Browsing by Author "Mvena, Z. S. K."

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Adaptation strategies to climate variability and change and its limitations to smallholder farmers. a literature search
(Asian Economic and Social Societ, 2015) Phillipo, F.; Bushesha, M.; Mvena, Z. S. K.
In sub-Saharan Africa, knowledge on adaptation strategies to climate variability and change are scattered and fragmented due to lack of standpoints adaptation framework. This paper intends to analyse differences in adaptation strategies across agro-ecological zones, and finding out factors dictating adaptation to climate variability and change to smallholder farmers. The paper is based on documentary review methodology in which journals and books on adaptation were used as the main sources of information. The collected information were analysed by using content analysis. This paper found that smallholder farmers use a variety of practices to adapt to climate variability and change. These practices include: crop management, livestock management, diversification of livelihood strategies and land use management. Availability of extension services, climate change information and membership to social networks were among the factors identified dictating smallholder farmers adaptation to climate variability and change. The paper recommends to the Government of sub-Saharan Africa and development partners to come up with adaptation framework that takes into consideration differences in geographical location. They are needed also to provide enabling conditions to smallholder farmers through strengthening farmers’ supportive services to enhance their adaptive capacities.
Adaptation strategies to climate variability and change and its limitations to smallholder farmers. A literature search
(Asian Economic and Social Society, 2015) Phillipo, F.; Bushesha, M.; Mvena, Z. S. K.
In sub-Saharan Africa, knowledge on adaptation strategies to climate variability and change are scattered and fragmented due to lack of standpoints adaptation framework. This paper intends to analyse differences in adaptation strategies across agro-ecological zones, and finding out factors dictating adaptation to climate variability and change to smallholder farmers. The paper is based on documentary review methodology in which journals and books on adaptation were used as the main sources of information. The collected information were analysed by using content analysis. This paper found that smallholder farmers use a variety of practices to adapt to climate variability and change. These practices include: crop management, livestock management, diversification of livelihood strategies and land use management. Availability of extension services, climate change information and membership to social networks were among the factors identified dictating smallholder farmers adaptation to climate variability and change. The paper recommends to the Government of sub-Saharan Africa and development partners to come up with adaptation framework that takes into consideration differences in geographical location. They are needed also to provide enabling conditions to smallholder farmers through strengthening farmers’ supportive services to enhance their adaptive capacities.
Albinism: awareness, attitudes and level of albinos’ predicament in Sukumaland, Tanzania
(Asian Journal of Applied Science and Engineering, 2014) Masanja, M. M.; Mvena, Z. S. K.; Kayunze, K. A.
In Tanzania, persons with albinism (PWA), continue to be less valued, rejected, attacked and killed for ritual purposes. This study examined the situation of PWA and their households resulting from killings and attacks on them. Specifically, the study assessed the level of awareness, attitudes towards albinism and PWA and level of predicament felt by members of households with PWA. An albinism understanding test and attitudinal scales (Likert and Semantic differential scales) were used to determine attitudes towards albinism and level of dilemma felt. A linear regression model was used to determine the impacts of various variables on the level of predicament. Knowledge on albinism was found to be moderate. Levels of awareness were significantly associated with respondents’ age (p = 0.004), sex (p = 0.017), education level (p < 0.0001), religion (p < 0.001) and ethnic group (p = 0.025). Four-fifths of the respondents (80%) had negative attitudes towards albinism and PWA. Unfavourable attitude was highly associated with education level and occupation (p < 0.001). Level of PWA predicament was higher among household members being significantly impacted positively by level of albinism awareness (β = 0.500), but negatively impacted by attitude towards albinism (β = -313) and age (β = -0.191). Age, education, sex and belief determined level of knowledge on albinism. Education level determined attitudes of respondents. Albinism awareness determined the level of predicament felt. The fight against negative beliefs and attitudes towards albinism requires properly designed albinism awareness creation programme.
Beyond adoption/rejection of agricultural innovations: Empirical evidence from smallholder rice farmers in Tanzania
(SAGE, 2006) Mwaseba, D.L.; Kaarhus, R.; Johnsen, F. H.; Mvena, Z. S. K.; Mattee, A. Z.
