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Innovations dissemination approaches among government co-operative supporting organisations in Tanzania
No full textInternational Journal of Sustainable Development & World Policy, 2019 Vol. 8, No. 2, pp. 91-108.Efficient governments do encourage, support and promote innovations. Such realisation
has necessitated some governments to establish strategic organisations to facilitate
some of its innovation mandates. Some innovations have been developed by
government co-operative supporting organisations (GCSOs) in Tanzania but only a few
have been disseminated to end users. This has prompted questioning of the
appropriateness of the innovations dissemination approaches used by such GCSOs.
Research Method: The case study research design was used whereby five cases were
picked. Primary data were collected using key informants‟ (KIs) interviews, focus
groups discussion (FGDs) and documentary review. A qualitative research approach
was adopted. Data were analysed using content analysis. The Atlas.ti computer
software facilitated analysis of the data. The results show that albeit the existence of
several innovations dissemination approaches, there were no mechanisms to
institutionalise the effective ones. Concurrently, the approaches applied largely left out
the primary co-operative societies (PCSos) treating them as submissive receivers of
innovations. Moreover, numerous setbacks including perceived unwillingness by
GCSOs executives to prioritise and allocate available resources for innovations,
inadequate incentives and resources deficit were constraining inclusive innovations dissemination efforts. The study covered GCSOs only as they have been receiving direct government resources to support among other things innovation activities unlike other member-based and private organisations operating in Tanzania
Land evaluation and suitability assessment for crops produced in Butuguri area, Butiama District in Mara Region, Tanzania
No full textM.Sc. DissertationLand evaluation was conducted in Butuguri area, Butiama District, Mara Region to assess
land’s suitability for cassava, maize and sorghum production. After reviewing literature
and discussing with farmers and extension officers, five criteria for growing crops were
selected which are: soil physical properties, soil chemical fertility, rainfall, temperature
and topography. The Analytical Hierarchical Process was used to assign relative
importance weights to the chosen criteria. Spatial information regarding the selected
criteria were generated. Soil information was obtained by combining transects and free
soil surveys after the preparation and confirmation of the base map. Climatic data were
obtained from WorldClim and topographic data using Digital Elevation Map image
(DEM). Seven soil units were mapped in Geographical Information System (GIS) after
field and laboratory works. Soils were classified to four USDA soil orders: Inceptisols,
Entisols, Alfisols and Mollisols. They were further classified to seven subgroups: Entic
Haplustolls, Oxyaquic Haplustepts, Typic Kandiustalfs, Humic Dystrustepts, Typic
Dystrustepts, Typic Ustipsamments and Vermic Ustorthents. In World Reference Base
(WRB), soils were grouped into five Reference Soil Groups: Chernozems, Cambisols,
Umburisols, Leptosols and Regosols and further classified into seven groups: Fractic
Chernic Phaeozems (Colluvic, Novic), Ferralic Dolomitic Cambisols (Arenic, Aric),
Cambic Acric Umbrisol (Arenic, Pachic), Skeletic Andic Cambisol (Aric, Ferric), Andic,
Fragic Cambisol (Alcalic, Arenic), Gleyic Technic Leptosol (Arenic, Aric) and Brunic,
Leptic Regosol (Arenic, Aric). Climate spatial information showed that the area has
average temperature ranging between 21.1 o C and 22.2 o C, and annual rainfall ranging
between 930 and 1160 mm. Topography spatial data showed the level, sloping to
mountainous lands. The assigned weights indicated that soil’s physical and chemical
fertility were the most important attributes for growing cassava and sorghum, while
rainfall was the most important factor for growing maize. The resulting suitability maps
established indicated that soil physical and chemical properties were the most limiting for
production of the three crops, although rainfall, temperature and topography were the least
limiting
Safety and quality compliance for cassava flour produced in Tanzania
No full textM.Sc. DissertationThe aim of this study was to assess compliance of cassava flour processed by Small and
Medium Enterprises (SMEs) from Mwanza, Tanga and Coast regions. Flour samples were
collected randomly from 22 SMEs in the mentioned Regions. Processing technologies as
well as factors that influenced product standardization based on Good Manufacturing
Practices (GMP), Good Hygienic Practices (GHP) and storage practices were assessed
using pretested structured questionnaire. Chemical composition (moisture, crude fibre,
total ash and acid insoluble ash), microbiological (Salmonella, E. coli, yeast and mould
counts) and toxicological (hydrogen cyanide, aflatoxin B 1 and total aflatoxin) qualities
were analyzed using standard methods. The results were compared to National standard.
