Sokoine University
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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 Contribution of dryland forests to rural households livelihoods in Kishapu District, Shinyanga Region,Tanzania(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2010) Hatibu H.M .SA study to estimate the extent of dryland forests contribution to rural households was conducted in Kishapu District. Specifically, sources of cash income for rural household expenditure were analysed, proportions contribution of cash and non cash of dryland forests was estimated and problems facing dryland forest management were identified and analysed. Four villages were purposely selected and households were randomly selected by proportion from each village and household categories, households were stratified by wealth. Primary data was collected from 318 households using household questionnaire survey. Qualitative data was analysed by content analysis and quantitative data was analysed by multiple regression. Study revealed that, farm income was the major source of total annual household income by 43%, livestocks (24.8%), forests (19.5%) and non-farm (11.9%). The overall total annual household income,was TAS 2 702 386 per household, dryland forests contributed TAS 190 662 as cash and TAS 336 751 as non cash which represented 7% and 12.5% of total household income respectively. Study revealed that most households (77.4%) in the study village experience shortage of forest products. All households (100%) depended on firewood as source of energy for cooking and per capital consumption was 0.7 m3. Theft of trees was the most serious problem which faces management of forests in Kishapu District, protection was suggested as a solutions. Cotton was found to be the major source of cash for small and medium household expenditure while cattle were the major source of cash for large household expenditure. The multiple regression analysis indicated farm income, forest income, non farm income, size of farm, education, household category and farm size significantly contributed to annual total household income. The study recommends introduction of improved energy saving stove, practise natural regeneration, enhancing value of gum and conducting research on domestication of plants producing valuable forest products and market research on forest products.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 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, EdwinThe 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.Item Community attitude towards community health fund on health security in Kalambo District, Rukwa Region, Tanzania(Journal of Public Administration and Governance, 2020-06-18) Kasonso, Alexander D.; Chingonikaya, Emanuel E.; Sikira, Anna N.Community Health Fund (CHF) is one among health insurance schemes found in Tanzania. It was established in 1996 with the aim of improving the health of people who work in informal sectors. However, since its formulation, it has not performed well; the majority of HHs are not members, and some members are withdrawing from the scheme. The overall objective was to assess the attitude of community members towards the importance of CHF for health security. Specifically, the paper assesses the attitude towards CHF interventions among members and non-members of CHF and compares the attitude between members and non-members of CHF on health security. Cross sectional research design was used in this study. Simple random sampling technique using the lottery method was employed to select 354 respondents. Data were collected using a household questionnaire survey, Focus Group Discussions guide, Key Informant Interviews checklist and documents’ reviews. Descriptive statistics, inferential statistics and content analysis were used to analyze the data. The findings show that CHF has inclusive benefits to its members as it covers costs of health treatment rather than paying money every time they attend medical treatments. Furthermore, the attitude towards CHF among members and non-members was accounted for 9.3% and 51.9 negative, 2.3% and 4.1 neutral and 88.4 and 44.0 positive. This indicates that the majority of people in the study area had a positive attitude towards CHF services. Thus, the study concludes that a great proportion of members of CHF in Kalambo District have positive attitude towards CHF intervention while the majority of non-members have negative attitude towards CHF intervention because they were not aware of it due to lack of knowledge. It is recommended that the government should mainstream CHF intervention to all communities so that non-members can join the scheme and hence get better health services. Also, the study recommends that the CHF service providers should put more emphasis on sensitising communities against negative attitudes from non-members of CHF.Item Smallholder farmers’ levels of adaptive capacity to climate change and variability in Manyoni District, Tanzania(International Journal of Research & Methodology in Social Science, 2016) Shirima, Andrew Omari; Mahonge, Christopher; Chingonikaya, EmmanuelSmallholder farming households in developing countries are most vulnerable to climate change and variability as their livelihoods are climate-sensitive and they lack resources to invest on adaptation measures. To formulate appropriate measures to address this susceptibility, it is essential to understand smallholder farmers’ adaptive capacity. This study assessed the adaptive capacity to climate change of farming households in Manyoni District. The specific objectives were: to determine the levels of adaptive capacity of farming households to climate change and assess the impacts of households’ socio-demographic characteristics on adaptive capacity levels. A random sampling technique was adopted to obtain 240 households and data were collected using questionnaire and FGDs. Both descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were done using SPSS and excel. Ordinal logistic regression was adopted to determine influences of households’ socio-demographic characteristics on adaptive capacity. Majority had low adaptive capacity with financial resources ranking the highest in the resources that were required for adaptive capacity. Household size was the strongest predictor of adaptive capacity levels whereas age of the household head had a negative influence on adaptive capacity. Also majority belonged to low adaptive capacity levels. The study recommends strengthening of household farming labour for a more adaptive capacity through sensitization and strengthening farming subsidies. It also recommends creation of a more conducive financial access such as affordable credit conditions that will facilitate access to finances so as to sustain the adaptive capacities of the smallholder households under climate change variability.