Theses and Dissertations Collection
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Item Challenges and opportunities of participatory technology development: the case of the coconut rhinoceros beetle control project in Bagamoyo District, Tanzania.(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2015) Ihzza, Furaiiini SalimThe overall objective of this study was to identify challenges and opportunities in participatory technology development using the Integrated Pest Management of the Rhinoceros Beetle project in Bagamoyo District in Tanzania. The specific objectives of the study were to identify the socio-economic characteristics of the farmers who participated in the Integrated Pest Management; io identify the specific roles of farmers and researchers in the development, testing and dissemination of the IPM technologies in the study area; and to identify (he constraints and opportunities that faced farmers and researchers in the implementation of (he Integrated Pest Management project in the study area. The sample of 92 coconut farmers selected from three villages in which the project was implemented. A structured questionnaire was used to interview the respective farmers and key informants to get relevant primary data about PTD in the study area. Secondary data were obtained from research records and district production data sources. Then using an SPSS primary data were coded, entered and analyzed. Descriptive data analysis was conducted to obtain frequencies and percentages, while inferential analysis involved t-test. Findings revealed that respondents who were involved in PTD were youth to middle age, married, males and those who owned l-2acres. T-test revealed that PTD in IPM significantly increased coconut production (p<0.05). Findings revealed that fanner, extension and researchers played various roles in PTD. It is recommended to consider socio-economic characteristics, and every partner in coconut production should play relevant role, (he government should support these parlies for improved crop production and food security by laying down all necessary infrastructure to ease farm produce movement and to link farmers to input suppliers, and provide support to extension staff to reach the marginal farmers.Item Effect of high rates of fertilizer and longer harvesting periods on seed production, dry matter yield and chemical composition of stylosanthes guianensis and stylosanthes Hamata at Morogoro.(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 1999) Liumba, Anastazia Mohammed NassoroA study was conducted to examine the effect of high rates of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilizer application and longer harvesting periods on seed production, dry matter (DM) yield and chemical composition of Stylosanthes guianensis and Stylosanthes hamata at Morogoro. A split plot experimental layout design was used. Four levels of N (0,30,60 and 90kg/ha) and four levels of P (0,60,120 and 180kg/ha) were arranged factorially as main-plot treatment. Sub-plot treatments were harvesting periods, which were 50% flowering stage, 4 th 8 th 10th, 12th and 14 th week post 50% flowering stage. The results showed that both S.guianensis and S.hamata did (p<0.05)to N application in terms of seed yield and DM yield.Nitrogen application not respond significantly slightly increased CP% , IVDMD% and IVOMD% of S. guianensis. Phosphorus fertilizer application on the other hand, did not affect seed yield and DM yield of S. hamata and seed yield of S.guianensis whereas it increased DM yield of S.guianensis as the levels increased. The over all quality of herbage produced application. declined in both species with PItem The impact of jatropha bio-fuel production on rural livelihood amongst smallholder farmers in Monduli and Mpanda districts(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2011) Mandore, Joseph EmanuelJatropha curcas was introduced in East Africa a long time ago. It came via India and it was initially planted in order to mark field boundaries. It resists droughts and it is not eaten by domesticated animals. It prevents soil erosion, as well as protecting livestock and food crops. However, its potentiality in bio-fuel production can not be undermined. The local annual demand for ethanol and bio-diesel in Tanzania is estimated to be 568 and 886 million litres respectively. This means that the country has an annual export potential to the world market of ethanol and bio-diesel of about 3 442 and 840 million litres respectively. But yet to date the impact of Jatropha bio fuel production on rural livelihoods amongst smallholder farmers is not well known. This calls for the need to conduct research on the threats of the Jatropha curcas plant in the study sites. Specifically, this study assessed the impact of Jatropha bio fuel production on food security, land use, and the factors influencing adoption of Jatropha curcas. Data from Monduli were collected from Engaruka juu, and Engaruka Chini wards and data from Mpanda site were collected from Usevya and Katumba wards. Data were collected through questionnaires and focus group discussions with key informants. Statistical Packages for Social Science (SPSS) were used to analyse the data using frequencies and percentages. The findings revealed that women and children of poor households are the ones mainly involved in Jatropha bio-fuel production activities, and thus Jatropha crop is often seen as a crop of the poor farmers, grown as live fences, for soil erosion prevention and livestock protection and has little significance impact on rural livelihood’s improvement in the study sites. Also the study reveals that Smallholder farmers plant Jatropha crop as a cash crop in small plots and fence, expecting an increased income with good market price, but unfortunately, these expectations have not been met.Item Interactive radio-based agricultural knowledge sharing: a case study of women crop farmers in dodoma city, Tanzania.