Articles, Conference and Workshop Papers Collection

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What drives the integration of lead farmers into public extension systems? unpacking institutional, policy, and operational factors in Tanzania’s Kagera Region
(The sub Saharan Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2026-03-23) Baraka Louis J.; Malisa Emmanuel T.; Mhando David G.
Integrating community-based intermediaries into public agricultural extension systems is increasingly recognized as a strategy to address chronic service delivery gaps in sub-Saharan Africa. However, the systemic factors that enable or constrain such integration remain poorly understood. This study investigates the institutional, policy, and operational conditions influencing the integration of Lead Farmers (LFs) into Tanzania’s government-led agricultural extension system, using the Kagera Region as a case study. Despite LFs being widely promoted by non-governmental and donor-funded projects to facilitate peer learning and improve agronomic practices, their formal alignment with public extension structures is limited, uncoordinated, and lacks long-term institutional backing. A cross-sectional, mixed-methods design was employed, combining a household survey of 95 smallholder farmers with 18 key informant interviews and four focus group discussions involving extension officers, NGO representatives, researchers, and local leaders. The findings reveal that while LFs are highly valued for their accessibility, credibility, and complementary role in extension delivery; with over 80% of surveyed farmers acknowledging their positive contribution to productivity; their effective integration is severely constrained by a lack of political commitment, the absence of coherent policy frameworks, weak institutional coordination, and inadequate administrative and financial preparedness. The study contributes to policy and practice by moving beyond project-level assessments to provide a systems-level analysis of the structural determinants of LF integration. It highlights that without deliberate efforts to embed LFs within formal planning, budgeting, and accountability mechanisms, their role remains informal and unsustainable. The study concludes that leveraging the potential of LFs requires a fundamental shift from project-based engagement to institutionalized integration. It recommends the formulation of a national policy guideline to standardize LF roles, the mainstreaming of LFs into district agricultural plans and budgets, the establishment of multistakeholder coordination platforms, and the provision of structured, ongoing training through public institutions
Upgrading trajectories in domestic value chains: experience from non-industrial private forestry in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania
(Mkuki na Nyota Publishers Ltd., 2025) Martin Respikius; Friis-Hansen Esbern; Larsen Marianne Nylandsted; Mhando David Gongwe
For many years, investing in the agricultural sector has been regarded as a key to poverty alleviation in developing countries. In Tanzania, a!er independence and until Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP), the investment focused on cash crop production (i.e. sugar, co"ee, sisal, tea and cotton) for export (Gibbon, 2011) giving little attention to forestry production by smallholder farmers. However, timber production by smallholders (referred to as non-industrial private forestry in this paper) is gaining economic importance in di"erent parts of Africa (Arvola et al., 2019). In Tanzania, this timber production is largely occurring in the Southern highlands. In fact, some studies (for example, Asiad, 2016; Pedersen, 2017; Lusasi et al., 2019) suggest that the forest area under smallholder tree growers in the Southern highlands in Tanzania has surpassed the industrial forestry which is owned and managed by the government and corporate companies. In addition, as observed by Harrison et al. (2004) and Malkamäki et al. (2018), issues of indigenous land rights and land claims also constrain expansion of the industrial forestry in developing countries, including Tanzania. Empirical evidence shows that the current consumption of wood in Tanzania exceeds the supply, leading to a de#cit of 19.5 million m3 and this situation is expected to persist for many years to come (MNRT, 2015). $is needed timber, we argue, will depend to a large extent on the supply from nonindustrial private forestry, implying that there is a huge potential for smallholder tree growers to expand their woodlots and hence improve their household income.
