Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Collection

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://10.10.97.169:4000/handle/123456789/1002

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Effect of seed desicction and storage on seed vigour and germination in four species of indigenous fruit trees
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2002) Uronu, Ludovick Obed Ndenfoo
A study was conducted for Cordyla africana Lour, C. densiflora Milne.Redh., Strychnos cocculoides Baker and 5. spinosa Lam., in the laboratory, to investigate desiccation tolerance and storage conditions that will maintain high seed vigour and germination. Three experiments were conducted: Initial, desiccation sensitivity and storage trials. For initial and desiccation trial, a Randomized Complete Block Design with four replications was used. For storage trial, a 5 x 4 x 3 factorial experiment with four replications was conducted.actor one was moisture contents at five levels: C. africana (50, 38, 25, 13 and 8%); C. densiflora (54, 41, 27, 14 and 10%); S. cocculoides (43, 32, 22, 11 and 5%) and S. spinosa (41, 31, 21, 10 and 5%). Factor two was storage temperature at four levels, -20, 4, 16 and 25° C and factor three was packaging materials at three levels, polyethylene bags cotton cloth bags and aluminum foil bags. Germination test was conducted after every 2, 4, 8 and 20 weeks. Assessment were done for, daily germination percent, final germination percent, radicle elongation, germination value and germination energy percent. Seed of C. africana and C. densiflora were found to be sensitive to desiccation, seed vigour and viability were substantially reduced after desiccation from 50 to 13% and from 54 to 14% respectively. For S. cocczdoides and S. spinosa seed viability and vigour were not sensitive to desiccation. Storage conditions significantly influenced seed viability and vigour after two weeks of storage. Seeds of C. africana and C. densiflora maintained high final cumulative germination of 90 and 95% and higher radicle elongation of 19 and 42 mm respectively, for seeds stored with their initial moisture content at 16°C in cotton cloth bags. Germination value and germination energy followed the same trend. For 5. cocculoides and S. spinosa seeds were not significantly affected by storage. It is concluded that. Seeds of C. africana and C. densiflora are recalcitrant and those of 5. cocculoides and .S'. spinosa are intermediate. It is recommended that seeds of C. africana and C. densiflora should be stored with moisture content between 25 and 50% and 27 and 54% in cotton cloth bag at 16° C respectively, for period no exceeding eight weeks Seeds of 5. cocculoides and 5. spinosa can be stored for up to 20 weeks in polyethylene bags, with moisture content between 5 and 40% at temperatures of > 4°C but not exceeding 25°C. Further study should be conducted to determine rates of cell membrane disruption during desiccation.
Smallholder farmers’ preferences for improved maize seeds varieties in Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2017) Mutanyagwa, Ange Pacifique
Improved maize seed varieties are bred with characteristics such as drought and disease tolerance which may not capture farmers’ preference. It is therefore, imperative to consider attributes that are preferred by farmers in developing maize seed varieties. This research was conducted to determine attributes that are most preferred by smallholder maize farmers in Tanzania. Specifically, the study aimed to (i) characterize smallholder farmers’ preferences for improved maize seed varieties depending on their socio-economic characteristics, (ii) assess the heterogeneity of farmers’ preferences for improved maize seed varieties and (iii) determine factors that influence farmers’ choice of the most preferred improved maize seed varieties. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression were used for data analysis. The study findings revealed that majority (74.7%) of the households were male-headed and (83%) were married. About 90 percent of the farmers had no access to extension services that is supposed to play an important role in agricultural information dissemination. The most preferred improved maize varieties in all zones were PAN6549, SC 627, SC 713. STAHA, KILIMA and DK 8371 due to higher production potential. A Logit model showed that agro-ccological zones, farm size. household size and yield positively influenced the likelihood of farmers’ choice of improved maize seed varieties. Based on these findings, it is recommended that researchers and suppliers of seed should consider the attributes of farmers' preference in the production of improved maize seeds and put more emphasis on facilitating the delivery of agricultural extension services for more effective uptake of agricultural technologies.