(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2024) Hangambage, Stella LibentThis study was conducted in the area under the jurisdiction of Dodoma City Council, in Dodoma Region, Tanzania. The data collection took place between March and April 2023. The main objective of the study focused on assessing interactive radio-based agricultural knowledge sharing by women crop farmers in Dodoma City. The selected administrative streets were Mchemwa, and Azimio from Makutupora ward, Maendeleo and Chihanga from Chihanga ward, and Hombolo Bwawani B from Hombolo ward. The study focused on assessing interactive ways used by radio programmers to obtain women crop farmers’ agricultural reactions and demands. The study specifically intended to identify women crop farmers’ agriculture-related radio programs co-decided as relevant. Also, the study intended to identify women crop farmers’ limitations to be involved in the co-deciding process. To achieve these objectives, face-to-face interviews, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and key informant interviews were employed. Purposive and snowball sampling procedure was used to identify study participants. Questionnaires with open-ended questions were used to allow the study participants to provide views in their own words. Afterward, content analysis was used to analyse the data according to the study objective and themes. The study revealed that radio programmers interact with women crop farmers by visiting them in their fields/ home to conduct face-to- face interviews while recording their agricultural reactions and demands. Moreover, radio programmers provide opportunities for women crop farmers to call and share their opinions or ask for information clarifications. Likewise, the programmers invite women crop farmers as guests in the studio to talk on various topics. Despite such interactive ways available, the study found that there is inadequate interaction between women crop farmers and radio programmers. The low interaction results from women crop farmers' many household responsibilities, being prohibited by their husbands from speaking on behalf of their families (taboos), language barriers and not being contacted by radio programmers. Moreover, identified barriers include a scarcity of radios and mobile phones, absence of electricity for device charging, domestic responsibilities, fear of spousal disapproval, and non-contact by programmers, voucher purchase costs, and language obstacles. Second, radio programmers inadequately align with the agricultural- specific needs of women crop farmers. The majority of women crop farmers have time between 20:00 and 22:00 hours at night. The reason attributing to this is that women crop farmers are busy with household responsibilities at other times. The study further found that radio programmers prefer the morning sessions. Moreover, women crop farmers preferred language differ from that used by radio programmers when airing agricultural radio programs. The study found that women crop farmers prefer the use of both Swahili and vernacular languages. Unluckily, the study found that most of the licenses provided by the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) to radio stations recommend the use of Swahili only. Third, women crop farmers lack knowledge on who is responsible for preparing agricultural radio programs. The study found that women crop farmers know that those responsible for preparing agricultural radio programs are radio programmers only. This situation makes some women crop farmers to demand gifts especially money for them to give their agricultural information. The tendency makes radio programmers to decide alone on what agricultural radio programs to air. The study concludes that although interactive radio programs are crucial in promoting agricultural knowledge sharing for women crop farmers, they are still some challenges related to the scarcity of radios and mobile phones ownership, the absence of electricity for device charging, domestic responsibilities, and spousal disapproval. Moreover, non-contact by programmers, voucher purchase costs, and language obstacles remain a barrier. Therefore, the government through the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) should address financial constraints hindering women's crop farmers from interacting with radio programmers. This will align with the TCRA's core value of commitment to prioritizing information consumer interests. Additionally, the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology is urged to empower school girls by providing agricultural education through secondary levels. In turn, the school girls will share the information to their mothers. The proposed initiatives can foster improved access to vital agricultural information for women crop farmers and contribute to their socio-economic development.Item Socio-cultural factors leading to pregnancy among primary school girls in Tanzania: a case study of Morogoro municipality(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2010) Kombe, Noe JonathanPregnancy among school girls is one of the factors contributing to students' dropout. This problem cuts across the whole country as well as other African countries. The general objective of this study was to identify socio-cultural factors that accelerate pregnancy in primary school girls. Specific objectives were to determine the influence of local video show centers, traditional ceremonies, some TV channels and programs and parenting behavior on cases of pregnancy among young girls. Morogoro Municipality was taken as a case study where by a sample of 120 respondents, 45 teachers, 45 students and 30 parents participated in the study. A cross section research design was used to obtain qualitative and quantitative data using structured questionnaires. The data obtained were coded and analyzed by using SPSS computer program. The study findings revealed that, unregistered local video show centers, traditional ceremonies, some TV channels such as channel E and O, Poor cooperation between parents and teachers and forced