Articles, Conference and Workshop Papers Collection

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Agricultural strategic partnerships and farmers’ capabilities in Tanzania: what has (not) worked and why?
(Elsevier, 2025) Kahamba Judith S.; Xu Xiuli
Agricultural Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) are increasingly promoted as new institutional frameworks to introduce agricultural value chain technologies, transform subsistence farmers into independent commercial producers, and connect them to the global market. Using the case of Tanzania’s Southern Agricultural Growth Corridor (SAGCOT) agricultural strategic partnerships, this study questions the role of agricultural PPPs in integrating smallholder farmers into global value chains. It explicitly evaluates the partnership interventions and their contributions to the capabilities of smallholder farmers along the soybean and potato value chains. Through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with partnership actors, the study found that partnership efforts mainly targeted the production and marketing nodes to boost farm productivity and market access. The partnerships partly improved farmers’ capabilities by increasing knowledge and good agronomic practices. However, they had a limited impact on access to and use of quality inputs, modern farming technologies, value addition, and marketing capabilities. The effect on production capabilities was constrained by the unsustainable supply of improved seeds and limited access to fertilizers and pesticides, resulting from the absence of arrangements for aggregating input acquisition. The findings also reveal that the partnerships created new markets; however, most farmers were unable to benefit from them due to a lack of market contracts and collective bargaining power among farmers. The study concludes that for agricultural PPP to transform subsistence farmers into commercial ones, it requires inclusive infrastructure development and strong institutions that promote interactions, facilitate technology flow, and address exploitative market structures.
Implications of non-governmental organizations’ roles in the success of agricultural public-private partnerships: a case study of Tanzania’s Southern agricultural growth corridor partnership initiative
(Elsevier, 2026) Kahamba Judith S.; Xu Xiuli
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are increasingly involved in public–private partnerships (PPPs) as key players in delivering services and goods. This paper explores a unique scenario in the Southern Agricultural Growth Corridor of Tanzania (SAGCOT) PPP initiative, in which NGOs serve as secondary partners. These NGOs augment an already established PPP as the partnerships revolve around the NGOs’ donor-funded projects. Drawing on the institutional logics perspective, the paper examines how NGOs’ roles within the context of PPPs influence the success and sustainability of a soybean strategic partnership. Based on interviews with actors involved in the partnership, focus-group discussions with smallholder farmers, and key informant interviews with leaders of farmers’ groups and SAGCOT Center Limited staff, the paper identifies two key roles NGOs play in the partnership. First, building farmers’ capacity through training in soybean production and processing to foster inclusiveness; second, mediating between companies and smallholder farmers by linking them to input suppliers and soybean buyers. The paper highlights the partnership’s vulnerability, stemming from NGOs’ roles shaped by competing logics within the partnership and the nature of their donor-funded projects. Also, the phasing out of NGO projects has weakened the soybean strategic partnership. The study argues that the NGO’s role in promoting inclusiveness depends on aligning partnership interventions with the NGOs’ institutional logics. It recommends expanding NGOs’ roles to include strengthening farmers’ associations and institutionalizing sustainable farmer-private-sector linkages to ensure long-term inclusiveness and resilience within agricultural PPPs.
A review of decolonial praxis in development studies [review of the book challenging global development: towards decoloniality and justice
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2026-05-21) Salanga Raymond J.; Kahamba Judith S.; Ngowi Edwin E.
This review critically assesses Challenging Global Development: Towards Decoloniality and Justice, edited by Henning Melber, Uma Kothari, Laura Camfield, and Kees Biekart (Palgrave Macmillan, 2024), as a timely and provocative contribution to the decolonisation of development studies. The review employs a threefold analytical framework examining: (i) theoretical contributions to post-development and decolonial thought, (ii) epistemological innovations in research methodology and knowledge production, and (iii) practical implications for pedagogy, research ethics, and development practice. The edited volume brings together scholars from the Global South and North to challenge essentialist ontological assumptions underpinning mainstream development, particularly those embedded in the Sustainable Development Goals framework. Key strengths include the volume’s grounding in grounded alternatives, such as India’s Vikalp Sangam process, Zapatista self-rule in Mexico, and Indigenous resistance to extractivism in Latin America, and its attention to relational accountability, refusal, and Indigenous Data Sovereignty in research ethics. However, the review identifies limitations, including an underdeveloped engagement with degrowth and South-South cooperation’s contradictory relationship with decoloniality, as well as challenges in translating decolonial pedagogy within career-oriented university programmes. While the volume successfully deconstructs development’s coloniality, it leaves unresolved whether “development” itself remains a viable category after decolonisation. This review concludes that the book is an essential resource for scholars and practitioners committed to epistemic justice, though future work must more concretely address material reparations, redistributive justice, and the tensions between local autonomy and large-scale systemic transformation in an era of polycrisis.