This study seeks to explore the adoption of rice research-based innovations in rural Tanzania. Apart from the age and level of education of the head of household, which had an influence on the adoption of herbicide in both study areas, the influence of other variables on the adoption of fertilizer and transplanting varied between the study areas. Moreover, the study shows that adoption of the selected innovations is context-dependent. In Tanzania, rice farming is characterized by the predominance of traditional rice varieties. Farmers grow these varieties for household consumption or income, or both, under crop management practices that are well attuned to the available resources. The observed discontinuation and adaptation of innovations make sense, given the production circumstances in which the farmers operate. The findings of the study raise issues with research implications for improved rice production in the study areas.
Chain governance in urban dairying in Tanzania: a cross- learning study on value chain development
(International Journal of Latest Research in Humanities and Social Science (IJLRHSS), 2011) Akyoo, A. M.; Makoye, G. R.; Fredy Timothy Mlyavidoga Kilima, F. T. M.; Coles, C. F.; Nombo, C.; Mvena, Z. S. K.; Ngetti, M.
Tanga city is the most unlikely location to have the most evolved urban milk value chain in Tanzania, being the most North-easterly coastal metropolis in the country, especially when contrasted with an urban milk value chain in cooler environments like Iringa Municipality in the Southern highlands. This is a paradox that has attracted many interests to unravel including this study. Presence of persevering and unrelenting champions has been the cornerstone for achieving this high level of organization on the value chain. The spontaneous upgrading has seen development of a cooperative model that integrates milk production, processing and marketing into a one whole competitive and efficient value chain. These are the qualities that elude the milk value chain in Iringa Municipality. The market concentration figures on Tanga may not be interpreted at face value given the cooperative procurement model which is coordinated under a quasi-vertical integration governance arrangement. Sustainability prospects of both value chains are however challenged by town/city and urban agriculture development policies/regulations that are moving in different directions. Multi-stakeholder initiatives are necessary to address outstanding challenges threatening the industry in Tanga for the sake of city revenue, livelihoods of communities and country development at large.
Challenges of value chain development: experiences from milk production and marketing in Iringa municipality and Tanga city
(2015-06) Kilima, F. T. M; Mvena, Z. S. K.; Ngetti, M.; Coles, C. F.; Akyoo, A. M.; Nombo, C.
The project focused on milk value chains in Iringa Municipality and Tanga City with a view to draw specific impacts of urban dairy farming on income and poverty levels. These towns represent two distinct milk collection and marketing arrangements. Milk marketing in Iringa Municipality is generally through informal' outlets. In contrast, milk from farmers in Tanga is pooled for sale to processors including (M/s Tanga Fresh Ltd) and Ammy Dairies. The two cases describe similar market arrangements also found elsewhere in Tanzania.
Empowering farmers? Collaborative research at Sokoine university of agriculture, Tanzania
(Routledge Taylor and Francis Group., 2015) Mwaseba, D. L.; Kaarhus, R.; Johnsen, F. H.; Mattee, A. Z.; Mvena, Z. S. K.; Eik, L. O.
This article presents experiences with collaborative and on-farm research based on the implementation of a four-year Programme for Agricultural and Natural Resources Transformation for Improved Livelihoods (PANTIL) at Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) in Morogoro, Tanzania. It outlines the basic elements in the implementation of a programme aimed to be demand-based, and discusses the challenges encountered in combining collaborative research with the empowerment of farmers. Finally, the article draws out some lessons with implications for the future organisation of collaborative and on-farm agricultural research.
Farmer field schools as a springboard for enhanced uptake of farmer field schools as a springboard for enhanced uptake of new agricultural technologies: lessons for Tanzania
(Tanzania Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2010) Mvena, Z. S. K.; Mattee, A. Z.; Wambura, R. M.; Mwaseba, D. L.; Lazaro, E. A.; Kiranga, E. D.; Kilave, D. M.
