Theses and Dissertations Collection
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Item Attitudes of tutors towards hiv/aids in teachers training colleges in Dar es salaam and coast regions, Tanzania(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2009) Kitundu,AgnessTutors have been given a major role in creating awareness of HI V/AIDS and in ensuring that young people have the knowledge and skills to protect themselves. Although efforts have been taken by the government and non- government institutions to address these issues, the problems are still rapidly increasing in the schools and colleges throughout the country. This research is on attitudes towards H1V/AIDS in teachers’ training colleges under the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training (MOEVT). This cross sectional study used both qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques. The quantitative data was derived from a sample size of 75 respondents aged between 25 and 55 years using administered questionnaires. Data was collected using different techniques. The qualitative data collection techniques used were Focus Group Discussion, in depth interviews with key informants and, finally, documentary review. Data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The key findings indicate that tutors have high knowledge of prevention and awareness of transmission on HIV/AIDS but there was low indication on condom use. The reason behind the low condom use can be explained by the socio-cultural influence on the attitudes of the tutors. In addition, other factors contributing towards low condom use include the influence of the mass media, inadequate life skills, attitudes towards voluntary counselling and HIV/AIDS testing. On the basis of these findings, the study recommends to MOEVT and other stakeholders to develop strategies aiming at promoting awareness of tutors on HIV/AIDS issues. These strategies include; promotion of tutors’ participation in sexual education programs. Policy and program approaches should include the provision of adequate access to full and correct reproductive health information to these tutors.Item Mainstreaming gender issues in poverty alleviation interventions: a case study of Missungwi income and food security project in Missungwi district, Mwanza(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2004) Kasese,SekundaThis study presents mainstreaming gender issues in poverty alleviation interventions. The interventions by Cooperation Assistance Relief Everywhere in Tanzania (CARE (T)). The specific objectives were to examine if CARE (T) mainstreams gender issues in it’s poverty alleviation interventions, to identify factors influencing participation of women and men in CARE (T) supported poverty alleviation activities, to compare the levels of women and men participation in CARE (T) supported activities for poverty alleviation and to determine the well-being of project members contributed by Missungwi Income and Food Security project in Missungwi District. A cross sectional research design was used to collect data using structured questionnaires administered to both project and non-project members. A representative sample of 114 respondents was drawn from the sampling frame. The data collected was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) computer software. Study results reveal that MIFOSE project was the major contributor to the improvement of members and their families’ well being. Some of the contributions by MIFOSE project include improved income of the members through savings mobilization and credit delivery and more awareness and knowledge towards development issues. Further more, the results show that MIFOSE project involved both women and men in poverty alleviation initiatives mainly through savings mobilization and credit delivery, training on improved fanning and on selection, planning and management of small businesses. Participation of women and men in project activities was significantly who were involved in poverty alleviation initiatives participated at all levels but the participation of women was very minimal. Based on the cunent study the following associated with their awareness in poverty, income and food security. Men and women overall objective was to assess gcndcr-mainstrcaming issues in poverty alleviation iii conclusion and recommendations were made; MIFOSE project mainstreamed gender in it’s interventions by involving both women and men but the participation of women in decision making, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of project activities was very minimal. It is recommended that the MIFOSE project should adopt designing/planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of poverty alleviation initiatives. The project should ensure full and equal involvement of both men and women in relevant training. The training should be backed up with confidence and self-awareness building. MIFOSE project and other rural development agencies should assist rural people to secure capital or loans to enable them to join the project. One way of doing this can be by offering credits with substantial reduction of collateral needs, low interest levels and soft repayment terms.Item Trends of involvement in sports activities in the formal education system in Tanzania(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2010) Madaha, Deogratius AugustineSport is a highly organised game with codified rules nationally or internationally recognized. Sport is an alternative way to psychosocial development aiming at improving community welfare. This study was aimed at exploring the relationship between involvement in sports activities and formal education in Tanzania. A retrospective study was conducted at SUA and UDSM. A total of 152 respondents were randomly selected of which 7 were Academicians, 36 were Administrative staff and 109 were students. Significantly higher number of staff and students were engaged in sports activities when they were in secondary schools than higher education levels (P<0.05). The overall trend of involvement in sports activities at various levels of education has shown that involvement in soccer was 45.5%. 