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Influence of information and communication technologies usage on crop productivity among youths’ Agro enterprises in Misungwi and Kilosa districts, Tanzania
No full textDissertationThe digital age has changed the way farmers obtain information related to crop
production. The growth of science and technology has shaped the way farmers obtain
information and knowledge related to crop productivity undertakings. The advent of
Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) has drawn farmers’ attention to
curb information asymmetry existing in crop production sub sector. However, the
information related to crop productivity status existing among farmers is still open for
discussion. This study analysed the influence of ICTs on crop productivity among young
farmers. The study intended to: determine the extent of ICT usage among young
farmers who engage in crop productivity, and examine factors influencing adoption
and intensity use of ICTs for crop productivity. Furthermore, the study aimed to
analyse on key players/actors influencing young farmers to benefit from agricultural
innovation systems (AIS) related to crop productivity dispensed by other actors, and
assess the impact of ICT usage on crop productivity among young farmers.
This study employed mixed research techniques (qualitative and quantitative) and cross-
sectional research design with multistage sampling. Using a simple random sampling
technique, a total of 400 respondents were selected out of 10 790 young farmers from
Misungwi and Kilosa districts and 11 key informants participated in the household survey
and in-depth interviews respectively. Regarding data analysis, descriptive statistics was
used to describe demographic characteristics of the respondents. Descriptive statistics
involved describing the relationship between independent variables (age, sex, education,
marital status, farm size, crop diversification, and young farmers’ interaction with various
actors such as NGOs, extension agents, and researchers) and dependent variable ICTs
adoption. Logit and Tobit Regression Models were used to determine the factors
influencing ICTs adoption and intensity of ICTs adoption among young farmers,
respectively. Logit regression model provided categorization of data into discrete classes
by studying the relationship between independent variables and dependent variable
(ICT adoption). Since dependent variable is binary (probability to adopt ICTs or not),
Logit model was relevant to show the relationship between these variables. Tobit
regression model was used to measure the intensity of using the ICTs once adopted.
Intensity of adoption refers to the frequency of using ICTs in crop productivity by the
same farmer. ICTs as enablers of effective functioning of agricultural innovation system
(AIS) was analysed using Social Network Analysis (SNA). The SNA mapped
actors/organisations/players and their relationship with young farmers using ICTs in
improving crop productivity. Propensity Score Matching (PSM) and Inverse Probability
Weighted Regression Adjustment (IPWRA) were used to analyse the impact of ICTs on
crop productivity. Content analysis was used to analyse qualitative data.
The results showed that, out of the 400 respondents, 60% had adopted ICTs to enhance
crop productivity. The feature phone was the most used device (49.75%) followed by
smart phones (17.25 %), while only 2.5% of the respondents had access to computers.
The factors such as respondents’ level of education, crop diversification, access to credit,
and farm location had some influence on the adoption of ICTs and its intensity of
adoption in crop productivity. Social Network Analysis revealed that young farmers have
limited interaction with important actors/players for crop productivity such as agricultural
training and research institutes, agricultural seed agencies, and financial institutions. The
PSM and IPWRA showed that adopters of ICTs had higher productivity compared to non-
adopters at 1% level of significance. The findings consolidate the need for promoting
ICTs penetration and/or adopting for development that is more inclusive and crucial in
enhancing crop productivity among young farmers in Tanzania. The Government of
Tanzania (GoT) through Tanzania Communication and Regulatory Authority (TCRA)
should formulate and implement policies that enable universal access mechanisms of
ICTs via low pricing and sharing schemes and increase the infrastructure needed for its
penetration especially to the rural communities. Besides, public policies and public-
private partnership programmes could work together to strengthen interaction by
engaging all actors in the crop production sub-sector to develop an innovation system
platform for sharing various technologies and relevant information tha will enhance
agricultural productivity. Moreover, it is recommended that financial institutions should
work more closely with young farmers so as to expand their capital base in crop
productivity endeavours.The digital age has changed the way farmers obtain information related to crop
production. The growth of science and technology has shaped the way farmers obtain
information and knowledge related to crop productivity undertakings. The advent of
Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) has drawn farmers’ attention to
curb information asymmetry existing in crop production sub sector. However, the
information related to crop productivity status existing among farmers is still open for
discussion. This study analysed the influence of ICTs on crop productivity among young
farmers. The study intended to: determine the extent of ICT usage among young
farmers who engage in crop productivity, and examine factors influencing adoption
and intensity use of ICTs for crop productivity. Furthermore, the study aimed to
analyse on key players/actors influencing young farmers to benefit from agricultural
innovation systems (AIS) related to crop productivity dispensed by other actors, and
assess the impact of ICT usage on crop productivity among young farmers.
