African Journal of Empirical Research
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Influence of Informal Central-Local Government Interface on Implementation of Good Agriculture Practices in Tanzania
Get PDFThis study investigates the influence of the informal interface between central and local government actors on the implementation of Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) in Tanzania. Guided by institutional theory, the study explores how informal norms, values, and interactions shape institutional behaviour in the context of agricultural policy implementation. Specifically, it examines this interface from four key perspectives: implementers’ attitudes towards GAPs, social interactions between government tiers regarding GAP implementation, the role of trust and mutual respect among actors, and the effects of informal knowledge sharing on the implementation of GAPs. A cross-sectional research design was employed to explore the relationships among these variables. A quantitative approach was utilized, with data collected through structured survey questionnaires from key agricultural regions—Morogoro, Mbeya, and Shinyanga. The study targeted employees from central and local government institutions, with a final sample size of 228 respondents. A stratified sampling technique was applied to categorize the target population into regional strata. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were conducted to examine the data, including mean, standard deviation, and multiple linear regression analysis. The findings revealed that implementers’ attitudes, social interaction, trust and mutual respect, and informal knowledge sharing are positively and statistically influencing the implementation of GAPs in Tanzania. The Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) results established that the implementer\u27s attitude had a standardized Beta Coefficient (β) of 0.357 with a corresponding p-value of 0.000. Moreover, informal knowledge sharing was found with a standardized beta coefficient (β = 0.076) with a statistically significant p-value of 0.011, indicating that informal knowledge sharing has a positive statistically significant influence on the implementation of GAPs in Tanzania and plays a supplementary role rather than a primary one. The paper concludes that enhancing the implementation of GAPs requires deliberate efforts to foster positive attitudes among implementers. It recommends targeted training, awareness campaigns, and motivational strategies for all stakeholders involved in GAP implementation to ensure sustained commitment and improved agricultural outcomes
The Influence of Quality Control Mechanism Implemented by Consultants on Quality Assurance of Road Projects: A Case of Dar es Salaam Metropolitan Development Projects, Tanzania
Get PDFThis paper aimed to examine the influence of quality control mechanisms (evaluation of work executed, supervision of work, advising on proper execution of work and inspection of work executed) implemented by consultants on quality assurance of road projects in Tanzania so as to provide a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between quality control mechanisms and quality assurance, which stakeholders can make informed decisions to improve project outcomes and enhance overall infrastructure quality. This study was guided by agency theory. The study employed a case study research design that utilized a quantitative research approach, involving 122 respondents from the population of 175 randomly selected in the 50 road projects under Dar es Salaam Metropolitan Development Project (DMDP), but valid responses were 110. The data was collected using self-administered questionnaire, and the collected data were analyzed by factor analysis and multiple regression analysis. From the analysis, the findings demonstrated that the evaluation has a negative relationship (-1.680, p < .022), implying that lower evaluation of work executed scores correspond to lower project quality. Conversely, both supervision of work (1.375, p < .001) and advising on proper execution of work (1.151, p < .026) show positive relationships with project quality, implying that higher levels of supervision and effective advising contribute to enhanced outcomes of the projects. Inspection of work executed failed to serve as a significant predictor (0.011, p >.949) which shows that its effectiveness on quality assurance did not show up as expectations compared to other mechanisms. The research reveals consultants\u27 application of evaluation procedures and supervisory techniques together with advising practices to uphold road construction quality standards. The research finds that evaluation, supervision, and advising serve as essential quality control tools used by consultants but recognizes the need to enhance inspection practices for better process effectiveness. Consultants should prioritize rigorous supervision practices to make sure construction activities comply with specifications while adhering to safety regulations and quality standards. Adequate quality assurance requires full-time supervision through regular site visits and progress reviews combined with stakeholder coordination
Money in dialogue: How financial conversations turn financial literacy into investment readiness among urban youth in Tanzania, a partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) approach