Effects of women’s cooperatives on capabilities and gender relations: empirical evidence from women’s dairy cooperatives in Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania
(European Centre for Research, Training and Development, 2021) Kahamba Samwel Judith; Xu Xiuli
Existence of gender imbalances is among the challenges of the agricultural production and marketing cooperatives Sub-Saharan Africa. Promotion of women-only cooperatives have been regarded as a better avenue to enabling women’s inclusion in the labour force and to achieve women’s empowerment. The ability of the cooperatives to achieving women’s empowerment and improving gender relations is still a debate which requires more empirical investigations. The study focused on two women’s dairy cooperatives societies in Kilimanjaro region, Tanzania to assess their effects on capabilities among women and gender relations in the households and community. Explorative research design was employed, which used indepth interviews and focus group discussions with women cooperative members and their spouses. The findings revealed that through women’s cooperatives, women’s capabilities improved in terms of being able to run dairy production businesses, to generate more income and they gained full control over milk revenues. The findings further show that capabilities had little influence on the gender relations. The study found that in most households, the capabilities attained had widened the gap between couples. It was found that joint decision-making between the couples was impaired whereby men perceived women’s increased income and a fully control over generated income as a threat. The developed women’s agency could not change gender roles and social norms. As women’s workloads increased, men continued to dominate political leadership positions in the local government and the secondary agricultural cooperatives. The study concludes that women’s cooperatives do not lead to significant improvement in gender relations and gender equality. It recommends the involvement of men in women’s cooperatives activities to challenge intra-household gender relations, cultural and social norms.
Aligning with the state’s COVID-19 narrative in Tanzania: insights from the tourism sector in Arusha
(Liverpool University Press, 2025) Kahamba, Judith; Mollel, Victor
Tanzania, a hybrid regime, was not immune to COVID-19. However, President Magufuli downplayed the virus’s seriousness in the country, declaring Tanzania free of it in June 2020 and suppressing public discussion on the subject. No curfew was imposed, and citizens were ordered to continue their activities as normal. Despite this, global restrictions had considerable negative impact on the tourism sector, the second-largest gross domestic product (GDP) contributor in 2019. Using sensemaking theory and data from focus groups and interviews, this study investigates the influential information sources, sensemaking processes and alignment with the state narrative among tourism workers in Arusha, a city that has undergone complex, tourism-driven, urban transformation. The findings reveal how various information sources led to different forms of conformity and alignment with the state narrative. The study contributes a more nuanced understanding of citizens’ sensemaking during COVID-19 in a hybrid political regime.
Interplay of institutional logics in legitimising state COVID-19 responses in Tanzania: analysis of newspaper reporting
(Liverpool University Press, 2025) Kahamba, Judith; Kontinen, Tiina; Elia, Emmanuel
Amid the global impact of the March 2020 COVID-19 outbreak, governments instituted measures to manage the spread of the virus and needed to legitimise these responses to appear rational and appro- priate in the eyes of citizens. We focus on Tanzania, which offers an example of a particular COVID-19 response of not having instituted lockdowns or other long-lasting movement restrictions. Drawing on an institutional logics approach, and by conducting a content analysis of 738 newspaper articles in 2020 to 2022, we explore the kinds of logics through which the state legitimised diverse responses during the pandemic and how these changed over time. Results show how the health and economic logics manifested the most, but also state authority, state welfare, religion, traditional and science logics were used. We further discuss the interplay between changes in the logics and in presidential regimes in the midst of the pandemic.