Transforming smallholder orange farming in Tanzania: institutional constraints and sustainability pathways in Muheza District
(Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group, 2026) Mhando David Gongwe
This study examines sustainability constraints facing smallholder orange farmers in Muheza District, Tanzania, and identifies institutional and value-chain pathways for strengthening resilience. Using a mixed-methods design, household survey data were integrated with focus group discussions and key informant interviews conducted between January and March 2024. Descriptive statistics characterized household and production conditions, while thematic analysis captured institutional and market dynamics. A binary logistic regression model assessed factors associated with the adoption of at least one sustainable/climate-smart practice (e.g. mulching, water harvesting, intercropping). Results indicate that limited extension services, insecure land tenure, and demographic aging reduce adaptive capacity, while weak institutional support, especially exclusion from credit and limited extension coverage reinforces low-input production. Marketing is dominated by brokers and local spot markets, exposing farmers to seasonal price volatility and constraining bargaining power. Regression results show that education, land size, access to credit, access to extension services, and cooperative membership significantly increase the likelihood of adopting sustainable practices. The study concludes that vulnerabilities are interlocking: deficits in household livelihood capitals interact with structural asymmetries in value chain governance. By integrating the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework and Global Value Chain perspectives, the paper advances an analytically transferable approach for diagnosing sustainability constraints in perennial crop systems. Transferability is expected in settings characterized by constrained livelihood assets, limited credit and extension access, and broker-dominated spot markets with weak collective organization. The paper proposes policy options centered on tailored finance, strengthened extension, cooperative revitalization, and governance reforms that improve market access and incentives for sustainable practice adoption.
The role of social relations on sustainable agricultural practices and innovation adoption among smallholder orange farmers in Muheza District, Tanzania
(Canadian Center of Science and Education, 2026-05-28) Mhando David Gongwe
This study aimed to examine the role of social relations in influencing sustainable agricultural practices, innovation adoption, and market participation among smallholder orange farmers in Mkuzi Village, Muheza District, Tanzania. Specifically, the study investigated: first how trust, cooperation, and networks shape productivity and innovation uptake; second, the barriers posed by mistrust and weak social ties; and third, the institutional and social interventions that can support sustainable farming outcomes. A mixed-methods design was employed, integrating both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Data were collected through household surveys (n = 60), semistructured interviews, focus group discussions, and participant observation. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis via SPSS Version 25, while qualitative data were thematically coded using NVivo 12. Findings reveal that strong social relations, characterized by trust, cooperation, and active group membership, were associated with higher adoption of improved inputs, greater market access, and increased resilience. Conversely, weak social networks, insecure land tenure, and theft undermined innovation and investment, particularly among smallholder farmers. The implications of these results underscore the need to strengthen local institutions, promote inclusive cooperatives, improve land tenure systems, and rebuild community trust. The study recommends that policymakers and development practitioners integrate social capital considerations into agricultural programs to enhance sustainability, innovation uptake, and rural livelihoods.
Why should Tanzania engulf its natural wealth? a history worth attention and lessons learnt from economic hurdles
(Journal of Policy and Leadership, 2019-06) Mectrida Bonephace
This is a review paper on recent progress in Tanzania‟s natural resources management hurdles towards their full utilization for economic development. The paper summarizes how borrowed legal framework has led astray economic flourishment in the natural resource sector in Tanzania. It shows tactful international web-pin Tanzania had entered into and from which the rescue would have been impossible if the Tanzania‟s President, Hon. John Joseph Pombe Magufuli (JPM) wouldn‟t have acted to end the overdue misery of the nation. Feeble legal framework in natural resources and investment laws thereon have fore-fronted in this paper as the underlying cause for failures to manage Tanzania‟s natural resources. In particular, Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) is pointed to be one of the drivers through which Tanzania was trapped and exploited-a loop created by foreign adopted legal framework. The paper reckons on Tanzania‟s inability to out-way the tactics within which its natural resource and investment laws had tumbled. It commends enactment of new natural resource laws and explains hopes availed by the new laws.
The essence of wildlife crimes and associated effects on wild animals’ protection in Tanzania – legal perspective
(Tanzania Journal of Forestry and Nature Conservation, 2022) Mectrida Bonephace
Conservation challenges have surfaced in Tanzania for decades. Several researches have revealed the causes, each research taking own perspective. This article discusses conservation challenges in legal perspective. The article reveals the manner crimes against wildlife initiate human induced wildlife conflicts, but humans have legal ambits to justify their actions. The article uncovers several acts the law permits whilst the same are triggering misery over wildlife. The article discovers environmental crimes posed by humans’ development demands. Yet, humans refuse to acknowledge the situation and camouflage in attributing their ill actions to wildlife by twisting the situation as “human-wildlife conflicts”. The article recommends that, it is technically improper to capacitating wildlife to commit crimes. Particularly, wildlife are the victims of unjust and pre-meditated human actions. In this review, content and thematic analysis used to interpret an in- depth aspects of wildlife law(s). It is concluded that, whilst the law recognizes wildlife in two facets; wild animals and their habitats, and requires the protection of both, there are human-wildlife common interests which the law has not been able to safeguard inter se and thus trigger crimes against wildlife. There is need for suitable laws in the wildlife sector to safeguard wildlife.