marriages contribute much to pregnancy among young girls. Government, parents, guardians and policy makers are called up on to assess the existing local video show centers to make sure that they operate according to rules and regulations stipulated by the government. provide transport, meals and health education for the school children so as to rescue girls from teenage pregnancies “It is the task for all, everyone should participate".Item Factors influencing truancy in secondary schools in Handeni district, Tanzania(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2014) Kimario, Colman MasumbukoThis study investigated the factors influencing truancy in secondary schools in Handeni district by undertaking a survey as well as collecting secondary data, with the view to identify the trend of truancy from 2007 to 2011. The study aimed at obtaining useful information on the socio-economic factors contributing to truancy. It also determined the attitude of students, teachers, and parents about truancy in the secondary schools. Data were collected by using interview, questionnaires and direct observation. Descriptive and regression analysis using Statistical Package for Social Science were employed as a tool of analysis to determine factors influencing truancy in secondary schools. The results revealed that age of students, age of household, good school classes management and good school administration were contributed truancy in secondary schools. Also parents do not ensure their children to attend school, student parents not live together and sex of students statistically significantly influenced the truancy in secondary schools at P< 0.05. However, year of schooling, whom do you live with, peer groups, distance from home to school, and school is boring did not significantly influence truancy in secondary schools at P< 0.05. Results revealed that the trend of truancy in study area was increased from 2007 to 2011.Moreover findings show that the girls become truant more than boys particularly 2009 and 2011. Also results show that students, parents and teachers were positive attitude towards truancy in secondary schools because the truant students increased every year. This study recommends that the education stakeholders establish different programmes such as school feeding program and school truancy prevention program which will help to reduce truant students. Finally, the study recommends to the district administration to help parents, guardians and school administration to work together as partners in curbing truant students in secondary schools in Handeni District.Item The role of broadcast media on community adaptation and mitigation of climate variability and change impacts in Iringa rural district, Tanzania(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2014) Kapinga, Martina DavidActions associated with building mitigation and adaptive capacity may include communicating climate change information, building awareness of potential impacts, maintaining well-being, protecting property or land, maintaining economic growth, and exploiting new opportunities. Over the past two decades, radio has been the major medium in rural areas of developing countries as a source of news and music. This study was carried out to assess the role of broadcasting media on community adaptation and mitigation to climate variability and change in Isimani Division simply because the division is relatively most affected by drought due to environmental degradation. A Cross-sectional research design was adopted and involved a sample size of 120 respondents. Data were collected through questionnaires, key informant interviews and Focus group discussions. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Binary logistic model confirmed that access and usage of broadcast media had effect on farmers’ adaptation and mitigation to climate variability and change. However, low income, language barriers, unreliable broadcasting network low education level, lack of environment related programmes; and lack of electricity were confirmed as barriers to accessibility and usage of broadcasting media for adaptation and mitigation of climate variability and change impacts. It is recommended that government should reduce taxes imposed upon equipment for broadcasting media. Broadcast media should be used to disseminate information on good farming practices as a measure of adapting and mitigating to climate change.Item Coffee marketing efficiency in the post-liberalization era in Karagwe district, Tanzania(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2014) Gilbert, NtimbaThis study explores the impact of trade liberalization policies in Tanzania with special focus on the marketing efficiency of Robusta coffee in Karagwe district. A cross-sectional research design as well as purposive, simple random and snow ball sampling techniques were employed. Data were collected from 120 smallholder coffee farmers, 12 village traders and 11 key informants using semi-structured questionnaire, group discussions and checklists respectively. Qualitative analytical techniques included descriptive statistics such as cross tabulations, means and percentages as well as Quantitative methods such as marketing margins, conventional (simplified) marketing efficiency method and Regression analysis. The study found that farmers sell coffee through main three marketing channels namely; Rural Primary Societies (RPSs) 35%, Private Coffee Buyers (PCBs) 46.7% and Village buyers 18.3%. Farmers selling coffee to Village buyers recorded less marketing margins (90.37%) compared to those selling coffee to PCBs (93.20%) and RPSs (92.90%). The Multinomial Logit Model was employed to determine the factors influencing farmers’ choice for marketing channel using SPSS software version 16. The model results show that three factors; distance, price and age significantly influenced the farmer’s marketing channel choice at p< 0.05 and p< 0.10 levels of significance. The market concentration ratio (CR) for the four and five