Theses and Dissertations Collection

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Community participation in donor funded rural water supply projects: The case of Uyui district, Tabora region, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2009) Mahinda K. M
A study on community participation in donor funded rural water supply projects was conducted in Uyui District in Tabora Region, Tanzania. The overall objective of this study was to assess the level and impact of community participation in donor funded rural water supply projects in Uyui District specifically the study assessed; the level of awareness toward the concept of community participation; to examine community participation; to examine the management system; and to identify main determining factors that influence sustainability of donor funded rural water supply projects. A cross-sectional research design was applied; semi and structured interview schedule and FGD were used to collect primary data. Sample size of 140 respondents was drawn through multi-stage sampling technique. Data were analyzed by using SPSS 12.0 version, FGD was used to verify responses from respondents and chi-square to test the significant difference between variables. The study findings show that 88.4% of respondents were aware on participation concept and majority of water users participated in project identification 34.3%, implementation 33.5% and 2.1% not participated. Findings in the study area show that village assembly, village governments, water users committee and village water committee were cited as responsible organs in management of water projects. Generally, findings revealed that 90.6% of respondents said that donor funded water projects were not sustainable, and sustainability of water projects was not only influenced by community participation. This study therefore recommends that; Typology of community participation should not be accepted without appropriate clarification before project inception; deliberate efforts should be made by LGAs to educate and disseminate information to the public concerning the reviewed rural water supply policy; establishment of WUGs and water fund right; provision of good and timely quarterly progress reports on expenditure and income accrued from water service delivery to the water users.
Is traditional African education still valid in the 21st century? : A case study of traditional education of the Mwera tribe in Nachingwea District, Lindi region, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2006) Simon .M
Historically we can say that education is as old as mankind. From the very beginning people from all societies have been concerned with education and in response to the questions of education, they have given various answers. The answers have come to us in our times in the form of educational traditions. Therefore people speak of African tradition, the Europeans tradition, etc. In the case of Africa, Traditional African Education (TAE) was taken seriously and for this reason it involved everybody that is every adult member of the community was taken to be a teacher who provided direction to the young on their way to adulthood life. Today the educational understanding in which Africa finds herself now can be traced partly to the fact that the new African breed of leaders, educated people and even young people only took pride in occupying the positions previously occupied by the white man. Hardly did they recognize any value in the traditional culture that the white man had come to condemn. The leaders and policy makers have adopted European education hook, line and sinker and became proponents of the system they had condemned. Africans abandoned or looked down upon their own language, clothing/dress, food, religion, names, and kindred cultural tags. The study examined, described and analysed critically the traditional African education and see how the colonial domination in Africa changed the traditional structural system. Problems that contributed to the decline of traditional African education have been discussed. Suggestions and recommendations have also been given. The results show that most of respondents were knowledgeable about traditional African education. But with the advent of modern times in Africa and particularly in Nachingwea District where the research was conducted these age-old traditions have been abandoned. Confronted with new changes in all areas of life, modern man has come to a point where the old is no longer meaningful and relevant as before.
Women’s income and household food security in Uyui district, Tabora.
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2008) Kayumbu, Tatu Abdul
The study was done in Uyui district, Tabora region to examine the contribution of women’s IGAs to household food security among smallholder farmers. Specifically the study sought: (1) To identify types of income generating activities (IGAs) in study area. (2) To compare food security status of female headed households versus male headed households. (3) To determine household food security coping strategies. (4) To determine the extent to which IGAs income is used for household food security and (5) To assess the contribution of other factors to household food security. A cross section survey was conducted and questionnaire was used to interview 120 respondents who were randomly selected in four villages of Magiri, Izenga, Kigwa and Ibiri. Study findings showed that types of income generating activities among respondents were non-farm activities, farming and salaries. Key activities undertaken were food vending, selling of seasonal fruits and selling of local brew. The study found that female headed HHs spent more income on food than male headed HHs, on average female headed HHs spent 478 000 Tshs while male HHs spent 416 333/=. The study further shows about 46.7% and 36.7% of female headed HHs and male headed HHs respectively were found to be food insecure. The study also observed coping strategies adopted by households which include, food offer, food purchase on credit, begging, exchanging and selling of livestock, casual labour and reduced number of meals. It has been observed that, the major contributing factors to household food insecurity were; low production, lack of labour force, low income and purchasing power. The study draws a number of recommendations as to what should be done so as to assist in improving household food security. Tanzania Goverment should encourage farmers to use fertilizers, provide entrpreneurship training and encourage Micro-Finance institutions to provide soft loan for women.
