Browsing by Author "Silayo, Dos Santos A."

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Learn by doing: modelling the effect of training and job interruptions on tree cutting time for chainsaw operators in plantation forests, Tanzania
(2014-11) Silayo, Dos Santos A.; Migunga, George A; Shemwetta, Dunstan T. K.
Timber harvesting in Tanzania uses semi-mechanized and labour – intensive logging systems. Manual or semi- mechanized logging operations by using hand tools are more favoured due to cheap labour availability. For example, tree cutting is done manually using two-man crosscut saws, axes or chainsaws. This study was conducted at Sokoine University of Agriculture Training Forest to assess the effect of training and job interruptions for chainsaw operators during tree cutting operations in softwood plantation forests in Tanzania. Tree cutting operations using experienced and inexperienced chainsaw operators were studied in three experiments; before training, after training and after the break. Time study and work sampling techniques were used for data collection. Descriptive statistics and modeling was performed for each crews’ performance. Results show that generally, experienced crew spends lesser time in cutting as compared to inexperienced crews. However, start up chainsaw crew spent 32% higher time for preparation before tree felling. However, the crew showed significant improvement after training unlike the experienced one. The analysis of the delay times start up crew was had a significant proportion of the delay times during the first engagement which decreased substantially in the other two experiments. Generally, there was an improvement of the cutting time after training for all crew categories with decrease after the break. This observation signifies that job interruptions impact the productivity of the crews. Therefore, on job training on resumption of the operations may significantly improve crews’ productivity, safety as well as ensuring product quality.
Productivity and costs modeling for tree harvesting operations using chainsaws in plantation forests, Tanzania
(2013) Silayo, Dos Santos A.; Migunga, George A.
With exemption of a few private forests, timber harvesting in most plantation forests in Tanzania is carried out by less skilled and less equipped crews. Newly recruited crews often learn from experienced ones which may not be doing it in the perfect way. Therefore estimation and projecting production and costs becomes a big problem to logging managers. This study was carried out to develop productivity and costs models for chainsaw operators in a learning experiment. The experiments were designed in clear felling operations. Three experiments were set where each crew category was studied using time study and work sampling techniques that involved studying crews before training, after training and after the break at an interval of three months. Descriptive statistics and modelling was performed for each crews’ performance. Specific crew’s productivity and costs models have been developed reflecting necessary and unnecessary delay times. Assessment of the production costs show that unit costs decreases with increasing productivity in each unit of measurement of the production rate. It is recommended that productivity and costs for two-man crosscut saw operators be studied and modelled since they are also the main cutting tools used in tree cutting in Tanzania.
REDD+ piloting process in the Zanzibar Islands, Tanzania: The assessment of the community perceptions and attitudes
(Bahir Dar University, 2014-09-17) Sutta, H. E.; Silayo, Dos Santos A.
Introduction of REDD+ initiatives in Tanzania underwent a series of preparation activities including launching and implementation the National REDD+ pilot projects. While the piloting have now lasted for four years the local communities awareness, perceptions and their attitudes towards these initiatives have not been adequately studied in Tanzania. This study therefore was carried out to assess the community perception and determine social sustainability of REDD+ initiatives in anzibar Islands. Specifically the study aims to determine the levels of community awareness, perception, participation and attitudes towards this initiative. Five Shehia (Villages) which are Kumbaurembo, Muyuni C, Mtende, Chuchumile and Hanyegwamchana were involved in the study. Data were collected through key informant interviews, focus group discussions and household questionnaire survey. Content analysis was used to analyse qualitative information from focus group discussions and in depth interviews, while indexes were used to determine the levels of community participation, awareness and attitudes. Findings revealed a high level of community awareness (63.3%) with moderately high level of participation as shown by 4 .8%. Results show a favourable attitude of about % despite the low levels of education, over dependence of forest resources and small size of land holdings that would be expected to affect communities perception, attitudes. The study concludes that communities in anzibar islands have positive attitude and perceptions on conservation initieatives which is a good indicator for sustainability of REDD+ initiatives. However, in a bid to sustain the communities continued involvement, there should be continued capacitation of the communities to be in full control of their resources as well as ensuring equitable benefit sharing.