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 The Synergy between maize productivity and food security among smallholder farmers in Tanzania: insights on successes, challenges, and pathways forward(The sub Saharan Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities (SJSSH), 2024) Jesse,Angela M; Ngowi,Edwin E.Maize (Zea mays) is the most widely grown crop among smallholder farmers in Tanzania, contributing significantly to both household food security and income generation. Accounting for 45% of the total caloric intake and cultivated by over 85% of rural households, maize plays a dual role in providing essential nutrients and as a key economic asset that facilitates the purchase of complementary food items. Despite its importance, the productivity of maize in Tanzania remains low, averaging 1.6 tons per hectare, far below the potential yield of 4-5 tons per hectare under optimal conditions. This paper critically reviews the synergies between maize productivity and food security among smallholder farmers by synthesizing findings from 59 peer-reviewed studies drawn from 1,100 English-language articles published between January 2000 and December 2022. By systematically analyzing these studies, the paper identifies: (i) successful strategies for improving maize productivity and their positive impacts on food security (what works), (ii) persistent challenges that hinder productivity growth (what doesn’t work), and (iii) potential areas for further enhancing maize yields to address food insecurity (what could work). Drawing on the conservation and diffusion models, the analysis focuses on how the transfer of knowledge and adoption of innovative agricultural practices—such as the use of improved maize seeds, chemical fertilizers, pest and disease management, post-harvest storage improvements, and irrigation—can boost productivity and improve food security. However, the review reveals that despite the availability of these strategies, the adoption rate remains low, with only 30% of farmers consistently using high-yielding seeds and less than 20% applying adequate fertilizer, largely due to limited access to agricultural extension services and financial constraints. The paper problematizes the widespread reliance on rain-fed agriculture, which exacerbates vulnerability to climate variability, and highlights how systemic barriers—including poor infrastructure, limited market access, and insufficient government support—undermine the potential benefits of maize productivity interventions. The study concludes by emphasizing the need for context-specific, farmer-centered agricultural policies that prioritize capacity-building through tailored extension services, climate-resilient farming practices, and enhanced access to input markets. The findings underscore the urgency of addressing these structural challenges if Tanzania is to meet its national food security goals and improve rural livelihoods.Item Climate-smart agroforestry systems and practices: A systematic review of what works, what doesn’t work, and why(Elsevier, 2023) Ntawuruhunga,Donatien; Ngowi,Edwin Estomii; Mangi,Halima Omari; Salanga,Raymond John; Shikuku,Kelvin MashisiaThe prevailing global environmental distress, particularly in rural areas, calls for the adoption of integrated sustainable rural development strategies like climate-smart agroforestry (CSA) practices. CSAF is a new name for an old farming practice among the world’s traditional farmers, a holistic approach to land use in which trees, crops, and sometimes animals are combined within a managed farmland, a sustainable farming system and practice, and a pathway toward the mitigation and adaptation of the biggest challenge of our times: climate change. CSAF systems and practices provide a range of goods and services vital for human well-being, particularly for people who live below the poverty line. Yet a number of important knowledge, research, and adoption gaps remain regarding human-environment interactions, and the urgency behind these gaps reflects the need to inform evidence-based policymaking and practice to realize the potential for CSAF to support farmers’ livelihoods. We conducted a review of CSAF system practices that contribute to achieving the SDGs, in particular those related to increased human well-being, and prosperity, soil and water conservation, bioenergy, climate change response, biodiversity conservation, and landscape management, from the SDGs outlook. The study specifically identifies, (i) what has been innovatively achieved in CSAF practices to cope with climate risks for environmental stability, improved farm productivity, farm income, and food security (what works), (ii) challenges facing smallholder farmers to adopt CSAF practices (what doesn’t work), and (iii) room for a significant contribution of CSAF practices in smallholder farmers’ productivity beyond what has been observed. Generally, the results show that CSAF practices have the potential to optimize different socio-economic returns and sustain environmental services. Farming with CSAF technologies has many advantages in both ecological and economic aspects that support the achievement of several of the SDGs, specifically SDG1 (no poverty), SDG2 (zero hunger), SDG3 (good health and well-being), SDG5 (gender equality), SDG6 (clean water and proper sanitation), SDG7 (affordable and clean energy), SDG13 (climate action), and SDG15 (life on land). Results showed that despite its contribution to the SDGs and its global widespread, the challenge remains linking knowledge and action in CSAF research, education, and capacity development. Farmers will not be able to solve the challenge