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Rural youths’ choice of livelihood strategies and their Effect on food security and income poverty in Rwanda
No full textArable land inadequacy and limited livelihood strategies are phenomena posing a
challenge on rural food security and chronic poverty in Rwanda. However, literature
linking land resources, youth livelihood strategies and livelihood outcomes is scanty. The
study examined livelihood strategies pursued by rural youths, analyzes their returns to
labour per day, and determines factors influencing youths’ choices of livelihood
strategies. Furthermore, the relationship between rural youths’ choice of livelihood
strategies, food security and income poverty alltogether were analysed in this study. The
study used data from the 2016/17 wave of Integrated Household Living Condition Survey,
with a sample of 2811 rural youths. The results from descriptive analyses indicate that
rural youths in Rwanda pursue seven livelihood strategies namely agriculture, non-farm
wage employment, self-employment, agriculture plus non-farm wage, agriculture plus
self-employment, non-farm wage plus self-employment, and agriculture plus non-farm
wage plus self-employment. Of these livelihood strategies, non-farm wage plus selfemployment,
non-farm wage and self-employment are three choices with highest daily
return to labour in Rwandan Francs 1(RWF) as they generated median daily income of
RWF 526, 424, and 357 respectively. Although agriculture alone was the most practiced
livelihood strategy, it was the least rewarding with a return to labour of RWF 201 per day.
Findings from the first stage of METE model revealed that rural youth’s choice of
livelihood strategies was influenced by age of youth, sex and education of both youth and
household head, household size, distance to the nearest urban center, land size, land
productivity, access to information through phones. The estimates in the second stage of
the METE indicate that non-farm wage, self-employment, agriculture plus selfemployment,
non-farm wage plus self-employment, agriculture plus non-farm wage plus
1 1usd =RWF 834, Dec ember 2017
self-employment strategies contribute to household food security improvement and
poverty reduction when compared to agriculture alone. Based on these findings, this study
concludes that agriculture is a necessary but not a sufficient livelihood strategy to sustain
the contribution of rural youths’ livelihood strategies to their households livelihood. There
is therefore a need for the government and development practitioners to support
development of rural non-farm activities including agro-processing, distribution,
provision of inputs and improving access to market outlets. This should go hand in hand
with interventions to enhance agricultural productivity as it ncessary not only to motivate
youths to engage in agriculture.African Economic Research Consortium (AERC), German Academic
Exchange Service (DAAD
Evaluation of innate immunity to newcastle disease in selected free-range local chicken ecotypes in Tanzania
No full textPhD ThesisNewcastle disease (ND) is a major problem in poultry husbandry, causing
tremendous losses to farmers in Tanzania. The problem is even bigger in the
extensive free-range management system practices for free-range local chickens
(FRLC) in rural areas of the country. Practical control of ND in FRLC is mainly by
vaccination. The extensive husbandry system exposes FRLC to high risk of ND
infection due to interaction with other bird species and contaminated environment.
This study focused on the evaluation of ND in FRLC flocks to improve their
productivity through selection of ND resistant FRLC ecotypes in Tanzania. A flock
of 389 FRLC (324 females and 65 males) of three Tanzanian ecotypes namely;
Ching’wekwe, Morogoro-medium and Kuchi were sampled from the coastal, central,
northern and lake zones of Tanzania to establish a breeding parent stock for
experiments. Each chicken was identified using numbered wing tag to maintain
identity between parents and progenies. The chickens were first characterized
phenotypically and genotypically. From the parents, morphometric parameters were
taken, i.e. body length (BL), neck length (NL), chest girth (CG), shank length (SL)
and shank girth (SG) were measured in centimetres (cm) using a tailor’s measuring
tape. Body weights (BW) were measured in grams (gm) using a 0.01gm sensitive
electronic weighing scale. These measurements were analysed using one-way
analysis of variance (ANOVA) and compared among the three ecotypes. Differences
in traits between ecotypes were considered significant at p≤0.05. Results from the
morphometric analyses showed that the chickens are three distinctly three ecotypes.
