College of Agriculture

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A comparative analysis of levels of vulnerability of livelihood assets to gas extraction operations: evidence from Mtwara rural district, Tanzania
(Tanzania Journal of Community Development, 2023-05-07) Musoma, Beston M.; Nyanda, Suzana S.; Muhanga, Mikidadi I.; Massawe, Fatihiya A.
Extractive investments adversely affect local communities across the globe. Tanzania experiences new gas extraction operations (GEO) but with scanty information on how they influence the levels of vulnerability of livelihood assets among rural communities. As such,there is a need to empirically understand wplaces are more vulnerable than others so that livelihood enhancement actions can be performed following gas extraction operations. This article examined the levels of vulnerability of livelihood assets among communities residing near and distant villages to gas extractive fields and processing plants. A cross-sectional research design was employed, and 260 respondents were sampled proportionally from village registers.The sample was complemented with 15 key informant Interviews (KII) and four focus group discussions (FGDs). A comparative analysis was performed using Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI). The results revealed that distant villages had the highest level of food accessibility and water accessibility. Also, neighbouring villages have the highest level of vulnerability on land ownership. Likewise, nearby villages had a moderate level of exposure to livelihood strategies and gas extraction activities. To conclude, distant villages had a higher level of vulnerability to food access, water access, and socio-demographic profile components. Whereas nearby villages had the highest level of vulnerability on land ownership and gas extraction operation components. Therefore, to lessen the food vulnerability among households, the government and donors should prioritize income generating and food security programmes among households.
A comparative analysis of levels of vulnerability of livelihood assets to gas extraction operations: evidence from Mtwara rural district, Tanzania
(Tanzania Journal of Community Development, 2023-05-07) Musoma, Beston M.; Nyanda, Suzana S.; Muhanga, Mikidadi I.; Massawe, Fatihiya A.
Extractive investments adversely affect local communities across the globe. Tanzania experiences new gas extraction operations (GEO) but with scanty information on how they influence the levels of vulnerability of livelihood assets among rural communities. As such, there is a need to empirically understand wplaces are more vulnerable than others so that livelihood enhancement actions can be performed following gas extraction operations. This article examined the levels of vulnerability of livelihood assets among communities residing near and distant villages to gas extractive fields and processing plants. A cross-sectional research design was employed, and 260 respondents were sampled proportionally from village registers. The sample was complemented with 15 key informant Interviews (KII) and four focus group discussions (FGDs). A comparative analysis was performed using Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI). The results revealed that distant villages had the highest level of food accessibility and water accessibility. Also, neighbouring villages have the highest level of vulnerability on land ownership. Likewise, nearby villages had a moderate level of exposure to livelihood strategies and gas extraction activities. To conclude, distant villages had a higher level of vulnerability to food access, water access, and socio-demographic profile components. Whereas nearby villages had the highest level of vulnerability on land ownership and gas extraction operation components. Therefore, to lessen the food vulnerability among households, the government and donors should prioritize income generating and food security programmes among households.
A comparative analysis of RIPAT and other selected participatory rural development approaches used in Tanzania.
(Mkuki na Nyota, 2023) Madaha, Rasel; Martin, R.; Mwakatoga, J.
Influenced by the African socialism philosophy of the late Julius Nyerere and the participant research practices of Marja Liisa Swantz, Tanzania is one of the pioneers of participatory action research in the world. Within the mentioned milieu, participatory approaches have become widespread. The approaches are geared at enabling rural communities to address their challenges through participatory approaches. This book chapter focuses on a comparative analysis of locally improved rural development approaches that have been developed and improved in the Tanzanian context. Using primary and secondary data from some Tanzanian rural interventions by Uluguru Mountains Agricultural Development Project (process approach) and World Vision Tanzania (ADP approach), the chapter focuses on a comparative analysis of the mentioned strategies and RIPAT (Rural Initiatives for Participatory Agricultural Transformation) to shed some light on rural development efforts in the Tanzanian context. The process approach involves participatory endogenous processes of development that start with the recognition of the local capacities of the people. The ADP (Area Development Programmes) approach is a participatory approach that seeks to induce communities with capabilities to undertake appropriate actions to accomplish economic and social progress. More recently, World Vision Tanzania (WVT) reframed the acronym ADP by calling it Tanzania Empowerment ADP Model (TEAM). RIPAT is a participatory extension approach that transfers a ‘basket’ of agricultural technology options, including various crops and livestock, to groups of 25 to 30 smallholder farmers in a way that allows for joint, experiential, and participatory learning. In 2017 Research, Community and Organisational Development Associates (RECODA) entered a two year contract with WVT of co-owning the approach; the agreement ended in 2019. The engagement allowed World Vision Tanzania to use the RIPAT approach in ADPs. All in all, some literature suggests that participatory approaches fail to empower people in real life situation. In this regard and drawing from the participatory theory and practice, the chapter assesses the sustainability of the approaches.