Legal reflection on spurring wildlife investments whilst embracing wild animals conservation in Tanzania
(International Journal of Advanced Research, 2026-07) Mectrida Bonephace
Tanzania is diversifying wildlife investments. The Special Wildlife Investment Concession Area, (the SWICA) is set aside. The regulations to achieve the purpose are in place.The regulations enlighten on the procedures of carrying out investments within the SWICA. This paper reviewson this new investment scheme;whether itwill spare the ecosystem, specifically, the safety and survival of wild animals.The invited investments activities connote disturbance on the lives of wild animals. This paper observes that, the cumulative promulgation of the regulations threatens the life of wild animals. The apprehension of ecosystem disturbances in the SWICA is too wide to connote probable security on the lives of wild animals. Moreover, the avenues for some actors to excises “their wisdom,” aside of the regulations may invite unnecessary difficulties between the investors and the authority. Lastly, wild animals are likely to suffer a significant prejudice if investments in the SWICAs get through.
Re-examining international law perspectives on wild animals’ protection legal regime in Tanzania
(East African Journal of Law and Ethics, 2026-06) Mectrida Bonephace
Tanzania’s biodiversity is a globally renowned heritage; protecting it holds a compelling duty nationally and internationally. This paper examines International Laws (IL) applicable in Tanzania with respect to wild animals’ protection. It examines the influence of IL, to wit, the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and other multilateral agreements on wild animals’ protection. Doctrinal legal research was employed; content analysis and syllogism analysed the contents. The results reveal that, whereas IL is important in shaping the world’s legal regime(s) on wildlife conservation; nevertheless in Tanzania, IL suffers misalignment with local realities and hence unlikely implementation. This paper concludes that the role of IL in the Tanzanian legal regime in respect of wild animals’ protection is feeble. It recommends that context-sensitive laws that align with international standards should be aligned with Tanzanian governance systems to ensure inclusive wildlife conservation.
Harnessing the potentials of free, prior and informed consent in Tanzanian legislation for natural resources governance
(East African Journal of Law and Ethics, 2025-10) Mectrida Bonephace
Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) is a necessary peace and harmony vessel in natural resource governance as it empowers communities to defend their resource rights in all resource-rich countries. Tanzania is a renowned, natural resource-rich country; hence, the exploitation of its natural resources is inevitable. The natural resource exploitation causes negative impacts on the lives of the people in which the resource exploitation projects are located. Embarking on FPIC in natural resource governance schemes is a dual gateway where communities safeguard their rights in respect of natural resources and investors get assured of a Social Licence to Operate (SLO). This paper examines the prevalence of FPIC rights internationally and whether internationally recognised FPIC can be ascertained and implemented in Tanzania to enable Project Affected People(s) (PAPs) to either “give” or “withhold” consent in pursuit of resource exploitation-associated rights. Doctrinal legal research methodology was employed to examine FPIC insights internationally and domestically, and to assess whether Tanzania can learn through the international FPIC platform in legislating for FPIC domestically. International and Tanzanian legal instruments were examined and pegged to determine the extent to which FPIC prevails in Tanzania. Content analysis and syllogism were used to analyse the contents. The results reveal that FPIC is internationally established and honoured. However, Tanzanian laws only gesture some FPIC principles; and the said FPIC gestures are not enshrined in any independent law. FPIC principles in Tanzania are just superficially and indirectly inferred in various law(s) related to natural resources. This paper recommends explicit legislated FPIC rights in Tanzania as they enhance good governance in the natural resource sector.