largest buyers of 87.5% and 90.3% and the Herfindahl- Hirschman Index (HHI) of 0.29; asymmetric market information and bureaucratic licensing system impede fair competition in the industry. The study concludes that coffee marketing system in the study area is inefficient thus; it recommends the reviewing of the existing bureaucratic licensing system, dissemination of coffee marketing information through radios and mobile phones, restructuring of cooperative societies, introduction of formal credit facilities to provide favourable credit to farmers and establishment of strict by-laws and regulations against the use of local unstandardized measurement units.Item Farmer research networks project and adoption of improved groundnut cultivars amongst smallholder farmers in Singida District of Central Tanzania(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2024-05) Chilewa, Humphrey ShadrackDespite being one of the most vital food and income crops in the world, studies show that groundnut is not widely adopted by farmers. Age, gender, education, group participation, and seed accessibility were amongst the characteristics that were reported to influence the adoption. However, the impact of these factors on the adoption of improved groundnut cultivars amongst Singida Farmer Research Networks project beneficiaries' is not sufficiently documented. Farmer Research Networks (FRNs) is a collaborative strategy designed to aid the agro ecological intensification of smallholder farming. Although FRN was intended for use in Latin America and Africa, there is little information available on how its implementation, especially the three FRN principles, affects the uptake of agricultural technologies. This study sought to assess the factors that influence the adoption of improved groundnuts by smallholder farmers in the research networks project in Singida District. Specifically, the study (1) assessed how FRN guiding principles, that is, i) farmer participation, ii) usefulness of on-farm research, and iii) collaboration amongst players in networks, were applied in enabling farmers‘ adoption of improved groundnuts. The study, (2) determined the relationship between access to improved seeds and the adoption of improved groundnuts, and (3) analysed factors that influenced the adoption of improved groundnut cultivars amongst the beneficiaries of FRN project. The study was guided by innovation systems, networks, and Roger's theories of innovation diffusion. A cross- sectional research design and mixed research methods were employed. Content analysis and descriptive statistics were used to assess how FRN principles were applied to influence the adoption of improved groundnuts. The binary logistic regression model (inferential statistics) was used to determine the relationship between access to improved seeds and the adoption of improved groundnuts, together with other factors that influenced the adoption of improved groundnuts. Chi-square test cross-tabulations were used to compare the socioeconomic traits of farmers. Farmers' perceptions regarding the adoption of improved groundnuts in relation to service accessibility, technological features, and the institutional environment were measured using a Likert scale. Findings show that farmers took part in establishing FRN groups, producing seeds with quality declarations, and offering farmer-to- farmer extension services. In order for farmers to observe, understand, and use the innovation, on-farm research was essential for observational and experimental study. Players work together through project meetings, farmers' field days, and mutual research, learning, and resource sharing. It is concluded that farmers engaged in on-farm research and worked together with various network participants, demonstrating that FRN principles were used to sway consumers to adopt improved groundnuts. Additionally, the study showed that socioeconomic factors such as age, sex, marital status, education, and wealth had no discernible impact on the adoption of improved groundnuts. Three criteria, including FRN group membership, seed accessibility, and technological traits including agro ecological zone adaptability, high yields, early maturation, drought tolerance, pest and disease resistance, had a substantial impact on the adoption of improved groundnuts. The majority of farmers had positive opinions of the institutional context, technological characteristics, and accessibility to services for the adoption of improved groundnuts. The report recommends for encouraging farmer participation in the initial meetings and fostering connections between farmers and more actors. Sensitization of more farmers to join groups, increased timely seed availability, and accessibility of improved groundnut cultivars with the characteristics preferable to farmers are essential in this regard.Item The role of mobile phones in the development of improved chicken farming business by women in Misungwi district, Tanzania(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2023) Iddi .HThis current study on the role of mobile phone in the development of improved chicken farming business by women was carried out in Misungwi District, Mwanza Region Tanzania from April to July, 2022. Two divisions, namely Usagara and Misungwi were selected and from each division two wards were involved, while from each ward two villages participated in the study. The study aimed at establishing the role of mobile phone in the development of improved chicken farming business by women with reference to Misungwi District. Specifically, the study intended to asses socio-economic factors influencing women’s use of mobile phones in the improved chicken farming business information, determining the accessibility of improved chicken farming business information to women improved chicken farmers through mobile phones, establishing the extent of mobile phone usage by women in communicating information on improved chicken farming business and analyzing the type of information improved chicken