Theses and Dissertations Collection

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://10.10.97.169:4000/handle/123456789/1004

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Assessment of learning tools in the context of different learning approaches: the case of striga biology and management in Dodoma
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2002) Nyankweli,Emmanuel
A study to assess learning tools and approaches for improving fanners’ and other stakeholders’ knowledge as well Dodoma rural, at Chipanga ‘A’ and Mvumi Makulu villages. Striga is a nuisance weed in cereal production and fanners understand it as a primary yield reducer. Despite this fact, there is a general lack of awareness of the problem, especially concerning the biological aspects of Striga. Previous research findings reveal that fanners have little understanding of Striga biology. A multi-phase data collection method was employed whereby 133 respondents were consulted in a scries of focus group discussions, in-depth and key informant interviews. The cut and sort analysis of information transcripts was employed on the evaluation of radio as a learning tool. Training needs for fanners and other stakeholders were assessed and various factors influencing the use of knowledge were explored. The results revealed that farmers and other stakeholders in Tanzania had known Striga before independence. Fanners were noted assigning different names to Striga, which reflects the nature of the weed and its effect on crops. They were able to describe the types of soils where Striga is prevalent as well as some control measures. However most of the farmers control Striga by hand hoe weeding and uprooting since their social economic conditions do not fit the new methods. Moreover fanners and other stakeholders have indicated that Striga does not only attack the fields of economically poor farmers, but rather cuts across all groups regardless of their economical status and the weed has potential to increase and spread to as understanding of Striga biology was carried out in performed. Also SPSS was neighbouring fanners, distant fanners as well as non-governmental organisations. No loaming tool was taken as superior to others in conveying knowledge to farmers, rather the suggestion is to use a combination of learning tools and approaches to meet this crucial goal. Nevertheless, most (about 60 percent) farmers in Dodoma niral do not have radios and a similar proportion farmers confessed that they never heard of any agricultural programme through the radio. About ninety per cent of the farmers had never heard about Striga through the radio. The study recommends the use community theatres and competent resource fanners to send across messages concerning Striga. It also recommends initiating radio farm forums in future as this approach has potential to reach many farmers in the niral population
Liberalized market conditions and effects of informal cross border trade on women traders’ wellbeing at Sirari border, Tarime district, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture., 2014) Nkaina Robi Elizabeth
The main purpose of the study was to assess whether the liberalized market conditions (in the East African Community (EAC) known as Custom Union (CU) protocols) have helped women informal cross border traders (WICBTs) to improve their wellbeing or not. The specific objectives were to: assess the socio-economic characteristics of women who were involved in ICBT, assess women traders’ awareness on liberalized market conditions, examine the push factors for women involvement in ICBT, identify challenges faced by WICBTs and lastly to investigate on the effects of ICBT on women traders’ income. A snowball sampling procedure was employed to obtain 100 respondents at Sirari border. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) Observation and Key informant interviews. Data were analysed through quantitative approaches using SSPS. The major findings from the study show that most of the WICBTs were not aware of liberalized market conditions (EAC Custom Union protocols). Consequently, most of them were unable to maximize their profit from informal cross border trade. The increase of goods penetration from different East African countries by big traders of different value and price limited women’s informal businesses running. Although women traders, to some extent, accessed trading resources needed for ICBT, they hardly controlled the same resources due to lack of financial resources. The findings show that many women traders are in dilemma to choose a safer category between the formal and informal cross border because the two categories face almost the same challenges.
Quality of education of secondary schools under secondary education development program (sedp). The case of Karagwe district, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2010) Paulin,Paul
The main objective of this study was to analyze the quality of education of secondary schools established under Secondary Education Development Program (SEDP) in comparison to private schools in Karagwe District. Specifically the study determined the perception of community members (students, teachers, and parents) toward public ward secondary schools; also a comparison of academic performance between public ward and private secondary schools in rural and urban areas was made. Teaching practices and environment that promote quality of education in schools were also examined. It was an exploratory study which used a cross-sectional approach. The study was carried under two phases. Phase one of the study involved pilot study and the second phase involved structured questionnaire surveys which used as the major tool for data collection. Other instruments used were interview and observation schedules, likert scale. Focus Group Discussion (FGDs) checklist and documentary review. The study was carried in eight secondary schools purposefully selected out of 46 secondary schools in Karagwe District. Four of the selected schools were under SEDP while the other four were private schools. It involved 377 respondents who were purposefully and randomly sampled. The Statistical Package for Social Science was used to analyze quantitative data whereas Content Analysis was used for qualitative data. The study reveals that all community members (students, teachers and parents) had positive attitude toward ward secondary schools. The study findings reveal that the quality of education in public ward and private secondary schools was relatively poor. However, the study reveals that active and participatory teaching and learning methods were not frequently used, in all schools. The study also highlighted teaching environment for improving the provision of quality education. Finally the study highlighted practical recommendations on different educational stakeholders.