Results indicated that 75.0, 45.5, and 57.1% of cassava flour samples from Tanga,
Mwanza and Coast, respectively failed to comply with maximum limit of 12% moisture
content while 50.0, 63.6 and 57.1% of samples from Tanga, Mwanza and Coast,
respectively failed to comply with the crude fibre standards requirement of 3%. All
samples complied for total ash and acid insoluble ash parameters. In the toxicological
assessment, majority of the samples were within the maximum acceptable limit of 10
mg/kg of HCN; 40.9% of samples tested were positive for aflatoxin B 1 and total aflatoxin
range of 0.01 to 0.9 ppb and 0.05 to 1.4 ppb, respectively. 54.6% of the sample were
below the limit for yeasts and moulds while all samples complied with Escherichia coli
and Salmonella specifications. More than 80% of respondents had knowledge on overall
quality criteria needed in cassava flour production, 90.9% were knowledgeable on
personal hygiene and 86.4% had storage systems needed for storing packed finished
products. Majority of processors lacked permits and licenses from regulatory authorities
and facilities for quality monitoring during processing. Training and acquisition of
permits and licenses are recommended to assure compliance in production of quality
flours
Rapid molecular evolution of pain insensitivity in multiple African rodents
No full textResearch Article of Science 364, pg. 852–859 (2019)Noxious substances, called algogens, cause pain and are used as defensive weapons by plants
and stinging insects. We identified four previously unknown instances of algogen-insensitivity
by screening eight African rodent species related to the naked mole-rat with the painful
substances capsaicin, acid (hydrogen chloride, pH 3.5), and allyl isothiocyanate (AITC). Using
RNA sequencing, we traced the emergence of sequence variants in transduction channels,
like transient receptor potential channel TRPA1 and voltage-gated sodium channel Na v 1.7, that
accompany algogen insensitivity. In addition, the AITC-insensitive highveld mole-rat
exhibited overexpression of the leak channel NALCN (sodium leak channel, nonselective),
ablating AITC detection by nociceptors. These molecular changes likely rendered highveld
mole-rats immune to the stings of the Natal droptail ant. Our study reveals how evolution can be
used as a discovery tool to find molecular mechanisms that shut down pain
Gross osteology and radiology of the pelvic limb of the adult small East African goat
No full textThe aim of this study was to provide the detailed normal gross osteology and radiographic anatomy of the pelvic limb in adult small East African goats as a reference for clinical use, biomedical research and teaching. Radiography of the pelvic limb was
performed in five adult small East African goats. Bone specimens of four skeletally
mature small East African goats were used for gross osteological study. The ilial wing
was wide. The ischiatic tuberosity was prominent and well developed. The acetabulum
was rounded. The minor trochanter was located caudomedially, and the femoral
trochlea was deep and narrow. The lateral and medial condyles of the femur were
approximately of the same size. The tibial tuberosity was prominent, and the cochlea
grooves were deep with a pronounced intermediate ridge. The trochlea of the talus
was deep. The patella presented a prominent tuberosity on the cranial surface. The
metatarsal sesamoid bone was seen in all animals. The observed gross osteology and
radiographic anatomy of the pelvic limb of small East African goats was consistent
with the presence of strong extensor muscles of the hip, stifle and tarsus for propulsion
during terrestrial walking and trotting
Determinants of total factor productivity of maize in Ruvuma Region, Tanzania: The effect of input subsidies
No full textM.Sc. DissertationRuvuma Region has been receiving subsidy fertilizer since the reintroduction of the
NAIVS programme by the government of Tanzania in 2003/04 crop season. The current
study examines the performance of small holder farmer’s maize production in terms of
Total Factor Productivity (TFP) and its determinants in Tanzania especially in Ruvuma