18.5% in netball, 19.7% in volleyball, 17.8% in basketball and 7.9 in athletics. It has also been shown that there has been early retirement in strenuous sports activities like athletics and late retirement in less strenuous sports activities like volleyball. Generally, there was a decline in the number of respondents involved in sports activities as individuals advanced to higher education levels. This decline has been associated with the increase in the age of the respondents and the type of sport activity involved. The respondents’ perception towards sports facilities and availability of time has been perceived as bad while at primary' school level, time involvement in sports activities is seen at the secondary schools level, it is therefore concluded that, the trend of involvement in sports activities is affected by levels of education, and age. Greater emphasis should be put on involvement in sports in the education system so as to enhance development by reducing some risk behaviours. was perceived to be available. Considering the fact that the highest level ofItem Time resource management and secondary school students’ performance in Tanzania: A case of Dodoma region(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2003) Malila, Mwabless Nelsonresponsibilities to stakeholders. Time management in secondary schools depends on school administration, teachers and students. With this reality therefore the relationship between time resource management and students’ performance is decisive in educational planning and quality improvement. This study investigated time resource management and its impacts on students’ performance. Specifically the study examined the extent to which utilisation of time allocated for teaching and learning has any impact on students’ scores. The study involved 28 teachers and 102 Form Three students randomly sampled from nine secondary schools in Dodoma region. The study was conducted by using structured questionnaire as a major tool for data collection. Non participatory observation, in-depth interviews and secondary sources were used to gather supplementary information. The statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) was used to analyse data generated by questionnaires. The study revealed existence of time wastage in schools and positive correlation between wise use of time and negative correlation between misused learning time and students performance. The most important factors determining students’ performance encompasses subjects teachers quality, numbers of teachers in schools, learning environment, time spent by teachers and students in learning process per week, students readiness, attendance and distance to school. Students’ performance reflected time management levels and practices that prevail in schools. Majority students both in rural and urban schools scored ‘C’ grades in average followed by ‘D’ grade scores in National Form Two examinations. The study concludes that there is inadequacy of consciousness on effective time resource utilisation in secondary schools. Abuse of time has negative impact on students’ performance. The study recommends that, heads of schools should make sure that school activities are carried out as per schedules. Schools Recent developments in resources management advocate empowerment and iii should periodically evaluate the way spend time located for various activities. Employers should motivate teachers so as to manage well time resource in schools. Teachers’ quality should constantly be improved. Schools should also establish a culture of valuing time asItem Performance of group based semi-formal credit on sustainable livelihoods of micro entrepreneurs: a case study of pride Tanzania(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2008) Luoga, Venceslaus PatrickThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of group based credit services and its implications on the micro-entrepreneur’s livelihood. Specifically the study aimed at (i) identifying socio-economic factors that determine the loan acquisition from group- based credit services by the micro-entrepreneurs; (ii) investigating the loan repayment performance within the group and to credit provider and (iii) assessing the impact of credit on the livelihoods of micro-entrepreneurs. Data were collected from a sample of 120 micro-entrepreneurs in Iringa District who were beneficiaries of PRIDE Tanzania. Random sampling technique was used to select the respondents. Data analysis employed both descriptive and quantitative methods. The study revealed that majority of micro entrepreneurs were females. The main source of initial capital was own savings. Empirical results show that the initial capital, net income, experience in business and number of times the entrepreneurs received credit had positive significant influence on the amount of credit received by micro-entrepreneur. Furthermore the study found that credit had significant impact on fixed assets ownership where borrowers had more assets than non borrowers. The findings showed that there was high repayment performance (more than 99%) to credit institution but there was high default within the group. The study revealed that credit which is granted for business activities is, in many cases diverted to finance family needs like educating children and medical expenses. Micro-entrepreneurs complained of the high interest rate charged, small loan size, short repayment period and weekly meeting limit the growth of their business. The study suggests that PRIDE Tanzania should set policies that would enable young micro-entrepreneurs who wish to start business but lack