Socio-economic and cultural problems facing female Students’ performance in secondary schools: a case of schools in Temeke municipality, Tanzania.
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2011) Msigwa,Walter Joseph
The study on socio-economic and cultural problems facing female students' performance in secondary schools was conducted in Temeke Municipality. In spite of measures taken by key stakeholders including the government and the NGOs in Tanzania the problem of poor academic performance is still unsolved inTemeke Municipality. The overall objective of the study was to assess socio-economic and cultural problems facing female students in secondary school education in Temeke Municipality. The specific objectives were to examine female students learning environment at school, to identify socioeconomic and cultural problems that female students face in home environment and to identify strategics needed to address female students' socio-economic and cultural problems in secondary education. The cross sectional research design was adopted in this study. Four community secondary schools were randomly selected. In each selected school secondary 30 students were randomly selected. Data were collected using structured questionnaires for students, focus group discussion and key informant interview. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 12.0 version computer software program. The results showed that, information on socio-economic and cultural problems that face female students were the root cause for poor academic performance in their secondary education. Among these were verbal harassment such as use of abusive languages, discrimination, living far from school premises, traditional ceremonies, having pre-marital sex and poor economic status of parents. There is a need of providing more education/information to the community and parents on the factors leading to poor performance of female students in secondary education.
Factors causing low response of Maasai parents and girls’ students towards secondary school education in Monduli District- Arusha Region
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2008) Minde,Josephine Joseph
Provision of equality in education at all levels is central in achieving development in any society. However, in Maasai land this situation is limited due to low response of Maasai parents and girls students towards secondary school education. The problem burdens this community and the nation at large in provisions of girls’ access to Secondary Education (SE). Inspitc of government and NGOs efforts to address the issue, the problem is still persisting throughout pastoralist areas. If factors that cause low response of Maasai parents and girls towards secondary education are not examined there is a danger of gender inequality in terms of access to education. The overall objective of this study was to determine factors causing low response of Maasai parents and girls students towards secondary education in Monduli district aiming to generate empirical information on strategies to address the problem. A sample size of 125 respondents was used. Interview with key informants and individual in-depth interview were also employed. The data analysis involved use of Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Study findings show that low response towards SE was influenced by parents’ education, occupation and marital status. Socio-cultural factors such as norms, values and nomadic life also limit access of girls' SE. Parents support and communication to their daughters was low in education issues. Large number of children residing in a Boma was recognised as a ’ factor for the low response in educating girls although girls students attitude towards SE was noted to be positive. The study recommends creating awareness to Maasai parents in order to increase girls’ enrolment in SE. This could be done through sensitization programmes that promote girls’ access to education and adult education, cross sectional research design using open and close ended questionnaires from a bound by cultural beliefs that restrict girls education. The government should develop special policies, programmes and strategies (raising awareness on the importance of girls education to both parents and local leaders) to address the shortfall through current findings.
Perceptions of secondary school girls on the influence of traditional cultural practices on school dropout in Bagamoyo district
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2014) Mbaga,Julieth
This study determined the perceptions of secondary school female students of the influence of traditional cultural practices on school dropouts in Bagamoyo District. It specifically, aimed at describing the various traditional cultural practices in the study area; assessing the attitudes of secondary school female students on how traditional cultural practices influence attendance; and assessing social economic factors influencing female students’ attitudes towards traditional cultural practices which lead to school dropout. A cross-sectional research design was employed using a questionnaire and a checklist. This study was conducted in 8 secondary schools in Bagamoyo which were purposively selected due to their high school dropout rates and simple random sampling was used to obtain 144 respondents within schools and later on 16 female dropouts were selected using snowball technique. The total sample size was 160 respondents. Quantitative data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16. Descriptive statistics that is, frequencies and percentage were obtained in accordance with the objectives of the study. Qualitative data from focus group discussions and key informant interviews were analyzed using structural content analysis. The Likert scale was used to measure attitudes in objective two and the analysis was done through descriptive statistics. Chi-square test was used to find association between socio-economic factors and attitudes of female students in objective three. Results showed that different traditional cultural practices led into girls dropping out of school. These include doing domestic chores, pregnancies, participation in initiation ceremonies, involvement in sexual intercourse, and different traditional cultural practices to ladies. Majority of the female students in the study area have negative attitude towards traditional cultural practices which lead to dropping out of school. On the other hand, participation in the practices was due to the influence of society and parents/guardians. There was also association between socio- economic factors and attitude of students. The study recommends that education stakeholders should discourage traditional cultural practices in the study area which influence girls to drop out of school.