The role of selected rural market institutions in market access: the case study of Iringa rural district, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2014) Kulamiwa K. B
During the 1980s public sector in Tanzania withdrew from full control of trade activities in rural areas. In spite of a few trials, private companies were not able to fill the gap hence new forms of institutions have emerged to provide a response to constraints that small producers face. Despite the efforts made, rural producers are exploited and the efficacy of rural institutions is questionable. This study was conducted in Iringa Rural District in order to examine the roles of rural market institutions in market access. The selected institutions were Producer cooperatives, Farmers’ and traders' associations. The specific objectives were to examine producer market linkage and individual performance of rural institutions, to identify market strategies among rural institutions and the main predictor of market access. Multistage sampling technique was used to identify study area and a sample size of 120 respondents were selected randomly. Data were collected through structured interviews. SPSS was used to analyse data whereby descriptive data and inferential analysis (Logit regression) were done. Producers were mainly linked to middlemen by 45%, 50% and 20% for cooperative, farmers', association and traders' association. The mostly used market penetration strategy was delay price agreement by 55% for cooperative and 50% for farmers' association. Results revealed that 37.5%, and 50% of cooperatives and farmers' associations respectively used price reduction as a market development strategy. Results indicate that the individual performance of rural market institutions contributes to access to market access. The significance variables (P<0.05) were timely access to market information adequate negotiation skills and engagement in contract farming. It is recommended that the formation of consolidated rural institutions which take bases on collective marketing is required.
Gender participation analysis in the context of participatory development approaches in community projects implementation
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2008) Ganja S .K
Bottom-up development approach has fostered greater emphasis of the current popularly accepted participatory methodologies as an important development strategy tool. Institutionalisation of participatory rural appraisal (PRA) and. opportunities and obstacle to development methodology (O&OD) in Tanzania underscore the importance of the approach to ensure sustainable community development particularly at grassroots. However, as PRA and O&OD insist much on consensus as an indicator of participation, the approaches ignore gender groups and individuals’ socio-cultural conflicting interests and differences. This study analysed gender participation basing on the conflicting interests and differences in some of the projects executed through participatory development approaches. The study was conducted in two villages of Norini and Machenje in Kongwa district, Dodoma region, whereby 100 respondents selected randomly were interviewed. Close-ended and open-ended questionnaires were applied to 68 and 12 individuals respectively. Checklist and Harvard analytical framework were administered to 20 respondents in focused group discussions to obtain in-depth perception to the study. The result indicates that 53% of respondents do not clearly understand what it means by participatory approach. Women are over-represented and they worked 21 weeks in average against 12 weeks of men at actual work. Moreover, the factors hereunder with their influence scales in bracket were found to be the major causes of variation in gender participation, these are; socio-cultural (0.7), participatory tool application (0.6). economic (0.5), and nature of the project (0.5). From this study it's recommended that, participatory methodology and gender analytical framework should be formalised by PRA activists to facilitate local leaders and the entire community in defining gender attribute, socio-cultural and economic differences prior to project execution. Planners should ensure that capacities and capacitating strategies, in terms of skills and resources to participatory development practitioner are given priority. Similarly policies should stipulate gender analytical components as a must criterion for project approval.
