Sokoine University of Agriculture
Sokoine University of Agriculture Institutional RepositoryNot a member yet
3509 research outputs found
Sort by
Determinants of Rice supply for export markets in Tanzania
No full textDespite Tanzania being the leading rice producer in East African Community region,
existence Common External Tariff trade policy, government interventions in rice sub sector
and high production potential in the country rice supply to the export market in Tanzania is
low. The present study was conducted to analyse the determinants of rice supply for export
markets in Tanzania. Specifically, the study focused on examining the influence of price
and non-price factors on rice export, assessing the competitiveness of Tanzanian rice
exported and identifying factors affecting participation in export markets by rice traders.
The study used mainly secondary data and occasionally supplemented with primary data.
Secondary data were collected from government institutions and other sources such as
FAOSTAT and WITS while primary data were collected from 150 randomly selected rice
traders in Tanzania. Vector Error Correction Model was used to capture the dynamics of
rice export in Tanzania. Competitiveness of rice exported was assessed using Revealed
Comparative Advantage while factors affecting participation of rice traders in export
markets were identified using binary logit regression. Results show that; real exchange
rate, international rice price, average GDP per capita of importing countries and quantity
produced lagged one period are the factors that influence rice export in Tanzania. Rice
exported was found to be less competitive in international markets. Factors affecting
market participation in export markets were; sex, years of experience in rice trade and
access to market information. The study concludes that poor competitiveness of Tanzanian
rice exported and lack of market information by the rice traders are the major limitations
towards rice export in Tanzania. The study suggests that, the government should increase
investment in rice production by subsidising inputs and developing means to ensure
accessibility of market information by rice traders so as achieve competitiveness and to
meet rice export demand to the neighbouring countries and to the world at large.Prof. Reuben Kadig
An analysis of the informality of the informal sector in urban settings: a case of selected wards in Morogoro, Tanzania
No full textEast African Journal of Social and Applied Sciences (EAJ-SAS), pp. 49-58Understanding the extent of the informality of the sector has a profound influence on regulating and
transforming the sector in urban settings. Despite the usefulness of understanding how informal is the
informal sector in urban settings, very little has been empirically documented on the informality of the
informal sector in urban settings in Tanzania. It is against this background that a cross-sectional study
was conducted in Morogoro Municipality to analyse the settings and characteristics of the informal
sector. The study specifically assessed the informality of the informal sector by analysing the
characteristics and settings of the urban informal sector. An index of the score was constructed to
measure the informality of the informal activities. A questionnaire was used to collect primary data
from 80 respondents obtained through a multistage sampling technique. The findings reveal a higher
level of informality from the businesses studied. The findings show that those most involved in the
informal sector had low levels of education and no business skills, and generally use family labour,
willing to operate businesses at times and locations convenient to customers. The findings further show
that 55 % of the informal sector activities obtained capital from owners’ sources, and it was further
revealed that 82.5 % of the businesses or activities operating in the informal sector in the selected
wards were not licensed and rarely used any machinery. Results further show that 50% of the activities
/businesses surveyed were owned by families. The findings further indicate that of the surveyed
businesses only 17.5% (95% CI: 15.0 to 19.9) had their businesses falling under low level of informality,
40.0 % ( 95% CI: 37.2 to 43.1) on a medium level of informality and 42.5 % ( 95% CI: 39.5 to 45.9) on
the high level of informality. The surveyed businesses in selected wards in Morogoro municipality
possessed a variety of characteristics indicating the various levels of informality. The study recommends
further studies to assess the informality of the informal sector and the development of appropriate
policy responses to accommodate the needs of the informal sector by the local governments
Economic performance of smallholder tobacco farmers in Tabora and Ruvuma regions, Tanzania
No full textPhD ThesisLow crop productivity in Tanzania leads to developing ways of improving efficiency in
production. Just like other crops, tobacco production efficiency in the country leaves a lot
to be desired. Conversely, there is dearth of information on how limited resources in crops
production are being used to optimize outputs. Thus, this study was conducted to assess
resource use efficiency and subsequently to determine the underlying factors which affect
inefficiencies in the production of tobacco, maize, paddy and beans by tobacco
smallholder farmers focused on comparing profitability and efficiency across districts.
Data were collected from twelve Cooperative Societies involving 395 farmers.