Vocational training and employment opportunities: a case of Mtwara region
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2010) Ngulyamali,Mohamed Bakari
The study was conducted in Mtwara district. Mtwara Region to examine the current status and future utility of vocational training in PPTCs and graduate's access into the labour market. A cross-sectional study was applied. A sample of 120 respondents was interviewed. questionnaires, were used for collecting data. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). Descriptive analysis employed the use of frequencies and percentage. The study revealed that, majority of vocational graduates has secured employment in informal economy through self-employment in carpentry, tailoring and bricklaying. The study also found that only 13% accounted for female graduates in vocational skills. Less number of women joins vocational training in rural areas. Besides vocational training in Post Primary Technical Centers are faced with lack of skilled vocational instructors, working tools and materials and insufficient food provision. It was concluded that vocational training had contributed highly in enabling vocational graduates in securing self-employment in Mtwara. The study recommends that, stakeholders of vocational training to mobilize training inputs including, physical, financial, and human resource to improve trainees' quality learning and performance, mobilize females to join vocational training and provide working tools to graduates as initial capital as well as establish association of service providers and SACCOS as a means for accessing to microfinancing institutions.
Improving community participation in supporting most vulnerable children: case study of children petty hawkers /vendors in Morogoro municipality
(Sokoine University of Agriculture., 2009) Njawa Dismas Robert
Community participation is active and genuine involvement by community in defining issues of concern to them, deciding priorities for action, formulating policies to address them, designing plans, implementing, managing and monitoring solutions and evaluating outcome. Good community participation starts in the early stages of life during which individuals children develop the skills and knowledge necessary to function within their culture and environment. This study explores achievement made in using community participatory approach to children hawkers in Morogoro Municipality. Specific objectives were to determine the main socioeconomic aspect of community participatory approach to support children petty hawkers, to investigate factors for increase on number of children petty vendors and to determine socio-economic condition that may lead to the reducing of children petty hawkers. The study was carried out in Morogoro Municipality. A cross sectional design was adopted. A representative sample of 100 respondents was drawn from a sampling frame. The SPSS was used for data analysis. The study shows that there is an effect over lack of community participation in children petty hawkers. Children who engage in business lack community care. The children petty hawkers develop a deviant behavior which leads the community not to care for their social services needs. This makes the children develop a group of their own age with a unique behaviour. The study shows that the major forces for the community participation failing to help children are due break of down moral and copying western style life. It also shows that the major forces for the children to engage in petty business are the breakdown of the family, death of the parents, peer group pressure and poverty. The study recommends that there is a need to have a comprehensive and implementation policy on the community and family and how to empower these families economically and morally.
Contribution of vocational education in poverty reduction in Mufindi District, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2007) Nzali,Agnes Stephen
The study was conducted in Mufindi district, Iringa region, Tanzania to determine the contribution of vocational education in poverty reduction among Vocational Education and Training (VET) graduates. The study adopted a cross sectional design by using a questionnaire with both open and closed ended questions from a sample size of 120 respondents (60 women and 60 men) who have completed vocational training in the past three to ten years. Data analysis was done using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) in which Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was done to determine socio-economic status of the respondents* households. Key findings indicate that the majority (29.2%) of the respondents were engaged in tailoring activities followed by motor vehicle mechanics (20%). The mean income of VET graduates was Tshs. 102 775 per month with the minimum income of Tshs.18 000 and the maximum income of Tshs. 700 000 per month. Their mean income implies that the majority of the respondents earn income above the minimum government salary, which is Tshs. 80 000 per month. Results from the study also reveal that female VET graduates in Mufindi district earn less income compared to male graduates. The mean income of male graduates was found to be Tshs.119 216.67 while that of female was Tshs. 86 333.33. This is to say men eam 30.1% more than women. The difference was also found to be statistically significant at p < 0.05. However, there was no significant association between income and type of skill, duration of training and form of training (p revealed that 20.8% of the respondents’ households were poorest while 19.2% of them were better off. Major problems faced by respondents were inadequate capital > 0.05). Study findings also iii and high taxes charged for their enterprises. It education contributes a lot in poverty reduction among VET graduates in Mufindi district. Since capital was found to be the main constraint to VET graduates the study recommends that district councils and vocational training centres should help to link them with micro-financing institutions, which can provide them with credit facilities. If possible revolving loan funds should be established for the graduates and link with savings components. This will enable them acquire working capital easily and hence expand their enterprises.