A Review of options for speeding the adoption of climate smart varieties: what works and what does not work: Experiences from Tanzania
(nternational Journal of Environment, Agriculture and Biotechnology, 2022-06-08) Bilaro, Atugonza Luta; Tryphone,George M.
Given the efforts invested on addressing climate change adaptation particularly in agriculture, the adoption of climate smart varieties has not met the expectations. A number of crop varieties developed targeting drought prone areas largely remained un-adopted hence unknown to the majority of farmers or lack traits deemed special for adaptation to climate change in target areas. Variety adoption rate is highly dependent on its adaptation to particular environmental conditions including suitability to tolerate drought, salinity and acidity and ability to meet different livelihood needs such food, fodder and cash. Poor adoption emanates from lack of awareness and the volatility of the farming environment coupled with poor integration of seed business into private public partnership. Rapid adoption of climate smart varieties in Tanzania would require better policy intervention with a well-organized extension system and modifications in variety testing procedures, including the current guidelines for variety release. In this work the authors discuss some approaches that can be used to enhance the adoption of climate smart varieties in Tanzania and cite a few specific cases based on experience from Tanzania.
A study of gender roles in the cashew nut value chain in Mkuranga district, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2013) Rwiza Veronica K.
The main objective of the study was to assess gender roles in the cashew nut value chain in Mkuranga. Data were collected along the cashew nut value chain nodes, including 80 producers (farmers), 10 processors, and 10 local traders from Kisutu and Kariakoo markets in Dar es Salaam. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the cashew nut value chain actors. Both quantitative and qualitative analysis was applied. The SPSS statistical software was used for data analysis. The results show that the key actors of cashew nut value chain include input suppliers, producers (farmers), processors, local traders and consumers who play different roles in cashew nut value chain. The study also found that cashew nut is constrained by production, processing, and marketing factors despite having a lot of opportunities at urban, regional and international markets. The roles assigned to men alone in cashew nut value chain were mainly associated with quality control, bargaining and decision making in all cashew nut value chain nodes, selling of raw nuts, selling the processed kernel, which eventually allow men to control income earned in different cashew nut value chain nodes. Hence, it lowers women’s motivation in cashew nut production and involvement in cashew nut value chain leading to lower women cashew nut production potential. The study documented limited frequency of visits of extension agents and lack of credit services to processors, it also documented cultural gender patterns that exist for access to and control over resources available in the cashew nut value chain and unequal income distribution among men and women along the cashew nut value chain nodes. The study recommends that gender equality is vital for cashew nut value chain improvement and calls for efforts from all development stakeholders in cashew nut value chain to focus on gender mainstreaming.