The impact of farmers research network project on diversified legumes among smallholder farmers in Singida region, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2024) Lema, Caroline Fredy
Legume production in Singida Region has been conducted for years but with low yield production. The study aimed at assessing the impact of Farmers Research Network on diversified legumes among smallholder farmers in Singida Region. The study employed cross-section research design with 204 respondents using questionnaire survey and key informant interviews. A two-stage Heckman selection model was used to determine factors influencing the adoption of diversified legume production and farmers perception was assessed using Likert scale and the analysis was then subjected to principal component analysis for factor analysis. Descriptive and content analysis were conducted for quantitative and qualitative data respectively employing Microsoft excel for results presentation. The results on the factors influencing adoption showed that age, education, farm size, major occupation, experience, land size, access to credit, and motivation were significantly associated with adoption of diversified legume production. The adoption of varied legume production in the research area was found to be statistically significantly influenced by the farmers' age, education level, farm size, main occupation, experience, land size, availability to credit, and motivation. Factors such as ease of cultivation, fair distribution of seeds, food availability, increase in income level, high legume harvest, and higher profitability of legumes (p < 0.05) significantly influenced smallholder farmers' awareness and perception of diversified legumes. Therefore, Farmers Research Network project has positively impacted diversified legumes on smallholders farmers in Singida Region. There is a need to increase training sessions to create awareness on diversified legumes.
The what, why, and how of health information systems: A systematic review
(College of Social Sciences and Humanities, Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), 2022-06-26) Haule, Christiana D.; Muhanga, Mikidadi; Ngowi, Edwin
The literature on the topic of health information systems (HISs) is reviewed in this paper. Specifically, the paper reviews the literature on (i) the theoretical concept of HISs (The What), (ii) the rationale, purposes, and importance (The Why), and (iii) the operationalization of the HISs (The How). For this systematic review, we searched Research Gate, Science Direct, Google Scholar, JSTOR, ProQuest, Scopus, PMC, BMJ, PubMed, and published documents by World Health Organization (WHO). Only 35 articles out of 1,400 articles identified were included in the study depending on the 3 contextualised questions i.e., the what, why, and how of the HISs. Literature published between 1960 and 2021 were considered in the review as the concept of HIS was introduced in the 1960s, excluding literature published before the 1960s and non-English publications. Generally, the HISs is one of the six pillars that make up a strong health system, designed to collect, process, store and manage health information. The main goal of the HISs is to deliver quality services. The importance of these systems includes quick access to medical records, sharing of patient information, reducing paperwork, reducing medical errors, improve the quality of care. Therefore, there is a great need to promote this concept, taking into account its rationale, purposes, and importance of it in the health care system.
Health and Nutrition Literacy among Community Health Workers in Rural and Urban Tanzania: A Comparative Study
(Tanzania Journal of Health Research, 2025) Mihambo,Brian; Mikidadi,Muhanga; Edwin,Ngowi
Introduction: Community health workers (CHWs) are vital in primary health care delivery, especially in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). However, the quality of their services is often questioned due to their limited training compared to professional healthcare providers. Despite evidence of CHWs’ contributions to health and nutrition in Tanzania, the country continues to face high levels of malnutrition and preventive diseases. This underscores the need to evaluate CHWs’ literacy in health and nutrition to enhance their role in promoting these areas. This paper aimed to assess health and nutrition literacy among Community Health Workers (CHWs) in rural and urban Tanzania while exploring factors influencing these literacy levels. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study, conducted in Pwani and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, involved 194 CHWs, who were obtained using Yamane’s formula for sample size determination. Data was collected via face-to-face interviews using the adapted European Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLS-EU-Q47) for health literacy and the Short Food Literacy Questionnaire (SFLQ) for nutrition literacy. Pearson correlation analysed the association between nutrition literacy (NL) and health literacy (HL), while multinomial logistic regression identified factors influencing HL and NL among CHWs. Results: Our study found limited health literacy among CHWs to be higher in rural areas (24.5%) than in urban areas (17.6%), while health literacy rates were higher in urban (31.9%) compared to rural (22.9%). Regression analysis showed limited health literacy was significantly associated with age (P = 0.048, OR = 1.041, 95% CI), area of residence (P = 0.002, OR = 0.318, 95% CI) and supervision frequency (P = 0.01, OR = 5.266, 95% CI). Limited nutrition literacy was significantly associated with weekly time spent on CHW activities (P = 0.006, OR = 0.183, 95% CI), age (P = 0.013, OR = 1.050, 95% CI) and area of residence (P = 0.008, OR = 0.387, 95% CI). The correlation between health literacy and nutrition literacy had a Pearson coefficient of 0.517 (P = 0.000). Conclusion: Our study shows a higher prevalence of limited health and nutrition literacy among rural CHWs than urban ones, with area of residence being the most decisive associated factor. The area of residence is the strongest associated factor for NL and HL. Policymakers can use the identified factors in areas with similar social demographic characteristics to improve community-based health intervention that will, in turn, improve the health and nutrition outcomes of the community.