of sustainable agriculture by themselves. Thus, efforts are required from both the public and the industry and effective public-private partnerships along the agricultural and food value chain. There are multidimensional aspects to CSAF which require in-depth scientific analysis for the extensive application of CSAF practices in sustainable land management endeavors. Moreover, in this perspective, CSAF should keep its identity while seeking a role in the nexus of SDGs. We hope this review will provide a clearer picture of what the state-of-the-art in practicing smarter technologies in a changing climate is and provide a more holistic understanding of CSAF systems and practices, and the gaps regarding human-environment interactions, and the way forward to overcoming them.Item Community responses to corona virus disease (COVID-19) in Africa in the face of “Infodemic”: A scoping review(Elsevier, 2024) Muhanga,Mikidadi; Jesse,Angela; Ngowi,EdwinGlobally, Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) has significantly affected communities in various aspects. The World Health Organization proposed different measures to prevent the pandemic. However, these measures in some instances have not effectively minimized the impacts of COVID- 19, due to innumerable factors, inter alia, considerable “infodemic” related to myths, misinformation, and misconceptions. Knowledge of the “infodemic” on COVID -19 can lead to effective interventions to rid societies of COVID-19, hence reduction of COVID-19-related risks and outcomes. This article explores the “COVID-19 infodemic” that affected community responses to COVID-19 in Africa. The study employed a scoping review approach involving peer-reviewed articles from numerous search engines and databases. The keywords involved in the search query were: “COVID-19 infodemic, COVID-19 false news, COVID-19 in Africa, ‘knowledge of COVID-19, ‘myths, misinformation, and misconceptions on COVID-19, ‘history of COVID-19’, ‘community responses to COVID-19 in Africa”. Findings show that 5G technology transferred coronavirus, high temperature and alcohol can kill coronavirus, blacks are immune to COVID-19, COVID-19 vaccine development has been rushed hence not very effective and safe and also causes infertility. Diverse community responses have been registered which in some ways frustrated efforts in combating the pandemic. Therefore, the “infodemic” consisting of myths, misconceptions, and misinformation have been resulting from the history of COVID-19 which first affected white people more than blacks. Also, low knowledge of how the virus is transmitted and affect human being; and the notion that COVID-19 affects richer than poor people, hence since white people are richer than black people then they were the first to be affected by the pandemic. Obviously in presence of such myths, misconceptions, and misinformation; community responses in combating COVID-19 have not been very effective in Africa. For these interventions to be effective, collective efforts involving various stakeholders to raise awareness of COVID-19 are needed.Item 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, EdwinEffective 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.Item 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,EdwinEffective 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 communityItem 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 EEffective 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 practicesItem 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 Analysis of the value chain for hides and skins in Tanzania: the case of Dodoma and Arusha regions(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2008) Kabuje F.LThe general objective of this study was to analyse the value chain for hides and skins in order to provide an understanding of the factors affecting development of the leather industry in Tanzania. The specific objectives of the study were (i) To characterize the value chain for hides and skins from production to consumption; (ii) To examine how the chain is organized, coordinated and functioning including linkages between the key actors along the value chain; (iii) To examine efficiency in performing different operations in the value chain in terms of prices and margins obtained by different actors, and (iv) To identify the major constraints and challenges facing actors and suggest strategies for improving both linkages and efficiency of the value chain. Primary data for the study were gathered in Dodoma and Arusha regions from 84 respondents including livestock keepers, butcher and abattoir owners, hides and skins collectors, wholesalers, leather factories and manufacturer of leather goods. These data were supplemented with secondary data from the Ministry of Livestock Development, Board of External Trade and the National Bureau of Statistics. Qualitative analyses were used to describe the characteristics of the value chain actors whilst prices, marketing margins and profit margins were determined to examine efficiency at the different stages in the value chain. Prices, profit margins and marketing margins at various stages of the value chain were analysed to assess efficiency of the value chain. Generally, the hides and skins supply chain was characterized by low value addition, poor animal husbandry practices, improper skinning of animals due poor facilities and handling practices. poor preservation methods and processing technology. Most (80%) of the hides and skins were exported in raw form and the rest exported wet blue leather. With the exception of few wholesalers and processors, vertical coordination and linkage between actors was weak. Prices, marketing and profit margins were found to vary significantly between different actors along the value chain. Wholesalers obtained higher profit margins than the other actors in the value chain. The study recommends improvement of slaughtering slabs.slaughtering facilities. strengthening of producers and traders organizations and effective enforcement of laws and regulations governing hides and skins trade.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 Micro-level evidence of synergies between extension services and small-scale maize farmers in tanzania: what works, what doesn’t work and why?