This study employed mixed research techniques (qualitative and quantitative) and cross-
sectional research design with multistage sampling. Using a simple random sampling
technique, a total of 400 respondents were selected out of 10 790 young farmers from
Misungwi and Kilosa districts and 11 key informants participated in the household survey
and in-depth interviews respectively. Regarding data analysis, descriptive statistics was
used to describe demographic characteristics of the respondents. Descriptive statistics
involved describing the relationship between independent variables (age, sex, education,
marital status, farm size, crop diversification, and young farmers’ interaction with various
actors such as NGOs, extension agents, and researchers) and dependent variable ICTs
adoption. Logit and Tobit Regression Models were used to determine the factors
influencing ICTs adoption and intensity of ICTs adoption among young farmers,
respectively. Logit regression model provided categorization of data into discrete classes
by studying the relationship between independent variables and dependent variable
(ICT adoption). Since dependent variable is binary (probability to adopt ICTs or not),
Logit model was relevant to show the relationship between these variables. Tobit
regression model was used to measure the intensity of using the ICTs once adopted.
Intensity of adoption refers to the frequency of using ICTs in crop productivity by the
same farmer. ICTs as enablers of effective functioning of agricultural innovation system
(AIS) was analysed using Social Network Analysis (SNA). The SNA mapped
actors/organisations/players and their relationship with young farmers using ICTs in
improving crop productivity. Propensity Score Matching (PSM) and Inverse Probability
Weighted Regression Adjustment (IPWRA) were used to analyse the impact of ICTs on
crop productivity. Content analysis was used to analyse qualitative data.
The results showed that, out of the 400 respondents, 60% had adopted ICTs to enhance
crop productivity. The feature phone was the most used device (49.75%) followed by
smart phones (17.25 %), while only 2.5% of the respondents had access to computers.
The factors such as respondents’ level of education, crop diversification, access to credit,
and farm location had some influence on the adoption of ICTs and its intensity of
adoption in crop productivity. Social Network Analysis revealed that young farmers have
limited interaction with important actors/players for crop productivity such as agricultural
training and research institutes, agricultural seed agencies, and financial institutions. The
PSM and IPWRA showed that adopters of ICTs had higher productivity compared to non-
adopters at 1% level of significance. The findings consolidate the need for promoting
ICTs penetration and/or adopting for development that is more inclusive and crucial in
enhancing crop productivity among young farmers in Tanzania. The Government of
Tanzania (GoT) through Tanzania Communication and Regulatory Authority (TCRA)
should formulate and implement policies that enable universal access mechanisms of
ICTs via low pricing and sharing schemes and increase the infrastructure needed for its
penetration especially to the rural communities. Besides, public policies and public-
private partnership programmes could work together to strengthen interaction by
engaging all actors in the crop production sub-sector to develop an innovation system
platform for sharing various technologies and relevant information tha will enhance
agricultural productivity. Moreover, it is recommended that financial institutions should
work more closely with young farmers so as to expand their capital base in crop
productivity endeavours.International Institute of Tropical Agricultur
Communication Management and Stakeholder Satisfaction in Project-Based Organisations: the Case of Research, Community and Organizational Development Associates (RECODA)
No full textCommunication is an important aspect in projects‟ operations. There is still a need for further studies on communications especially in developing countries to reduce number of project failure triggered by poor communication. Using RECODA‟s project as a case study the study aimed at assessing communication management in achieving stakeholder satisfaction in project-based organizations. Randomly selected 120 project stakeholders participated in the study. There was an addition of a5 Key-Informants who participated in the study. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics. The findings envisage that traditional channels are still highly used in rural-oriented projects. Of the four communication channels used, face-to-face and meetings were rated the most effective modes of communication channels. Physical factors and poor accessibility to mobile gadgets were some of the highly rated barriers to effective communication. Conclusively, the adoption of modern communication channels remains poor in rural-based projects. Ultimately it is recommended that project planners should invest in the communication process for better performance of the project
How do local subjectivities interfere with the domestic enforcement of International laws on corruption in selected regions of Tanzania?