Socioeconomic Factors associated with Household Level Solid Waste Management Practices in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania
(The sub Saharan Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities (SJSSH), 2022) Clara,Mdetele P; Allan T, Tumaini; Ngowi E, Edwin
Effective solid waste management stands as a critical global challenge, impacting human well-being, environmental sustainability, and the ongoing climate crisis. In Morogoro Municipality, the complex interplay between household-level waste management and socioeconomic factors amplifies this concern. As urbanization and consumption patterns evolve, comprehending the dynamics shaping waste practices becomes paramount. This study investigates the intricate relationship between socioeconomic factors and household-level solid waste management. Employing a descriptive cross-sectional design, we engaged 70 households across diverse wards: Mji mkuu, Mazimbu, and Mji mpya. Through structured interviews, we extracted insights, complemented by perspectives from ten purposively selected key informants. Leveraging the robust Kobo Collect survey tool and a designed question checklist, we harnessed descriptive statistics to fathom waste management associations within and across wards. Binary logistic regression analysis unveiled intricate relationships between socioeconomic characteristics and waste practices. Noteworthy trends emerged, indicating a majority of female respondents (65.7%), aged 46 to 60 (34.3%), married (67.1%), with primary education (55.7%). A substantial number of self-employed individuals (65.7%) actively participated in waste management. Deeper analysis underscored the significant impact of independent variables on waste disposal practices through binary logistic regression. Chi-Square Tests illuminated associations between waste practices across wards, highlighting the nuanced challenge. In conclusion, household waste management in Morogoro Municipality is intricately tied to socioeconomic factors. These findings drive policy adjustments, given the inadequacy of current waste practices. Urgent steps include grassroots environmental education and comprehensive policy enhancements to foster progress in waste management practices.
Assessment of community perception on proper solid waste management at household-level in Morogoro municipality, Tanzania
(Tanzania Journal of Community Development, 2024) Mdetele,Clara; Allan,Tumaini; Ngowi,Edwin
Effective solid waste management is integral to environmental sustainability and public health. The success of waste management initiatives is intricately linked to community perceptions, as their awareness and attitudes significantly influence outcomes. This study, conducted in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania, aimed to assess the community's perception of proper solid waste management at the household level. Employing a descriptive cross-sectional design, data were gathered from 70 respondents across three randomly chosen wards: Mazimbu (26), Mji Mkuu (22), and Mji Mpya (22). These wards were pivotal in capturing a comprehensive view of solid waste management practices, accounting for variations across different areas within Morogoro Municipality. Data were also collected from five key informants using the Kobo Collect survey tool. Inferential statistics, specifically Pearson chi-square tests, were applied to analyze the data. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages, were used to explore the types of solid waste generated at the household level. The findings revealed that 38.6% of respondents produced vegetable waste, 28.6% generated leaves/grass, 20% produced plastic waste, and 12.9% generated other types of solid waste. The chi-square tests showed no significant differences in community awareness regarding the importance of proper solid waste management across wards, except for a significant difference in relation to disease outbreak reduction. Descriptive statistics were employed to analyze the community's perception of obstacles hindering proper solid waste management. To evaluate the community's perception of solid waste management, a composite mean score was calculated; a mean score above 2.00 indicated a positive perception, while a score below 2.00 suggested a negative perception. In conclusion, while the community generally holds a positive perception of solid waste management, factors such as collection fees and inadequate infrastructure hinder its effectiveness and efficiency at the household level. It is recommended that municipal authorities enhance solid waste management strategies and implement educational campaigns to raise awareness within the community
Socioeconomic Factors associated with Household Level Solid Waste Management Practices in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania
(The sub Saharan Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities (SJSSH), 2022) Clara,Mdetele P; Tumaini,Allan T; Edwin,Ngowi E