Accessibility and use of family planning information among rural people in kilombero district, tanzania
(University of Dar es Salaam, 2005) Emmanuel ,G
This study investigated accessibility and use of Family Planning Information (FPI) among rural people in Kilombero District, Tanzania. The purpose was to examine the entire infrastructure required for accessing and using FPI in rural settings. The study used survey method for data collection. Data gathering instruments were questionnaires, interview schedule and observation guide. A total of 120 respondents were involved in the survey. These included women and men of reproductive age, Maternal and Child Health (MCH) clinic staff and community health workers. The study revealed that, there is high awareness of the availability of Family Planning Services (FPS), inadequate knowledge of various family planning methods and limited access and use of FPI. This situation is mainly caused by a number of factors which include: ignorance, inconsistent availability of family planning methods, few staff (providers) with limited training, inaccessibility of FPS and patriarchal gender relations. Furthermore, the study found that rural communities access FPI through radio and MCH clinic staff; and there are unequal opportunities between women and men in accessing FPI. The study concludes that the surveyed rural communities are disadvantaged in accessing and using FPI. In addition, family planning knowledge has an influence on the adoption and use of family planning methods. The recommendations made include: provision of more health facilities in rural areas, providing training to family planning providers, raising public awareness of family planning, ensuring constant availability of all the family planning methods, provision of family planning education in schools for both sexes and provision of all the necessary facilities needed for effective dissemination of FPI in the rural settings.
Perceptions of development in rural and urban settings of Morogoro district.
(SOKOINE UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE, 2007) Hishamu H
The study identified perceptions of development of people in the settings of Morogoro, rural and urban areas. The study was conducted in Matombo Division and Morogoro Municipality representing rural and urban areas respectively, where 88 in rural and 104 respondents in urban areas were interviewed. Standard survey research design was used. The information was collected by using structured questionnaire where respondents were visited and interviewed. The study results show that perceptions of the people on development were significantly (P<0.01) associated with the settings in which the people lived. Attributes such as socio-economic opportunities available, stage of socio-economic development of a household and how they influenced perceptions of the people in the two settings. In the rural areas development was perceived in terms of having a productive farmland, obtaining ordinary secondary school education, possessing better farming tools, a radio, a bicycle for own transportation, a house with more than five rooms, participating in the traditional dances, living in the rural areas, and having more power in decision making. In the urban areas development was perceived as having more capital for non farm business enterprises, owning a telephone, having a family, living in the urban areas, and owning a vehicle. Furthermore some indicators of development were not significantly (P>0.05) associated with the settings people lived. These were land ownership where respondents in the two settings aspired to own land and a house. Rather, the type of land ownership was not the same where in the rural areas they preferred clan and public, while in the urban areas they preferred individual ownership. Western cultures were not important in both settings where respondents in both settings saw they were polluting traditional culture.
Community perception of the “opportunities and obstacles to development” participatory planning methodology: the case of Manyoni and Kondoa districts
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2010) Chikongoe . M
The study assessed the community perception of the “Opportunities and Obstacles to Development” participatory planning methodology, which Local Government Authorities adopted for steering community development. It was also assessed if the methodology has resulted into translating desired community participation into practice and providing economic gains. Specifically, the study focused on community opinions on the extent to which the methodology has enhanced participation, the benefits of participation and challenges encountered during implementation of O&OD initiated projects. The research involved seven villages in Manyoni and Kondoa Districts. Cross - sectional research design was employed; multistage sampling technique was used to obtain 190 respondents. Moreover, 25 Facilitating Teams were involved. Structured questionnaires and interview guide were used in collecting primary data. Secondary data were obtained from relevant literature. SPSS version 12.5 used to analyse the data. Results show that 73.7% of the respondents are familiar with the methodology, although it seems that its substance is not known. Also the results show that in Manyoni District the methodology was perceived negatively, while in Kondoa it was perceived positively. On the extent to which the methodology has enhanced community participation, 35.8% of the respondents acknowledged that there are projects initiated by the community and had a role to play in the initiated projects. Community through the methodology also responded to gain tangible and intangible benefits. Challenges which the community encountered were inadequate training on the methodology and reluctance to contribute to the projects in terms of labour and cash. The study recommends the village governments to improve community involvement in formulation and implementation of plans, and regular follow-ups, monitoring and feedback in order to improve the trust between leaders and community members.