A study of the factors influencing offtake and marketing of milk and milk products around Dodoma town
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 1993) Araudoba Chigunje Nicanory Harun
This work was carried out in Dodoma Urban district to study the milk production situation and the existing milk utilization options in the areas surrounding Dodoma town in central Tanzania. The study was carried out by the use of a questionnaire, observations and direct recording. Fifty producer households and 61 non - producer households were interviewed. In addition, a total of 20 batches of milk produced by 20 households were evaluated for fat recovery efficiency using traditional churning methods. The results showed that there were on average 33 head of cattle per household. Cattle demography composed of 46% cows, of which 21 % were in milk; 15 % heifers, 21% males and 24 % calves. The calving rate was less than 50%. The lactation length was on average 9.72 ± 2.34 months with a coefficient of variation of 24%. were 17.6% and 3.8% Mortality rates for calves and adult cattle respectively. On average 70 % of the cows produced milk in the range of 0.25 - 0.50 1 of milk per day, while the rest produced above 0.50 to 2.00 1 per day. Watering of animals was done once per day in 94 % of the herds and for the rest it was done twice per day. Grazing time was on average 7.38h for herds that grazed continuously during the day and 6.48h for herds that had partial rest in kraals during the day. Producer households utilized 43.5 X, 32.0 X and 23.4X of the consumption milk and for sales consumers obtained direct processing, household Non respectively. milk through purchases. producer of the 61 non-producer households, 57 % obtained milk within the village, 28.6 % between 2 and 10 km and 14 % from more than 10 km. Consuming households living far away from the producers were supplied with milk through bicycle-boys as intermediaries. Milk price which ranged between TSh.26.60 and TSh.120.00 per litre of milk was positively correlated (r = 0.68 ) to distance from the source. For producer households, the amount of milk sold was significantly dependent (P< milk 0.001) on total production per household per day. Household consumption and household processing decreased the amount of milk sold significantly (P<0.001). Family size was positively and significantly (P< 0.05) correlated to herd size, milk output and processing with daily coefficients of correlations of 0.69, 0.66 and 0.66 respectively. Only fermented milk, butter and ghee were found to be produced with buttermilk as a by - product in the fat recovery process. The capacity of gourds that were used in churning sour milk ranged between 4.5 to 28.0 1 while the average volume of milk churned was 3.6 1 (range 7.5 1) representing a churn capacity fill of 31 average (range 1 .3 to x on 6.8 to 62.5 X). The sour milk churned had a pH range of 3 to 5 and was churned at an average temperature of 26 :C. Churning time averaged 28.8 minutes (range 10 to 50 minutes). Overall efficiency of fat recovery using traditional churning methods ranged between 57.5 % and 85 % It is concluded management systems, coefficients with an average of 71.6 % that the production levels and milk marketing and milk processing found in this study are similar to those reported elsewhere for traditional agro-pastoral systems in Africa. Recommendations that could bring improvements in all the aspects studied are given about
A study of the sustainability of the caritas dairy cattle project in Mbeya rural district, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2011) Kubetta, N.E.
Poverty remains predominantly a rural phenomenon, although the number of the poor in urban areas, mainly the unemployed and those engaged in the informal sector, is growing fast. Since independence, the Government of Tanzania has had poverty eradication as one of its main goals. One of the interventions is the creation of an enabling environment for private investment in productive sectors including agriculture and livestock, mining and tourism among others. This study was done in Mbeya Rural District with the objective of assessing the sustainability of the CARITAS Dairy Cattle Project. The study used a cross-sectional design in which a sample of 112 household beneficiaries was interviewed using a structured questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) computer program. Results from this study revealed that more than 87% had a primary education which is sufficient for livestock keeping. The community was fully involved and participated during establishment of the project and thus, it is quite aware of the project details and its importance. About 53% had attended training on dairy cattle management while the rest received knowledge and skills through their colleagues. More than 56% of the beneficiaries earned their annual income ranging from Tshs 500 000.00 to Tshs 2 500 000.00 through milk production. Considering all the above, the project showed all signs of sustainability provided that beneficiaries are empowered through market opportunities for the livestock products mainly milk, involves other development partners and ensures higher coverage of training on dairy cattle management and product marketing in the area.