Get PDFAlthough there is growing interest in enhancing financial inclusion in Sub-Saharan Africa, there is minimal youth involvement in investments, and this presents a glaring need gap in the economic empowerment of youth. It is crucial to understand how financial literacy can be translated into investment readiness, particularly in situations where investment opportunities and formal financial education are not evenly distributed, as is the case in Tanzania. Driven by the social learning theory, this research focused on the impact of financial literacy on the investment readiness of urban youth, placing much emphasis on the importance of financial socialisation as a mediator variable. A quantitative cross-sectional methodology, whereby the survey population consisted of the youth (aged 18-35) in Dar es Salaam, Arusha and Dodoma, was selected. Data were gathered using a stratified random-sampling technique on 387 respondents using a structured questionnaire and analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). It was found that financial literacy has a consistent prediction on financial socialisation and investment readiness. Financial socialisation was also found to have a significant direct impact on investment readiness and partially mediated the link between financial literacy and investment readiness, with the results supporting complementary mediation. These results point to the notion that financial literacy, in isolation, is less effective unless complemented with social processes of peer communication, family dynamics, and media. The paper finds that investment readiness is the result of cognitive and socially mediated learning. Suggested interventions include incorporating financial literacy into schools, establishing youth-led financial groups in schools and higher education institutions, providing youth-related financial training to parents and other community stakeholders, and developing youth-friendly investment products by financial institutions and fintech innovators. Together, these interventions have the potential to bridge the gap between financial literacy and real-life investment actions, which in turn would help achieve financial inclusion in Tanzania
Decent work for sustainable economic growth in Tanzania: Achievements, challenges, and prospects — A case of Singida Municipality, Tanzania
Get PDFThis research paper investigates the role of decent work in promoting sustainable economic growth in Tanzania within the Singida Municipality. Stranded in the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 8, which emphasizes inclusive and productive employment, the study highlights the multifaceted relationship between decent work and broader economic objectives. This research was guided by Decent Work and Human Capital Theories. The study involved a longitudinal research design. The targeted population was 300 government employees from Singida Municipal; however, only 20 participants were picked through purposive sampling to provide in-depth information about their perception of the level of decent work in Tanzania. Interviews were used to capture ideas and views from respondents and then analyzed qualitatively through a thematic approach. The study adopts qualitative methods and comprehensive interviews of 20 participants from the targeted population. It was found that, along with a few improvements in decent work, there are significant challenges in terms of regulatory enforcement and poor attitudes of top-level managers towards decent work. Respondents reported a promising impact of decent work on local economic growth; however, they stated that bad cultural practices, lack of exposure among employees, poor implementation of government policies, and labor standards block efforts towards attaining decent work. The study calls for effective strategies for enhancing the quality of work along with economic growth through training programs and public awareness events for promoting understanding and commitment to decent work standards
Evaluation of communication strategies used during the 2022 general elections in Shinyalu constituency, Kenya
Get PDFVarious studies have been undertaken on the role of interpersonal communication in elections in different countries. However, its efficacy and role in political communication have not been fully interrogated. This ignorance may lead to undesirable or negative outcomes contrary to the expectations of the contestants, making it difficult to tap into the gains that could be availed through this means of communication. This study sought to examine communication strategies used during the 2022 general elections in Shinyalu Constituency. The elaboration likelihood theory underpinned the study. The study adopted a mixed-method research design approach and utilised both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection and analysis. The population of the study was 76,978. A sample population of 398 respondents was arrived at by the Slovin’s formula. 398 respondents responded to questionnaires, and 12 key informants participated in interviews. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data from interviews was analysed thematically. The findings established that political candidates in Shinyalu Constituency utilised a variety of communication strategies to engage with the electorate. Policymakers and electoral bodies such as the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) should formulate policies which encourage transparent and effective communication. Political candidates and campaign managers should adopt interpersonal communication as a strategy and participate in community events in order to obtain affirmative vote outcomes
Effect of tax incentives on economic growth: A case of Rwanda revenue authority in Nyarugenge District, Rwanda