The effects of provision of selected services on most vulnerable children in Tanzania: a case of Mtwara district
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2013) Kajiru, R
Despite significant strides made in Tanzania’s National Policy arena by developing national guidelines for community-based care, support and protection for most vulnerable children (MVC), there is little empirical evidence on what works to improve the MVC and their families. The purpose of this study was therefore to assess the effects of provision of selected services on MVC in Mtwara District of the Mtwara Region, Tanzania. Specific objectives were to: identify MVC programmes in the study area; identify the effects of stakeholders participation in provision of selected services on MVC and determine potential for provision of selected services to MVC. Data were collected from 150 respondents, including 120 household heads from four villages in Mtwara District and 30 key informants using questionnaires. researcher’s diary and checklist. Quantitative data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) computer programme and qualitative data were analysed using “content analysis” technique. The study identified MVC programmes in the study area, the effects of stakeholders participation in provision of selected services to MVC and determined the potential for provision of selected sendees to MVC. It was concluded that improving social well being of MVC requires continued analysis of services provided to adopt new quality standards which require long-term commitment on part of all stakeholders. It is therefore recommended that there is a need for programme managers to develop and scale-up effective strategies based on national policies aimed at helping MVC in the study area and beyond. The study also suggested undertaking case studies on effects of provision of MVC services in other parts of the country in order to enable generalisation of the observations.
Local government reform programme (lgrp) and village governance in Mbarali district, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2008) Haule.K. K
This study presents the role of LGRP in village governance for social and economic development to communities in rural areas in Mbarali District Council. The general objective was to explore the impact of LGRP in village governance for the social and economic development of communities in rural areas. The specific objectives were: to examine the extent to which local government reforms has addressed administrative factors of village governance; examine the extent to which the District Council provides support to village governments on village governance in relation to LGRP; examine the extent to which village governments participate in village governance and identify problems which impede better performance of village governance. Cross-sectional research design was employed by using open and closed ended questionnaires from a sample of 120 respondents who were divided into village council members (56), village ordinary people (48), technical people (government employees) working in the village (12). District Officials responsible for LGRP were also consulted as key informants at the district level to gather more information on LGRP. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). Study overall results revealed that 63.3% of people interviewed were satisfied with the village governance as a result of LGRP. The respondents mentioned, for instance; availability of village multiparty elections; increase in government school buildings; participation in decision making; construction of village’s office and permanent employment of VEOs. To the contrary 37.7% of the interviewed people showed dissatisfaction over villages’ governance. The reasons for dissatisfaction included for instance; inadequate number of village council members; inadequate knowledge on leadership by village leaders; inadequate village revenue collection; conflict between village chairpersons and VEOs and lack of motivation to leaders. The study makes policy and operational recommendation to improve good governance at the village and other levels and organs of the District Council.
Women’s contribution towards household food security through non-farming activities in Magu district, Mwanza region, Tanzania.
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2014) Kasuku,Ashura Ayub
The study was conducted in Magu District in Mwanza Region. The overall objective was to assess the contribution of non-farming activities to household food security. The study aimed at identifying and characterizing various non-farming activities performed by women in the study area, determining the extent to which income from non-farming activities was used for food security, comparing food security status of households with and without income from non-farming activities and assessing the contribution of other factors on household food security. Cross sectional research design with structured questionnaire was used to collect primary information from 120 respondents who were randomly selected in four wards of Magu Town, Nyigogo, Kisesa and Kitongosima. Secondary data were obtained from various reports and literature. Study findings showed that many women were involved in petty and low growth business such as selling cooked food, fislr/sardine, vegetables and fruits and other agricultural products. They were also involved in tailoring activities, shops/kiosk, pottery making and selling of charcoal and firewood. The involvement in petty business were justified by limited access to funds, small amount of starting capital required and easy access to entry. About 91.7% of women whose income was more than 200 OOOTsh were food secure. A Comparison on food security between households with and without income from nonfarm confirms that non-farming activities contribute to household food security. The study recommends that, interventions that enhance non-farming activities with high growth need to be designed so as to promote non-farming activities in rural areas.