The uptake of proven agricultural technologies in less developed countries has not been very impressive over the years. This is in spite of the different methods used to disseminate these technologies, including the focal approach, the improvement approach, the transformation approach and others. With the collapse of the relatively expensive transformation approach in the late 1960s, more practical (in terms of resources and clientele characteristics) approaches, namely, the persuasive and dialogical models were adopted. Thereafter the World Bank introduced the Training and Visit system which has been in use at different periods in Tanzania and at different levels of resource commitment. The latest approach in enhancing the uptake of agricultural technologies is through the Farmer Field Schools that have only a short history in Tanzania.This paper reviews the literature on Farmer Field Schools, first giving a brief description of the nature of Farmer Field Schools. This is then followed by experiences from selected countries in terms of: the purpose of introducing the FFS, the process used in implementing the FFS approach, impact of the FFS approach, conclusions on the effectiveness of FFS in promoting the uptake of agricultural technologies, and finally the lessons learned. This discussion is then followed by a brief presentation of the history of FFS in Tanzania. The paper then makes an assessment of the effectiveness of the approach in the uptake of agricultural technologies and the challenges it faces. The paper concludes by underscoring the importance of FFS, offers some recommendations including the creation of more awareness on FFS and monitoring how FFS graduates sustain the FFS spirit. Finally, the paper gives a critical evaluation of the FFS approach vis-à-vis other approaches in use today
Food culture and child-feeding practices in Njombe and Mvomero districts, Tanzania
(Journal of Eastern African Studies, 2016) Mwaseba, D. J. B.; Kaarhus, R.; Mvena, Z. S. K.
This article explores food culture and child-feeding practices, focusing on children below ﬁve years among the Bena and Luguru ethnic groups located in Njombe and Mvomero rural districts in Tanzania. In these two societies existing cultural norms, and beliefs related to child feeding focusing on breastfeeding and complementary feeding were investigated aiming at understanding how every-day practices on child feeding are socially and culturally constructed by actors including parents or guardians, thus giving cultural meanings that are attached to every-day realities on child feeding. The article is part of a larger research project whose overall purpose was to investigate the outcome of milk-based nutrition interventions involving dairy goat and cattle-keeping with the aim among others to improve health and nutritional status of family members, especially children below ﬁve years in societies where prevalence of malnutrition particularly undernutrition is rather high. Methods used included participant observation, in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews. Findings show that early after birth, pre-lacteal feeds are commonly introduced in both societies and the most common complementary food includes plain maize porridge. On the other hand, milk consumption among children was rather limited. Existing food habits and feeding practices seem to be informed by widelyshared norms and beliefs. However, these culturally established practices do not always meet the current international recommendations on child feeding. Besides, recommendations and nutritional information on child feeding have largely not been used as suggested. This paper argues that, for the successful introduction and implementation of nutrition-based interventions targeting children, it is important to identify and improve upon the indigenous child-feeding practices, reﬂecting existing food habits, food-related beliefs, and their meanings.
Milk value chain, gender equity and poverty alleviation in Tanzania
(2014-06) Mvurungu, E.; Nombo, C.; Mvena, Z. S. K.
Literature reveals that there is no consensus about how value chain interventions contribute to gender equity and poverty alleviation among different gender groups. This stuck was conducted to assess the prospect for enhancing gender equity and alleviating poverty under formal and informal market arrangements within the milk value chain in Tanzania. The study also examined changes in gender roles and relations in the chain. A cross-sectional research was designed and conducted in Tanga City and Iringa Municipality. Proportionate and systematic sampling techniques were used to identify respondents to participate in the study. Descriptive statistics were computed using SPSS and ethnographic content analysis was used to analyse qualitative data. The study Jo. und that men and women are important actors in the milk value chain but the extent of their participation cliffe r significantly. The participation of men and women in the milk value chain has increased both their earnings and workload. There are gender specific constraints that hinder the performance of Alen and women in the milk value chain such as limitation on mobility, access to and control of resources, WO decision making over income accrued "tom dairying. Some traditional social norms and practices also hinder women's participation in some activities within the value chain like engaging in more rewarding milk markets. The study recommends that market development programmes should understand location specific gender contexts to avoid generic intervention that may exacerbate the existing gender inequity.
The past, present and future of urban agriculture in Tanzania
(Journal of Agricultural Economics and Development, 1999) Mvena, Z. S. K.