(Mwenge Catholic University (MWECAU), 2022) Ngusa, D.A; Ngowi, E.EThe article investigates synergies that exist between extension services and small-scale maize farmers for enabling them to cope with climate variability and increase yields in Magu District, Tanzania. The article adopts agricultural extension theory of the Ecological Knowledge System (EKS) that hypothesizes on transferring knowledge and skills to farmers. A cross-sectional research design was applied to collect data. The target population was maize small-scale farmers and the sample size was 70 respondents. Respondents were selected through simple random sampling. Data collection methods included household survey, focus group discussions, nonparticipant observations and life history interview. Data collection instruments included questionnaire, checklists and interview schedules. Qualitative data were thematically analysed through content analysis and life history trajectory. Quantitative data were analysed by using descriptive statistics, cross-tabulation for categorical variables of a five-point Likert scale and multiple linear regressions. The results show that, 78.57% of maize small-scale farmers had limited access to extension services because there were no synergies with extension-officers’ schedules. Hence, the inferences indicates the value of 0.012 for age, 0.018 for sex, 0.003 for marital status and 0.01 for education to have a significant difference at a p-value of 0.05 in the synergy for small-scale maize farmers and the number of sacks produced among households per year. The major policy implication is that, whether farmers are organic and conventional, extension agents should customize their services according to their client’s socio-economic characteristics.Item Indigenous knowledge system (iks) and biodiversity conservation in South Nguru Mountain Forest Reserve, Tanzania: Often neglected partner for sustainable management and use of biodiversity(World Commission on Environment and Development, 2015) Ząbek, MaciejThis study examines the significance of indigenous knowledge system (IKS) in sustainable management and use of biodiversity in South Nguru mountain forest reserve. Semi-structured and key-informant interviews, field observations and focus group discussions (FGDs) were used for data collection. This study observed that indigenous people had a bundle of IKS that significantly contributed to the management of biodiversity. The study also observed that neither the IKS nor the biodiversity con- servation methods can sustainably manage and use biodiversity: their combination would achieve more than either in their separation. The study recommends: official recognition of IKS; active participation of potential actors; motivation and capacity building of indigenous social structures from which the IKS evolved, is enhanced and sustained, the cornerstone for a wide use and application of the knowledge system and to its integration into biodiversity conservation methods.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 Differential livelihood portfolios along altitudinal gradients of Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2014) Haule F. D.This study was conducted in west Kirua Vunjo division in Moshi Rural district, Kilimanjaro from late 2012 to mid 2013 to assess the altitudinal differences in livelihood endowments; evaluate the altitudinal differences in coping strategies; and evaluate factors which determine the differential livelihood portfolios in the study area. The altitudinal differences in livelihood endowments were assessed using a one way analysis of variance and the altitudinal differences in coping strategies were evaluated using a chi-square test. The factors which determine differential livelihood portfolios were evaluated using a Multinomial logit regression model. The findings in this study show that there is a significant difference in livelihood endowments between communities in the upper zone (with mean of 93 250 000 TZS) and lower zone (with mean of 60 390 000 TZS). This implies that local populations living in the upper parts of Mountain Kilimanjaro have relatively better livelihoods than those living in the lower parts. However, the difference in livelihood endowments between difference was observed between the middle and the upper altitudes. The dependence on government aid was found to be a dominant coping strategy in the lower altitude, while the use of alternative crops as well as short rains were more dominant in the upper altitude. These results imply that, the households in the lower altitude are more vulnerable to disasters such as drought, floods, crops pests and diseases than are the found to have positive influence on livelihood portfolios. The presence of various institutions was also found to positively influence livelihood portfolios. The study recommends for an establishment of modern irrigation network system so as to households in the upper altitude. Also household characteristics and altitude were the lower and the middle altitudes was not statistically significant while a sligh difference was observed between the middle and the upper altitudes. The dependence on government aid was found to be a dominant coping strategy in the lower altitude, while the use of alternative crops as well as short rains were more dominant in the upper altitude. These results imply that, the households in the lower altitude are more vulnerable to disasters such as drought, floods, crops pests and diseases than are the found to have positive influence on livelihood portfolios. The presence of various institutions was also found to positively influence livelihood portfolios. The study recommends for an establishment of modern irrigation network system so as to households in the upper altitude. Also household characteristics and altitude were found to have positive influence on livelihood portfolios. The presence of various institutions was also found to positively influence livelihood portfolios. The study recommends for an establishment of modern irrigation network system so as to minimize drought borne problems, and the establishment of risk insurance so that farmers can join and get compensation in case ofshocks (drought, floods, etc).