No full textJournal ArticleAlthough Tanzania has ratified several international laws on corruption, the domestic enforcement of such laws remains problematic. Some social structures that sustain corruption in the country continue to exist. The article is informed by the theory of constructivism of international law. Some insights from cultural relativity theory, clashing moral values theory of corruption, Critical Theorist paradigm, and anti-colonial discursive framework have also been useful in informing the article. Using ethnographic longitudinal case study methodology, this article explores local subjectivities that interfere with the domestic enforcement of International laws on corruption in selected regions of Tanzania. The study has also attempted to answer the following question: can international law on corruption influence the local context and actors in an attempt to eliminate corruption in Tanzania? They key finding is that the presence of systemic corruption and local subjectivity hinders the fight against corruption. In turn, the situation hinders the domestic enforcement of international law. The study also highlights that the fifth phase government adopted an anti-corrupt cultural approach to address corruption in Tanzania. The cultural approach enabled Tanzania to attain significant achievements in the fight against corruption. In this regard, the study recommends a cultural approach to the elimination of corruption. The focus should be on creating an anti-corruption culture through good governance and democratization. The paper adds to the scholarship on cultural studies, development studies, human rights, African studies, governance, international law, and international relations
Implementation of competence based curriculum in the context of colonial education system in Tanzania
No full textJournal articleWith the aim of producing secondary education graduates with adequate knowledge and skills
that could enable them to survive in the ever-changing world, Tanzania introduced the
competence-based curriculum in 2005. The curriculum regards learners to have the capability
to construct and apply knowledge beyond the classroom context. Since the Tanzania
education system passed through different eras, this article assesses the influence of the
historical background of education systems on stakeholders’ perspectives on adoption and
practice in teaching, learning, and assessment in the competence-based curriculum.