A ‘Smart’ approach on fluoride removal: detection in water sources and removal with biomass
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2020-01) Mwakabona, Hezron
Fluoride is one of the common minerals found in natural water, ingestion of which, at moderate concentration, is linked to good dental health. However, ingestion of higher concentrations of this mineral over a period is responsible for fluorosis, a disorder characterised by mottling of teeth and skeletal deformations. Therefore, the WHO sets the highest permissible level of this mineral in drinking water at 1.5 mg/L to limit its effect on public health. Consequently, a water source with fluoride concentration above this highest permissible level is regarded as unfit for human consumption, hence, requiring a treatment before consumption. As such, several studies have explored different low-cost methods to detect and remove this contaminant from drinking water. These include defluoridation and detection of fluoride by plant biomass and iron-based materials, respectively. These materials arc attractive because they have a potential for providing efficacious and cost-effective methods to deal with this water contaminant. In this thesis, the challenges delaying their field application (in detection and removal) of fluoride arc identified and suitable solutions are presented. Furthermore, the properties of iron that make it suitable for fluoride detection and removal enhancement in aqueous media arc presented. A critical review of the studies published over the past three decades on water defluoridation by non-aciivated biomass reveals that, most studies explorc extensively only the defluoridation efficiency/capacily ofthese materials. This bias in studied properties is shown to be due to inadequacy in selection of study parameters, where, the defluoridation mechanisms are poorly studied. This could have resulted in the current poor understanding of their defluoridation mechanisms. Therefore, lessons from these studies were used to identify and propose the “must include” parameters to direct the future studies for better understanding of their defluoridation properties, especially, the defluoridation mechanisms. These are: effect of solution pH, point of zero charge and surface functional groups characterisation before and after material use. For plant biomass ash, the major challenge associated with its application in water defluoridation was found to be related to media-induced contamination of the treated water, notorious being the elevation of the pH of the treated water. This challenge could have repelled many possible applications of this material in water treatment besides its great potentials as water treatment material. In this study, the Cyperus plants were successfully
The ability of sheep to reach for food through tombstone barriers, as affected by position of food, body weight and body dimensions
(2000) Muhikambele, V.R. M.; Owen, E.; Mould, F.L.; Mtenga, A.
Two studies were undertaken to provide information on the ability of sheep to reach for food similar to that for cattle fed through tombstone barriers. In the first study twenty castrate and twenty non-pregnant: female unshorn Suffolk x Mule sheep (23 - 89 kg live weight) were trained to reach through a vertical' tombstone barrierJor concentrate meal placed on a horizontal platform attached to the barrier. The barrier allowed the neck to pass through, but not the shoulders. It was hypothesised that horizontal reach forwards (F. distance from mid-point of barrier to uneaten meal) and sideways (S. distance sideways from ' mid-point of barrier to uneaten meal adjacent to barrier) would be a function of height of platform above the floor and bt size (M). Because of size. seventeen sheep (mean 34.6 kg) were unable to reach the meal when the p at form height was 75 cm. Mean (s. e.) values for F cit platform heights O. 25. 50 and 75 cm were 43.91.03. 9.40.91. 47. 00. 96 and 27.01.27 em respectively. Values for Sweresmaller but followed a similar pattern (36.61.10. 43.50.80. 41.00. 79 and 22.91.78 em). Lihearregression showed that F or S could be predicted from M (R2 >0.5) or a combination of M and withers height (R2>0. 7) when platform heights were 25. 50 or 75 cm. Reach at 0 cm platform height was not related to body weight or linear dimensions. In the second study with unshorn Suffolk x Mule sheep. ten castrates and ten non-pregnant fomales (23 - 97 kg live weight) were trained to reach through the tombstone barrier for concentrate pellets glued'. using molasses. onto a vertical plate. It was hypothesised that vertical reach (V. distance from floor to uneaten pellets) would be afunction of distance between barrier wid plate (20. 30. 40. 45. 50 cm). height of step (0. 14.2. 28.4. 42.6 cm) on which sheep placed their forelegs. and body size. With the-exception of the largest sh'eep. most were unable to reach pellets either when the barrier-to-plate distance was 45~nd 50cin. or when theforeleg-step height was 42. 6 cm. Mean (s.e) Vvaluesdecreasedwith step height (e.g. at 0 cm step. 103.83.04. 96.23.23 and 82.14.3 7cm. at 20. 30 and 40 cm plate distances respectively; at ~Ocm plate distance. 103.83.04.118.72.83 and 131.92.91 cm at O. 14.2 and 28.4 cm step heights respectively). Linear regression of V on body weight and linear dimensions (e.g. withers height and rump height) showed high correlations (R2> O. 8). V could be predicted from either M ~>O. 7) or a combination of rump height andwithers height~>0.9). The results confirm relationshipsfound in a previous investigation }'lith goats. but demonstrate that sheep have a smaller reach than goats. The data will facilitate the design of mangers for sheep with body dimensions in the range of those used.