What leads to the success of sustainable investment in rural settings through Village Savings and Loans Associations? The experience of the CARE-WWF Alliance
(Bristol University Press, 2026) Nandonde, Felix; Kahamba, Judith; Lalika, Makarius; Skinner, Althea; Simfukwe, Matrida; Mahajan, Shauna; Mkusa, Lilian; Kipondya, Winfrida; Mangi, Halima; Kijoji, Abubakary; Alan, Tumaini; Lubawa, Galinoma; Makfura, Evergris
This study explores the changes brought by collective sustainable investment (CSI) model through Village Saving Loan Associations (VSLAs) in Tanzania. The CSI model aimed to minimize the impact of environmental degradation and climate change following the longstanding overexploitation of the Great Ruaha River catchment. The study employed qualitative designed and was guided by Lewin’s three stage model. Twelve focus group discussions (FGDs) with women, men, and youth farmers from 2 selected villages in Mufindi and Iringa Districts were conducted. In addition, key informant interviews (KIIs) were conducted with project implementers, village leaders, conservation leaders, community based trainers and Local Government Authorities (LGAs). The collected data were analysed by using latent content analysis. The findings show that adherence to the VSLA constitution by members, the evaluation of environmental impact of the project by VSLA members and the encouragement of non-farm activities investment by members are major reasons for the success of VSLAs in Tanzania. Furthermore, the study concludes that the CSI model can help in achieving sustainable investment whereby farmers are assessing the impact of investment on environmental and biodiversity before issuing of the funds.
Agricultural modernization in Tanzania: a case study on the transition of increasing tractor-hiring services in the rice-producing area of Kilombero Valley
(Japanese Society for Tropical Agriculture, 2022) Kato, Futoshi; Nsenga Justus Vincent
Expanding tractor use was expected to strengthen agriculture and improve welfare in rural African areas. However, there were various discussions on introducing tractors to African agriculture. Although some studies pointed out that introducing tractors caused increases in agricultural productivity and farmer’s income, others indicated that the costs of using or maintaining tractors were expensive for local farmers and caused them economic burdens. This study aimed to grasp the dynamics of the tractor-hiring service in rural Tanzanian areas. Data related to hiring tractor services and farmer management were collected through interviews with local farmers and tractor owners in one of Tanzania’s rice-producing areas for 17 years. The results showed an increase in the number of tractors and decrease in the study area’s tractor-hiring charges. Additionally, the cost for rice cultivation also decreased. Furthermore, among some farmers, increases in the average farm size per household as well as the average income were noted. However, other farmers did not increase their farm sizes and did not receive benefits from sufficiently promoting tractorization
Convergence of horizontal and vertical experiential sharing through participatory feedback: the case of integrated natural resource management and livelihood improvement in Mwanga District, Tanzania
(International Journal of Research and Development in Social Sciences (IJRDS), 2016-07-25) Mahonge C.P.; Nsenga, J.V.; Mtengeti, E.J.; Mosha D. B.; Challe, J.
This paper shows how participatory feedback was adopted to converge horizontal and vertical pathways of experiential sharing encompassing actors and institutions positioned at different points of a spatial scale in Mwanga district. Participatory and representative governance approaches and methods were employed to operationalise this convergence. Sector-oriented local actors convened meetings at their respective villages and drew their perspectives then chose two representatives for each sector category to represent them during the participatory feedback workshop at Mwanga district. Local peoples’ political, technical and executive representatives including ward councilors, ward and village executive officers, and technical facilitators such as ward and village extension officers as well as district heads of departments and extension officers also participated in the workshop. The feedback unveiled the existence of poor groups’ organization for beekeeping, enhanced awareness and knowledge on the role of drought resistant crops such as sorghum, cowpeas, pigeon peas and sunflower among the farmers; and increased awareness and knowledge on the imperativity of forage conservation amongst livestock keepers, among others. It is concluded that participatory feedback is an invaluable tool for converging horizontal and vertical experiential sharing pathways and coalescing multiple levels and dimensions for improved decision making for adapting local people to adversities. It is recommended that periodic participatory feedback be institutionalized in the government development plans to periodically improve experiential sharing and communication for holistic development.
Institutional and natural resource use dynamics and their implications on sustainable watershed management in the East Uluguru Mountains in Tanzania.
(The Institute of African Studies (AJAS), 2010) Mattee, A.Z.; Mahonge, C.P.I.; Nsenga, J.V.; Nindi, S.; Kayeye H.
