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Opinions for enhancing employment pathways for VET graduates: A case Study of the Mechanics’ Trade Program in Lindi and Mtwara VETA Centres
No full textInternational Journal of Education and Social Science Research pp. 3174 - 3184This study aimed to examine strategies to enhance the employability of graduates from the mechanic trade
program at VET centres in Lindi and Mtwara, focusing on bridging the gap between VET education and
workforce integration. The study employed qualitative methods, including interviews with graduates and
employers and focus groups with continuing trainees, and analysed the data thematically. The findings revealed
that VET programs address employer needs, provide career guidance, and offer internship opportunities or
industrial attachment, all of which are important in imparting hands-on skills required by the labour market.
However, challenges such as discrimination, bribery, and outdated equipment were also revealed. The study
recommends aligning VET curricula with industry demands, increasing collaboration between VET institutions
and employers, enhancing career guidance services, introducing anti-discrimination policy changes, and anti-
bribery laws, promoting gender inclusivity, and modernising training equipment. These recommendations are
intended to improve VET strategies, reduce unemployment, and enhance economic output by equipping young
people with market-relevant skills
Land tenure security and households’ food security nexus: implications for an improving land governance in Iringa District, Tanzania
No full textResearch articleThis study was conducted to determine the contribution of the Certificate of Customary Rights of Occupancy (CCRO) to farming
households’ food security in the Iringa District Council. Particularly, the study aimed to determine the influence of land tenure
security on the food situation of households, the influence of land tenure security on food consumption, and the influence of land
tenure security on the source of food for households. The study was guided by the institutional theory and the theory of access, these
theories linked the study to the existing body of literature. The study adopted a quasi-experimental research design where villages
that received CCRO were considered as the treatment group of the study and those villages without CCRO were categorized as the
control group for the study. The study decided to adopt the Propensity Score Matching method for constructing a comparison group.
The total sample size for this study was 400 households, with equality divided between the two villages, with and without CCRO.
The study used a systematic random sampling approach to select a sample size of 400 households from the targeted population. The
study employed a mixed methods approach whereby both qualitative and quantitative data were collected through questionnaires
and interviews respectively. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics using IBM SPSS for
quantitative data, while qualitative data was analyzed using a content analysis approach. The study found that those households
with CCROs show a high score of food consumption compared to households without CCROs, this indicates that CCROs enhance
food security in households. This was supported statistically by regression results and bivariate outcomes that illustrate the
significance of CCROs ownership in improving the food situation of households between households having CCROs compared to
those that haven’t. Furthermore, the study found that there is a difference in food consumption patterns between households with
CCROs and those without CCROs. The study concluded that land tenure security has a great impact on the food security of
households in the Iringa district, also, it was concluded that CCRO ownership contributes to improving the food situation of
households enhancing their capacity to access diverse food groups. The study recommended that government and local government
authorities develop policies and strategies that are tailored and applicable to agriculture development and land ownership to
improve land governance structure that allows land registration easy
Water level fluctuation effect on fish reproduction success
No full textInternational Journal of Ecology Volume 2024Alteration of water levels of the lake/reservoir due to changes in river discharges, upstream abstraction, and drawdown regulation due to hydropower generation has been reported as among the major challenges to fish physiology and ultimately reproduction. Variations in lake/reservoir water levels influence biodiversity and the abundance of lake/reservoir biota. Variations have the greatest impacts in the littoral zones hence, interfering with fish spawning, incubation, and hatching of eggs, as well as the development of larvae, postlarvae, and juveniles. This particular paper reviews the literature available on the effect of the reservoirs/lakes’ water level fluctuations on fish reproduction success using the documentary view method. The literature argues that water level fluctuations have both positive and negative impacts depending on frequency, magnitude, and duration and the species exposed. Extreme fluctuations tend to bring more adverse impacts. It further indicates that extreme and untimely water level fluctuation has direct impacts on the aquatic habitats and ultimately impacts fish assemblage and their populations. Few articles indicate the range of decrease or increase of water level, duration of such events, and effects they have on reservoir/lake ecosystem functions and fish physiology. Nevertheless, quantification of moderate and extreme water level fluctuation and associated effects is lacking. Although water level fluctuation is an important environmental cue for aquatic organisms, literature shows that the reduction of extreme water level variations especially multiannual variations is vital for fish reproduction. Therefore, upstream water use and reservoir operations should take into consideration the effects of water level fluctuations on reservoir structure, biological functions, and ultimate effects on fish reproduction
Farmer research networks project and adoption of improved groundnut cultivars amongst smallholder farmers in Singida District of Central Tanzania
No full textMSc DissertationDespite being one of the most vital food and income crops in the
world, studies show that groundnut is not widely adopted by farmers.