Abundance and distribution of ixodid tick species Infesting cattle reared under traditional farming Systems in Tanzania
(African Journal of Agricultural Research, 2017) Kerario, Isack Ibrahim; Muleya, Walter; Chenyambuga, Sebastian; Koski, Marja; Hwang, Seong-Gu; Simuunza, Martin
Ticks and tick-borne diseases are serious constraints to livestock production in Tanzania and other sub-Saharan African countries. Despite this, knowledge on the abundan ce of tick species infesting cattle in most parts of Tanzania is insufficient or lacking. This study was conducted to identify species and establish the abundance of ticks infesting cattle in Mara, Singida and Mbeya regions of Tanzania. The ticks were collected from one side of the body, counted and identified, based on morphological characteristics; to species level. The mean tick count per animal was significantly higher in Mara (35.8±4.3, p=0.0001) as compared to Singida (12.9±2.1) and Mbeya (7.0±0.4) regions. Young animals in Mara (24.7±6.0, p=0.0395) and Mbeya (5.4±0.3, p=0.0252) exhibited relatively lower mean tick counts compared to the weaners (Mara = 33.8±6.5, Mbeya = 7.2±0.7) and adult animals (Mara = 46.3±8.4, Mbeya = 7.8±0.7). Seven tick species from three different genera, namely Ambylomma, Hyalomma, Rhipicephalus (including the subgenus Boophilus), were identified. However, only five species (A. lepidum, A. variegatum, R. decoloratus, R. microplus and H. rufipes) were observed in all the three regions. R. appendiculatus and R. evertsi were not found in Mbeya and Mara respectively. The most prevalent species in Mara, Singida and Mbeya were R. appendiculatus (50.5%), A. lepidum (31.2%) and R. evertsi (35.6%), respectively. This study showed the existence of a variety of tick species, most of them being of veterinary importance. Therefore, strategic planning and cost-effective tick control measures should be implemented in order to reduce losses caused by ticks and tick borne diseases in the study area.
Abundance and diversity of wild mammals along a hydrologic gradient in the Usangu wetlands, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2011) Kicheleri, Rose Peter
This study was conducted in the Eastern Usangu wetland in Mbcya and Iringa regions to examine the composition, abundance and diversity of mammals along a hydrological gradient. Data were collected in two seasons using distance sampling method along transects using a GPS to locate positions. Kruskal-Wallis, Pearson’s correlation and t-tests were employed to test the association of distance and number of animals observed along the gradient. Diversity of mammals along the gradient was determined by a number of indices using PRIMER 5.0 software. The study revealed that animal sightings decreased with distances from the edge of wetland though not significant different along the gradient. Also, flight distance of observed mammals was high indicating higher degree of poaching, and probably disturbances. Human activities such as abandoned farms, demolished houses and fresh livestock dung. were rampant in the wetlands. There was a statistically significant difference in the number of observed mammals in the two seasons, where species richness and abundance were higher in the late dry season. These results indicate that wetlands are important refuge areas for mammals as both abundance and diversity decreased with distance from the edge of the wetland. This study recommends a continuous monitoring of birds and mammals populations such as topi to help in determining the changes in abundance and diversity over time in Usangu wetlands as a result of intervention from anthropogenic disturbances.