Abstract: Urban agriculture in Tanzania has been in existence; for many decades. Presently urban agriculture is both extensive and intensive. Urban farmers come from all walks of life. From highly placed government civil servants and wealthy businessmen to the most disadvantaged slum dwellers. Urban agriculture is constrained by a number of factors including the legal restrictions which dictate the type of crops to be planted and the number of livestock an urban farmer should keep. This paper highlights the potential of urban …
Power dynamics between farmers and market masters: a case of tomato value chain in Kilolo District and Dodoma Municipality, Tanzania
(International Journal of Information and Communication Technology Research, 2016) Nyamba, S. Y.; Martin, R.; Kalungwizi, V. J.; Busindeli, I. M.; Kilima, F. T. M.; Bengesi, C.P. M.; Chija, B. B.; Mvena, Z. S. K.; Mlozi, M. R. S.; Gjotterud, S. M.; Kiranga, E.
Like in many places in rural Tanzania, tomato production has become an important economic horticultural activity. The main reasons for the sudden upsurge of tomato production over the past few years include its better market prospect compared to other traditional crops although this prospect vary across seasons and locations. Of late however, tomato farmers have faced a number of challenges in the production and marketing of tomatoes. The main challenges include high cost of production and perishable nature of the crop that induce significant variation in farmers’ earnings. Another challenge facing tomato producers is the long chain of actors between production and consumption leading to information gaps between farmers and consumers in terms of optimal price for the product. This paper examines the status of tomato marketing with respect to information sharing and power relations between farmers and market masters in the tomato value chain. The paper concludes by giving possible avenues for resolving the communication problems through project interventions.
Rice for food and income Assessing the impact of rice research on food security in the Kyela and Kilombero districts of Tanzania
(SAGE, 2007) Mwaseba, D. L.; Kaarhus, R.; Johnsen, F. H.; Mattee, A. Z.; Mvena, Z. S. K.
This paper assesses the impact of rice research on household food security in Tanzania. The adoption of research-based innovations in rice farming, on which the impact of rice research is assumed to depend, is outlined. Rice production and consumption levels are presented. The paper shows that farmers produce rice for meeting a range of livelihood outcomes, including food security. However, meeting household needs such as education, health and building good houses are as important as food security. In this context, it is argued that food security should be understood within the framework of household livelihood strategies rather than being seen as dependent on household rice production.
The role of indigenous technical knowledge in increased food production in Tanzania
(Agris.fao.org, 1995) Lupanga, I. J.; Mvena, Z. S. K.; Forster, P. G.
The study examines ways of linking research, extension and farmers through a two-way exchange of both indigenous technical knowledge (ITK) and scientific knowledge in order to increase food crop production in Tanzania. Specifically the studied sought to establish: the amount of ITK regarding maize, wheat, beans and round potatoes in 15 villages; the extent to which indigenous and conventional scientific knowledge are employed by farmers; the relationship between the use by farmers of ITK and conventional scientific knowledge, and socioeconomic parameters; and the utilization of findings from the study in drawing up policy implications with regard to the planning of the research and extension efforts in Tanzania for improved agricultural production. The study area comprised three major food producing districts in the southern Highlands of Tanzania, namely, Njombe, Mbeya, and Mbinga. A total of 1020 farmers was sampled through semi-structured interviews during two research visits to the areas, first in June 1989 and then between November 1989 and March 1990. The results of the study identify a great deal of ITK within the communities covered and highlight the need for extension agents to utilize this resource.
The role of informal and semi-formal finance in poverty alleviation in Tanzania: Results of a field study in two regions
(REPOA, 1998) Kashuliza, A. K.; Hella, J. P.; Magayane, F. T.; Mvena, Z. S. K.