farmers seek through mobile phones along the value chain in the study area. A cross-sectional research design with mixed approach that is quantitative and qualitative was employed. Data were collected from 120 respondents. A questionnaire, Focus Group Discussion, Key Informant Interviews and documentary review were used to collect data. Quantitative data were analyzed using a Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 software, while qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis. Binary logistic regression model was applied to assess socio-economic factors influencing women in using mobile phones to communicate improved chicken farming business. Firstly, the finding shows that socio-economic factors such as age, education level and occupation significantly influence the use of mobile phone in the improved chicken farming business information level. Secondly, bandwidth costs fluctuation and poor mobile phone network limited women in the accessibility of improved chicken farming business information such as availability of chicks, market and transportation in the study area.. Lastly, majority of the respondents use mobile phone to seek information from different stakeholders involved in the improved chicken farming business. Based on the findings of the study, Diffusion of innovation Theory is in conformity with this current study. However, women improved chicken farmers experienced several challenges such as market price fluctuation, poor connection between farmers and financial institutions and extension officers and veterinary officers were not working with farmers closely. The study thus recommends the District Council making campaigns on increasing the number of women engaged in farming improved chicken for business as its high agenda.. Also, the study recommends the Misungwi District authority to collaborate with mobile phones companies to increase the number of networks and advise them to have stability of bundle prices affordable to the farmers, andthe Misungwi District Council authority needs to remind the extension and veterinary officers to increase their effort in reaching and assisting the farmers than it is at the present. Furthermore, studies should be done on such areas as collaboration between farmers, Government, Public organization and other stake holders on helping women improved chicken farmers to use mobile phones in their business in order to improve their livelihood.Item 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.Item Examining the institutional framework of the inputs supply chain under national agriculture input voucher scheme in selected Districts of Tanzania(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2013) Magafu, Masatu MaligoThe NAIVS has been in operation since 2008/09; however there is lack of empirical evidence on the efficiency of the institutional framework. So the study was conducted to examine the institutional framework of the inputs supply chain under NAIVS in selected districts of Tanzania. Multistage sampling was employed in the selection of districts and wards; the purposive sampling technique was used in selection of villages based on accessibility. While simple random sampling was employed to select 300 respondents in all districts, a cross-sectional design survey was used and data were collected using structured questionnaire. Quantitative data were coded, entered in computer and statistically analyzed using The Statistical Packages for Social Science (SPSS) while qualitative data were summarized and analyzed manually. Based on NAIVS implementation the study identified a number of problems that were facing farmers including delay of subsidy inputs, inadequate number of vouchers, bureaucracy as well as lack of transparency, increased rate of top up amount to more than 50% of the total cost and poor service of extension that led to majority of the farm households to have neither the neutral nor negative perception on NAIVS. From this study it is recommended that, policy makers should redesign the institutional framework to reduce bureaucracy as well as to improve transparency for the purpose of increased performance. Policy makers should support the government to increase the budget on subsidy to increase number of vouchers and to harmonize the time of input distribution. The MAFC should improve working environment to extension staff as well as extension services.Item The extent to which extension services address concerns of women farmers on household food security in Mvomero District(Sokoine University of Agriculture., 2015) Lyimo, NoraThis study sought to investigate the extent to which extension services address concerns of women farmers in households’ food security in Mvomero District, Morogoro, Tanzania. Like in many parts of the world, women in Tanzania play important role as producers of food and caretakers of household. Women’s roles arc not limited to production as they also work in animal husbandry, although they usually tend small animals for subsistence, and undertake most of the household tasks. Poor access to agricultural extension services is one of the significant factors which affect the agricultural productivity of women farmers. In most cases, agricultural extension services overlook the role of women in food production and often focus on commercial production rather than subsistence crops which are the main concern of women farmers as they contribute to household food security. The study therefore determined to investigate the extent to which extension services address concerns of women farmers in households’ food security. The sample size of the study consisted of 100 women farmers and 10 extension workers. A structured questionnaire was used to collect relevant information from the women farmers and extension workers respectively. In addition, field observation was used to supplement the interviews. The data collected was analyzed using a Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) computer software. The findings of this research revealed