Community policing as a basis for crime prevention in Tanzania: a case of Morogoro district.
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2014) Johnbosco .J
Tanzania police force reform (TPFR) focused much on the community policing programme so as to reduce incidence of crime and fear of crime; and public safety in the country.Thus, this study was conducted to assess community policing as a basis for crime prevention in Morogoro District, Tanzania. Specific objectives were to: determine how to involve the community in community policing, ascertain community members’ perceptions in community policing and investigate factors affecting performance in community policing. Data were collected from 140 respondents including 120 community member respondents, 20 key informants (including 10 police officers) and various documentary sources using questionnaires, researcher’s diary and checklist. Quantitative data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) computer software and “content analysis” technique was used to analyse qualitative data. The study determined involvement of community in community policing, ascertained community members’ perceptions in community policing and factors affecting performance in community policing. It was concluded that community policing programme is alive in the study villages and communities accept good cooperation with police in reducing crime. It was recommended that the good relationship which prevails between police and community in preventing crimes can only be meaningful through active community engagement that police are able to gain comprehensive understanding of local crime problems and concern so that they can tailor appropriate responses to local circumstances. The study also suggested to undertake studies on community policing as a basis for crime prevention in other parts of the country in order to enable generalization of observations.
Contribution of women development fund to poverty reduction in Geita District, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2010) Ernest, E
Despite the effort made by the government to create good environment for women to access credit for income generation to reduce poverty, reduction of poverty through Women Development Fund (WDF) is not impressive. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to determine the contribution of Women Development Fund to poverty reduction. Specifically, the study was meant to determine the amount of capital and costs for various income generating activities, determine the gross and net revenues from various income generating activities (IGAs), compare the income from IGAs done with credit and other activities done without credit between women who received credit and those who did not, ascertain the impact of some credit factors on overall income, and identify constraints facing income generating activities supported by WDF. Data were collected from a sample of 128 respondents, 64 of whom had received credit and 64 were those who had not. Simple random sampling was used to obtain the desired sample. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Multiple regression model was used to establish the relationship between factors influencing women’s income and gross margin tool was also used to determine the gross margins of women with and without credit in IGAs. The results showed that the average amounts of capital value and costs for various IGAs for recipients and non-recipients were 40 381 57 and 35 881 501 respectively. The amount of capital value of recipients before and after credit were 34 535 750 and 40 381 571 respectively. The average net margin was Tsh 10 530 150 under use of credit while non-credit users obtained an average net margin of Tsh 12 643 136 per annum. The amount of credit received had positive impact on poverty reduction (P=0.062) and it statistically insignificant (p>0.1). Based on the results it is concluded that access to credit by women has positive impact on household welfare. Therefore, it is recommended that policy makers should re-formulate policies that are in favour of WDF and increase the budgetary fund in order to increase the amount of credit provided to women for economic activities.
The role of mobile banking towards improvement of rural livelihoods in Kasulu district, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2016) Damiano, M
The purpose of this study was to examine the role of mobile banking on improvement of rural livelihoods in Kasulu District. Kigoma Region. The study employed the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework. Specifically the study aimed at identifying segments of population using traditional financial services; identifying usage pattern of mobile banking services; identifying the types of transaction performed by mobile banking users and; examined the relationship between the use of mobile banking and improvement of rural livelihoods. Data was collected from a sample of 150 households and 9 key informants. Data analysis employed both descriptive and quantitative methods. The study found that majority of the rural households use mobile banking services to accomplish different livelihoods needs. The main financial services performed through mobile banking are savings, receiving and sending remittances, sending student fees and expenditures and buying airtime. Mobile banking variously contributes to improve rural livelihoods by replacing the need of financial services in rural areas. Mobile banking are highly valued for sending and receiving remittances, access to foods in households, ability to receive money, mobilization of money for social events, emergence and mobilization of money for health services, improved business status, reduced business cost, ability to send money and increases household income via savings. Mobile banking usage is however constrained by lack of awareness of services, no need for the services, difficulty to use and lack of mobile phone. Finally, the study recommends concerted efforts to increase access and usage of mobile banking services in rural areas for expanding access of financial services and sustainable rural livelihoods.
