Browsing by Author "Msuya, Catherine"

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Factors influencing the level of water access for livestock in semi-arid areas of Monduli district, Tanzania
(Tanzania Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2023-08-28) Mfinanga, Fredrick; Msuya, Catherine; Madaha, Rasel Mpuya
Access to water by livestock is critical for their growth, reproduction and quality of products. However, despite its relevance, water access for livestock has received comparatively little attention in developing countries Tanzania included. Therefore, the paper examines factors influencing water access for livestock in the semi-arid areas of Monduli district, Tanzania. A cross-sectional research design was adopted whereby primary data was collected using a pre-structured questionnaire discussions from 367 randomly selected pastoralist households. In addition, focus group discussions were used to allow triangulation. Quantitative data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) whereby both descriptive (frequencies and percentages) and inferential statistics were determined. An ordinal logistic regression model was used to determine the factors associated with livestock access to water. Qualitative data was analysed using content analysis. The findings show that the majority (76.3%) of households experienced low levels of water access for their livestock. Additionally, findings show that off-farm income, access to credit, access to subsidies and the use of donkey carts and or tied jerry cans onto donkeys were significantly associated with water access by livestock. The study concludes that most pastoralists in the Monduli district have a low level of water access for livestock. Therefore, it is recommended that all stakeholders in water and livestock sectors should come up with strategies that ensure pastoral communities have access to sufficient amounts of water for their livestock.
Improving the training of frontline extension workers in tanzania: a pilot curriculum reform initiative with the Ministry of Agriculture Training Institute at Ilonga
(Association for International Agricultural and Extension Education) Rodriguez, Mary T.; Erbaugh, Mark; Mattee, Amon; Msuya, Catherine; Masambuka, Fallys; Cochran, Graham
Improving the training of frontline extension workers in tanzania: a pilot curriculum reform initiative with the Ministry of Agriculture Training Institute at Ilonga
(Association for International Agricultural and Extension Education, 2019) Rodriguez, Mary T.; Erbaugh, Mark; Mattee, Amon; Msuya, Catherine; Masambuka, Fallys; Cochran, Graham
Promoting the transition of smallholder farmers from subsistence to more commercial and market-oriented production is an important goal of the Tanzanian extension system. The Ministry of Agriculture Training Institutes (MATIs) contribute to this goal by providing training to frontline extension workers (FEWs). However, the capacity of the MATI system to produce agricultural extension practitioners with job-ready competencies has declined, leading stakeholders and employers to raise concerns about the quality and training of FEWs. The main purpose of this study was to develop recommendations for curriculum revisions at MATI Ilonga to improve its program of study. This was done using a competency-based approach that incorporated inputs from stakeholders into the curriculum assessment and revision process. A panel of eight local and external experts derived 23 competencies from a review of the MATI curriculum and extension literature. A survey instrument to assess competencies based on perceptions of importance and graduates’ ability was designed and administered to 189 stakeholders from four stakeholder groups. Stakeholder-respondents considered all but two of the 23 competencies to be very high importance. Weighted discrepancy scores indicated that the highest rated areas for curriculum revision were Value Chains, Business skills, Climate Change, Fisheries, and Land Resource Management. All stakeholder groups except graduates, indicated Value Chains and Business Skills as high priorities requiring enhanced training to improve the ability of FEWs. Follow-up stakeholder consultations indicated support for using the competency-based approach, engaging stakeholders in the curriculum review process, and interest in applying the approach with other MATIs in Tanzania.
Navigating grassroots innovation journey in Tanzania: factors shaping innovation
(Asian Journal of Agricultural Extension, Economics & Sociology, 2025-03-17) Mdee, Norah; Msuya, Catherine; Busindeli, Innocent; Martin, Respikius
Grassroots innovation is increasingly recognized for its potential to address localized challenges and promote sustainable development. This study addressed the factors influencing grassroots innovation journeys in Tanzania, utilizing PESTLE and SWOT analysis frameworks. A cross- sectional design was used to collect qualitative data guided by a semi-structured questionnaire from 35 grassroots innovators. 16 innovators were purposively selected from the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH) innovators database, 11 were purposively selected from Mashindano ya Kitaifa ya Sayansi, Teknolojia na Ubunifu (MAKISATU) databases and 8 innovators were purposively selected from 2020, 2021 and 2022 and participants in the 45 th and 46th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair Exhibition (SABASABA) in 2021 and 2022. Key informant interviews and observations supplemented the collected data, identifying different prototypes according to the stages of innovation. Innovators were selected from 11 sectors: Agriculture, Information and Communication Technology, Environment, Energy, Engineering, Education, Health, Security, Transport, Industrial and Water. The findings highlight the critical role of political support, economic stability, technological access and community engagement in fostering successful grassroots innovation journeys. The study offers policy recommendations to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of grassroots innovation initiatives in Tanzania. Emphasizing the need for stable funding, robust legal frameworks and holistic approach to address multifaceted challenges. This includes policy reforms, economic incentives, societal attitude shifts, technological support, legal clarity and infrastructural improvements. By tackling these issues comprehensively, Tanzania can create a more vibrant and inclusive innovation ecosystem, unlocking the potential of its innovators to drive sustainable development and economic growth.
Water use strategies for livestock by pastoralists: The case of semi-arid areas in Monduli district, Arusha region, Tanzania
(African Journal of Climate Change and Resource Sustainability, 2023-02-10) Mfinanga, Fredrick; Msuya, Catherine; Madaha, Rasel Mpuya
The paper explores livestock water use strategies that have been employed to cope with the problem of water shortage in Monduli District, Tanzania. The study employed a cross-sectional research design. Quantitative data were collected by using an interview schedule from 367 respondents who were randomly selected from Moita and Makuyuni Wards. Focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and observations were used to supplement the collected data. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 was used to analyse quantitative data, while qualitative data were analysed by using content analysis. The study findings show that livestock water scarcity and high-water supply charges caused pastoralists to come up with strategies for accessing water for livestock. These strategies include selling live livestock, engagement in off-farm income generation activities, water supply for livestock schedule, Charco dam rainwater harvesting technology, migration, small ruminant birth control and the use of temporary traditional dug well. Most of the strategies used play multiple roles since they not only enhance access to water for livestock but they play other beneficial roles. For example, selling livestock and birth control serve the problem of land degradation caused by overgrazing and also overcome the conflicts between farmers and pastoralists. It is therefore recommended that such strategies should be promoted for the development of livestock and agriculture sector in general. Other strategies used are traditional, for example, the use of traditional temporary wells, which do not allow pastoralists to access water throughout the year. This calls the need for local government and development partners to come up and promote improved and permanent structures like the Charco dam and other strategies that allow water accessibility throughout the year