that agricultural extension services do not address the concern of women farmers on household food security in Mvomero District. Furthermore, the study revealed that government extension services do not address gender issues which could in turn promote women farmers to have opportunity of benefiting from agricultural extension services. This study therefore recommends that the government should identify and address food and nutrition concerns of women farmers and tailor solutions towards these concerns. In addition, extension services should promote effective technology towards household food security. For these recommendation to be well implemented, agricultural training curricula should be redesigned to be gender sensitive which will include women’s concerns and responsibilities, which will ensure that extension service extension service reach women farmer.Item 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.Item Women’s participation in income generating activities : the case of women groups in Mbarali District(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2014) Luwondo, Elice NehemiaThe main objective of the study was to assess women’s participation in income generating activities (IGAs) in Mbarali District, Tanzania. Data were collected using various methods including interviews and focus group discussions. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was employed in analyzing the obtained data on income generating activities. Specifically the research focused on: types of IGAs in the District, level of women’s participation in IGAs and factors influencing women’s participation in IGAs. The study further assessed social and institutional challenges facing women participating in groups meant for IGAs. Cross-sectional research design was employed. The findings show that women in IGAs groups usually sold agricultural products, namely rice, maize, beans vegetables and fruits. Levels of women participation in IGAs groups were significantly influenced by the amount of fee contributed and number of meetings attended per year. The study further found that the motive behind women engagement in IGAs groups were: education for children, expansion of enterprises, and meeting of household necessities, future savings and renovation of houses. Moreover, social and institutional challenges identified included: inadequate credit sources and trainings on entrepreneurship. The study recommends government institutions to increase and maintain good policies on women groups training, and make sure that money lenders reduce interest rates and extend grace period to improve women participation. On the other hand, women group members should use the loans for the purpose applied.Item Analysis of economic efficiency of keeping dairy cattle in Babati urban in Manyara region, Tanzania(Sokoine University Of Agriculture, 2012) Anthony Daniel LutherIn many urban parts of Tanzania, there is lack of understanding of economic efficiency of keeping dairy cattle. To achieve the economic efficiency in the urban context, dairy cattle keepers, planners and administrators need to be adequately informed and educated about the cost-effective allocation of resources. This study investigated the economic efficiency of keeping daily cattle. Specifically, the study examined socio-economic factors that influence the number of dairy cattle to keep. Then analyze economic efficiency of urban dairy cattle units in different urban density areas. A cross-sectional research design was used involving a random . sample of 129 respondents. Data was analyzed by using descriptive statistics. multiple linear regression and Benefit-Cost Ratio analytical techniques. The findings revealed that, dairy cattle kept in BU were influenced by a combination of factors including the socio-economic (age, marital status, education, income, food. employment, land, finances, markets), cultural (status quo, inheritance, milk preference), psycho-social (curiosity of being, casual labour, savings, informal motivating, technical support), environmental (browses, forages, open spaces, weather for crop farming, farm and agro-processing residues). Yet, institutional ■ factors included, technical services, policies, support institutions and provision of social services. Incomes earned were influenced by number of milking cows, lactation period, milk price and management practices. With good dairy cattle management, the high density areas produced more milk and received more annual revenues than in the medium- and low- density areas. The BCR showed that, dairy cattle keepers in BU should economically keep two, four and six dairy cows in high- , medium- and low- density areas respectively. However, the Babati Urban Authorities should support the urban dairy cattle keeping promoting the keepers' livelihoods in the council.Item 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 HarunThis 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 aboutItem Gender dimensions on agricultural input voucher system in Songea district(Sokoine University of Agriulture, 2014) Wilson, Monica, LThe study examined the gender dimensions on agricultural input voucher system in Songea District The main objective of the study were to establish the effect of agricultural input voucher system (TVS) on gender dimensions of agricultural input subsidy in Songea District The study used a cross-sectional design and data were collected using a questionnaire and key informant interviews. The study population comprised of farm households of Songea District The sampling frame consisted of smallholder fanners who were growing maize for more than two seasons prior to data collection. A simple random sample of 120 respondents were picked using a table of random numbers from four villages that were randomly selected from a list of potential maize growing divisions in Songea District Furthermore, the research findings showed that the proportion of fanners using agricultural input voucher system had declined after the inception of input voucher