Semi-structured interview and focused group discussion was used to collect data on teaching,
learning, and assessment methods employed by both teachers and learners. The data were
analyzed by thematic analysis. The results show the elements of the colonial rule education
system influences classroom teaching, learning, and assessment practices. Since colonial rule
educated few Africans to be employed to serve in the colonial administration, this has
contributed to school teaching learning and assessment practices to be perceived as stepping
stone for formal employment and not the means of equipping useful and applicable
knowledge and skills to learners’ life. The focus of classroom instructional practices is to
enable learners to memorize the facts and be able to reproduce in the examinations to qualify
for further studies and formal employment. This is a setback for quality instructional methods
that promote the acquisition of livelihood skills. Given this, the study recommends key
stakeholders involved in curriculum development to redefine the roles of school education to
align with classroom instructional practices
Existence of multiple ESBL genes among phenotypically confirmed ESBL producing klebsiella pneumoniae and escherichia coli concurrently isolated from clinical, colonization and contamination samples from neonatal units at Bugando Medical Center, Mwanza, Tanzania
No full textJournal articleThe proportions and similarities of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) producing K. pneumoniae (ESBL-KP) and E. coli (ESBL-EC) carrying multiple ESBL genes is poorly known at our setting. This study investigated the existence of multiple ESBL genes (blaCTX-M, blaTEM, and blaSHV) among ESBL-KP and ESBL-EC concurrently isolated from clinical, colonization, and contamination samples from neonatology units in Mwanza-Tanzania. Twenty and 55 presumptive ESBL-EC and ESBL-KP, respectively, from a previous study archived at−80 ◦C were successfully recovered for this study. Isolates were screened and confirmed for production of ESBLs by phenotypic methods followed by multiplex PCR assay to determine ESBL genes. All (100%) and 97.3% of presumptive ESBL isolates were phenotypically confirmed by Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) and modified double-disc synergy methods, respectively. About 93.3% (70/75) of phenotypically confirmed ESBL isolates had at least one ESBL gene, whereby for 62.9% (44/70), all ESBL genes (blaCTX-M, blaTEM, and blaSHV) were detected. Eight pairs of ESBL bacteria show similar patterns of antibiotics susceptibility and ESBL genes. ESBL-KP and ESBL-EC, concurrently isolated from clinical, colonization and contamination samples, harbored multiple ESBL genes. Further, eight pairs of ESBL isolates had similar patterns of antibiotics susceptibility and ESBL genes, suggesting transmission of and/or sharing of mobile genetic elements (MGEs) among ESBL-KP and ESBL-EC
Technological factors influencing vendors’participation in public electronic procurement system in Ilala,Tanzania
No full textResearch PaperTanzania is among countries which adopted and implemented an Electronic Procurement System (EPS) in their procurement operations. However, little attention has been given on technological factors that influence vendors’ participation in public electronic procurement system(PEPS). This study examined technological factors influencing vendors’ participation in PEPS. Ilala District was chosen as a study area and research design was cross-sectional. Simple Random sampling technique and purposive sampling technique were used to select300 respondents and three key informants respectively. Qualitative and Quantitative data were collected through Key Informants Interviews (KIIs) guide and structured questionnaire respectively. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) and content analysis were used for quantitative and qualitative data analysis respectively. The study found technological factors like information transparency, creativity and innovation, data quality and management, system integration, data security; computer and IT literacy were significant at p-value<0.001. Therefore the study concluded that, technological factors have influence on the vendors’ participation in PEPS. The Study recommends to Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) to consider oversee significant technological factors(like data management, data quality, information transparency and security)for attracting vendors to participate in the system. PPRA should maximise privacy on sensitive data and allow access by levels for operation purpose only
Characterizing urban expansion combining concentric-ring and grid-based analysis for Latin American Cities
No full textJournal ArticleSpatio-temporal characterization of urban expansion is the first step towards understanding
how cities grow in space. We summarize two approaches used in urban expansion measurement,
namely, concentric-ring analysis and grid-based analysis. Concentric-ring analysis divides urban
areas into a series of rings, which is used to quantify the distance decay of urban elements from
city centers. Grid-based analysis partitions a city into regular grids that are used to interpret local
dynamics of urban growth. We combined these two approaches to characterize the urban expansion
between 2000–2014 for five large Latin American cities (São Paulo, Brazil; Mexico City, Mexico;