capital to access credit. The interest rate should be lowered. It should consider the possibility of increasing the grace period. Training should also provide micro-entrepreneurs business skills. It has to be flexible by providing loans size based on business status and not on the frequency of borrowing-.Item Civil society engagement in district budgetary process: a case of lushoto district in Tanga region, Tanzania(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2012) Lazaro, Wilfred AnyambwisyeThe role of civil society in budgetary processes in many of developing countries has been a result of current government reforms which have taken place since 1990s. A study to assess the civil society engagement in district budgetary process was carried out in Lushoto District. Specific objectives were: to examine the level of understanding of the existing legal and institutional frameworks for civil society involvements in district development budget formulation process, to examine the existing budget formulation mechanism that involved Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and lastly to establish whether the CSOs role in budget formulation process were recognized. The data were collected through structured questionnaires; Focus Group Discussion (FGD), key informant interviews and literature review. Questionnaire survey was administered to a total of 72 respondents. Data collected through this technique were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) programme. Data from FGD and key informants interview were recorded and its content analysed to enrich the study. A review of relevant documents, policies and regulations related to budget and budgetary process and scholarly reports was also conducted. The study revealed that there was low level understanding of legal and institutional frameworks to district executives and members of CSOs. The budget mechanism in place limited CSOs participation. Non compliance among legal and institutional frameworks on CSOs participation and between such frameworks and practice were observed. The linear regression results indicated that position in the organization, education level and awareness of policies and regulations for CSOs participation in development budget formulation process of respondents had significant influence on civil society engagement (P<0.05). The study concluded that the CSOs participation in budget formulation process at local level was limited and there was failure by executives to comprehend the policies. There was also inadequacy of legal frameworks in addressing CSOs participation. Capacity development and review and harmonisation of legal and institutional budget framework by the government were some of recommendations made.Item Microfinance institutions and women economic empowerment in Arusha district council, Tanzania(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2016) Loth MsafiriWomen's access to microfinance services is considered as a doorway towards women’s economic empowerment. Conversely, it is also argued that Microfinance Institutions are extracting money from poor women through high interest rales. The objective of this study was to examine whether and to what extent women’s access to microfinance services has facilitated this course. The study was conducted in Arusha district council. A cross- sectional research design was adopted. Quantitative data were collected by the use of a questionnaire whereby 120 women of whom 60 were MFI’s beneficiaries engaged in income generating activities and 60 non-beneficiaries were involved in the study. Key informant interviews were also used to collect qualitative data. Quantitative data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) whereby descriptive and inferential statistics were computed. Likert and Index scales were constructed to gauge attitude towards MFIs and empowerment. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors influencing the access to MFIs services. T-test was used to compare the level of empowerment between beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries. The relationships between socio-demographic characteristics like age, education level, family size and economic empowerment were not significant except marital status. The relationship between microfinance services and women economic empowerment was statistically significant (P < 0.005). It is concluded that access to micro finance services has a positive impact on rural women’s economic empowerment and can contribute into livelihoods improvement. It is recommended that government and non-governmental organisations should expand and facilitate financial access to rural women and broaden the financial sector client base so as to contribute to an improved livelihood. The Government of Tanzania, through its specific micro credit schemes like Women Development Fund. Women’s Bank, and other financial institutions targeting women; have to scale up the outreach of microfinance services to rural women.Item Factors affecting girls performance in primary schools: Case of Kasulu district, Tanzania.