Age, gender, education, group participation, and seed accessibility
were amongst the characteristics that were reported to influence the
adoption. However, the impact of these factors on the adoption of
improved groundnut cultivars amongst Singida Farmer Research
Networks project beneficiaries' is not sufficiently documented.
Farmer Research Networks (FRNs) is a collaborative strategy
designed to aid the agro ecological intensification of smallholder
farming. Although FRN was intended for use in Latin America and
Africa, there is little information available on how its implementation,
especially the three FRN principles, affects the uptake of agricultural
technologies. This study sought to assess the factors that influence
the adoption of improved groundnuts by smallholder farmers in the
research networks project in Singida District. Specifically, the study
(1) assessed how FRN guiding principles, that is, i) farmer
participation, ii) usefulness of on-farm research, and iii) collaboration
amongst players in networks, were applied in enabling farmers‘
adoption of improved groundnuts. The study, (2) determined the
relationship between access to improved seeds and the adoption of
improved groundnuts, and (3) analysed factors that influenced the
adoption of improved groundnut cultivars amongst the beneficiaries
of FRN project. The study was guided by innovation systems,
networks, and Roger's theories of innovation diffusion. A cross-
sectional research design and mixed research methods were
employed. Content analysis and descriptive statistics were used to
assess how FRN principles were applied to influence the adoption of
improved groundnuts. The binary logistic regression model
(inferential statistics) was used to determine the relationship
between access to improved seeds and the adoption of improved
groundnuts, together with other factors that influenced the adoption
of improved groundnuts. Chi-square test cross-tabulations were
used to compare the socioeconomic traits of farmers. Farmers' perceptions regarding the adoption of improved groundnuts in
relation to service accessibility, technological features, and the
institutional environment were measured using a Likert scale.
Findings show that farmers took part in establishing FRN groups,
producing seeds with quality declarations, and offering farmer-to-
farmer extension services. In order for farmers to observe,
understand, and use the innovation, on-farm research was essential
for observational and experimental study. Players work together
through project meetings, farmers' field days, and mutual research,
learning, and resource sharing. It is concluded that farmers engaged
in on-farm research and worked together with various network
participants, demonstrating that FRN principles were used to sway
consumers to adopt improved groundnuts. Additionally, the study
showed that socioeconomic factors such as age, sex, marital status,
education, and wealth had no discernible impact on the adoption of
improved groundnuts. Three criteria, including FRN group
membership, seed accessibility, and technological traits including
agro ecological zone adaptability, high yields, early maturation,
drought tolerance, pest and disease resistance, had a substantial
impact on the adoption of improved groundnuts. The majority of
farmers had positive opinions of the institutional context,
technological characteristics, and accessibility to services for the
adoption of improved groundnuts. The report recommends for
encouraging farmer participation in the initial meetings and fostering
connections between farmers and more actors. Sensitization of
more farmers to join groups, increased timely seed availability, and
accessibility of improved groundnut cultivars with the characteristics
preferable to farmers are essential in this regard.The McKnight Foundation through its Crop Collaborative Research Programme (CCRP) under the Farmers
Research Networks (FRN) Project being implemented by RECODA
Exploring teaching and learning resources available in open and distance learning for teachers’ professional development at the Learning Centers
No full textInternational
Journal of
Innovative
Research &
DevelopmentThe success of Open and Distance Learning (ODL) programs hinges on the availability of high-quality and sufficient
teaching and learning resources. The role of ODL institutions is to clear up any confusion among facilitators and
learners regarding the resources available at ODL learning centers. This study aimed to explore the teaching and
learning resources needed for effective instruction in ODL and for teachers' continuing professional development at
these centers. A qualitative approach was employed to collect and analyze the data. The study was conducted in ODL
learning centers located in Dar es Salaam, Ruvuma, and Mbeya, involving 16 participants. These included four officials
from the Institute of Adult Education (IAE), three regional IAE coordinators, and nine center coordinators, all selected
purposefully. Data collection methods included semi-structured interviews, document reviews, and observational
checklists. The study revealed that regional learning centers faced shortages in financial resources, academic staff,
and equipment. Based on the study's findings, well-defined steps should be taken to solve the issues with teaching and
learning resources that this educational modality faces. The government should keep funding educational institutions,
especially ODL Learning institutions, as many of them failed to fulfill their stated objectives due to financial
limitations
Contribution of systematic land formalization in women’s land ownership: a case of Ifakara Town Council, Tanzania
No full textMA. DissertationLand is important as one of the production inputs and investments.