Profitability was quantified using enterprise budgeting technique and the GM differences
were analysed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The DEA approach was used to
estimate efficiency scores while a two-limit Tobit model was used to identify factors
which explain inefficiency variation. Finally, a five point Likert scale was used to identify
challenges facing smallholder farmers. Results show that tobacco production is profitable
with an average gross margin of TZS 1 610 582.72 per hectare. Further, the results show
that there were significant differences (p<0.05) in gross margin across districts. The
overall mean levels of technical, allocative and economic efficiency have been estimated
at 68%, 42% and 28% respectively. Accordingly, there are statistically significant
differences across districts (p<0.05). Technical inefficiency in crop production was
negatively and significantly (p<0.05) influenced by age of household and farm size and
positively and significantly (p<0.05) influenced by distance to the field and access to
extension services. Further, economic inefficiency was negatively and significantly
influenced by farm size, access to credit and frequently visits by extension officers
positively and significantly (p<0.05) influenced by access to extension services. Besides,
low price of outputs, complicated grading system, side selling, access to credit and high
costs of inputs were found to be critical challenges faced by tobacco smallholder farmers.
As such improvement in production efficiency would amongst others, require improved
access to credit, reduction of tax on imported inputs, investment in extension services and
programmes focusing on increased access to markets and credit sources are suggested as
policy options
The role of land use planning and institutions in land management in Tanzania: a case of Vianzi village in Mvomero district
No full textMasters ThesisThis study assessed the role of land use planning and institutions in land management inTanzania using Vianzi Village in Mvomero District, Morogoro as a case study.Specifically, the study examined the implementation of land use planning, described landmanagement practices adopted and determined the influence of land use planning andinstitutions on land management. The study had a sample of 126 respondents. The studyemployed descriptive survey research design and adopted quantitative and qualitativeapproaches. Data were collected using questionnaires survey, key informant interview anddocumentary review. The quantitative data were analysed using the IBM (SPSS statistics)software whereas qualitative data were analysed using content analysis. The researchfindings revealed that, only few farmers in Vianzi village were applying recommendedland management practices. Adoption of any land management practice was based onindividual and/or family decision rather than village plans. Adopted land managementpractices include farmyard manure application, mixed cropping, crop rotation andmulching. The reasons for not applying land management practices by themajority include lack of enough money and lack of direct benefits from the practices.Land use planning which has been in use since 2010 in Vianzi village has helped peopleto formalize their land rights as they have obtained Customary Certificate of Right ofOccupancy (CCRO). However, the land use plan has not enhanced the adoption of landmanagement practices in Vianzi Village. Finally, it was found that Vianzi village has oneorganization called Sustainable Agriculture (SAT), which has been involved in promotingthe recommended land management practices. Group approach is seen by most of therespondents as proper in enhancing land management. Finally, the Government ExtensionOfficers should visit farmers regularly and offer the much needed extension services toenhance adoption of the recommended land management practicesSustainable Agriculture Tanzania (SAT
Comparative evaluation of water quality parameters and growth performance of sex-reversed Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) raised in two different climatic conditions in Tanzania
No full textA study was done to compare water quality parameters, growth and production performance of Sexreversed Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) cultured in two districts of Tanzania, which experience different climatic conditions (cold and moderately warm). Fingerlings (1.00 g average weight) were stocked in earthen ponds (2 fish/m3), then raised for six months. Fish were fed twice daily and ponds were inorganically fertilized fortnightly. Measurements of water quality parameters and fish growth parameters (weight, length and width) were done biweekly. The results revealed significant differences on various water quality parameters; including temperature, salinity, conductivity and alkalinity between the two districts (p≤0.05). Mean growth rate, specific growth rate, mean final weight, estimated annual yield and Food Conversion Ratio were significant better for fish grown in warm than those in cold climate (p≤0.05). It is concluded that, fish growth and water quality parameters are better in warm than cold condition
Slaughter traits and meat quality characteristics of five strains of Tanzania shorthorn zebu
No full textMasters ThesisA study was carried out to assess the suitability of five strains of Tanzania Shorthorn Zebu
(TSZ) for production of quality meat. It involved assessing requirements for quality beef
by the niche market followed by assessing the potential of five strains of TSZ to produce
quality beef. A survey was carried out in Dar es Salaam (January and February 2019) to