Mountain landscapes have been recognized worldwide for their potential to support people’s livelihood and hence they have become areas of high population densities compared to surrounding plains (Hamilton and King 1983). However, unsustainable utilization of mountain ecosystems has led to environmental degradation (Templeton and Scherr 1999). Mountainous regions of East Africa have been facing severe degradation of forests, soils and water resources due to unsustainable anthropogenic utilization (Mashalla 1988). The far reaching effects include impediments to other beneficiaries to meet their needs especially those whose supply depend on mountain landscapes such as supply of safe and clean water, mountain forest products and general balancing of the climate. This phenomenon is common in the Uluguru Mountains. Although these mountains are potential sources of water for downstream areas of Tanzania including Dar es Salaam and Morogoro regions (Heijnen 1970), natural environment in these landscapes has been degraded. Thick forests and woodland that covered the Uluguru Mountains before the intensification of human activities have been degraded by unsustainable anthropogenic utilization such as deforestation, setting bushfires and poor agricultural practices (Rutatora et al. 1996). As a result of these challenges various institutions (formal and governmental) have evolved over time in attempt to govern livelihoods and ecological strategies for mitigating and/or adapting people to cope with undesirable consequences.
The entrepreneurship potential of rural areas: soap production as a side business for Tanzanian rice farmers
(African Journal of Applied Research (AJAR), 2022) Tsuchiya, Y.; Swai, T.A.; Takahashi, K.; Wakamatsu, T.; Watari, R.; Nsenga, J.V.
Purpose: This study examines soap production’s entrepreneurship potential and profitability as a supplementary business for rural rice farmers in Tanzania to promote their economic independence. Design/ Methodology/ Approach: We randomly sampled and interviewed about ten smallscale soap manufacturers in urban Tanzania gathered from 2019-2021 to develop a soap production business strategy for rural farmers at a similar scale. Considering the Voronoi theory, we calculated the distance from the rural areas to urban centres to determine the transportation costs, which particularly burden rural farmers. Soap production costs and profitability were determined based on transportation costs and raw material prices. Findings: Rural farmers would incur high transportation costs, given the high average distance to the nearest urban centre (sometimes > 100 km). Nevertheless, producing their rice bran oil, valuable raw material for soap production, would give them a competitive advantage over urban producers. Research Limitation: The study’s proposed strategy can be applied to similar contexts to reduce the urban-rural entrepreneurship divide. Practical Implication: Soaps made using rice bran oil help farmers reuse agricultural waste. Their active ingredients also increase their marketability as high-end cosmetic products, providing farmers with additional income. Social Implication: Commercializing agricultural residues such as rice bran increases farmers’ revenues and reduces CO2 emissions by preventing the residues’ incineration; this creates a virtuous cycle in society. Originality/ Value: This study presents a more realistic business strategy for rural Tanzanian farmers, as, unlike previous studies, it considers not only direct costs but also transportation costs.
Analysing urban and peri-urban youth employment in agribusiness in Malawi
(PLOS One, California, US, 2023) Mkandawire Dingase; Gbegbelegbe Sika; Nsenga Justus V.; YamiI Mastewal; Kenamu Edwin
The study aims to analyse key determinants of urban and peri-urban youth employment in agribusiness in Malawi to support youth policies. A mixed-methods approach is used, which combines both quantitative and qualitative analyses. The quantitative method involved a Bivariate Logit Model and Multinomial Logit Model to analyse nationally representative survey data from the Fourth Integrated Household Survey in 2016–2017. The qualitative method employed thematic analysis to data generated through Focus Group Discussions and Key Informant Interviews for key stakeholders involved in agri-business in Lilongwe district. The qualitative analysis, which focuses on a case study for urban and peri-urban youth in agribusiness, was used to validate, and provide context for the quantitative analysis. The results revealed that a majority of the urban and peri-urban youth engaged in agribusiness across Malawi work in sole farming (family farms or ganyu); in addition, women outnumber men in terms of engagement in agribusiness, and this stems from tradition. In addition, the determinants that affect youth’s engagement in agribusiness consist of demographic factors, institutional support, assets, and shocks. It was also shown that men were more likely than women to be engaged in sole farming, but they were as likely as women to be engaged in other forms of agribusiness. The policy recommendation from this study is that programs aimed at supporting youth engagement in agribusiness should consider a variety of factors; If resources are limited, the programs should ensure that they offer capacity strengthening for the youth in the form of extension services and practical training in agribusiness.
The potential for producing aquaculture feed mixed with rice bran available in Rural Tanzania
(Japanese Society for Tropical Agriculture, 2026) Yooko T.; Hitoshi T.; Swai, Tobias A.; Nsenga, J.V.