A total of 1,399 progeny chicks (477 Ching’wekwe, 315 Kuchi, and 607 Morogoromedium)
were produced from the parent stocks in five rounds of incubation and
hatching for use in the determination of immune response traits during infection with
ND and also for determination of the population structure using single nucleotide
polymorphism (SNPs) genotypes. Blood samples were collected on FTA cards
(Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, MO, United States) at three weeks of age from the chicks
and genotyped for 600K SNP panel with reference to Galgal 5 reference genome.
The FRLC population structure was determined through admixture analysis using the
SNP genotypes. Results showed that the FRLC ecotypes are two populations instead
of three ecotypes as indicated by the phenotypic morphometric traits. One population
is composed of Morogoro-medium and Ching’wekwe (population 1) and the other
population is composed of the Kuchi (population 2). Immune response comparision
between the populations was done in two appraches; - first, the chickens were
infected with LaSota strain of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) at 28 days of age.
Tears were collected at 2 and 6dpi days post infection. Blood samples were also
collected for serum at 10 dpi. Viral loads at 2 and 6 dpi iwere determined after a
quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (RT PCR) and viral clearance rates
were determined. Anti-NDV antibodies levels at 10dpi were determined from the
serum samples. Results showed that chickens in population 1 had significantly
higher viral loads at 2dpi than at 6dpi compared to chickens in population 2. They
also had lower viral clearance rate (VCR) than chickens in population 2. The results
further showed that population 2 birds had significantly higher sero-conversion rate
than chickens in population 1. There was weak but positive correlation between
antibody response and the VCR (0.08) for both population 1 and 2. In the second
approach of the experiment, the chicks used in the first part of the experiment were
challenged with virulent field strains of NDV on day 34. Viral loads at 2 and 6 days
post infection (dpi), anti-NDV antibody titers, growth rate before and after infection
with LaSota strain of NDV and growth rate after infection with virulent field stains
of NDV were recorded. Correlation analyses among the traits before challenge with
LaSota and after challenge with field strains of NDV were also evaluated. The results
showed that population 1 chickens (Kuchi ecotype) had higher mean value
measurements for all morphometric traits compared to population 2 chickens
(Morogoro-medium and Ching’wekwe) indicating that the linear body measurements
can be used for phenotypic selection of the chickens. However, there were individual
variations; some individuals had extreme values that overlapped between the chicken
populations. The anti-NDV antibody response was also weakly and negatively
correlated to lesion scores after exposure of the chickens to virulent strains of NDV.
Since results indicated that the chickens are admixed populations with large
individual variations, selection for ND resistance chickens is important and requires
the use of genetic tools as the canonical selection methods instead of the customary
phenotypic methodologies that are being used for selection FRLC in rural areas.Genomics to Improve Poultry (GIP) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID
Potentials of constituency development catalyst fund act of 2009 in enabling implementation of CDCF Projects in Vwawa Constituency, Tanzania
No full textJournal of Public Policy and Administration ResearchConstituency Development Catalyst Fund (CDCF) Act is a legal instrument that provides directives in the planning
and administering of the funds used to support development projects. This paper analyzed the potentials of CDCF
Act of 2009 in enabling the implementation of CDCF progaramme in Vwawa Constituency, Tanzania. Data
collection was through semi-structured interview, focused group discussion (FGD) observation and documentary
review which were later transcribed and subsequently analyzed. The findings indicate that, the projects funded
were proposed by the villagers, mainly from the existing projects that were already in process of implementation.