system. The findings also showed that the low purchasing power, unavailability of inputs on time and lack of credit were the main factors limiting accessibility of inputs to farmers. Farmers and extension workers perceived the agricultural input voucher system as being better compared to its performance before the inception of voucher system due to the following reasons (i) supply of inputs was reliable (ii) the farmers are getting inputs at subsidized prices (iii) quantities of inputs supplied at a time formally were inadequate (iv) input supplies has been increased (v) inputs are accessible to farmers throughout the season. Recommendations pertaining to this study are presented in chapter five.Item Assessment of on-farm and off-farm income generating activities in Kisarawe district(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2002) Washa, Florence LameckThis study was designed to assess on-farm and off-farm income generating activities in Kisarawe District.The study was conducted in five villages of Sungwi Division namely Kazimzumbwi, Sungwi, Kisarawe, Kifuru and Visegese. It involved 101 randomly selected farmers. The general objective of the study was to assess income-generating activities. The specific objectives of the study were, (a) to identify the major on-farm and off-farm income sources at household level, (b) to identify the most important sources of income at household level and, (c) to delineate the main factors on income generation for identified sources. The study used a cross-sectional design that employed the survey method. The survey population comprised of smallholder farmers in five villages of Sungwi Division. Data were collected by using structured questionnaire. A random sample of 101 respondents was picked using a table of random numbers from the sampling frame that was developed. Field observations supplemented the questionnaire. Statistical Package for Social Sciences was used to analyse the data. Frequencies and percentages were used to present the results. The findings of the study show that the major on-farm income sources are cassava, cashewnut, orange, paddy and potato production. Major off-farm income sources were carpentry work, petty business and charcoal selling. But of the two income sources, most farmers depended on more on-farm activities. Off-farm sources have low contribution to income in the District. The most important income sources were obtained from on- farm activities namely crop (cassava and cashewnut) and local chicken production. However, income generation was affected by lack of market information, vermine, lack of market, lack of credit, unreliable rainfall, high cost of inputs, pests andiii diseases. It was observed from this study that the District is only 28 kilometers from Dar es salaam, which facilitates easy transportation of produce to the main market (Kariakoo), and from town to the District. Being near the forest, raw materials for off-farm activities are obtained easily. Carpentry and charcoal business draws raw materials from the forest. About 52.5% of the respondents kept records for off-farm income generating activities. The study, among other things, recommends that Government and NGOs should mobilize the formation of farmers* groups to facilitate access to credit. The Ministry of Cooperatives and Marketing should provide market information to farmers through their associations on what to produce for both local and export markets. Well articulated official policies and incentives for the off-farm sector should be developed. Planners and policy-makers should recognize the important positive implication of improving smallholder farmers economic situation, and the need to support economic activities in the overall village development plans. There is a need for the government and Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to provide more technical and financial support to the farmers to undertake and augment income generating enterprises, such as simple technologies on processing and preservation of fruits and vegetables.Item Participation of smallholder farmers in agricultural development micro-projects: a case study of DADPs projects in Kwimba district Mwanza region.(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2014) Mwita, Philemon MaigeSmallholder farmers’ participation in agricultural development micro-projects is viewed as a process by which individuals are involved in identification, planning, implementing. monitoring and evaluation. It is also a process of social development in which smallholder farmers, as subjects in their own environment, seek out ways to meet their collective needs and expectations to overcome their common problems. This study was conducted to assess participation of smallholder farmers in agricultural development micro-projects under District Agricultural Development Plan (DADPs). Data were collected by interviewing respondents using interview schedule as the main tool. Descriptive and regression analyses were employed to determine factors influencing participation. Findings revealed that agricultural development micro-projects which farmers participated included cattle dip, charco-dam and improvement of local chickens and were supported by DADPs funds. Age, education level and occupation influenced participation of smallholder farmers and were found to be statistically significant at p < 0.05. However, sex and farm size of the respondents did not significantly influence participation of smallholder farmers. It is concluded that participation of smallholder farmers in agricultural development micro-projects should not be limited to contributions that farmers offer, but should aim at empowering smallholder farmers to take control of the development process. It is therefore recommended that smallholder farmers should play an active role in the identification, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation processes which implies increasing level of participation and hence empowering them to take control of the micro-project