS) in highlands and semi-arid regions in Tanzania. The measurements used are the types and the number of self-employed jobs and the income attributed to HIS self-employment among smallholders. The study adopted a cross-sectional design whereby primary data were collected from 402 randomly selected HIS beneficiaries’ households using a pretested structured questionnaire. In addition, nine focus group discussions were conducted to supplement information collected through the questionnaire. Results show that HIS had generated employment opportunities and income among smallholder farmers in highlands and semi-arid areas of Tanzania through rural dairy farming, milk collection, milk vending, water trading, animal health provision and Artificial Insemination (AI) services. HIS has also contributed to rural employment opportunities among low formal educated youth, women and men in the study areas. The study recommends more investments in rural dairy farming to promote self-employment.