Effective solid waste management stands as a critical global challenge, impacting human well-being, environmental sustainability, and the ongoing climate crisis. In Morogoro Municipality, the complex interplay between household-level waste management and socioeconomic factors amplifies this concern. As urbanization and consumption patterns evolve, comprehending the dynamics shaping waste practices becomes paramount. This study investigates the intricate relationship between socioeconomic factors and household-level solid waste management. Employing a descriptive cross-sectional design, we engaged 70 households across diverse wards: Mji mkuu, Mazimbu, and Mji mpya. Through structured interviews, we extracted insights, complemented by perspectives from ten purposively selected key informants. Leveraging the robust Kobo Collect survey tool and a designed question checklist, we harnessed descriptive statistics to fathom waste management associations within and across wards. Binary logistic regression analysis unveiled intricate relationships between socioeconomic characteristics and waste practices. Noteworthy trends emerged, indicating a majority of female respondents (65.7%), aged 46 to 60 (34.3%), married (67.1%), with primary education (55.7%). A substantial number of self-employed individuals (65.7%) actively participated in waste management. Deeper analysis underscored the significant impact of independent variables on waste disposal practices through binary logistic regression. Chi-Square Tests illuminated associations between waste practices across wards, highlighting the nuanced challenge. In conclusion, household waste management in Morogoro Municipality is intricately tied to socioeconomic factors. These findings drive policy adjustments, given the inadequacy of current waste practices. Urgent steps include grassroots environmental education and comprehensive policy enhancements to foster progress in waste management practices
Mapping the trends, knowledge production, and practices of climate-smart aquaculture scholarship: Empirical insights from bibliometric analysis
(Elservier, 2024) Mdoe,Christopher N; Mahonge,Christopher P; Ngowi,Edwin E
This bibliometric review synthesizes the trends, knowledge, and practices in climate-smart aquaculture (CSAq) research globally, underscoring its significance amidst climate change’s growing threat to food security and aquaculture sustainability. Using the PRISMA 2020 protocol, 369 records from the Scopus database (2010–2024) were systematically analyzed. The research found a significant rise in CSAq publications over the years, particularly from 2013 onward, with the United States leading with 58 publications, followed closely by India (54), China and the United Kingdom (34 each). Germany had the highest total link strength (55), reflecting its extensive international collaborations in CSAq research. Although most research contributions were from developed countries, there was a notable scarcity of CSAq interventions documented in developing regions, despite being disproportionately impacted by climate change. Statistical analysis of publication trends revealed that the most active journals in CSAq research were Aquaculture, Sustainability (Switzerland), Ocean and Coastal Management, and Science of the Total Environment, with the highest output between 2020 and 2024. Annual publication frequency increased steadily, peaking at 64 publications in 2023, but a drop to 19 in 2024 was observed, attributed to the analysis being conducted before the year’s end. Keyword analysis highlighted recurring themes such as “climate change,” “sustainability,” and “food security,” emphasizing the global focus on CSAq as a critical tool for building resilience in aquaculture systems. Notably, Integrated Aquaculture- Agriculture (IAA) emerged as a key practice, alongside polyculture and aquaponics. The study concludes that CSAq research is gaining momentum, driven by global collaborations, but calls for more focus on developing regions, where the impacts of climate change are most severe.
Governance of political-administrative relations in public development projects implementation in local governments, Tanzania
(African Journal of Accounting and Social Science Studies (AJASSS), 2019) Njunwa Kelvin M.; Chingonikaya Emanuel
Good governance is a global issue. It is a crucial aspect in new public management as it ensures among others, participation, transparency, accountability and adherence to the rule of law among the parties involved in development. This paper sought to examine governance of political-administration relations in health and educational projects in Morogoro Rural District. Specifically, the study aimed at examining participation, transparency, accountability, and adherence of the rule of law by the elected and the appointed official in the construction of health and educational infrastructures projects. The paper adopted a case study research design and used qualitative data where by Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) were employed to collect data. The study used content analysis to analyse the data. The study found that the relationship between the elected and the appointed officials was poor due to lack of good governance among the appointed officials. This trend affected negatively the relationship of the two parties in the implementation of development projects. The study found that the two parties cooperated much in designing and less in the implementation of development projects. The study revealed further that, there was poor transparency in financial matters among both the elected and the appointed officials, which resulted in financial mismanagement. The relationship was highly influenced by dual accountability of the appointed officials and lack of adherence to the rule of law in project implementation. It is concluded that harmonious relations between the elected and the appointed officials is less likely to be achieved, if the two parties fail to adhere to good governance practices. Therefore, it is recommended that local governments at council level should promote adherence to governance aspects in the construction of health and education infrastructures at local levels. Local governments have to build capacity and awareness among both the elected and the appointed officials on governance aspects. The elected officials should ensure that meetings such as village assembly, village councils, WDCs are conducted regularly as required by law in order to improve participation, accountability, and transparency in the implementation of the projects.