Liberalization policies implemented in Tanzania after the mid 1980s have created some impetus to the growth of informal and semi-formal finance and credit operations in the country. This study set out to investigate the modus operandi and performance of some selected informal and semi-formal credit arrangements in two regions of the country (Mbeya and Iringa). Data for the study were collected between January to March, 1996 from a total of two hundred farmers (the majority of whom used informal and semi-formal credit), ten informal lenders, ten input stockists and fourteen semi-formal lenders (including NGOs). Survey information collected by the study indicates that the main sources of informal credit for smallholders are: relatives, neighbours and friends, shop owners and businessmen, and medium and large scale farmers. Such credit is used for both consumption and production activities. Overall, informal lending is still far from being a specialized activity, rather it is a side activity integrated into the enterprise undertakings of various farmers, businessmen and shop owners. A variety of semi-formal lenders are operating in the rural areas mainly providing production credit (often accompanied with some training, supervision, and interest on loans which are generally lower than commercial rates). Some of the semi-lenders target specific groups such as women, youth, farmers of certain crops etc. Most of the semiformal credit channels studied have poor records of loan collection partly because such programmes were being set up without elaborate procedures for education and collection of loans from farmers. Both informal and semi-formal credit access are linked with the attempt to alleviate poverty in several ways including: ability to cultivate larger farms, getting higher crop yields, and better food security status than before (or in comparison to farmers without credit access). Thus more efforts should be made by Government and relevant institutions to promote the development and growth of informal as well as semi-formal credit channels for them to be more effective tools in the efforts to alleviate poverty.
Tomato value chain information system in tanzania:lessons from Kilolo District and Dodoma Municipality, Tanzania
(Shoushtar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shoushtar, Iran, 2020) Nyamba, S. Y.; Kalungwizi, V. J.; Mlozi, M.R.S; Busindeli, I. M.; Kilima, F. T. M.; Msuya-Bengesi, C. P.; Chija, B. B.; Mvena, Z. S. K.; Gabagambi, M; Gjotterud, S. M.; Kiranga, E
T he major challenge for the tomato farmers is getting a fair price at the market price given that there are many actors involved in the tomato value chain. Given this situation, this project's goal was to improve communication pathways in dissemination of agricultural market information in tomato value chains in Iringa and Dodoma Regions in Tanzania. The specific objectives were to: identify and assess the status of tomato production and information sharing among the various actors in every node in the tomato value chain; identify the communication and knowledge dissemination pathways in tomato value chain; examine the efficacy of communication and knowledge dissemination pathways in tomato value chain; establish the innovative communication and knowledge dissemination pathways in tomato value chain, and enhance capacity and empower the various stakeholders involved in the tomato value chain. One way of achieving the goal of the study was to come up with an innovative communication pathway that would improve the marketing of tomatoes by directly linking farmers to markets. The study has developed a system called Tomato Value Chain Information System (ToVCIS). The system links famers to different markets in the Tanzania by sending text messages to a control centre which is fed with prices on a daily basis by government employed market
The use of cell phones in sharing market information among beef cattle smallholders in Mpwapwa District, Tanzania
(2015-06) Urassa, N. S.; Mvena, Z. S. K.
This study sought to establish the role of cell phones in communication and dissemination of market information for beef cattle smallholders in Alpwapwa District, Tanzania. The study also identified the existing channels related to beef cattle market information for smallholders. A .sample of 120 respondents, four focus groups of discussants and 12 key informants were interviewed. Data wen.' collected using a structured questionnaire from the 120 respondents, a focus group discussion guide and a guide JOr key informant. The questionnaire-based data were analvfed using the .tati.s.tical Package .for Social Sciences where descrimi•e statistics, and inferential (117C111'SiS using ('hi square (7) lest. The findings reveal that the majority of respondents possessed and used cell phones in sharing market inliirmation. This Method 117/S complemented by ,fac.e-toT face interaction and using annual auctions calendar channels'. The ('hi-square (7,- ) test showed positive significant association between access to beef cattle market information via cell phones and awareness of market prices exploration: also between sales volumes demands and high beef Cattle grades applicable in the market. From these findings, it IS concluded that cell phone iech1701eg1' is one of innovative communication pathways that can improve traditional communication channels. llowever, the effective use of cell phones was constrained by major problems, which were established to be; limited availability of electricity,fOr charging the phones and lack of reliable source' of market information. It is' therefOre recommended that the government should increase availabilit of power in rural areas...from various sources including solar enem ' gy and from the ,Vational grid to facilitate effective use of cell phones. Also, livestock information units should be established at the ward and village levels for easy access to reliable livestock information.