Acceptability of a prototype point of care test for human taeniosis and cysticercosis diagnosis, in Mbeya and Songwe
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2019) Emil, Thomas
The proto-type Taenia solium taeniosis/cysticercosis point of care test (TSTC-POC test) is a combined T. solium taeniosis / cysticercosis diagnostic test that enables immediate diagnosis of individuals suffering from taeniosis or cysticercosis or both, and hence, enabling immediate interventions. A cross-sectional study was carried out in selected District health facilities (Ifisi, Makandana and Vwawa) of Mbeya and Songwe Regions, Tanzania to assess perceptions and factors influencing the acceptability of the TSTC-POC test among individuals who were tested during a TSTC-POC test proto-type evaluation. The assessment of acceptability of the TSTC-POC test was carried out through application of Health Belief Model (HBM), a social science theoretical framework. A total of 260 persons were interviewed using a structured questionnaire immediately after they undertook the TSTC-POC test. Data were analyzed using SPSS 16.0 where descriptive statistics and association between variables using Chi-square test were computed. Statistical significance was established at 95% confidence level and p value <0.05. The acceptability of the POC test was high (95.4%). The main factor making the test acceptable was the short time it took between testing and getting the result (45.3% of the respondents). Factors that motivated individuals to undergo the TSTC-POC test include the perceived threat of the disease (death and disabilities), trust in health practitioners and the diagnostic tool itself. Acceptability of TSTC-POC test was not influenced by study hospital, age groups, gender, education level and primary occupation of study participants. It is concluded that the TSTC-POC test is acceptable among study population of Mbeya and Songwe region, southern Tanzania. Information on the test's sensitivity and specificity is required to guide its adoption and promotion for control of TSTC in Tanzania, a potential breakthrough in TSTC surveillance.
Access and use of information communication technologies by agricultural extension agents in Tanzania
(Journal of the Open University of Tanzania, 2017) R, Martin; 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.
Access to formal credit and its linkace with agricultural technologies adoption: a case of smallholder farmers ln Zanzibar
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2009) Mohamed, Khalid Salim
This study was conducted in order to determine the extent of access to formal credit in rural Zanzibar and identify factors that influence smallholder farmers* access to formal credit. It also aimed to assess the linkage between access to credit and the adoption of agricultural technologies. In conducting the study, both primary and secondary data were collected. In the collection of primary data, questionnaires were administered to 750 randomly selected smallholder farmers. The data collected were analyzed descriptively and quantitatively. The results from the study reveal that outreach and access of formal credit in the study areas is low. About 78% of sampled households were found to be credit constrained. It was also revealed that 41% of the credit constrained households were relatively members of the more poor group in the study areas, while only 10% of the non-credit constrained belonged to this group. Furthermore, the study results suggest that the number of times one has received formal credit, keeping livestock, having a bank account, value of productive assets owned and household total income are important factors in influencing smallholder farmers* access to formal credit. The findings also show that the intensity of extension contacts, household size, and the value of productive assets are important factors in influencing agricultural technology adoption among non credit households, while the number of times one has ever received formal credit was found to have more influences in inducing technology adoption among credit constrained households. Based on these findings, it is recommended that smallholder farmers should be availed the opportunities of getting repeat loans in order to improve their chances of accessing credit in the formal credit markets and enhance adoption of agricultural technologies. Farming households can as well be encouraged to diversify their income sources within and away from agricultural activities through promotion of mixed farming and off-farm activities. The need to develop a saving culture in the farming communities is also crucial for ensuring the creation of sustainable and efficient financial system. Furthermore, it is recommended that in order to enhance adoption of agricultural technologies, extension services should be targeted to non-credit constrained households.
Accessibility and utilization of agricultural information among women farmers: the case of Korogwe District, Tanzania
(2010) Mniambo, B. D.; Mattee, A. Z.; Mhando, D. G.
This study was conducted in Korogwe district involving 100 women farmers randomly selected from four villages. Household data was collected using a structured questionnaire, and supplemented by interviews for key informants and Focus Group Discussions (FGD). The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software was used to analyse the data. The findings showed that education, age, extension services, and mass media determine the access and utilization of agricultural information. Furthermore, low production was due to lack of extension services, low education of the respondents, inability to access credit and unawareness of sources of information. Moreover, sources of agricultural information such as extension services, mass media, and farmers' own efforts have a direct linkage with the accessibility to agricultural information. The study recommends that efforts to increase farmers' access to agricultural information should be improved. There is a need of improving extension services so as to reach and benefit women farmers. Vugiri ward is located in the highlands that are vulnerable to soil erosion which contributed to poor crop production, hence efforts should be made to introduce soil management practices so as to arrest the situation and increase crop production.