It was also was found that, legal measures were taken against those who misappropriated and or assisted to
misappropriate the CDCF. Based on these findings, the study concludes that, the process of initiation of the projects
was not practical in a real sense since community members did not initiate new projects as per CDCF Act. As such,
the paper recommends review of some of the CDCF Act, 2009 articles to include issues pertaining initiation of
projects to be disbursed by CDCF that the CDCF Act should emphasize on selecting projects from among the
existing projects rather than initiating new projects because this is what is practical in the study area
Analysis of influence of livelihood capabilities on coffee production among small-scale coffee farmers in Hai and Arumeru districts, Tanzania
No full textThe livelihood of small-scale coffee farmers in Hai and Arumeru Districts depends on
coffee among other economic activities. This study analysed influence of livelihood
capabilities on coffee production among small-scale coffee farmers in Hai and Arumeru
Districts. Specifically, the study intended to: examine the implications of livelihood
capabilities on coffee production trends; assess the implications of livelihood capabilities
on coffee farming inputs; determine the association between livelihood capabilities and
access to extension services, and determine the livelihood capabilities diversification
strategies among small-scale coffee farmers. A cross-sectional research design using a
mixed methods approach was applied in this study to collect qualitative and quantitative
data from 250 respondents using households’ survey, key informant interview-(KII), focus
group discussion-(FGDs) and documentary review. Qualitative data were analysed using
content analysis while quantitative data were analysed using trend analysis, chi-square
and cross-tabulation. The results indicate that the small-scale coffee farmers were
categorized into four capability levels; no capability (9.2%), low capability (39.2%),
moderate capability (18.4%) and high capability (33.2%) respectively. Coffee production
and income generated from coffee have been fluctuating from time to time and therefore
affecting the livelihood of small-scale farmers. It was revealed that the critical problem
facing a small-scale coffee farmer was inputs un-affordability. Generally, lack of market
and low coffee price, inadequate farming inputs and extension services have compelled
small-scale coffee farmers to diversify their economic activities. Further, the study
concludes that there is a critical shortage of coffee farming inputs and extension services
among small-scale farmers which to a large extent has resulted into low coffee production.
There is a need of small-scale coffee farmers to form groups in order to lay down
strategies on how to improve coffee production and how to secure market. However,
districts administrative authorities and AMCOS should collaborate to improve the quality
and quantity of coffee produced. This can be done by ensuring the timely availability of
coffee farming inputs and extension services among small-scale farmers. In so doing, this
will improve not only coffee production but also the livelihood capabilities among smallscale
farmers.Higher Education Students’ Loans Board (HESLB
Management options for rice stem borers in irrigated low land rice ecosystems in Tanzania
No full textPhD ThesisRice farmers in Tanzania continue to experience losses due to stem borers. However, the
information on farmers’ knowledge and perceptions of rice stem borers is limited and
farmers’ efforts on managing this insect have been ineffective. The aim of this study was
to investigate constraints affecting rice production and farmers’ approaches of stem borer
management in irrigated low land rice ecosystems in Tanzania. Data were collected using
a structured questionnaire through face to face interview with farmers. The information
collected included: farmers’ socio-economic profiles, farm characteristics, knowledge and
perceptions of stem borers and their management practices. About 96.76 % of farmers
reported insect pests such as stem borers, white flies, leaf rollers and grasshoppers as
major constraints of rice production. Other constraints reported were such as diseases,
damage by birds, drought, weeds and lack of access to credit for purchasing inputs. Most
of the farmers (78.2%) apply chemical insecticides against rice insect pests particularly
stem-borers where number of health hazards have been reported. Very few farmers
(18.5%) use cultural methods including crop residue disposal and split application of
nitrogenous fertilizers for reduction of stem borer damages. The study revealed that, most
farmers have limited knowledge on the recommended stem borer management practices
and suggests that environmentally friendly pest management methods to be designed and
implemented to minimize losses associated with rice stem borers.USAI
Tomato value chain information system in tanzania:lessons from Kilolo District and Dodoma Municipality, Tanzania