Smallholder farmers’ preferences for improved maize seeds varieties in Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2017) Mutanyagwa, Ange Pacifique
Improved maize seed varieties are bred with characteristics such as drought and disease tolerance which may not capture farmers’ preference. It is therefore, imperative to consider attributes that are preferred by farmers in developing maize seed varieties. This research was conducted to determine attributes that are most preferred by smallholder maize farmers in Tanzania. Specifically, the study aimed to (i) characterize smallholder farmers’ preferences for improved maize seed varieties depending on their socio-economic characteristics, (ii) assess the heterogeneity of farmers’ preferences for improved maize seed varieties and (iii) determine factors that influence farmers’ choice of the most preferred improved maize seed varieties. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression were used for data analysis. The study findings revealed that majority (74.7%) of the households were male-headed and (83%) were married. About 90 percent of the farmers had no access to extension services that is supposed to play an important role in agricultural information dissemination. The most preferred improved maize varieties in all zones were PAN6549, SC 627, SC 713. STAHA, KILIMA and DK 8371 due to higher production potential. A Logit model showed that agro-ccological zones, farm size. household size and yield positively influenced the likelihood of farmers’ choice of improved maize seed varieties. Based on these findings, it is recommended that researchers and suppliers of seed should consider the attributes of farmers' preference in the production of improved maize seeds and put more emphasis on facilitating the delivery of agricultural extension services for more effective uptake of agricultural technologies.
Crop production for household consumption and food security: a case study of Musoma rural district
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2010) Maijo, Elias Lugane
This study was carried out to assess food crop production for household consumption and food security in Musoma Rural district. A multistage random sampling procedure was employed to select 120 households from Musoma rural district. The study used a Gross Margin (GM) model to test the hypothesis that the selected major food crops production for household consumption is not economically profitable. When the GMs of the major crops were compared it was apparent that maize had the highest gross margin of Tsh 421352.10 than other crops. In’general, the results of this study revealed the existence of considerable economic profitability in producing the major crops. Furthermore, the study conducted a comparison of gross margin across different size categories of farms sizes using the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) technique. The ANOVA indicated the existence of a significant difference in the level of GM for the different farm size categories. Binary Logistic model was estimated to establish factors influencing food security in the study area. The results revealed that 48.3% of the populations were food secure and 51.7% were food insecure. The results indicate that food security was positively influenced by farm size, wealth, off-farm employment, access to credit and market. Furthermore, the results revealed that food security was negatively influenced by the household size. However, strategies for sustainable agriculture to enhance food security, like the use of improved inputs and seed and expanding the farm size are recommended. The general conclusion from the research is that policies that would intensify food production and improve off farm employment would enhance food security in the study area.
The role of participatory approach (pa) in smallholder farmer rice production in Lindi region: the case of Kinyope micro-irrigation project in Rutamba Ward, Milola Division in Lindi District.
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2003) Danda,Francis Joseph Chuma
Participatory approach in development is currently globally advocated by the majority of development agencies and governments, Tanzania being one of them. Unfortunately, little . is known about the role of the approach in development projects. This study was conducted in Kinyope Village to determine the role of participatory approach in Kinyope Micro Irrigation Project in Lindi District. The overall objective of the study was to examine the extent to which the involvement of the farmers in the planning process, and technology dissemination contributed to increased rice production in the study area. The Kinyope Village, from which a study sample of 132 MAPATA and Non-MAPATA respondents was randomly sampled, was selected by judgmental sampling technique out of 7 villages involved in the project. Seven extension staff and 8 government officials from Lindi and Mtwara regions were also included in the sample. Data were collected through interview using the pre-tested questionnaires and group discussions with the respondents. The collected data were statistically analysed using SPSS computer programme to obtain frequencies, percentages, Chi-square and ANOVA tests. The result of study reveal that participation was influenced by demographic and socio-economic factors, such as gender imbalances, dependence on family labour, farm sizes, courses attended by respondents in the study area, etc. Statistically significant (*P<0.05) differences between MAPATA and Non-MAPATA respondents were observed regarding the distribution of respondents according to socio-economic variables, adopted technologies, reasons for adoption, rating of adoption, rice yields levels, and the frequency of visits by VEOs and GDFs; both were in favour of MAPATA respondents. Only proper seedbed preparation, and bunds technologies were adopted. As a result of the adoption it was observed that rice yields had increased from 7 to 22 bags per acre. All government and party officials highly valued working with fanners to address production constraints. It was concluded that: socio economic and demographic factors affected participation of target groups in the project. Thus research on the potentials, opportunities, and constraints of the target groups for sustainable extension programmes is important. The participation of farmers in the development of technologies, and their delivery in package fbrm enhanced the dissemination and adoption. Therefore it is recommended that the formation and consolidation of Participatory Farmers1 Groups (PFGs) should be promoted since it has been observed that they facilitate technology dissemination, adoption, and networking amongst the key actors in agricultural development.