Region, since it is one of the major maize’s producing regions in Tanzania. More
specifically the study was undertaken to estimate the TFP of maize production in Ruvuma
region, to determine socio-economic factors influencing TFP of maize production and to
assess the effect of input subsidy on TFP of maize. The study used secondary data for the
year 2008 before the National Agricultural Input Voucher Scheme (NAIVS) and 2012
after NAIVS programme. The data was obtained from the Department of Agricultural
Economics and Business, University of Dar es salaam office. Factors that affected maize
TFP growth were also identified using Ordinary Least Square (OLS) model while the
Chow test was used test the effect of input subsidy of TFP for maize produced by
smallholder farmers. The Results reveled that NAIVS programme had a significant effect
on TFP for maize production. In 2012 farmers maize TFP growth was higher (TFP=2.35)
compared to 2008 (TFP=1.30) and this is equivalent to average productivity growth of
1.05 between 2008 and 2012 and the difference was highly significant (t= 3.282). There
are also factors affecting TFP of maize in 2008 and 2012. Such factors are; household age,
farm size, maize quantity harvested, quantity of fertilizer and voucher receipt. The Chow
test indicates that the NAIVS programme positively contributed to improving maize. The
study recommends that NAIVS should be upscaled and made sustainable. It also suggests
that, the productivity of smallholder farmers can be enhanced by the use of fertilizers to
improve agricultural yields particularly now that the government is promoting
industrialization.
Work and Human Ethics in Public Service in Malawi
No full textThe East African Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2019; 1 (2): 97-103The effectiveness of the public service in most of the least developed countries (LDCs) is highly questionable. Malawi is not
an exception. The government of Malawi launched a code of ethics and conduct in 2013 basically to enhance the delivery of quality
services to the public. Despite that, the media has been almost daily reporting a lot of misconduct and malpractices in the public service
including non-adherence of the Public servants' work ethics, embezzlement of public resources, corruption, among others. This article
discusses work ethics and human ethics in Malawi. A documentary research method was used in collecting relevant information from
peer-reviewed journals, conference papers, and the media. Different search engines and databases were used in information search. The
search strategy involved key words such as work ethics, human ethics, public service, Malawian public service', misconduct and
malpractices in the public service, Public servants' work ethics, embezzlement of public resources, corruption, among others. The
literature search identified a total of 2,132 references related to a set of specified search terms. Only Sixty (60) studies met the final
criteria for review. The study found out that most of these misconducts are taking place because of the low salaries civil servants receive,
lack of knowledge about the work ethics and code of conduct, weaker structures enforcing the code of ethics, shortage of staff, lack of
resources in the government and also because of lack of proper channels for reporting unethical behaviour. Non-adherence to work
ethics has resulted into poor services being delivered. This, therefore, calls for a need for the government for sensitization of staff on
work ethics and improve working condition in the public service. In recruitment, the government has to make sure that it employs that
have good reputation of work ethics in their previous employment and there has to be a routine performance appraisal
Innovation value chain status of government co-operative supporting organisations in Tanzania
No full textThe East African Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, V. 1, Issue 1, June 2019, pg. 55-65Managing innovation processes is a crucial facet to organisations. Contemporary global competition has necessitated
organisations aiming at becoming and remaining vibrant to invest in innovation as a key competitive tool for their survival and growth.