Challenges facing female students in secondary schools in Tanzania: a case study of Morogoro urban
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2011) Shirima,Andrew Omari
This study investigated challenges that secondary school female students face in Tanzania particularly in Morogoro Urban. It specifically aimed at: (i) examining female students learning environment, (ii) assessing problems that female students face and (iii) examining coping strategies that are currently adopted to address female students’ challenges. Using cross-sectional research design the study was undertaken using checklists, structured and standardised questionnaires as well as personal observation. Using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social sciences version 11.5), descriptive statistics were obtained that is, frequencies and percentages in undertaken in four secondary schools in Morogoro urban that were randomly selected, namely: Kigurunyembe, Malati, Kihonda and Kayenzi secondary schools. The entire sample size of the population was 101 respondents whereby 16 students (8 females and 8 males) were randomly selected from each school and 8 teachers (4 females and 4 males) from all four schools. Key informants were the four heads of the schools and to various challenges were found, namely: long distances, insufficient learning materials, domestic chores that result to wastage of time, vulnerability to HIV/AIDS and pregnancies. Il was as well found that, abortions, sexual relations with teachers favours from passing cars and commute buses were some of coping strategies that sometimes problems in themselves. The study recommends that, gender-friendly learning environment be facilitated whereby all education stakeholders and the entire one Municipal education officer. Major problems facing female students that result so as to get favours as well as renting rooms closer to schools and seeking transport accordance with the objectives of the study. The study was are adopted to address problems that female students face, strategies that are iii community fulfil their responsibilities individually and collectively. It further recommends that, teachers’ working conditions be improved to make the profession other carreers.
Determinants of teachers’ turnover in public secondary schools in Kahama district, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2013) Rwamatunguru,Ephraim Kaijuko
Although the government has been addressing turnover of teachers in Tanzania with concerted efforts, the turnover is still occurring in public secondary schools. The study was done to determine the extents to which various factors influence turnover study was conducted to: determine the magnitude of turnover; explore factors which influence teachers’ turnover; and determine associations between various factors for turnover and turnover itself. It was hypothesized that the chances of turnover are not the same for teachers with various factors, including financial, socio-cultural, organizational and personal. A total of 120 respondents with a teaching profession background were involved in the study. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.0. whereby the analytical model was binary logistic regression. In the model, the dependent variable was teachers’ turnover where: “no turnover” (0) and “turnover” (1). The findings showed that the magnitude of teachers’ turnover from secondary schools was 7%; relatively low salary payment being the leading factor and was significantly associated with turnover at the 0.1% level of significance (p < 0.001). Using a chi-square test; and, using binary logistic regression, the impact of security status at working and living places of teachers on the chances of turnover occurring was significant (B = -0.849, Wald statistics = 4.006, p = 0.045). In view of these findings, it was concluded that teachers’ turnover is high in Kahama District and influenced by many factors to quit the teaching job, the main ones being low security status at working and living places of teachers and relatively low salary payments. Based on this conclusion, secondary schools should be improved regularly to meet living standards that keep on changing.