Choice of green manure technology on smallholder maize production systems in Tanzania: a case of Mkinga district, Tanga region.
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2009) George,William Juma
Agricultural extension and rural development centre Reading University: a critical analysis of the outreach programmes in the agricultural training institutes for training extension workers in Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 1986) Lugeye, Sizya C.
The author has reviewed the concept of outreach prog rammes in the MATIS in Tanzania and its uses in other countries of the world, it is clear that outreach has been used under different terms, methods and approaches, it is, however, based on a problem-solving approach, outreach has been discussed as a teaching tool which provides village practical training and rural experience to the MATI tutors and students, it also improves the relationship between the . training institutes and the surrounding community. The students who participate in the outreach programmes improve their chances.of being successful in their career as swana Shambas. The next chapter will look at how the outreach programme involves MATI tutors, MATI students, extension staff, researchers, and farmers in training extension workers and solving village problems, in this discussion MATI-Ukiriguru will be used as a ’case study.'
Factors influencing the adoption of soil conservation measures: a case study in Gairo, Kilosa district
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2000) Kalineza,Haruni Mussa Makosi
Gairo division is a semi-rid area and like other semi-arid areas it faces the problem of land degradation. Because of this, Gairo Agroforestry and Land Use Project (GALUP) has been carrying out activities that aim at reversing the trend through recommending various soil conservation measures. The overall objective of the study was to examine factors that influence adoption of the recommended soil conservation measures in the division. The specific objectives were: (i) To determine the extent to which the smallholder farmers are aware of the problem of land degradation; (ii) To determine the extent to which smallholder farmer have adopted the different soil conservation measures; and (iii) To identify factors that influence the adoption of the soil conservation measures. Data were collected from 114 randomly selected households in purposively selected villages using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses using Statistical Package for Social Sciences were employed as major tools of analysis to determine the major factors influencing adoption of soil conservation practices. Results of the descriptive analysis suggest that adoption of the recommended soil conservation practices is influenced by education level, awareness of the land degradation problem, ownership of livestock, ownership of land, farm size and gender of the household head. Results of the logistic regression model show that adoption of the recommended practices is influenced by awareness of the land degradation problems implying that extension education has an important role in this regard. The logistic regression model also show that ownership of land is an important factor influencing the adoption of contour ridges and farm yard manure. Existence of by-laws that restrict activities that degrade the environment and to have clear land use plans appear to be issues to be considered in enhancing the adoption of soil conservation practices. It is recommended that efforts be increased in the area of extension education about soil conservation practices to both women and men. Also,there be emphasis on soil conservation practices that have broader benefits to the smallholder farmers to enhance widespread adoption.