Official land ownership provides opportunities for the owners to
utilize it for economic development purposes. Women often belong
to the disadvantageous group in land ownership due to different
factors including inheritance related aspects. Access to and
ownership of land officially contributes to reducing discrimination.
Understanding the benefits derived from official land ownership and
factors impeding women's access and ownership to land is crucial
for policymakers and law implementers. Land ownership in this
study is described as the rights an individual is given by the
government after acquiring land through inheritance, purchase or
customary tenure arrangement. The state provides the right to
transfer, sell, and use the land for investment or production without
interference. The government of Tanzania implemented the pilot
Land Tenure Support Programme (LTSP) from year 2016 to 2019,
which applied a systematic land formalization approach in Ifakara
Town Council in the Morogoro region. This study assessed the
contribution of a systematic land formalization approach to women‘s
land ownership in rural areas of Tanzania. Specific objectives of this
study were to assess the influence of socio-cultural factors on
women‘s right to land ownership and to determine the benefits of the
systematic land formalization approach on women's land ownership
in Ifakara Town Council.
The study area was selected based on the presence of beneficiary
landholders in the programme, that is, those who possessed
Certificates of Customary Right of Occupancy (CCROs). The
CCROs were acquired through the Land Tenure Support
Programme (LTSP) implemented in the area using a systematic land
formalization approach. The programme aimed at providing a road
map for accountability for land governance and effective land
administration systems. The systems were expected to contribute to
securing legitimate tenure rights in favour of rural poor, women, and
vulnerable groups that would result in increasing incomes and contribute to job creation. This area where LTSP was implemented
comprises people from different ethnic groups with different social
and cultural norms and values, which often hinder women‘s rights
from owning land. The approach as authored by De Soto (2000) and
which originated from the comprehensive tenure reform of land and
the evolutionary theory of land rights (ETLR) (Platteau, 1996) was
used to guide the study. The theory and approach assume that there
are benefits and obstacles resulting from the application of land
formalization approach.. The study employed a mixed-methods
approach that combines quantitative and qualitative research
methods for a better understanding of the contribution of the
systematic land formalization approach to women‘s land ownership.
A cross-sectional research design was applied for data collection
from sampled households at a single point in time in the Land
Tenure Support Programme implemented area. A multistage
sampling technique was applied in this study. Three of the nineteen
wards were selected purposely from the programme implementation
area, followed by a simple random selection of six villages among 28
villages. A sample of 120 households was determined by using
Krejcie and Morgan's formula. A simple random sampling technique
was applied in the selection of 120 participants from the list of
landholders who possessed CCROs.
The study used a structured questionnaire administered to 120
households for collecting quantitative data and a checklist of
questions for collecting qualitative data from 8 Focus Group
Discussions (FGD) and 9 Key informant interviews (KIIs). The
participants for FGDs and KIIs interviews were selected based on
their capacity to offer relevant information on how systematic land
formalization contributes to women's official land ownership. The
qualitative and quantitative data were tracked through designed
tools and predetermined periodic checks whereby information and
communication technologies (ICT) were used in data collection
through the use of the Open Data Kit (ODK). Quantitative data were analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics 24
software and in this case, descriptive and inferential statistics were
computed. The descriptive statistics entailed frequencies,
percentages, mean, and standard deviations. Content analysis
(conceptual and relational) was used for analysing qualitative data.
The analysis determined the effect of systematic land formalization
based on the views of the respondents on women‘s right to land
ownership, socio-cultural roles, and practices related to it, including
socio-cultural status attached to women‘s land ownership.
A non-parametric test (Mann-Whitney) was applied to assess the
association between opinions and socio-cultural factors that
contribute to women‘s right to land ownership, and to test the
hypothesis about the role of socio-cultural factors and the difference
that exists between males and females.
According to disaggregated data from the programme report (LTSP),
about 29 per cent of women as individuals managed to acquire
CCROs as an achievement; 65 per cent for men as individuals, 56
per cent for co-ownership with women.