Despite the high number of primary industry workers in many developing countries, the sector’s share of gross domestic product remains low. To eliminate economic disparities in developing countries, it is crucial to promote primary industries in rural areas. Diversifying agriculture through integration with fisheries could be one solution. This study focused on feed production utilizing rice bran, a byproduct of rice cultivation, to enable small-scale tilapia farming as a side business for farmers in Tanzania’s rice-growing regions. The results confirm the possibility of manufacturing feed consisting of 50% rice bran and indicate that the supplementation of this feed with local protein sources can satisfy the nutrient requirements of tilapia. Rice bran is prone to spoilage but this preservation issue has been resolved by using fermented rice bran. The use of rice bran, an agricultural residue is expected to increase, not only in tilapia feed, but also in livestock feed.
Association between household socio-demographic factors and postharvest management technologies use for grains in Dodoma Region, Tanzania
(CARI Journals, 2026-06-04) Mtenga Deodata Vicent; Kayunze Kim Abel; Nsenga Justus Vincent
Purpose: Postharvest management technologies for grains have received inadequate attention as part of food security programmes, and there are has been scant literature detailing their association with socio-demographic factors. This paper assesses the association between socio-demographic factors and postharvest management technologies used for grains in Dodoma Region, Tanzania, focusing on socio-demographic factors of maize and sorghum farmers, postharvest management technologies used for maize and sorghum, and associations between the socio-demographic factors and the technologies. Methodology: The study employed a cross-sectional research design whereby proportionate stratified random sampling was used to select 384 households from eight villages. Data were collected using a questionnaire, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics software Version 20 whereas thematic analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. Findings: Results showed that small-scale farming households in Dodoma Region used three main types of postharvest management technologies for grains: Improved technologies which include metal silos, airtight containers, and Purdue Improved Crop Storage Bags (PICS); semi-improved technologies, mostly polypropylene bags; and local technologies, particularly granaries. Chisquare analysis tests showed that household size, household head’s sex, age, marital status, and education level were significantly associated with the types of postharvest management technologies used (p < 0.05). Unique Contributions to Theory, Practice, and Policy: This study offers a comprehensive understanding of the ways in which household sociodemographic characteristics are associated with adoption of postharvest management technologies. Its contributions include policy ideas for promoting postharvest technologies for grains in Tanzania, based on socio-demographic factors.
Factors influencing tomato farmers to adopt agricultural technologies in Mlali Mvomero District, Tanzania
(RSIS International, 2025-03-21) Magenge Deborah; Kyaruzi Athman; Nsenga, Justus
This study was carried out in Mlali, Mvomero District, Morogoro. The objective of this study was to identify the key factors influencing the adoption of agricultural technologies among the tomato farmers in Mlali ward. Crosssectional research design was employed. The study was conducted in five villages in Mlali, employing a structured questionnaire to interview 130 farmers who were selected following a random sampling technique. Additionally, two focus group discussions were conducted each with 10 participants and Key informant interview was conducted with an extension officer. Data collected were processed and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Descriptive statistic was used to assess demographic information and a multivariate logistic regression model was used to determine factors influencing tomato farmer’s adoption of agricultural technologies. The findings revealed that the key factors influencing technology adoption among farmers include age (p= 0.042), education level (p< 0.05)), cooperative membership (p= 0.001), type of labor (p= 0.023), access to loans (p= 0.041) on which all these factors are significant at (p< 0.05). In conclusion, tomato farmers are more likely to adopt agricultural technologies when they have better access to resources like loans, are members of cooperative, have certain level of education, and are engaged in specific types of labor. The study recommend that local governments should assist farmers in locating market both regionally and internationally, also it is essential that intermediaries receive education on how to assist farmers in accessing market effective.
Status quo of beekeeping in dryland area of mwanga district as an entry point towards improved beekeeping intervention
(International Journals of Multidisciplinary Research Academy, 2013) Mtengeti, E.J.; Maseki, N.M.; Mahonge, C.P.; Nsenga, J.V.