Accessibility of improved chicken farming business information to women improved chicken farmers through mobile phones in Misungwi District, Tanzania
(European Journal of Agriculture and Food Sciences, 2023-03-16) Iddi Hadija; Nyamba Siwel; Busindeli Innocent
This study aimed to assess the accessibility of improved chicken farming business information to women through mobile phones in Misungwi District, Tanzania. A cross-sectional research design was adopted. A questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data while Focus Group Discussions and Key Informant Interviews were employed to obtain qualitative data. A total of 120 respondents were involved in the study. Quantitative data were mainly analyzed using a Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) to yield descriptive statistics and cross tabulations while content analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. The study found that all 120 respondents owned a mobile phone and used it to access improved chicken business information, apart from other uses. The accessed improved chicken business information was mainly about: chicks, transportation, feeds, extension services, veterinary services, markets, and financial institutions. However, women improved chicken farmers encountered many challenges related to the mobile phone use including bandwidth costs and poor networks. Thus, the study recommends the Misungwi District authority to collaborate with mobile phone companies to increase the number of networks and advise them to have a stability of bundle prices which are affordable to the farmers.
Accessibility, availability and utilisation of malaria interventions among women of reproductive age in Kilosa district in central Tanzania
(BMC Health Services Research, 2014) Rumisha, Suzan F; Zinga, Maria M; Fahey, Carolyn A; Wey, Dorothy; Bwana, Veneranda M; Mlozi, Malongo R.S; Shayo, Elizabeth H; Malima, Robert C; Mayala, Benjamin K; Stanley, Grades; Mlacha, Tabitha; Mboera, Leonard E. G
Background: Universal access to and utilization of malaria prevention measures is defined as every person at malaria risk sleeping under a quality insecticide-treated mosquito net (ITN) and every pregnant woman at risk receiving at least two doses of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP). This study aimed to determine factors affecting accessibility, availability and utilisation of malaria interventions among women of reproductive age in Kilosa district in central Tanzania. Methods: Women of reproductive age with children <5 years old or those who had been pregnant during the past 5 years were included in the study. A structured questionnaire was used to seek information on malaria knowledge, accessibility and utilization of malaria interventions during pregnancy. Results: A total of 297 women (mean age=29±6.8 years) were involved. Seventy percent of the women had attained primary school education. About a quarter of women had two children of <5 years while over 58% had ≥3 children. Most (71.4%) women had medium general knowledge on malaria while only eight percent of them had good knowledge on malaria in pregnancy. A significant proportion of women were not aware of the reasons for taking SP during pregnancy (35%), timing for SP (18%), and the effect of malaria on pregnancy (45.8%). Timing for first dose of SP for intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp) was 1-3 months (28.4%) and 4-6 months (36.8%). Some 78.1% were provided with SP under supervision of the health provider. Knowledge on malaria in pregnancy had a significant association with levels of education (p=0.024). Ninety-eight percent had an ITN, mostly (87.1%) received free from the government. All women attended the ANC during their last pregnancy. The coverage of IPT1 was 53.5% and IPTp2 was 41.1%. The proportion of women making more ANC visits decreased with increasing parity. Conclusion: This study showed that the knowledge of the pregnant women on malaria in pregnancy and IPTp was average and is likely to have an impact on the low IPTp coverage. Campaigns that provide educational massages on the risk of malaria during pregnancy and the usefulness of IPTp need to be emphasised.
Accuracy of Giovanni and Marksim software packages for generating daily rainfall data in selected bimodal climatic areas in Tanzania
(Tanzania Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2014) Kahimba, F. C.; Tumbo, S. D.; Mpeta, E.; Yonah, I. B.; Timiza, W.; Mbungu, W.