The findings showed that 67.8 per cent of women respondents were
married to single woman orientation meaning one woman to one
man, and the majority of them (51%) owned land officially. Polygamy
marriage, which accounted for 30.5 per cent influenced women's
land ownership mostly in a negative way. The results showed further
that 28.8 per cent of females married at child age of between 14 and
17 years, according to the Marriage Act of 1971 of the Laws of the
Republic of Tanzania. As for the education level, the findings
indicated that 60 per cent of women with higher education could
access, control, transfer land and use it for investment, and there
was a statistically significant difference between females with high
education and those with lower education. The findings further showed a statistically significant difference
(p<0.05) between males‘ and females‘ mean rankings for socio-
cultural factors namely property ownership, polygamy, the
reproductive role of women, men‘s supremacy, and migration of
men, that influence women‘s rights to land ownership. Women who
owned land officially had their social assets increased, and the
majority (78.8%) gained acceptance in their community and
increased their decision-making power in the community.
The findings also indicated the higher mean rank of above 59.00 on
the economic use of land certificate as the right to rent out, sell, and
use the land as collateral and for business. Also, findings showed a
statistically significant difference in ranking between those with and
without land certificates (CCROs) in the same economic benefits
(p<0.05). The results indicate that there were social benefits derived
from land certificates ownership such as the reduction of domestic
violence at the household level, and income generation using land
for agricultural production and livestock keeping. The findings
revealed that about 114 per cent of the respondents' landholders
agreed that CCROs can be used to access loans from financial
institutions. The findings indicated that 14.3 per cent of the
respondents managed to access the loan by using CCROs worth
TZS 500 000 to 8 000 000.
There was a statistically significant difference in ranking those with
and without land certificates (CCROs) in terms of social benefits for
violence reduction and holding land for the future (p<0.05). The
findings indicated a statistically significant difference between
women, with those possessing land certificates having more
chances to participate in land management, marketing of the
produces, and attending training and workshops than those with no
certificates (P<0.05).
The land is a vital input to economic development in many settings.
Official land ownership is important to the poor and disadvantaged groups including women. In many societies, land ownership follows
socio-cultural values and norms, which discriminate against females
and favour males. The findings showed that socio-cultural factors
contribute to some extent to limiting women from participating in the
systematic land formalization approach, which offers them
Certificates of Customary Right of Occupancy (CCROs). Women‘s
low education level was also one of the factors that hindered women
from owning land officially. The study found that the systematic land
formalization approach has brought about some benefits among
women from their use of CCROs. From CCROS, women gained
security, and the land became an asset, which brought about social
and economic benefits. Through owning land certificates, women
are recognized in the community and involved in community
governance as well as decision-making.
The study recommends that the local government of Tanzania
should promote a gender-responsive land tenure system through
locally made bylaws to scale up the land formalization approach
countrywide to benefit the majority of women. Such promotion will
increase the number of women who will legally own land by reducing
or removing the socio-cultural and economic barriers to women
associated with their deprivation of land ownership
Viability and genetic integrity of African eggplant (Solanum spp.)seeds during natural ageing under cold dry storage
No full textArticleSeed deterioration occurs gradually during long-term seed storage. Viability, vigour, and genetic integrity of African eggplant seeds were
assessed under natural ageing during genebank storage. The percentage of tail DNA before and after seed imbibition was used to account for
genotoxicity and DNA repair during cold dry storage at 10 °C using the comet assay. After 2, 5, and 12 years of storage in the genebank, a
reduction of seed viability was observed in all studied African eggplant genotypes. However, seed viability was more significantly reduced in seed
lots that had been stored for a longer period in the genebank (p < 0.05). Overall, higher viability loss was recorded in seeds regenerated 12 years
before (p < 0.05). The molecular analysis by comet assay showed significant DNA damage during natural aging under genebank conditions,
accompanied by important loss of viability and germination energy in older seeds translated into low DNA repair after seed imbibition. The seed
lots which had better initial quality were able to maintain higher viability during genebank storage. The findings inform on the storage behaviour
of African eggplant genotypes and are relevant for the proper handling of seed lots in genebanks. They are also relevant for future studies on
seed longevity prediction in African eggplant.'Taiwan-Africa ArticleVegetable Initiative (TAVI
Above ground biomass, land cover change and regeneration of tree species under different grazing intensities in miombo woodlands,Tanzania
No full textMSc DissertationTanzania's livestock sector faces challenges due to overgrazing,
threatening the ecological balance of critical habitats like Miombo
woodlands. This study investigates the impact of grazing pressure on
land cover changes, tree biomass, and regeneration potential in
these woodlands of Kilosa, Kilombero, and Handeni districts.