Get PDFTax incentives are widely used globally to encourage investment, but their effectiveness in attracting incremental investments is often questionable; tax incentives can present challenges. The general objective of this study was to investigate the effect of tax incentives on economic growth in Rwanda. Specifically, to determine the effect of tax credit incentives on economic growth of Nyarugenge district, to examine the effect of tax deduction incentives on economic growth of Nyarugenge district, and to analyze the effect of tax exemption incentives on economic growth of Nyarugenge district. This study was guided by the agency theory of tax incentives, deduction theory, and tax competition theory. The study used descriptive and correlational research designs. A sample size of 396 respondents was drawn from 38,647 individuals involved in tax incentives and economic growth in the Nyarugenge district. The study utilized the simple random sampling. This study employed the questionnaire and interview guide for data collection. The study used descriptive and inferential statistics for data analysis. The results show that the overall high mean of 3.99 (SD=1.129) for the combined statements reflects a very strong positive perception that there is an effect of tax credit incentives on the economic growth of the Nyarugenge district, the overall high mean score of 3.93 (SD=1.302) for the combined statements reflects an overall strong positive perception that there is an effect of tax deduction incentives on the economic growth of the Nyarugenge district, and the overall very high mean score of 4.04 (SD=1.082) for the combined statements reflects a strong positive perception that there is an effect of tax exemption incentives on the economic growth of the Nyarugenge district. Additionally, the findings reveal that tax credit incentives have a positive coefficient of the estimate, which was significant (β=0.152, p=0.000˂0.05). Findings reveal that tax deduction incentives have a positive coefficient of the estimate, which was significant (β=0.109, p=0.000˂0.05), and the findings reveal that tax exemption incentives have a positive coefficient of the estimate, which was significant (β=0.657, p=0.000˂0.05). The study concludes that tax credits, tax deductions, and tax exemptions contribute to economic growth in Rwanda, focusing specifically on the Nyarugenge district. The study recommends that tax incentive managers should understand the local economic landscape and identify sectors that would benefit most from tax credit incentives; they should create awareness for encouraging investment and entrepreneurship, and the study suggests that tax exemption incentives should be strategically designed to benefit sectors with high growth potential, such as technology, tourism, and agriculture
Corporate branding strategies in shaping the identity of Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO)
Get PDFCorporate branding is fundamental in shaping the identity and public image of organizations dealing with regulatory institutions like the Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO). KECOBO is still struggling to create a well-defined identity despite several initiatives as a result of limited knowledge, restricted resources, and the ever-evolving digital copyright environment. This study examined how corporate branding strategies affect the organizational identity of KECOBO. The study aimed at identifying the extent to which marketing initiatives influence the organizational identity of KECOBO, the extent to which brand awareness has an effect on KECOBO’s corporate identity, the extent to which public perception influences KECOBO’s branding, and finally, the extent to which brand extension strategies affect KECOBO’s corporate identity. The study, using organizational identity theory and corporate reputation theory, adopted a descriptive research design to study the internal and external perspectives of branding. The targeted population included the head of communication at KECOBO and 10,000 registered copyright holders like authors, artists, publishers, and performers.By using Yamane’s formula, a sample of 385 was taken, out of which one was purposively sampled and the rest were sampled by the stratified random sampling method from the National Rights Registry. Questionnaires and interviews were used to collect qualitative and quantitative data in the study. Reliability was tested. Cronbach’s alpha value for all the key constructs was above 0.75, showing high reliability. Expert review and pilot testing confirmed the validity. The similarity test ensured construct validity. The survey results found that KECOBO marketing was effective according to 72.4% of the respondents, while the other 27.6% found it ineffective. Thus, there is a need for more targeted and digitally adaptive strategies. Overall brand awareness was moderate but uneven—13% of respondents said they were not very familiar with KECOBO, indicating communication gaps with emerging stakeholders. KECOBO received a positive rating from the public survey. The respondents showed that they trust KECOBO at 72.1% but do not view it as different from the government at 58.7%. Interestingly, 65% of the respondents supported KECOBO’s brand extension initiatives, while only 48.5% of them were aware of KECOBO’s brand extension initiative. The findings indicate that although KECOBO’s branding has a functional base, more attention must be paid to segmented marketing, experience-driven trust building, and planned brand-extension roll-out. This study also includes recommendations about how to improve clarity, stakeholder engagement, and organizational identity of a brand
Innovation performance of small and medium enterprises: The impact of transformational leadership and work engagement in small and medium manufacturing enterprises in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area, Uganda