Poverty and absenteeism of primary school pupils of Mvomero district, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2009) Matiu,Asia
It was reported by Regional Education Officer that about 30% of total pupils enrolled in Mvomero District primary schools do not complete Standard seven due to chronic absenteeism. The overall average pupils’ attendance to school was 68% of total school days (198) per term in year 2006. The general objective of the study was to assess the association that existed between poverty and absenteeism of primary school pupils in the study area. Specifically, the study sought to measure attitude of pupils towards education in the area; identify the income and non income poverty variables which contribute to absenteeism and describe relationship between poverty and pupils’ absenteeism. 120 pupils stratified into two groups of regular attendees and regular absentees were selected. Survey design employed, and stratification, purposive and random sampling methods was used. The schools were Kipera, and Mlali, of Mlali Ward; Miembeni, and Mvomero of Mvomero Ward. The questionnaire, interview schedule, documentary review and check list were employed to collect data.the data was analysed by SPSS in which frequency distribution, cross tabulation, likerty scale and logistic regression model used assess the relationship with independent variables. The correlation between independent variable was significant at 91.3% The results found that, pupils from poor housing condition attending schools low income and large family sizes were five, one, and 0.05 more times likely to be absentees than their counterpart group The factors associated with absenteeism were all those factors associated with low socio-economic status and hence explaining the linkage between the household socio-economic conditions with increased rate of absenteeism observed among pupils. Therefore, it is recommended that improvement of socio-economic statuses of the parents could help alleviate the problem of absenteeism of pupils
Assessing good governance in local government authorities in Tanzania: the status of corruption in Mvomero district council
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2007) Marcossy,Albanie Mathew
This independent study intended to establish the status of corruption in Mvomero District • Council with cross-reference to other LGAs. from the perception of the local people, and propose practical approaches/ appropriate nature of LGAs-stakeholders interactions through which Councils could fully play their role in fighting corruption and enhance good governance in their areas of jurisdiction. Further streamlining led to the general goal of establishing the status of corruption in Mvomero District Council and the possible practical approaches to redress the situation. Cross-reference data collected from other LGAs gave a general picture of the state of good governance in LGAs in Tanzania and therefore lead to the broader application of the findings. Whereas 93.30% of the respondents have shown to be aware of the term good governance. 22.90% of the respondents have participated either themselves and/ or members of their households in corruption with local government officials when seeking for various services. Whereas this report may imply that almost one person in four residents is corrupt in Mvomero District there is also a room for underreporting of the event: local people are very weary of pointing to the corrupt and or admitting themselves to have participated in the wrongdoing they are so well aware of. Inquiries through open-ended questions reveals that local peoples' participation in corruption is even more worse. Although factual and statistical evidences that corruption is rampant in Tanzania are difficult to obtain, many indications of general trends and particular scandals observed are enough to lead to a conclusion here that corruption is not only rampant in the LGAs in Tanzania but is also in the increase. If LGAs are to promote good governance, there is nothing left, but to put into action measures that will check this ever-rising trend of corruption.
Assessment of quasi-formal credit for poverty reduction: a case of women and youth development fund Nachingwea district, Lindi – Tanzania.
(Sokoine University of Agriculture., 2007) Mwailafu, Thomas Edwin Mujemaso
A study on assessment of quasi-formal credit on poverty reduction was carried out in Nachingwea district focusing on Women and Youths Development Fund (WYDF) as a case study. The study was prompted by inefficient of income generating activities towards poverty reduction a part from good environment for micro-credit services. The general objective of the study was to assess the contribution of quasi-formal credit on poverty reduction in the study area; specifically the study first, sought to investigate the operational procedures and performance of WYDF. Secondly, the study examined the target beneficiaries under WYDF. Thirdly, the study intended to identify factors that influence credit accessibility by borrowers from WYDF and fourthly, the study examined the contributions of credit on income and the livelihood of borrowers from WYDF. A cross- sectional research design was adopted. A structured questionnaire was used to collect primary data from a sample of 102 respondents obtained through multi stage sampling technique. SPSS 11.5. was used to analyze the data. Study findings show that there was inadequate facility in meeting credit needs of women and youths in Nachingwea District. WYDF programme has limited scope and experienced serious operational inefficiencies. Lending procedures, conditions and target beneficiaries differ significantly. Findings also revealed that there is positive impact of credit to household income and livelihood. T-test indicates that there is significant difference between credit users and non-users in relation to income levels and value of household assets. The study recommended first that critical screening of target beneficiaries should be done. Second, Ministries responsible for the fund should make WYDF operate with minimal dependence on the district council. Third, credit policy should link the WYDF programme to formal financial institutions.