Impact of bushmeat consumption on health risk management in Southern Benin
(2025) Issa-Zacharia Abdulsudi; Ahouanse Gwlaloria Amendys; Majaliwa Nuria
The consumption of bushmeat has been linked to several socioeconomic factors. This study examines bushmeat consumers in southern Benin, including their motivations, health risks, and groups. In the Littoral, Atlantique, and Zou districts, 373 people were surveyed. The data were analyzed with R 4.0.2 and SAS 2013 software, and as a result, 74.3% reported consuming bushmeat. Few hunters and transformers were in Group 1, but many were in Group 2. Group 1 consisted of hunters, processors, and restaurant owners, whereas Group 2 was mostly illiterate. Bushmeat is eaten for its taste, nutritional value, and economic and cultural reasons, with many believing it is healthier than domestic meat. Group 1 and Group 2 consume bushmeat frequently and live in peri-urban and rural locations near woods for easy access to bush animals. Group 3, which eats bushmeat rarely, is less involved in the supply chain of bushmeat. Due to poor transit and processing conditions, bushmeat hunting, processing, and consumption in these places expose people to pathogens and increase the risk of food poisoning and zoonotic diseases. Education of local residents is necessary to improve food safety and reduce health concerns. Diversifying income, promoting safer, more sustainable practices, and encouraging rural youth education require supportive policies. To improve Benin's food security and public health, this study stresses bushmeat consumers' motivations
Assessment of food hygiene knowledge, attitude and practices of night street food vendors in Morogoro, Tanzania
(European Journal of Nutrition & Food Safety, 2025-07-03) Issa-Zacharia Abdulsudi; Chaula Davis Naboth; Omari Aziza Nassoro
The consumption of street food is associated with the provision of unhealthy, unsafe, and nutritionally unbalanced meals, presenting a public health concern. This study was designed to assess food safety knowledge, attitude and practices of night street food vendors in Morogoro Municipality. A cross-sectional study involved 256-night street food vendors was performed, using a structured questionnaire. The results reported that most of the vendors were females (77%) and half of the vendors were aged between 20 to 30 years. Majority of vendors ,62.9% had been vending food for 4-5 years. Generally, the study revealed medium attitudes (95.3%) and moderate
Entropy generation in a variable viscosity transient generalized couette flow of nanofluids with navier slip and convective cooling
(Ijaamm, 2018) Mkwizu, M. H; Matofali, A. X; Ainea, N
This work investigates the combined effects of thermophoresis, Brownian motion and variable viscosity on entropy generation in a transient generalized Couette flow of nanofluids with Navier slip and convective coolingof water-based nanofluids containing Copper (Cu) and Alumina (Al 2 O 3 ) as nanoparticles. Both first and second laws of thermody- namics are applied to analyse the problem. The nonlinear governing equations of continuity, momentum, energy and nanoparticles concentration are tackled numerically using a semi discretization finite difference method together with Runge-Kutta Fehlberg integration scheme. Numerical results for velocity, temperature, and nanoparticles con- centration profiles are obtained and utilised to compute the entropy generation rate, irreversibility ratio and Bejan number. Pertinent results are displayed graphically and discussed quantitatively.
