Browsing by Author "Nyanda, Suzana S"

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Gas extraction operations and changes in livelihood activities: experience from Mtwara Rural District in Tanzania
(2022) Musoma, Beston M; Nyanda, Suzana S; Massawe, Fatihiya A
The effects of gas extraction operations on livelihood activities among communities remained unknown albeit the extractions pursued in Mtwara District of Tanzania. This paper analyses the changes in local livelihood activities due to gas extraction operations in the district. The paper uses the Sustainable Livelihood Framework (SLF). Data were collected through a household survey (n=260,) focus group discussions (n=8) and key informant interviews (n=15). Quantitative data were analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics whereby descriptive and multiple response analyses were performed. Qualitative data were analysed using content analysis method to supplement the quantitative information. Results show a decline in; fishing activities from 58.5% to 17.65%; decline in crop business from 36.9% to 8.92%; decline in petty business from 12.3% to 9.2%; boat driving and repair 10.0% to 3.05% during gas extraction respectively. Also, the paper reveals an increase in; sea-shells collection from 1.75% to 39.2%; farm labour in neighbouring villages from 1.65% to 5.4% and an increase in other non-farm activities like carpentry, brick making and motor circle and bicycle repair to closer villages. The study concludes that after introduction of gas extraction operations local community’s livelihood activities have changed. We recommend more investment in education and vocational training to equip local communities with skills to engage in gas extraction industries and diversified income activities. Building rural infrastructure will improve transportability and will create job opportunities for poor households.
Institutional framework in relation to the use of low‐quality water for food crops irrigation in Tanzania
(Springer, 2021-04) Nyanda, Suzana S; Mahonge, Christopher P
Low-quality water as an alternative source of water for food crops irrigation is gaining popularity in urban and peri-urban area in developing countries. The practice is associated with health risks if appropriate institutional measures are not undertaken. It is unclear on whether and how the practice is incorporated in the existing institutions in Tanzania. A cross-sectional study was undertaken in the country to assess an institutional framework in relation to the use of low-quality water for food crops irrigation. Data were collected through documentary review of formal institutions, in-depth interviews with the government officials (n = 15), farmers survey (n = 30) and focus group discussions (n = 2) with people using low-quality water from the waste stabilization ponds. Content and descriptive statistics analyses were employed. It was found that, the existing insti- tutions (policies, legislations and regulations) lack provisions that explicitly support or oppose the use low-quality water for food crops irrigation. The current effluent standards are tailored towards safe disposal for environmental management and public health protection. However, water scarcity and the need for alternative sources of water were acknowledged in the institutions and by the government officials interviewed. The existing informal uses of low-quality water reported were vegetables irrigation, brick-making and drinking water for livestock though the government officials interviewed were not in favour of leafy vegetables irrigation. The study recommends formulation of new institutions or review of the existing ones to enhance the productive use of the water resource while protecting the health of the public and the environment.
The relevance of formal and informal institutions in local chicken genetic resource conservation: a case of Igunga District, Tanzania
(2022) Kapella, Lazaro E; Nyanda, Suzana S; Mahonge, Christopher P
Understanding the relevance of institutions for local chicken (LC) genetic resource conservation forms the basis for the management of Animal Genetic Resource (AnGR). A qualitative study was conducted to assess the relevance of formal and informal institutions on LC genetic resource conservation in rural and peri-urban areas in Tanzania using Igunga district as a case study due to its substantial number of crossbred LC with exotic breeds. Primary data were collected through in-depth interviews with fourteen key informants, ten focus group discussions (FGDs) with farmers as well as documentary review of the existing formal institutions. Atlas.ti (version 7.5.7) computer software was used in the content analysis of data solicited from the key informants and FGDs. Findings show that, formal institutions have low relevance because they are inclined to LC and/ or AnGR production rather than its conservation. On the other hand, existing informal institutions such as norms, beliefs, traditional healing and sacrifice have a moderate relevance because they may serve as incentives for the conservation of LC genetic resources. The study therefore suggests that, the government should formulate or improve the existing formal institutions for effective management of AnGR.
Scientific evidence for policy making: a missing link in higher learning institutions in Tanzania
(2022) Nyanda, Suzana S; Massawe, Fatihiya A; Mabiki, Faith P
Higher learning institutions are well known for their capacity to produce scientific evidence that can guide development initiatives in developing countries. Despite this acknowledgment, transferring research findings into policy and practice has remained to be a long-time challenge in Tanzania. An action research was conducted to assess the use of research findings generated from higher learning institutions in decision making. Specifically, the study aimed at establishing the level of awareness on the concept of scientific evidence for decision making among researchers; assessing the capacity of researchers in disseminating research findings to policymakers and examining the coordination of higher learning institutions in contributing to evidence informed decision making (EIDM). A survey was conducted on a total of 29 researchers from 9 higher learning institutions and 7 key informants from selected ministries and regulatory authorities. Descriptive statistics and content analysis were used for data analysis. Findings indicate that higher learning institutions are academic oriented as such the research findings generated are not synthesized, and not repackaged and presented in a user-friendly language for easy uptake by policymakers and implementers. Limited awareness of EIDM among researchers; and weak coordinated efforts for evidence generated from higher learning institutions to influence policy change were also reported. The study suggests capacity building among researchers on research findings synthesis and dissemination for EIDM. This will be coupled with the establishment of a research findings synthesis unit to facilitate the contribution of higher learning institutions in EIDM for the country’s socio-economic transformation.