No full textJournal ArticleT
he major challenge for the tomato farmers is getting a fair price at the market price
given that there are many actors involved in the tomato value chain. Given this
situation, this project's goal was to improve communication pathways in dissemination of
agricultural market information in tomato value chains in Iringa and Dodoma Regions in
Tanzania. The specific objectives were to: identify and assess the status of tomato
production and information sharing among the various actors in every node in the tomato
value chain; identify the communication and knowledge dissemination pathways in tomato
value chain; examine the efficacy of communication and knowledge dissemination
pathways in tomato value chain; establish the innovative communication and knowledge
dissemination pathways in tomato value chain, and enhance capacity and empower the
various stakeholders involved in the tomato value chain. One way of achieving the goal of
the study was to come up with an innovative communication pathway that would improve
the marketing of tomatoes by directly linking farmers to markets. The study has developed
a system called Tomato Value Chain Information System (ToVCIS). The system links
famers to different markets in the Tanzania by sending text messages to a control centre
which is fed with prices on a daily basis by government employed marke
Availability, accessibility and household handling Practices of traditional leafy vegetables: a case of Lindi region
No full textMasters thesisIn Sub-Saharan Africa Tanzania inclusive, most of the diet consumed is cereal based
which contains low micronutrients and phytochemicals; vitamins, beta-carotene as well as
carotenoids which are found more in Traditional Leafy Vegetables (TLVs). Micronutrients
deficiency is a major health problem in developing country including Tanzania due to
poor dietary diversity among other causes. The study aims to explore the availability,
accessibility and household handling practices of TLVs. The study employed a crosssectional
qualitative-explorative study design which mainly involved KII, FGDs and
market survey. A stratified multistage sampling approach was used in selecting
respondents. Data were analyzed by using NVivo 12, qualitative data analysis software
(QDAS). Result obtained showed that most of the participants for both KII and FGDs
ranged between of 20-30 years of age. TLVs were mentioned to be mostly available
during rainy season and became more scarcity during dry season which lead to high price
and low diversification of TLVs. There are few participants who locally process TLVs like
cowpea leaves and jute mallow (linyororo) and obtain the end product as dried cowpea
leaves and Jute mallow (linyororo). Different preparation and cooking methods were
mentioned which include; boiling and prolonged cooking while covering the vegetables.
Climatic change, use of local seed and lack of market information mentioned to be the
factors affecting the availability and accessibility of TLVs. Therefore, the study revealed
that TLVs are available and they are highly accessible during the rainy season but became
less available during dry season which lead to the increasing in the scarcity and price as
well as insufficiency knowledge on preparation and cooking methods of TLVs. There is a
need to integrate preparation and cooking practices with agriculture interventions to equip
rural household farmers with the knowledge on how to prepare food without losing
important nutrients like vitamins which are easily lost
Estimating conveyance efficiency and maize productivity of traditional irrigation systems in USA river catchment, Tanzania
No full textEstimating the conveyance efficiency of traditional irrigation schemes systems is very important. It is because of understanding the
volume of water lost along with the transportation facility, enhancing water usage and productivity, hence making better decisions
about the utilization of water resources. (e objective of the study was to determine water abstraction permit compliances and
estimate conveyance efficiency and crop and water productivity of traditional irrigation systems in northern Tanzania. (e task
involved measurement of irrigation water flows to determine the amount of water abstraction, inflow (head) and outflow (tail)
between the canals to determine the conveyance efficiency of the main, secondary, and tertiary canals of the traditional irrigation
systems. Moreover, water and yield obtained at the farm level were determined. Results indicate that approximately 72% of water
transported reaches the destined farm which produced maize (Zea mays L) yields of 1054.5 kg/ha, 892.4 kg/ha, and 875.156 kg/ha
at downstream, midstream, and upstream which equals 0.41 kg/m3, 0.15 kg/m3, and 0.09 kg/m3, respectively, while about 28% of
water is lost along the canals through evaporation, seepage, and deep percolation and overtopping. Consequently, water measured
at furrow intakes in total was 3, 500 L/s, equal to 23% more than the permitted amount of 2856.14 L/s at Usa River Catchment.