The contribution of wetland ecosystem to community livelihoods: the case of Kilombero district, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2011) Luhanga, Sarah
This dissertation set out to examine the contribution of Kilombero wetlands ecosystem on the livelihoods of adjacent communities. Field survey was conducted in three villages, namely Msolwa Ujamaa, Lungongole and Mkula in the Kilombero district. Statistical analysis and contingent valuation methods were used determine the importance of the wetland on social economic life of the communities, community dependence on the wetland and community action to conserve the wetland. The total sample of 105 heads of the household was randomly drawn to respond to the household level questionnaire and selected elders and village leaders participated in the focus group discussions. Major findings of this dissertation are that, the Kilombero wetland provides substantial benefits to the adjacent communities. The availability of water, fertile land and good infrastructure has supported high paying commercial farming activity of rice and sugar cane. Average income levels are very high compared to other areas in Tanzania. The willingness to pay to conserve the wetland is also high reaching about 40 000 Tanzanian shillings annually which imply a high level of valuation. Further findings are that, wetland resources have significant contribution to the livelihood of the local communities adjacent to the wetlands. Wetland agriculture is the main livelihood activity for more than 86.7% of the wetland adjacent communities. However about 83.8% of the people in Kilombero wetlands acknowledge their income solely depend on wetland resource. The study concluded that, communities living adjacent to Kilombero wetland value the ecosystem for their livelihood. Study draw number of recommendations including; the diversification activity; Need to ensure that there existed community wetland conservation programmes at the village level; Operational technical advices, through researchers and or ward/ village agriculture extension officers, should be up-scaled in timely and appropriate manner. of the community activities in order to reduce the extent of the people engaging in one activity; Need to ensure that there existed community wetland conservation programmes at the village level; Operational technical advices, through researchers and or ward/ village agriculture extension officers, should be up-scaled in timely and appropriate manner.
The impact of divorce on children’s well-being in Morogoro municipality
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2013) Msemwa, Sylvester
Divorce creates big challenges for both parents and children as it affects the children’s well-being. Despite the presence of various literatures on the impact of divorce on children’s well-being, these impacts were not clearly differentiated in terms of age, gender and economic status of the household. Therefore, this study was carried out to examine the impact of divorce on children’s wellbeing in Morogoro municipality. Specifically, the study assessed the children’s perception of divorce, examined the impact of divorce on children’s educational performance, assessed the impact of divorce on children’s food security based on their age, gender and economic status of the household and identified children’s coping mechanism of divorce. Purposive sampling was employed to obtain 120 respondents whereby 20 respondents were obtained from the six (6) wards namely Mazimbu, Mji mpya, Chamwino, Sultan area, Kichangani and Mwembesongo. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics; test of independence (Chi-square) was used to determine said descriptive statistics. A Likert scale was also employed to measure children’s perception on divorce. Variables such as age, gender and economic status of the respondents were significant at (p < 0.05). Various coping mechanisms for children affected by divorce in the aspects of educational performance and food security were identified. Begging from friends and neighbours was the major mechanism for coping with the impact of divorce. The study recommends that governmental and non-governmental organizations help children of divorced families especially those abandoned by their parents. Social welfare departments at district levels should implement the Child Protection Act of 2010 which assists children to access the rights they deserve. At an educational level, children of divorced parents should be considered or given attention by the teachers.