Impact of rural feeder roads on rural development: a case study of Kilosa district
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 1983) Munyanganizi, Henry Rwamasasa
Kilosa District rural roads programme is part of the rural development programmes being undertaken by the Irish Development Agency in the District. The agency has undertaken to improve two rural roads by building bridges and culverts and grading the roads to all weather conditions. The two roads, Myombo-Kidete and Rudewa-Nongwe are to serve the Communication Stricken mountain areas of Rubeho and Nongwe, in order to enable the people in that part of Kilosa District to raise their standards of living, by improving agriculture, marketing produce and gaining access to socio-economic infrastructures. The people of the area at the moment face severe lack of rural roads and rural transport to link them to sources of farm inputs, markets for agricultural pro duce sources of contacts for extension agents, health services, communication systems and other necessary social infrastructures. The study was designed to analyse factors which affect the development of rural areas in Kilosa District namely:
Rural - urban linkages and microfinance services: a case study of Igowole in Mufindi District
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2012) MSESE,Lukelo Roden
The study analysed the role of microfinance services in the development of rural - urban linkages for poverty reduction at Igowole in Mufindi district Iringa. The specific objectives of the study were to (i) identify opportunities and challenges of rural - urban linkages and its impact on poverty (ii) examine the effect of microfinance services on rural - urban linkages (iii) examine the effect of rural - urban linkages on poverty reduction (iv) examine factors affecting household access to microfinance services. A sample of 80 households from Igowole EUC and 70 household from immediate hinterland were interviewed. Logistic regression was used to examine factors affecting access to microfinance in both rural and urban areas. Majority 66.7% and 54.8% of none migrant and migrant at immediate hinterland, respectively; had access to informal microfinance services. Nonetheless 55.3% and 38.1% of none migrant and migrant at Igowole EUC, respectively; had access to informal microfinance services. Among many reasons household were accessing informal microfinance due to accessibility and timeliness. Rural - urban linkages increase opportunities for income generating activities in both urban and rural areas. Hence development interventions aimed to alleviate rural and urban poverty should target to facilitate these linkages at all level of planning. Microfinance services boosted the transfer of financial capital from rural to urban and vice versa though savings and credit. Rural - urban linkages provided farm and non-farm employment opportunities and improved social services like education and health services.
Economic impacts of climate change on maize production in the sub-humid and semi arid areas of Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2015) Valerian, Oyce Kadada
Climate change is the cause of most weather related externalities. Its effects arc more evident on the environment, food security, human health, human settlements, economic activities, natural resources and physical infrastructure. This study assessed the economic impacts of climate change with a special focus on maize production. It examined the role of socioeconomic and biophysical characteristics in determining maize net revenue, the marginal impact of changes in climate variables and projected climate change impact on net revenue from maize enterprise due to future changes in climate in the sub-humid and semi-arid areas of Tanzania. The study utilized cross-sectional household data collected by the National Bureau of Statistics under its National Panel Survey in 2011/2012 from which 323 households were randomly sampled. Both descriptive and econometric methods were used to analyze the data. The Ricardian model was employed to assess the impact of climate change on maize production and in the model net revenue per hectare was regressed against a set of climate variables, socio-economic and biophysical variables using a two stage least square estimation method so as to address the problem of correlation between the dependent variable error term and the independent variables for the sub humid and semi-arid areas and across all farms. Results from the analysis indicated that household size and education of the household head positively impacted net farm return from maize production. Also it revealed that temperature and rainfall (p < 0.01) will negatively impact net revenue. Basing on the CM1P5 for Tanzania using the Mid-Century Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 8.5 the predicted future climate change will adversely impact net revenue from maize production in the sub- humid and semi-arid areas of Tanzania by the year 2050. Therefore investing in new technologies and adequate extension information services are recommended from this study so as to increase farmers' adaptive capacity to reduce the impact of climate change on maize production.
The role of matrilineal kinship in resources allocation, decision making and marketing of spice products in Morogoro region Tanzania
(SSRG International Journal of Humanities and Social Science, 2025-04-29) Metta, Agness G.; Martin, Respikius; Mhando, David
In some regions of Tanzania, including Morogoro, spice production is a significant economic activity. However, its full potential may not be realised due to the complex socio-cultural kinship that influences resource allocation and marketing strategies. Specifically, the role of matrilineal kinship in these processes has not been adequately explored. While matrilineal societies may have distinct patterns of resource ownership, decision-making, and distribution, their impact on the management of agricultural resources and commercialization of spice products remains under-researched. This study seeks to fill this gap by examining how matrilineal traditions affect the allocation of resources in cultivating spices and marketing its products in the Morogoro region of Tanzania. A mixed-methods approach was used to collect data. Quantitative data were collected through structured questionnaires to 121 respondents obtained through the probability sampling technique. Qualitative data were collected through focus group discussions from two groups, one group of 16 participants in each village, and key informant interviews with one Extension Officer and two village leaders. Findings reveal that while matrilineal systems grant women certain rights, such as land inheritance, decision-making remains male- dominated, particularly in critical aspects such as land use and sales of bulk spices. Household decision-making tends to be collaborative, but men often retain the final authority. The study concludes that gender dynamics continue to shape key decisions regarding land use and the bulk sale of spice products. The findings underscore the complexity of gender roles within matrilineal societies, where women’s rights may not fully translate into control over economic resources.