Beekeeping is among the economic activities with potential to enhance incomes of smallholder households in the light of climate change through diversification with other activities. Smallholder farmers in the dryland areas of Mwanga district have been affected by climate change. The area has great potential for beekeeping based on the the fact that it has abundant availability of bee forage plants such as Acacia and other trees species and herb vegetation types. Beekeeping, thus, is one of the sectors on which efforts towards improving life standards of people can put emphasis on. However, before interventions for improved beekeeping can be implemented, understanding of the field realities on beekeeping is imperative. Such knowledge may include issues related to local household beekeeping strategies, challenges facing the sector, and mechanisms for addressing those challenges. In Mwanga district, the practice of beekeeping entailed the use of log-hives and traditional ways of beekeeping such as the use of fire in harvesting honey which can result into forest fires; beekeepers encoutered the challenges of theft of honey, lack of appropriate facilities and working gears, and low knowledge on honey production. Also, beekeepers were not organized to delibarate on their interests, instead they operated independent of one another. It was recommended that training should be provided and incentives created so as to promote beekeeping profitably and eco-friendly, and further research is recommended on the market aspects of beekeeping.
Male outmigration and women’s empowerment in rural Tanzania: unpacking the transformation of household decision-making dynamics in Kondoa district
(The Sub Saharan Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2026-06) Nyamonge M. Kenya
Rural-urban migration continues to reshape household dynamics across Sub-Saharan Africa, yet empirical evidence on how male outmigration influences left-behind women's decision-making authority remains limited, particularly in Tanzania's semi-arid regions where climatic stress exacerbates livelihood vulnerability. This study examined the implications of male rural-urban migration on left-behind women’s participation in household decision-making across 26 villages in Kondoa District, Dodoma Region, Tanzania. Using a mixed-methods convergent parallel design, data were collected from 177 purposively selected left-behind women through semi-structured interviews and from 18 key informants comprising Village Executive Officers and Ward Executive Officers. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 26, employing descriptive statistics and chi-square tests to examine associations between migration and decision-making patterns, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis using NVivo version 12. Findings revealed that pre-migration decision-making was predominantly male-controlled (51%, n=90), with only 22% (n=39) of women identifying as primary household decision- makers. Post-migration, participation significantly increased, with 92% (n=163) of women involved in all or most decisions regarding productive activities and income utilization (χ²=24.67, p<0.001), while 89% (n=157) participated in remittance allocation decisions. Thematic analysis indicated enhanced agency, autonomy, and bargaining power, though challenges including limited remittance amounts (Tshs 10,000-20,000/US$4-8 monthly) and persistent patriarchal norms constrained full empowerment. This study contributes empirically by providing quantitative evidence of decision-making shifts in a climatically vulnerable context, and theoretically by extending the Sustainable Livelihood Approach to illuminate how migration-induced household restructuring transforms women’s livelihood outcomes. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions strengthening women’s financial literacy and access to productive resources, alongside policies recognizing women’s emerging roles in household economic governance.
Bridging access and quality: community perceptions of educational excellence under Tanzania's fee- free secondary education policy
(African Journal of Empirical Research, 2026-03) Optatus Martin Semindu; Michael Kadigi; Nyamonge Kenya
Community perceptions play a critical role in the effective implementation of educational policies, particularly in resource-constrained urban contexts such as Tanzania, where rapid policy expansion can strain institutional capacity. Guided by socio-ecological theory and informed by the human capital perspective, this study examined multilevel factors shaping community perceptions of the Fee-Free Education Policy (FFEP) and its influence on perceived educational quality in public secondary schools in urban Tanzania. The socioecological framework conceptualizes educational outcomes as interactions among individual, relational, institutional, and community-level factors. A convergent mixed-methods design was employed, combining quantitative data from 239 students analysed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) with qualitative insights from 20 semi-structured interviews with head teachers and academic staff. The measurement model demonstrated strong reliability and validity, while the structural model explained 26.1% of the variance in perceived educational quality (R² = 0.261). The results revealed that parental involvement (β = 0.322, p < 0.001) and community material contributions (β = 0.252, p < 0.001) were the strongest predictors of perceived educational quality, highlighting the central role of relational and organizational dynamics. In contrast, socioeconomic status (β = 0.110, p = 0.252) and policy awareness (β = 0.092, p = 0.116) did not show significant direct effects. Qualitative findings contextualized and extended these results through four key themes: the access quality paradox, socioeconomic constraints as structural mediators of parental involvement, leadership variability as a critical implementation moderator, and the unmet expectations narrative reflecting gaps between policy promises and implementation realities. These insights reveal that socioeconomic conditions influence educational quality indirectly through parental engagement and resource contributions, while leadership practices and resource constraints shape the effectiveness of policy implementation. The study concludes that improving educational quality under the FFEP requires moving beyond policy awareness toward strengthening community engagement mechanisms, enhancing resource mobilization, and addressing systemic capacity constraints. Building adaptive school leadership, aligning policy communication with implementation realities, and establishing continuous monitoring systems are essential for sustaining both equity and quality. The findings underscore the importance of participatory, system-oriented approaches that integrate community involvement into school-level governance to support sustainable educational outcomes in rapidly expanding education systems.