Agricultural adaptation to climate change requires accurate, unbiased, and reliable climate data. Availability of observed climatic data is limited because of inadequate weather stations. Rainfall simulation models are important tools for generating rainfall data in areas with limited or no observed data. Various weather generators have been developed that can produce time series of climate data. Verification of the applicability of the generated data is essential in order to determine their accuracy and reliability for use in areas different from those that were used during models development. Marksim and Giovanni weather generators were compared against 10 years of observed data (1998-2007) for their performance in simulating rainfall in four stations within the northern bimodal areas of Tanzania. The observed and generated data were analyzed using climatic dialog of the INSTAT program. Results indicated that during the long rain season (masika) Giovanni predicted well the rainfall amounts, rainy days, and maximum dry spells compared to Marksim model. The Marksim model estimated seasonal lengths much better than the Giovanni model during masika. During short rain season (vuli), Giovanni was much better than Marksim. All the two software packages had better predictions during masika compared to vuli. The Giovanni model estimated probabilities of occurrence of rainfall much better (RMSE = 0.23, MAE = 0.18, and d =0.75) than Marksim (RMSE = 0.28, MAE = 0.23, and d = 0.63). The Marksim model over-predicted the probabilities of occurrence of dry spells greater than seven days (MBE = 0.17) compared to the Giovanni model (MBE = 0.01). In general the Giovanni model was more accurate than the Marksim model in most of the observed weather variables. The web based Giovanni model is better suited to the northern bimodal areas of Tanzania. The Marksim model produced more accurate climatic data when the long-term average climate data are used as input variables. This study recommends the use of rainfall data generated using Giovanni software over Marksim, for areas receiving bimodal rainfall regimes similar to the northern bimodal areas of Tanzania.
Acquisition of land in rural areas of Morogoro district of Tanzania: policy and practice
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2013) Martin, Respikius
This study aimed at assessing the implementation of land policy al the village level with specific attention to the process of land acquisition through the village government. The study had three specific objectives which are: (1) to assess the rural communities' awareness of the national land policy and the village land Act No. 5 of 1999: (2) to examine the actual processes of acquiring land through the village government in rural areas and (3) to analyze constraints facing rural people to acquire land through the village government. A cross- section survey method was employed whereby two wards were selected purposively and from each ward, two villages were selected randomly. A total of 86 respondents were interviewed while other data was solicited through focus group discussions and key informant interviews. SPSS computer program version 12 was used to analyze quantitative information while qualitative information was analyzed using the content analysis technique. The findings revealed that, the awareness of land policy is low among respondents. Majority of the respondents reported about having heard about the policy but were not familiar with key aspects of the policy. It was also revealed by the study that the process involved in acquiring village land is not as per land policy guidelines. Furthermore, lack of transparency and bureaucracy in land allocation process are the major limitations for rural people to acquire land through the village government. From the findings it is concluded that, at the village level, implementation of land policy is not effective. For the implementation to be effective the study recommends empowering rural people through access to information and capacity building for local institutions which oversee implementation process of land policy.
Actors’ roles and functions in the improved rice varieties innovation system in the eastern zone of Tanzania
(SAJAE, 2021) Charles, S.; Mattee, A. Z.; Msuya, C. P.
The objective of the study was to establish the actors’ roles and functions in improved rice varieties innovation system in the Eastern Zone of Tanzania. The target population samples for the study comprised of household heads (n = 340) and other key identified actors (n = 99). The research design was a convergent parallel mixed method. Face-to-face interviews, focus group discussions and documentary review were used to collect the data. The findings indicate weak or inability of Agricultural Seed Agency, TANSEED International Ltd, Quality Declared Seed producers in seed multiplication and distribution and agro-dealers were not selling quality rice seeds, thereby resulting in low availability and high prices of the same. Also, the findings show weak participation of farmers, agro- dealers, traders and millers in the functions of guidance of the search and rice varieties development, and the limited number of market actors and weak credit mobilization for farmers to invest in IRVs. The study recommends for the Government of Tanzania to create enabling environment that enhances participation of all key actors in the processes of guidance of the search and rice varieties development; linking farmers with external markets; and enhancing the farmers’ access to credit facilities by working on the obstacles hampering farmers from accessing loans from financial institutions.

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