Exploring teaching and learning resources available in open and distance learning for teachers’ professional development at the Learning Centers
(GlobeEdu Group, 2024-08) Semwenda Joyceline Adine; Kira Ernest S.; Nyangas James A.; Msangya Benedicto W.; Athumani Jamal J.
The success of Open and Distance Learning (ODL) programs hinges on the availability of high-quality and sufficient teaching and learning resources. The role of ODL institutions is to clear up any confusion among facilitators and learners regarding the resources available at ODL learning centers. This study aimed to explore the teaching and learning resources needed for effective instruction in ODL and for teachers' continuing professional development at these centers. A qualitative approach was employed to collect and analyze the data. The study was conducted in ODL learning centers located in Dar es Salaam, Ruvuma, and Mbeya, involving 16 participants. These included four officials from the Institute of Adult Education (IAE), three regional IAE coordinators, and nine center coordinators, all selected purposefully. Data collection methods included semi-structured interviews, document reviews, and observational checklists. The study revealed that regional learning centers faced shortages in financial resources, academic staff, and equipment. Based on the study's findings, well-defined steps should be taken to solve the issues with teaching and learning resources that this educational modality faces. The government should keep funding educational institutions, especially ODL Learning institutions, as many of them failed to fulfill their stated objectives due to financial limitations.
Assessing the perceptions of teachers and students on the integration of technology- enhanced teaching and learning in Secondary Schools in Dodoma City
(International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research, 2024) Kusupa Sophia Ally; Dr. Nyangas James Anthony; Dr. Nyerere Nkuba
The increase in demand for technology usage has influenced many sectors, including education. However, teachers’ and students’ perceptions have a great impact on the effectiveness of technology-enhanced teaching and learning. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess teachers’ and students’ perceptions of the use of technology-enhanced teaching and learning and find out if there was an association between teachers’ and students’ demographic characteristics and their perceptions of technology use in teaching and learning. A cross-sectional design was used to gather information from the field. Secondary school teachers and students in Dodoma City constituted the study population. 83 teachers and 393 students from 10 secondary schools were selected purposefully. The self-administered questionnaire was used to gather data from both categories (teachers and students). The data was analyzed by using percentages and statistical tests, including Chi-square goodness of fit and one-way ANOVA, to determine the association and relationship between teachers’ and students’ perceptions in relation to the selected demographic characteristics. The study found that teachers and students have positive perceptions of the use of technology in teaching and learning in public secondary schools. Furthermore, it was found that the education level of teachers, the class of students, and the age of teachers influenced the perceptions of the use of technology in teaching and learning. The study recommended that the government should ensure pieces of training for teachers, motivation, and a conducive environment for the use of technology in teaching and learning in secondary schools.
