Department of Development and Strategic Studies

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Browsing Department of Development and Strategic Studies by Subject "Access"

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    Access and use of information communication technologies by agricultural extension agents in Tanzania
    (Huria Journal, 2017-07) Martin, R.; Kahamba, J. S.
    Many studies have focused on the use of ICT by farmers; however, little attention has been on the use ICT by agricultural extension agents who are the bridge between source of agricultural knowledge and technologies on one hand and the smallholders on the other. Based on a cross sectional study of agricultural extension agents enrolled at Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), in this paper we present, as a point of departure, the extent of access and usage of ICT by agricultural extension agents in Tanzania. Also, factors that influence the use of ICT by Agricultural Extension Agents are assessed. Finally, a conclusion is made and recommendations offered based on the findings.
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    Gender and mechanization in small-scale irrigation schemes: analysis of agricultural machinery access by smallholder rice farmers in Mbarali District, Tanzania
    (AJOL, 2023) Mwalyagile N.; Jeckoniah J. N.; Salanga R. J.
    Given that women in Tanzania bear a disproportionate amount of the agricultural labour burden, it is anticipated that agricultural mechanization could help them substantially. However, the impact of agricultural mechanization is gendered, with women not receiving the same benefits as men, particularly in terms of access. Smallholder farmers use agricultural machinery inequitably. This paper explores the socio-economic factors linked to gender inequalities in agricultural machinery access for smallholder rice farmers. A cross-sectional research approach was used to collect data from 397 farmers randomly selected from small-scale irrigation schemes in Mbarali District. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. The data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study found the most used agricultural machinery are power tillers and combine harvesters, with a larger proportion of male farmers using combine harvesters (84.1%) compared to 59.7% of women. From the binary logistic regression analysis, agricultural machinery access for male farmers is positively associated with education, membership in scheme associations, and farming experience. Female farmers’ access to agricultural machinery is significantly associated with land size cultivated, membership in the scheme association, and offfarm income activities (p<0.05). Male farmers had more access to agricultural machinery than female farmers. It is concluded that membership in a scheme association, education and training, off-farm income activities, and land area cultivated are potential determinants of agricultural machinery access. It is therefore recommended for enhancing land access, particularly for female farmers, and creating an enabling environment for gender equality in agricultural machinery access.
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    Understanding gender power relations in irrigation resource access and decision-making in small-scale irrigation schemes in Mbarali District, Tanzania
    (IIMT Journal of Management, 2024) Mwalyagile Neema; Jeckoniah John Nshimba; Salanga Raymond J.
    Purpose – Resource access and decision-making power remain critical gender concerns. This paper examines gender power relations in irrigation resource access and decision-making among smallholder rice farmers in Mbarali District, Tanzania. Design/methodology/approach – The study utilized a cross-sectional research design with mixed-method approaches. Quantitative data from 397 smallholder rice farmers were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including multiple linear regression models. Qualitative data from focus group discussions and key informant interviews were analyzed through thematic analysis. Findings – The study reveals that access to irrigation resources was mediated through multiple sources of power derived from the economic status of farmers, land ownership, marriage and social capital, shaping access differently for male and female farmers. Males dominated decision-making over land, labor, income and farming equipment, with exclusive irrigation water access rights. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that being male increased the decision-making power (coef. 5 0.890, p < 0.05). Factors like land size, scheme membership and joint farm management were positively associated with male decision-making power and marriage and joint rice selling enhanced female farmers (p < 0.01). Practical implications – The findings provide valuable insights for development practitioners and policymakers, highlighting the persistent gender inequalities in irrigation resources and decision-making. These insights inform practical and policy interventions to promote gender equality in resource access and decision-making. Originality/value – This paper contributes to the literature on how gender power relations shape irrigation resource access and decision-making, underscoring the need for gender-specific interventions to promote gender equality in resources.