For innovation outputs to be realised, organisations need to establish and maintain effective innovation chains or processes by
generating ideas, converting and disseminating them to targeted users. The paper assesses the innovation value chain status of
government co-operative supporting organisations (GCSOs) in Tanzania. The study adopted a case study research design whereby five
cases were picked. Primary data were collected using focus group discussions (FGDs), key informants’ interviews (KIs), documentary
review and non-participant observation. Data were analysed using content analysis. The Atlas.ti computer software facilitated the
analysis of data from FGDs and KIs. Findings show that the innovation value chains of most of the studied GCSOs were weak.
Moreover, the innovation value chains of most organisations were poorly linked towards disseminating innovations to primary co-
operative societies (PCSOs). It is concluded that given the weak and poorly linked innovation value chains amongst most of the studied
GCSOs, few innovations are likely to be disseminated from such organisations to end-users. Therefore, it is recommended that GCSOs
need to strengthen the innovation value chains through genuine allocation and prioritisation of resources. Deliberate efforts such as
setting innovation units to enhance innovation activities within GCSOs are also recommended
Determinants of total factor productivity of maize in Ruvuma Region, Tanzania: the effect of input subsidies
No full textM. Sc. DissertationRuvuma Region has been receiving subsidy fertilizer since the reintroduction of the
NAIVS programme by the government of Tanzania in 2003/04 crop season. The current
study examines the performance of small holder farmer’s maize production in terms of
Total Factor Productivity (TFP) and its determinants in Tanzania especially in Ruvuma
Region, since it is one of the major maize’s producing regions in Tanzania. More
specifically the study was undertaken to estimate the TFP of maize production in Ruvuma
region, to determine socio-economic factors influencing TFP of maize production and to
assess the effect of input subsidy on TFP of maize. The study used secondary data for the
year 2008 before the National Agricultural Input Voucher Scheme (NAIVS) and 2012
after NAIVS programme. The data was obtained from the Department of Agricultural
Economics and Business, University of Dar es salaam office. Factors that affected maize
TFP growth were also identified using Ordinary Least Square (OLS) model while the
Chow test was used test the effect of input subsidy of TFP for maize produced by
smallholder farmers. The Results reveled that NAIVS programme had a significant effect
on TFP for maize production. In 2012 farmers maize TFP growth was higher (TFP=2.35)
compared to 2008 (TFP=1.30) and this is equivalent to average productivity growth of
1.05 between 2008 and 2012 and the difference was highly significant (t= 3.282). There
are also factors affecting TFP of maize in 2008 and 2012. Such factors are; household age,
farm size, maize quantity harvested, quantity of fertilizer and voucher receipt. The Chow
test indicates that the NAIVS programme positively contributed to improving maize. The
study recommends that NAIVS should be upscaled and made sustainable. It also suggests
that, the productivity of smallholder farmers can be enhanced by the use of fertilizers to
improve agricultural yields particularly now that the government is promoting
industrialization
Evaluating the acceptance and descriptive usability of the Swahili coined terminologies: An investigation of the ICT terminologies
No full textInternational Journal of Linguistics, Literature and Translation 2019: Vol 6(2)This study aimed at evaluating the acceptance and descriptive usability of the
Swahili ICT coined terminologies. Questionnaire, interview and focus group
discussion are the tools used in collecting data for this study. The results show
that the rate of acceptance and usability of the Swahili ICT coined terms is low
where most of the respondents justified that they do not use the Swahili ICT
coined terms/words in their daily communication. The study also found that
there are different factors for acceptance and usability of the Swahili ICT
coined terms which include; lack of community involvement, lack of best
strategies to promote the coined terms, coining process for Swahili ICT terms
takes long time, presence of competing neologisms which confuse language
users, complexity for the coined terms etc. With these findings, deliberate
effort should be made to ensure that different factors should be considered in
the process of coining different terms in order to avoid having many words
which are not used in the daily communication