The contribution of warehouse receipt system to creditaccessibility in Babati district, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2020) Marco,Paul
This study examined how Warehouse Receipt System (WRS) has assisted Small Scale Farmers (SSFs) to access credit from financial institutions in Babati district, Manyara region. Experiences from 100 farmers who have used WRS in Qash and Magugu villages were gathered using a structured questionnaire to specifically find: SSF understanding on credit accessibility through WRS, effectiveness of WRS to credit accessibility. Furthermore, checklist was employed to find the number of SSF credited and benefits obtained. Finally, to recommend what should be done to make the system beneficial to a large number of farmers. Purposive technique was used to select two villages and simple random sampling was employed to obtain 100 respondents. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the data. The results indicated that WRS is effective in linking SSF to financial institutions. Three hundred eighty four SSFs in villages of Magugu and Qash were aware of the system and had access to WRS. Ninety nine percent of the respondents had accessed credit from commercial banks. Ninety nine out of 100 respondents reported that credit has a significant role to play in improving livelihood of rural people. Credit accrued enabled 28 respondents in house construction and 24 afforded health and education services. Moreover, 18 respondents had access to agricultural inputs while 12 respondents initiated small business enterprises. These justify encouragement of credit to rural people. The following recommendations were put forward: first, the Government of Tanzania should take a deliberate effort to promote and replicate WRS in other regions by involving a wide range of crop varieties. Second, the government is advised to improve infrastructure (roads) that connect villages, district headquarters to main roads in order to speed up crop production and productivity. Third, to stabilize prices of farm produce to safeguard the SSFs. Credit providers to SSFs are urged to reduce interest rate to encourage SSFs to borrow from them. Adding value to farm produce is of crucial importance to assist farmers to fetch good prices for their produce.
The effect of credit on income: a case of women’s micro projects for poverty alleviation in Shinyanga urban and rural districts
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2000) Mbeiyererwa, Arbogast Gwarbert
Micro-credit funding for women income generating activities is one of the current anti poverty measures that are adopted by many developing countries to alleviate poverty amongst the poor. This study was conducted in Shinyanga region to examine the effectiveness of credit scheme models by this mode of funding to women’s micro projects at the grassroots. Both questionnaire and personal observation methods were used to collect data amongst women beneficiaries in Shinyanga urban and rural area districts. A total of 121 respondents was interviewed, and the collected data were analysed using both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The results show that, credit loans for women micro-projects have an apparent positive effect on the overall income of beneficiaries. But despite this, the credit loans to urban beneficiaries have shown overall poor performance. The variation of performance between the urban and rural beneficiaries was analysed by using the ‘current ratio’ (CR) measure. Thus, the test shows that there is a significant (P < 0.05) association between future sustainability of the micro-projects and the respective respondents’ location (either urban or rural area) - in terms of CR measure. The results also indicate that most of the micro-projects (54.5%) in rural areas have CR > 2. The average CR for the urban and rural area micro-projects were 1.3310 and 7.8250 respectively. This implies that the performance of rural area micro-projects was superior to the urban counterpart. Factors that contributed to this effectiveness include suitable creditiii policies and associated conditions that are flexible and affordable by the poor women at the grassroots. These features are reflected by the size of the loan, the type of projects for the targeted population and the modes of loan repayments. Furthermore, the T test for the difference between means of different group pairs of initial capital shows that there is a greater statistical (P < 0.05) difference between respondents with zero initial capital and those ranging between zero and Tsh.15 000.00 each. Similar results are indicated by the test between respondents with zero initial capital and those with capital ranging between Tsh.49 650. 00 and Tsh. 68 880.00. Basing on the study results it is recommended that, in order to support the poor women at the grassroots credit schemes for poverty alleviation must review their credit policies, so as to meet the conditions of the resource poor. But again, the study has noted that commercial oriented policies that create loan dependants are more likely to worsen the poverty situation irrespective of the location and target factors that are to be addressed. Credit policies can serve the poor when they address the factors that perpetuate poverty in the different localities. Credit agencies therefore, should make necessary reforms and preparations for the schemes before implementation. Among other things, targeting has to identify the real poor by assessing their actual requirements in the context of Tanzania environment.