assess beef quality attributes required by the niche market. A total of 135 respondents
(beef processors, retailers and consumers) were included. The potential of TSZ strains
namely Iringa Red (IR), Gogo (GG), Mbulu (MB), Maasai (MS) and Singida White (SW)
to produce quality beef was also assessed. A total of 50 animals aged 3-4 years were
sampled from slaughter slabs in five districts. Slaughter traits, physicochemical properties
and the response to post-mortem ageing were studied. Freshness, slight intramuscular fat
(IMF), medium subcutaneous fat (SCF) and medium tenderness were the quality attributes
preferred by retailers and consumers while the maturity of the animal, hygiene, safety and
freshness were preferred by processors. The results showed overall means for heart girth
(HG), estimated slaughter weight (ESW), empty body weight (EBW), hot carcass weight
(HCW) and dressing percentage (DP) were 138.1cm, 201.4 kg, 171.4 kg, 101.4 kg and
50.6%, respectively. IR strain had the highest carcass measurement values while MB had
the lowest. Non-significant effects of strain on muscle % and fat % of 6th rib dissection
were observed. Overall moisture content (MC) of Longismuss thoracis (LT) muscle was
72.53%, dry matter (DM) was 27.47%, ash was 4.56%, crude protein (CP) was 22.83%
and ether extract (EE) was 4.77% while mean ultimate pH was 5.64. The colour change
was significant for strains and ageing time. The drip loss and cooking loss were influenced
by ageing, their values decreased with ageing time. Tenderness was lower for SW and
higher for IR with the average of 62.35 N and it was decreased with ageing time.BSU III Projec
Household gender relations and adherence to antiretroviral therapy in Njombe District, Tanzania
No full textThe East African Journal of Social Sciences and HumanitiesThe government of Tanzania initiated the rollout of free antiretroviral therapy (ART) to reduce mortality and morbidity rates
and improve the quality of life for people living with Human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (PLWHA).
The initiative will be successful once the services are widely accessed and register a high level of ART adherence by PLWHA. There are
however, limited empirical studies on how gender-related factors affect access to and follow-through treatment for HIV and AIDS hence
the need to fill this knowledge gap. The study adopted a cross-sectional design to collect data using a structured questionnaire in Njombe
Region, Tanzania. The findings reveal that heterosexual intercourse with a spouse was the leading cause of HIV transmission for women
(64.9%), and casual sex outside of marriage was the major cause for men (54.3%). It was revealed that 45.5% of respondents reported
women to be responsible for income generation at the household. The study found that 81.4% of women, compared to 42.9% of males
walked to the clinic while only 14% of women paid for transport to get to the clinic, compared to 40% of men. It was found that 30% of
women and 17% men had no access to a special diet required by the PLWHA. Findings indicate that 96.6% of females and 85.6% of males
patients took their medication as prescribed and attended scheduled clinics (97.1% of men and 93.8% of women) as planned. Heavy
household workload was reported to constraint women in taking medication on time. Maintaining a good diet was a problem reported by
most of the respondents, especially women. The study concludes that as treatment programs are rolled out and scaled up, household
gender relations still affects adherence in different ways, therefore considering gender aspect will improve access and adherence to ART
for PLWHA
Determinant of community participation in Agricultural projects in Tanzania : A case of Mali-Mbichi Mviwata supported project in Morogoro district
No full textMasters ThesisThe study’s main aim was to determine community participation in Mali-mbichi
MVIWATA supported project in Morogoro District. The specific objectives of the study
were to assess interventions done by MVIWATA in Mali-mbichi project, to assess
community participation in Mali-mbichi project cycle and to determine factors affecting
community participation in Mali-mbichi project. The study was conducted in two villages
(Tandai and Kalundwa) in Kinole ward as the sole beneficiaries of the project. A crosssectional
research design was adopted whereby data was collected using a questionnaire
from 120 beneficiaries of Mali-mbichi project. Moreover, there were 13 FGDs
participants and 5 Key informants. The analysis of quantitative data was done using the
Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) while content analysis was used to analyse
qualitative data. It was found that Mali-mbichi members were well participated in
interventions of the project. However, there were some factors affecting their participation
such as lack of economic support, restrictions of husbands to wives, personal
commitments, poor community leadership, conflict of interest, time consuming during
implementation which led most of members not being able to participate fully during the
project implementation. Moreover, inferential analysis indicated that all six identified
factors have a significant statistical (P ≤ 0.05) with participation in the project. Among
these six variables only five (lack of economic support, restrictions of husbands to wives,
personal commitments, poor community leadership and time consuming) were found to
contribute negatively to community participation in the project, and one variable (conflict
of interest) was found to have positive influence. It is concluded that, in Mali-mbichi
project there is good participation with poor impact on the result of participation.