The contribution of women development fund (WDF) to poverty reduction in Moshi rural District, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture., 2010) Mganga Heri David
The main objective of this study was to determine the contribution of Women Development Fund (WDF) to poverty reduction. Data were collected from six wards of Moshi Rural District and from the District Community Development Office offering small scale credit from WDF to women in the District. The specific objectives were to determine the level of awareness of intended beneficiaries on WDF, to examine the procedures, requirements and transaction costs for accessing loans from WDF, to examine how the credit received has been utilized, to compare the number of assets owned and housing condition before and after receiving credit from WDF and between those who have accessed credit from WDF and those who have not. 120 women (60 borrowers and 60 non borrowers), were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. The analysis was carried out using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) computer software where means, frequencies and percentages were established. The cross tab computer sub program was also applied to determine relationships between and among variables. T-test was also run to compare socio-economic status of borrowers and non borrowers based on asset index. The results show that there is a significant difference in assets owned and therefore socio economic status between beneficiaries of the credit from WDF and non beneficiaries. The study revealed that women can borrow and use credit to improve their lives, but the main problems are lack of awareness on the existence of WDF and lack of business skills which obstruct their opportunity of benefiting from the WDF. From the study the following are recommended: - training on how to benefit from credit fund should be given to all beneficiaries and not only to group leaders, the government should cover the costs of food and transport to the beneficiaries who are attending the training workshops, seminars and similar sessions to reduce the loan transaction costs for the intended beneficiaries.
The impact of road transport on agricultural production: in Morogoro District, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture., 2008) Msangya Benedicto
Tanzania economy depends much on agriculture as its main stay, but still rural farmers suffer from poor road transport and high cost of transport of products to markets. Problems in transport sector affect agricultural production in two ways. Firstly, the time and energy spent on transport related activities reduce labour productivity because the transport charges have led the price of fertilizers to be very high, hence reduces the profits which labour could get. Secondly, increased market costs as a result of inadequate and poorly maintained roads that are passed on to the farmers in terms of low farm -gate price. In many food-growing areas, crops are carried in many kilometers by head to the assembly markets or roadsides. Despite the efforts made by the government concerning road transport, still there is inadequate agricultural production in rural areas. Because of this structure of human settlement and production, road transport system assumes an extraordinarily important role in the economic development of an area. The study evaluates the impact of road transport on agricultural production. It was conducted at Mikese, Kiroka, Kinole and Mkambarani wards located in Morogoro District. It involved 100 respondents who were household members; other participants include government officials and political leaders. Data were collected through structured questionnaire as a major tool for data collection. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyze data. The results reveal transport improvements are thus critical for rural development and poverty reduction. The link and impact lies in the fact that improved transportation improves access to economic opportunities by reducing transport costs. It also ensures increased agricultural productivity, opens up room for participation in non agricultural activities through time saving effects, eases accessibility to markets and social services, and links the rural sector to the rest of the economy.
A gendered analysis of vulnerability to climate change among smallholder farmers: the case of Same district
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2013) Mnimbo, Tatu Said
Climate change has gendered differentiated impact and vulnerability. The main objective of this study was to examine the impact of climate change on small holder farmers and their gendered differentiated vulnerability in Same District. Specific objectives of the research were; i) to determine a gendered perception of climate change and variability; ii) to analyse climate change and variability impacts on livelihoods; to determine differentiated gender roles associated with smallholder livelihoods and iv) to assess vulnerability among men and women to climate change. The study was conducted in Makanya and Hedaru wards in Same District. A cross sectional research design was adopted. A representative sample of 120 respondents was randomly drawn. Both qualitative and quantitative methods for data collection were used. Likert scale was also used to address perception on climate change. The methods used under qualitative data collection were Focus Group Discussion, Key informants Interview and field observation while quantitative data were collected through questionnaire survey. The Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) Version 12.0 was used for data analysis. Results show that through socially constructed roles and responsibility, women seem to bear the most burdens from climate change impact. About 90% of households farm work was perceived to be women roles. It was also noted that the perception was different basing on gender. Great proportion of women (95%) associated climate change to spiritual power. This shows their limited knowledge as climate change is not associated with spiritual beliefs. It was also found that in trying to cope to climate change women become more vulnerable as household men members migrate to urban areas. It was also found that livelihoods have also changed as a result of climate impact. Farmers have been more involved with off farm activities as crop farming has become unsustainable.