Buenos Aires, Argentina; Bogotá, Columbia; Santiago, Chile). Results show that the urban land (built-
up area) density in concentric rings decreases from city centers to urban fringe, which can be well
fitted by an inverse S curve. Parameters of fitting curves reflect disparities of urban extents and urban
form among these five cities over time. Grid-based analysis presents the transformation of population
from central to suburban areas, where new urban land mostly expands. In the global context, urban
expansion in Latin America is far less rapid than countries or regions that are experiencing fast
urbanization, such as Asia and Africa. Urban form of Latin American cities is particularly compact
because of their rugged topographies with natural limitations
Factors for joining village community networks in Tanzania
No full textSelf-created social networks play key role in the development of communities across the globe. Self-created community networks serve as platforms for social networking among marginalized communities in Africa and the rest of the world. Although community members are motivated to network, social networks face some micro and macro structural challenges. Despite the challenges, community members continue to join and benefit from social networks. However, the reasons for them to join the networks, especially in the African context, are inadequately documented. Using a qualitative methodology and longitudinal research design, the article explores “push and pull” factors for joining a strand of self-created social network known as Village Community Networks (VCONEs). The findings suggest that challenges emanating from the neoliberal context push some community members to join VCONEs. The push prompts them to seek some protection against the negative forces of neoliberalism. VCONEs also pull women to access opportunities offered by the network. Noteworthy, VCONEs have managed to retain some autonomy from external agents such as local governments, donor and NGOs. The autonomy from external agencies makes VCONEs more sustainable than other strands of social networks
Occurrence of multidrug resistant Escherichia coli in raw meat and cloaca swabs in poultry processed in slaughter slabs in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
No full textJournal articleThis cross-sectional study was conducted between January and June 2020, in five large
poultry slaughter slabs in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Purposive sampling was used to select broilers
and spent layers, from which meat and cloaca swabs were collected to determine the occurrence of
multidrug resistant (MDR) Escherichia coli. Identification of isolates was done using API 20E, and
antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed as per CLSI (2018) guidelines. EBSL (CTX-M, TEM,
SHV) and plasmid mediated quinolone (qnrA, qnrB, qnrS and aac(60)-Ib-cr) were screened using PCR.
Out of 384 samples, 212 (55.2%) were positive for E. coli, of which 147 (69.3%) were resistant to multiple
drugs (MDR). Highest resistance was detected to tetracycline (91.9%), followed by sulfamethoxazoletrimethoprim
(80.5%), ampicillin (70.9%), ciprofloxacin (40.2%) and 25% cefotaxime, gentamycin
(10.8%) and imipenem (8.6%) (95% CI, p < 0.01). Out of the E. coli-positive samples, ten (10/212) (4.7%)
were ESBL producing E. coli, of which CTX-M was detected in two isolates and quinolones resistant
gene (qnrS) in eight, while TEM, SHV, qnrA, qnrB and aac(60)-lb-cr were not detected. The high level
of resistance and multidrug resistance imply these antibiotics are ineffective, add unnecessary cost to
poultry farmers and certainly facilitate emergence and spread of resistance
Bridging secondary school instruction to real-life settings through entrepreneurial instructional approaches
No full textJournal articleTanzanian educational policy regards secondary education as a strategic weapon in fighting against
poverty. This means that classroom instructional practices should equip learners with the knowledge
and skills that could be useful in their lives. This article assessed the role of classroom teaching and
learning methods in inculcating entrepreneurial related knowledge that could be helpful and applicable
to learners' real-life situations.
A semi-structured interview was purposely done with Agricultural Sciences, Biology, and Civics
subjects’ teachers in ten ward secondary schools in the Mvomero district in Tanzania. Besides, focused
group discussion was conducted with secondary education leavers to assess how both teaching and
learning methods play the role of inculcating entrepreneurial related skills and knowledge to learners.
The study shows both teaching and learning practices employed in secondary schools do not inculcate
entrepreneurial related skills and knowledge, and thus, school knowledge does not help fight against
poverty. Although the findings revealed the importance of entrepreneurial methods in imparting skills
and knowledge in fighting against poverty, resources scarcity was noted as a setback for implementing
entrepreneurial approaches. To address the instructional resources scarcity, the study suggests inservice
training for teachers to equip them with the knowledge of integrating entrepreneurial skills in
the teaching and learning process. The study recommends teachers to be motivated because welltrained
and motivated teachers are likely to address instructional- resources scarcity by improvising
the locally available resources