Therefore, it is recommended that MVIWATA and other NGOs should not only focus on
participation but also consider the impact of their participation on whether members
really benefit from participating in the project or not
Impact of spring AAO on summertime precipitation in the north China part: observational analysis
No full textJournal articleBy using the 160 stations monthly precipitation data and NOAA-ESRL reanalysis data, the effect of spring Antarctic Oscillation
(AAO) on Summer Precipitation in North China (SPNC) is studied. The analysis results show that the positive phase of March
AAO leads the easterly-southerly and ascend anomalies in the southern part of North China by affecting zonal wind, and
meridional circulation in the Northern Hemisphere (NH) late summer, results in more SPNC. Key regions of Antarctic sea-ice
may store preceding March AAO signal which is cross-seasonal sustained by the heat exchanging with underlying surface, and
the Summer Antarctic Sea-ice Index (SSI) is defined. The upward and poleward propagations of the planetary wave are enhanced
in the SouthernHemisphere (SH) high latitude, and there are significant anomalous variabilities of PSI over SH low latitude, high
latitude and polar regions in the high SSI years and vice versa. The wave-current interaction weakens the descendingmotion over
the Antarctic, strengthens the circumpolar westerlies and deepens the SH polar vortex (AAO positive phase) in the high SSI years
and vice versa. The results of observation and CAM5 show that SSI is positively correlated with indices of Quasi-Biennial
Oscillation (QBOI). In QBO westerly phase, the SPNC anomaly in the high SSI years shows out of phase with that in the low SSI
years. In the low SSI years, Rossby wave has the characteristics of anomalous southward propagation which corresponds to the
abnormal weakening of ascend motion (the decrease of precipitation) over North China. Accompanied with a significant PSI
anomaly, there exists a region of weak to strong wave energy over North China which is regarded as the source region of wave
energy in both high and low SSI years of QBO westerly phase. But in QBO easterly phase, SPNC anomaly is not significant.
QBO may be a bridge that connecting the signals of zonal wind anomalies in the stratosphere of the SH and the NH
Molecular characterization of foot-and-mouth disease Virus recently recovered in Zambezi region, Namibia
No full textFoot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a severe highly contagious viral disease of clovenhoofed
animals that has significant economic impacts. FMD causes significant economic
loss in Namibia in which the molecular epidemiology of FMD virus (FMDV) responsible
for the outbreaks has not been consistently studied. The general objective of this study was
to determine molecular characteristics of FMD viruses of 2019 outbreak in Zambezi
region, Namibia. A total of 11 epithelial tissue samples collected from cattle showing FMD
clinical signs were used in this study. The RNA extraction and detection of FMDV genome
was done by One-step Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) of 5’
untranslated region (5’UTR) using universal primers. Typing and sequencing was
performed using serotype-specific oligonucleotide primers. Phylogenetic analysis was
performed using distance matrix neighbour joining method employing the Kimura-2-
parameter option. The findings indicated that all 8 sequenced viruses revealed 100%
nucleotide identity among themselves. Phylogenetic analysis of 36 sequences including 8
sequences of this study, 7 from publication and other sequences from GenBank revealed
that the 2019 isolates clustered together with historic Namibian isolates and those from
neighbouring countries. In-depth typing and phylogeny proved that SAT3 viruses of
topotype II were responsible for 2019 outbreak. Further analysis revealed that the 2019
isolates closely related to isolates from Botswana, some isolates from Zimbabwe and
Kenya but were distantly related to isolates from Zambia and South Africa and no genetic
linkage with isolate from Uganda. These findings indicate that topotype II SAT 3 FMD
viruses were involved in the 2019 FMD outbreak in Zambezi region, Namibia. Further indepth
studies are required to elucidate transmission dynamics and factors associated with
the outbreaks so that appropriate FMD control measure (s) in Namibia can be
recommended.SACIDS-AC