Beyond access: which factors shape secondary school students’ academic performance under Tanzania’s fee- free education policy?
(The Sub Saharan Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2026-03) Optatus M. Semindu; Michael Kadigi; Nyamonge Kenya
Tanzania’s Fee-Free Education Policy (FFEP) has dramatically expanded secondary school access since 2015, yet persistent concerns about educational quality persist. The rapid enrollment surge has strained school systems, but empirical evidence on how school management, teacher factors, resource availability, and household characteristics interact to influence student achievement remains limited. This study investigates the multidimensional determinants of academic performance in Tanzanian public secondary schools under FFEP. Employing a cross-sectional analytical design, data were collected from 239 randomly selected students (Forms 1-4) across 12 public secondary schools in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania. Twenty-four educators (12 head teachers and 12 academic teachers) participated in semi-structured interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using chi-square tests and binary logistic regression in STATA v18, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. Binary logistic regression revealed that consistent student attendance (OR=3.60, p<0.01), sustained parental involvement (OR=3.25, p<0.01), strong administrative accountability (OR=2.86, p<0.01), supportive school leadership (OR=2.77, p<0.01), adequate teacher availability (OR=2.59, p<0.01), access to supplementary materials (OR=2.27, p<0.05), quality infrastructure (OR=2.05, p<0.05), and appropriate teacher qualifications (OR=1.97, p<0.05) independently predicted satisfactory performance. The model explained 45% of performance variance (Pseudo R²=0.45). Qualitative findings elucidated how resource shortages, class sizes of 120-140 students, excessive workloads, and limited professional development constrain instructional effectiveness. Academic performance under FFEP depends on synergistic alignment of multiple system components rather than isolated factors. Student attendance and parental involvement emerged as strongest predictors, highlighting that access expansion alone cannot compensate for household-level engagement deficits. This study provides novel empirical evidence quantifying the relative strength of eight key predictors within an expanded- access policy context, advancing theoretical understanding of how misalignment between enrollment growth and resource provisioning creates quality constraints. FFEP has successfully expanded access, but sustainable quality improvements require integrated interventions addressing teacher support, infrastructure proportional to enrollment growth, parental engagement, and attendance promotion. Policy reforms should prioritize: (1) increased capitation grants with timely disbursement; (2) accelerated infrastructure development aligned with enrollment growth; (3) enhanced teacher motivation through incentives and professional development; (4) strengthened school-level administrative autonomy; and (5) inclusive parental engagement strategies accommodating economically constrained families.
Beyond aggregate adoption: determinants and heterogeneity in the uptake of scientific poultry management practices in Ajmer, India
(The Sub Saharan Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2025-05) Joseph Longo; Nyamonge M. Kenya
The adoption of scientifically recommended management practices is critical for enhancing the productivity, profitability, and sustainability of smallholder poultry farming. While aggregate adoption rates are often reported, the heterogeneity among farmers remains poorly understood. This study moves beyond a monolithic view to analyze the spectrum of adoption and its determinants among poultry farmers in Ajmer District, India, a leading poultry-producing region. Guided by the Diffusion of Innovations theory, we assessed adherence to 21 key practices across housing, feeding, watering, and lighting. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire from a random sample of 322 farmers and analyzed using one- sample t-tests to compare actual practices against scientific benchmarks. Our findings reveal that, in aggregate, farmers adhered to 75% of the recommended practices. However, cluster analysis uncovered significant heterogeneity, segmenting farmers into three distinct adopter categories: High Adopters (23%), Medium Adopters (73%), and Low Adopters (4%). Critically, practices related to feed rationing and cage stocking density showed the lowest compliance, indicating specific areas for intervention. The study concludes that the predominance of the medium-adopter group represents a substantial opportunity for productivity gains. We propose a differentiated extension strategy: leveraging High Adopters as peer champions, nudging the large Medium Adopter cohort through targeted training and incentives, and providing intensive support to Low Adopters via subsidies and demos. This nuanced understanding of adoption heterogeneity provides a robust framework for designing more effective, evidence-based agricultural extension policies in India and other developing economies.

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