Interventions to minimize water losses starting at the furrow’s intakes are urgently required in the current trend of the increasing
demand for water resources for food production and schemes performance. Subsequently, more effective conveyance technologies
and water management strategies other than canal lining are required
Energy drink consumption rate, knowledge and perceived side effects among long distance car drivers in Morogoro municipality Tanzania
No full textMasters ThesisSeveral countries have banned energy drink (ED) sales within the markets claiming to
cause health effects among the consumers. A cross-sectional study was carried out in
Morogoro municipal in Morogoro region, Tanzania, to determine ED consumption rate,
knowledge and perceived side effects among long distance car drivers. A total of 150
respondents (2 females, 148 males) were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. In
addition, 12 samples of EDs products were collected from six common ED brands and
their caffeine content analyzed using UV-Vis Spectrophotometer. About 55.3% of the long
distance car drivers consumed three bottles of EDs per day, only 28.0% had high level of
knowledge concerning ED consumption guidelines. Almost 97.3% of the respondents
reported to have experienced side effects they link with consumption of EDs. The most
common reported side effects were insomnia, restlessness and addiction and heart
palpitations, as mentioned by 75.3%, 64.7%, 51.3% and 48% of the respondents,
respectively. Mo Energy drink brand contained about 28.1(mg/100ml) of caffeine, which
was nearly 1.6 times the caffeine concentration that was presented in the product
information label. Overall, consumption rate of EDs among long distance car drivers is
high whereby more than half of respondents 58.0% were consuming more than two
bottles per day and hence, exceeding the daily recommended intake. Public health
education is urgently needed to guide consumers of EDs and inform on the potential
health adverse effects that may be caused by excessive intakes. Manufactures of EDs
most honestly indicate the amount of caffeine and other ingredients on the package label
in order for the consumers to know the right amounts of ingredients. They consume as
well as the public health authorities should provide education to guide consumers of EDs
and inform on the potential health adverse effects that may be caused by excessive intake
Contribution of SUA training forest to the socio-economic development of adjacent local communities and forest product customers at Olmotonyi, Arusha
No full textMasters ThesisThe overall objective of the study was to assess the contribution of SUA Training Forest
to adjacent local communities and forest product customers in Olmotonyi, Arusha.
Purposive sampling was used to select two villages (Timbolo and Shiboro) with the
longest boundary to the forest among the four villages. A cross-sectional survey design
was employed where a total number of 90 respondents were randomly selected and
interviewed using household questionnaire. Key informant’s information was collected
and two focus group discussions comprising of 16 discussants in both groups with
Farmers and Livestock keepers from Shiboro Village. Data was analyzed by Gross
Margin Analysis, Net Revenues and Stepwise Multiple Linear Regression model using the
Statistical Package for Social Science 24.0 (SPSS) Software and Microsoft Excel. The
findings revealed that, the farmers gained 4% of the overall profit of Forest interactions,
the livestock keepers gained 55% and the traders had a gain of 41% of the overall gross
profit from the socio-economic activities. Pesticides, Household size, Pasture loads
collected, Access to markets and Fertilizer application were found to be significant factors
influencing local communities depending on the Forest resource at a 5% probability level
(p<0.05). The Social Cost to the households and forest product customers accounted for
the conservation actions to the resource which was TZS 5 693 600/= per
year. Moreover, 38% of the forest product customers preferred the Pinus patula species
and 55% purchased timber from the SUA Training Forest for construction purposes. The
SUA Training Forest Overall Net profit was TZS 540 501 089.90/= from the sales of the
Forest products to the customers. Generally, the SUA Training Forest resources are of
high benefit to both adjacent local communities and beyond. It is recommended that
modalities should be sought to capacitate sustainable utilization of the scarce and valuable
resource