Impact of off-farm employment on rural household food and nutrition security: evidence from the southern highland regions of Tanzania
(African Journal of Economic Review, 2024) Mapunda, Fausta Marcellus
Despite the rural off-farm economy becoming increasingly important, the question whether off- farm income-generating activities increase household food and nutritional security in Tanzania remains unanswered. The current study explores the issue of off-farm employment by addressing two objectives: (i) to examine the drivers of households’ decision to participate in off-farm employment in a high-potential agricultural zone in Tanzania and (ii) to evaluate the impact of off- farm activities on rural households’ food security and nutritional security. We use household survey data from the southern highland districts of Mbeya and Songwe regions collected in 2014 and 2016. We employ difference-in-difference and propensity score matching techniques to evaluate the impact of participation in off-farm employment on household food security using three indicators with different recall periods. Results show that more adults per household and a larger farm size stimulated involvement in off-farm activities, while farming experience and livestock ownership had a limiting effect. Participation has a significant impact on food security, but the strength of the effect depends on the specific indicator selected. We recommend that the development of policies and programs that pay more attention to off-farm work can boost rural household income and thus promote food security and nutritional security.
Estimating heterogeneous effects of land titling on rural household’s agricultural productivity: evidence from the southern highland regions of Tanzania
(Canadian Center of Science and Education, 2024-02-15) Mapunda, Fausta Marcellus
This paper analyses the effect of land titles on agricultural productivity in the southern highland regions of Mbeya and Ruvuma and assesses the potential mediating effect of access to credit. The contribution of this paper to the existing literature is threefold. First, it contributes to the general literature on the impact of land titling on agricultural performance. Second, it investigates whether access to credit is an important mediating variable. Third, it assessed whether households respond differently depending on farmer and land characteristics. To contribute to the evidence on the impact of land titling four hypotheses were tested: Since the study is based on observational data, propensity score matching technique was employ to determine the land titling effects. The findings suggest that land titles have a statistically significant positive effect on productivity. This can at least partially be explained by an increase in credit access for titled households. The study results further suggest heterogeneous effects of titles, which vary with age of the head of household and size of land cultivated.
Do grassroots institutions promote household food security? Evidence from cooperative membership in the southern highland regions of Tanzania
(Tanzania Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2021) Mapunda, F. M.
This study investigated the impact of Agricultural Marketing Cooperative Society (AMCOS) membership on household food security. The Propensity Score Matching (PSM) and Endogenous Switching Regression (ESR) models were used to evaluate whether changes in the treated group attributed to their membership. The study used cross-section data collected in 2016 from 1400 households in the southern highland regions of Mbeya and Songwe in Tanzania. The outcome variable of interest was the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS). The logit estimates indicated that age of the household head, total land owned, land cultivated, and whether a household head accessed credit from microfinance institutions significantly predicted the likelihood of joining a cooperative membership. Results of PSM show that ATT was negative (-0.039) implying that being treated cooperative members were likely to improve household food security. On the contrary, the result from ESR suggested that being treated cooperative membership a had negative impact on reducing household food insecurity status. The differences in ATT from PSM and that from ESR models suggest that both observed and unobserved factors influence the decision to join cooperative membership and household food security outcome given the joining decisions. However, the Transitional Heterogeneity effect was negative (TH= -0.486) implying that the impact on reducing food insecurity was much higher to rural farm household that did receive intervention compared to untreated cooperative members. The study recommends the need to promote policies that aim to strengthen cooperatives and their functioning for the rural farming households to boost their income and improve household food security.

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