Get PDFThe purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between transformational leadership, work engagement, and innovation performance in the context of small and medium manufacturing enterprises in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area, Uganda. This study was grounded in the upper echelons theory and social exchange theory. A cross-sectional research design was employed to collect data from 326 small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area, Uganda. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire. The data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (version 27) and the Hayes Process Macro (version 4.2). The findings indicate that transformational leadership (β = .509, p<.001) and work engagement (β = .256, p<.001) have a positive and significant influence on innovation performance. The results revealed that transformational leadership significantly predicts work engagement (β = .543, p < .001). Work engagement significantly mediated the relationship between transformational leadership and innovation performance (β = .135, 95% Boot CI = .073, .206). The study concludes that work engagement mediates the relationship between transformational leadership and innovation performance. Owner-managers seeking to enhance the innovation performance of their SMEs should attend leadership symposia to improve their transformational leadership behaviour. Creating an atmosphere where employees’ needs are catered to, they can express themselves, trust is built, and relationships are fostered, making employees feel part of the firm and resulting in more innovative initiatives. This study advances understanding of innovation performance in manufacturing SMEs in developing countries, particularly Uganda
Assessing the effectiveness of integrated information management system for managing land in Tanzania
Get PDFThis study assesses the effectiveness of the Integrated Land Management Information System (ILMIS) in Tanzania, focusing on whether it has achieved its intended objectives based on stakeholders’ perceptions. The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology is used to assess the effectiveness of the system. A mixed methods approach is employed, using a convergent research design and stratified random sampling. The study is conducted in the Dar es Salaam City Council with the target population of 384. However, the study managed to collect data from 350 respondents, including land officers, surveyors, administrators, and community members. Data collection methods include structured questionnaires, interviews, and document reviews. Quantitative data are analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics via SPSS, while qualitative data are examined through content analysis using Taguette software. The findings reveal that ILMIS significantly aligns with its intended goals in areas where it is fully implemented. Key achievements include the reduction of land disputes, improved accuracy of ownership records, and enhanced monitoring of illegal encroachments. The system has also improved service delivery by reducing transaction times and bureaucratic delays, thereby helping to curb corruption. Furthermore, ILMIS’s integration with other government functions, such as tax administration, reflects adherence to global best practices in land governance. This study concludes that ILMIS has a positive impact on land administration in Tanzania. However, for sustained success, the system requires continuous upgrades, expanded user training, broader inclusivity, and integration with traditional land tenure systems. These measures are essential to ensure equitable and efficient land governance across both urban and rural areas
Effect of educational attainment on the preferred number of children among women in Kenya: Evidence from the 2022 Kenya demographic health survey dataset
Get PDFThis research paper discusses how educational attainment influences the desired number of children in Kenyan women using the recent Kenya Demographic Health Survey (2022) data. The theory applied in this study was the Human Capital Theory (HCT). The research design was a cross-sectional research design because the authors examined the data of 32,152 women aged 15-49 years and 42,022 households in Kenya. Validated questionnaires were used to collect data, which was pre-tested and reviewed by experts. The analysis was conducted by univariate (descriptive), bivariate (correlation), and multivariate (multiple linear regression) analysis, factoring in variables like age, wealth, and use of contraceptives. Findings of the regression model have shown that increasing educational attainment leads to a significant decrease in the preferred number of children of 0.15 children per school year of education (P<.001), even with the controlled variables. Univariate analysis revealed that the sample had a mean of 2.41 children, 8.7 years of schooling, and a mean age of 29 years. Bivariate analysis revealed that educational attainment and the number of children had a significant negative relationship (r = -0.438, p < .001), and age and marital status had a positive relationship with fertility. Even after controlling for the confounders, it was confirmed that higher education was a significant source of the preferred number of children decreasing by 0.15 per additional year (β = -0.2679, p = 0.001). Diagnostic tests proved that the statistical assumptions held. These results are in line with the international evidence that education enables women to become strong, enabling them to have more reproductive health knowledge and have low fertility preferences. The article highlights the importance of education in the development of preferences of family size and the facilitation of informed reproductive decisions. It suggests that more funding should be devoted to the education of women to contribute to sustainable population development and gender equity in Kenya