Economic analysis of the pyrethrum industry in Tanzania: the case of Njombe district
(1993) NGAILO, Nicholas Legnard
Agricultural product production in Tanzania has been facing deep seated problems beginning the late 1960s and early 1970s. In effect, output production of the export crops had cont inued to decline throughout t he 1 970s Various factors have 1980s. been pointed out and i n various t o have contributed to the decline. These range studies from price to non price factors. This study has attempted to 1 ook i nt o the factors which have cont ri but ed to t he decline in pyrethrum output production in Njombe district with special emphasis on smallholder producers who are the main producers of the crop. The study is organised into five chapters. The f i rst chapter gives requi rement pract i ces t he the for are backg round crop present ed t o and t he t he fol 1 owed study. mai n a by Ecologi cal farm husbandry di scussi on on producer and world market price trends. The chapter observes that, 98 % of the crude extract and 70 % of the dry marc produced at the Mafinga plant i s export ed. Better prices for these products were received after the 1985/86 crop season both in the export and the domest i c market. increased at 1 ocal However, a higher currency terms. the export rate than the Devaluation of market prices domestic market the local i n currencyincrease in was more responsible for this than the actual export pri ces. due This was policy government to a of export promotion. Chapter two is all about literature review. Generally it is concluded in the chapter that, although price can be for agricultural the main machinery which account output production trends, at t ent i on need also to be paid to non price which factors affect pyret h rum smal1 hoider t he output production in Njombe district. Chapter three methodology used i n The chapter t he and area shows that, gross margin, the chi-square and descriptive statistics, the multiple study. the st udy t he descri bes regression models have been used dat a i n analysi s. In chapter d i scussed. f ou r, Bas i ng study on findings object i ves, study t he are presented it and i s identified that, the factors which are related and account the observed district include for pyrethrum poor out put crop produced husbandry i n Njombe pract i ces, unavai1abi1ity of some of the essential rural agricultural development i nf rast ruct u re. unfavourable competition crops grown in the area. of The ot her factor pyrethrum with i s other the major
Value chain analysis of sunflower marketing system in Kilosa District, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2013) OMARI, HAMAD SALUM
Sunflower production has great potential of increasing income for many farmers and reducing the foreign exchange that the country spends on importing edible oil. Despite its importance, knowledge on how markets for sunflower and its value added products are structured and marketing efficiency is not readily available. This study conducted sunflower seed value chain analysis in Kilosa District. The data were collected from 120 farm households, 14 processors, five traders, 13 retailers, six millers and three transporters. Structured questionnaire was used to get information from farmers while checklists were used for other value chain actors. SPSS and MS excel software were used to analyze the quantitative data. The study found that the main actors in sunflower value chain were farmers, processors, traders/processors, millers and retailers. Four marketing channels of sunflower seeds were found to exist in the study area, these are (a) from farmer’s direct to consumers, (b) from farmers to processors and then to consumers, (c) from farmer’s to traders/processors to retailers then to consumers and (d) from farmers to middlemen to traders/processors to retailers and then to consumers. Sunflower seed marketing was found to be inefficient with Total Gross Marketing Margin of 68% of the retail price while the Gross Marketing Margin of 11% for farmers, 29% for processors, 14% for traders/processors and 14% for retailers. Furthermore, the study found that sunflower production did not contribute to household income increase. It is recommended that, formation of producer groups, farmer based microfinance institutions such as SACCOS and training of sunflower fanners on contract farming may improve marketing efficiency and hence improve farmer’s income.
The nature and socio - economic impacts of road accidents in Morogoro municipality, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2006) NSELU, JONAS OBADIA
Road accidents have been seen as a major source of deaths and injuries among road users in Tanzania. Following these road accidents many Tanzanians have lost their lives, some got permanent disabilities and some lost their valuable property. The government has been incurring a lot of resources in treating injured persons out of these accidents. The main objective of this research was to find the nature and socio - economic impacts of road accidents to road users. The findings indicate that there are various causes of road accidents among them are human factors, defectiveness of the motor vehicles and poor roads. Drivers and other road users have been not obeying the road laws and regulations which are the basic tool for road safety in Tanzania. The provided statistics show how seriously the issue of road accidents in Tanzania is. Apart from these losses, there is another immeasurable loss which is the loss of human life. The most affected group is the group of passengers and pedestrians followed by bicyclists, drivers, motorcyclists and lastly push cart operators. Road accidents which involve buses i.e. (passengers cars) are the most dangerous, because there is a high possibility of killing and injuring a big number of people compared to non-passenger vehicles. Following the impacts or the problem of road accidents in Tanzania, the government through the National Road Safety Council of Tanzania (NRSCT), the Police Force (PF) and other non-governmental organizations have been taking various measures to curb the problem. So far the awareness of road traffic laws and regulations through education to road users has shown a positive role towards the problem. That all governmental, non-governmental organizations and the individuals should participate fully in fighting against road accidents.

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