Impacts of climate change and variability on crop production and its implications to food security: a case of Mvomero district, Tanzania
(University of Dar es Salaam, 2011) Mkonda, Msafiri Yusuph
This study assessed the impacts of climate change and variability on crop production and its implications to food security in Mvomero District, Tanzania. Large part of the study area has already experienced food insecurity. A sample size of 7% of all household heads were sampled at random from the two villages and interviewed through questionnaires. Also; FGD, interview with key informants and participant observation survey were used to collect data. Rainfall and temperature data were collected from Kongwa and Kinyasungwe meteological stations, and from farmers. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 12 and MS-Excel. The analyzed data were presented into tables and figures. Analysis show that the trend based on mean annual rainfall data provide general impression which may not capture actual situation on the ground particularly on droughts and associated crop failures in the field. Hence, the number of wet spells were analysed. The result show that there is no correlation between the amount of rainfall and the number of wet spells.The study area has been recording high rainfall with fewer wetspells and the vice versa. Also, it has been found that a good number of wet spells which are fairly distributed within a growing season is a good determinant factor for better crop production due to sustainabililty of moisture. Also, an increase in temperature leads to severe drought due to evapotranspiration. Severe drought has lead to poor crop yields and subsequently food insecurity. Therefore, to ensure food security; adaptation measures and coping mechanisms are recommended, some of these include; the use of drought resistant crops, irrigation, mixed farming, and implementation of seasonal climate forecasting.
Climate characteristics in Tanzania and its relationship with general circulation and Sea Surface Temperature (SST)
(China University of Geosciences, 2012) Mbululo, Yassin Adam
This study was conducted to examine the climate characteristic of southern highland Tanzania (Latitude 6°S-12°S and Longitude 29°E-38°E). In order to meet the objectives of this study, monthly average rainfall data from Tanzania Meteorological Agency (TMA) and global marine environmental data, which consists gridded monthly sea surface temperature (SST), sea level pressure (SLP) and zonal (U) and meridional (V) wind components from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Earth System Research Laboratory were used. The rainfall data was used to develop Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) which was then used to find correlation with global marine environmental parameters. Wavelet method was used to analyze variations of power within the time series and dominant modes of rainfall variability The study findings revealed that rainfall over the region is linked with SST over the Indian Ocean, where warmer (cooler) western Indian Ocean is accompanied by high (low) amount of rainfall over Tanzania. During wet (dry) years, weaker (stronger) equatorial westerlies and anticyclone (cyclonic) anomaly over the southern tropics act to reduce (enhance) the export of equatorial moisture away from East Africa. Not only that, but also moisture influx from the northeast Indian monsoon has significant influence on the rainfall over the region. During the wet years, strong northeasterly Indian monsoon is evident over most of Tanzania while during the dry year the northeasterly is seen to turn north hence denying moisture influx over Tanzania. In addition, increased (decreased) low level moisture influx from gulf of Guinea and Congo basin tend to occur during the wet (dry) seasons, leading to enhanced (reduced) low level moisture convergence over western part of Tanzania. Results suggest the wettest season in record to be 1978/79 which can be classified as the “Severely wet” and the driest season in record to be 1999/00 which can be classified as “Moderate drought”. Different dominant periodicity modes have been observed over the study period, but two of them seem to be more dominant over the whole study period. These modes of rainfall have been identified at time scale of 2 and 7 years which may be associated with the quasi biennial oscillation (QBO) and El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) respectively. Moreover, key areas over the Ocean have been identified to be in between 5°S-18°S and 58°E-70°E for Indian Ocean and 2°N-17°S, 5°W-IO°E for Atlantic Ocean. The study recommends a closer follow-up on the local variation of SST over these key areas as they can help in forecasting year to year rainfall variability. Also responsible institutions in the government should make use of the findings from this study as a benchmark in improving agriculture sector and vigilance for extreme events.

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