(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2008) Eyembe, Benson AlphaxideThe study assessed the factors that affect girls’ performance in Primary Schools in Kasulu district. Specifically, the study determined school environment factors that affect girls’ performance, home environment related factors that affect girls’ performance, socio cultural factors that affect girls’ performance and to explore pupils behaviour that affect academic performance. A cross-sectional survey design was used. Data were collected using an interview checklist and a questionnaire supported by personal observation and FGDs with key informants. Descriptive statistics cross tabulation and logistic regression model was used to analyse data. The study was carried in 6 primary schools randomly selected out of 220 primary schools in Kasulu district. It involved 104 respondents (64 pupils and 40 teachers). Study findings revealed that girl’s performance in primary school was affected by lack of adequate teaching-learning materials, lack of reference books, textbooks and inadequate library services. Girl’s performance was affected by lack of and absence of enough and qualified teachers, parent’s education and occupation and large family size. Household work done by pupils after school hours, time spent on domestic chores resulted in girls failing to do school assignments, customs and traditions of the Waha of Kasulu district was also responsible for girls poor performance in primary schools. The study recommends the following: Tanzania Institute of Curriculum Development in collaboration with Local governments to improve school inputs including school curricula, qualified teachers and other resources available to support pupils education, parents should assist girls by reducing the amount of household chores that interfere with their education, teachers should be diverse in learning styles and in the physical, intellectual development of pupils and stimulate, participatory learning environments aiming at promoting girls performance in primary schools.Item Socio - Cultural factors affecting women’s participation in planning of agricultural projects the case of Mvomero District Morogoro(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2007) Mahendeka S. N.The objectives of this study aimed to identify socio- cultural factors which hinder women's participation in planning of agricultural projects, determine gender division of labour and working hours, and identify who has control and access to resources among men and women as well as determining the decision-making process between men and women. Simple random sampling and purposive sampling methods were used to obtain representative sample. A total of 120 respondents were involved out of which, 79 were women and 41 men. A questionnaire and check list was used to obtain information from individuals and Focus Group Discussion (FGD). SPSS was employed for data entry and analysis. Study findings showed no relationship between division of labour and working hours as well as control and access to resources. A slight relation was in decision- making at household level and women's participation in agricultural projects planning. A chi- square was used to test the level of significance (P< 0.05). The socio- cultural factors identified were; patriarchy system (traditional beliefs), restricted by their husbands, many responsibilities (reproductive and production roles) and lack of confidence. These were the major factors which hindered women's participation in planning of agricultural projects. Moreover, the study revealed that, only few women participated in planning of agricultural projects compared to men. The study concludes that, participation of women in agricultural projects planning is influenced by socio- cultural factors. However, the study recommends that, government leaders in the communities should ensure that planning of agricultural projects is more gender focused. This could be possible through sensitization using education on gender issues, aiming to empower women to participate more in the planning process. The Sectoral Lead Ministries should formulate appropriate strategies for women to participate in planning of agricultural projects. The National Agricultural Research System (NARS) should ensure that women and men arc equally involved in the client oriented approach to research planning, and planners should also ensure that women arc integrated throughout the planning process.Item Community participation in donor funded rural water supply projects: The case of Uyui district, Tabora region, Tanzania(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2009) Mahinda K. MA 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.Item 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 .MHistorically 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.Item Women’s income and household food security in Uyui district, Tabora.(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2008) Kayumbu, Tatu AbdulThe 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.Item 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. BDuring 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.Item Gender participation analysis in the context of participatory development approaches in community projects implementation(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2008) Ganja S .KBottom-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.Item Accessibility and use of family planning information among rural people in kilombero district, tanzania(University of Dar es Salaam, 2005) Emmanuel ,GThis 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.Item Perceptions of development in rural and urban settings of Morogoro district.(SOKOINE UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE, 2007) Hishamu HThe 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.Item 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 . MThe 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.Item The effects of provision of selected services on most vulnerable children in Tanzania: a case of Mtwara district(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2013) Kajiru, RDespite 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.Item Local government reform programme (lgrp) and village governance in Mbarali district, Tanzania(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2008) Haule.K. KThis 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.Item Women’s contribution towards household food security through non-farming activities in Magu district, Mwanza region, Tanzania.(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2014) Kasuku,Ashura AyubThe 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.