Climate change coping strategies for household food security in Singida district
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2009) Mngale, Abel Stanley
Climate change has threatened Singida district for several years since the 1970s. Fluctuations of drought and heavy rain are experienced by individual household members. This has brought some adverse effects on social and economic life of the people. Despite the effort made by the government to raise the living standard of people, food insecurity has been one of the major setbacks to this effort. The major cause of the food insecurity is climate change among other factors. The main objective of this study was to assess climate change coping strategies developed and used by the farmer to sustain household food security particularly from the brunt effect brought by climate change. This will help to assist in enriching the existing and forthcoming policies on climate change and food security and assist in providing an insight on how to deal with the impact of climate change. Specific objectives used included; assessing the extent of farmers perception on climate change, examine how the main alteration in the agricultural practices are associated with climate change, evaluating the relationship between changed planting systems and household food security, and examine indigenous practices associated with grain yield relevant to climate change. A cross sectional research design was used. The study involved 180 sampled people. A structured questionnaire and FGDs were employed in data collection. Seven independent variables were modeled against dependent variables using linear regression model. The findings show that the coping strategies adopted by farmers include, buying food after selling livestock, selling of the family labour, buying from off-farm money, changing planting date, and the use of wild sources of food. The study recommends that tree planting, rain water harvesting, crop diversification, drought tolerant seeds and carrying out inventory of wild plant used as source of food during adverse effect of climate change should be paid special attention.
Women’s perception of cultural factors that contribute to their poverty: a case of Bariadi district
(Sokoine University of Agriculture., 2008) Mosha Augustine Abraham
This study was conducted in Bariadi district with the objective of investigating cultural factors that are perceived to contribute to poverty among women in rural areas. The specific objectives were: to find out how women in rural areas perceive poverty; to identify cultural factors which are perceived to be contributing to women’s poverty; to identify and explain efforts made by women with respect to poverty alleviation. An interview schedule and checklist of questions were used to collect data. Population for this study comprised women aged 18 years and above who were randomly selected from six villages. Ten respondents were randomly selected from each village. A total of 60 women aged 18 years and above from 6 villages were interviewed. Most of the respondents were aware of what poverty is and the major causes of poverty, according to them, were lack of education; lack of freedom due to oppressive traditional, norms and customs; and lack of land and other resources which are very essential for production. The respondents argued that oppressive traditions norms and customs hinder women’s efforts in fighting against their poverty in rural areas. The respondents suggested that support from government, NGOs and other stakeholders are important to make sure that oppressive traditions and norms which are against women are abolished. The study recommend among others that, girls being given opportunities to go for the higher level, of education so that they are not deprived of getting suitable education for their wellbeing; the Government should establish strict law & punislunents that will make sure widows are not oppressed and suppressed by traditions, norms and customs which subject women into poverty; and Government should help widows in the formation of widows’ associations particularly in rural areas, to advance their interests and rights.
The role of women’s savings and credit groups in the alleviation of poverty in Eastern part of Arumeru district, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2005) Mongi Maria.John
This study presents the role of women’s savings and credit groups in the alleviation of poverty in eastern part of Arumeru District. The overall objective was to assess the extent to which women’s savings and credit groups contribute to alleviating poverty at the household level. The specific objectives were; to identify women’s savings and credit groups, compare the level of well being among members and non members of women’s savings and credit groups, identify socio-economic and socio-cultural constraints encountered by women’s savings and credit groups in their efforts towards alleviating poverty, determine whether the activities performed by women’s savings and credit groups are sustainable. Cross-sectional research design was adopted by using open and closed ended questionnaires from a sample size of 100 respondents (50 women’s savings and credit group members and 50 non group members). Other information on savings and credit were gathered from selected key informers. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Study results revealed that women who were members of savings and credit groups had a higher income which implied that the effectiveness of credit on poverty alleviation is higher among the women’s savings and credit group members compared to non members. Impact of credit on poverty alleviation was positive among all the recipients of credit: assets, income and savings increased. About (92%) of members respondents were confident that their activities would be sustainable even if lending to them stopped since their capital had grown and they had some savings and entrepreneurial skills. All these together have -confirmed the improvement of individual members productivity and hence improving the livelihood of group’s members. The study recommends that formal, semi-formal, informal micro finance institutions and an individual moneylender to continue lending credits to poor women but while controlling various lenders, activities and borrowers related factors that may reduce credit effectiveness among borrowers. For more effectiveness of the role played by women credit recipients on poverty alleviation, credit providers are urged to review from time to time their policies for credit provision with more attention to amounts of credit provided, interest rates charged, and grace periods allowed for various activities.

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