Despite existing research on the damaging effects of overgrazing, a
comprehensive analysis specific to Tanzanian Miombo woodlands is
lacking. We address this gap by analyzing high-resolution satellite
imagery (Landsat 5 TM & 8 OLI) from 1995 to 2021 to quantify land
cover changes across the study areas.
Field surveys were conducted to assess grazing intensity,
aboveground biomass (AGB), and tree regeneration within
representative Miombo woodland sites. Allometric models estimated
tree-level AGB, which was then scaled to calculate plot-level AGB
(tonnes/ha). Statistical analyses explored relationships between
grazing intensity and land cover change, biomass dynamics, and tree
regeneration.
Results reveal a negative impact of medium and high grazing
intensities on AGB compared to light grazing. Satellite image
analysis indicates higher tree cover loss under medium grazing
(63.5%) compared to high (61.5%) and light grazing (23.2%)
between 1995 and 2022. Additionally, grazing intensity significantly
affects tree regeneration (number, species richness, diversity, and
evenness) (p < 0.05).
These findings show the damaging effects of overgrazing on
Tanzanian Miombo woodlands. This knowledge can inform
sustainable grazing practices, collaborative management strategies,
and efforts to mitigate forest cover loss. Further research could
explore
optimal
grazing
levels
and
develop
specific
recommendations for policymakers and land managers
Metagenomics analysis of pathogens in rodents in selected human-wildlife Interfaces in Tanzania
No full textDegree of Masters of Science in Public Health Pest ManagementRodents belongs to the order Rodentia, which comprise the largest proportions of all of the terrestrial mammals in the world. In Africa, rodents occur in 14 families, 89 genera and 290 species, East
African region contains 14 families, 62 genera and 161 species of rodents. Over decades, rodents have been reported to harbor more than 60% of emerging zoonotic pathogens including viruses,
bacteria and a number of parasites. Several human diseases including the most devastating in the history of mankind Plague‖ have been reported to have originated from rodents. Rodent borne
diseases are transmitted either directly (Hantavirus, Lassa fever, Lymphocytic choriomeningitis) or indirectly through consumption of foods and water contaminated with rodent feces and urine
(Leptospirosis, tularemia) or through ectoparasites carried by rodents (leishmaniasis, Lyme disease). Risks of human infection is linked to the possibility of contact between rodents, humans and
animals, along with the closeness between rodent and human lives. Since there is constant interaction between humans, animals and rodents; it is therefore, essential to understand patterns of pathogen
diversity and focusing surveillance in rodents in order to identify zoonotic potential pathogens prior to spill over to humans. Rodents were captured in Kibondo, Kyerwa and Uvinza in 2018. Trapping of
rodents was done in peri-domestic areas by using Sherman box and Tomahawk traps added with peanut butter mixed with maize bran as baits. They were anaesthetized by using Isoflurane, and species
identification was done by using morphological identification keys. In metagenomics sequencing a total of 116 rodents archived oral- pharyngeal and rectal swabs were subjected to RNA extraction and
the products were pooled into twelve pools based on species of rodents, locations and swab types. There were eleven pools of oral- pharyngeal swabs and a single pool of rectal swabs. Pooled samples were sequenced on oxford Nanopore MinIon sequencing platform. This study employed 16S rRNA metagenomics sequencing analysis. Sequences were analyzed by using Kraken 2 classification and Kaiju software. A total of 5263 small mammals were trapped
from Kibondo, Uvinza and Kyerwa during the three years of data collection. Majority (87.6%, n=4613) were rodents and 650 (12.4%) were shrews. Among the rodents, rats were the majority (70.0%;
n=3683) while mice were 873 (16.6%) and squirrels were only 44 (0.8%). The dominant species in the group of rodents were Mastomys natalensis which constituted 63.6% (n=3346). Among the
mice, Arvicanthis spp. were the majority as they constituted 7.1% (n=373) of all small mammals trapped. A total of 13 (0.3%) small mammals identified as rodents their genus was not established. In a
metagenomics analysis, 44 bacteria species of public health, veterinary and environmental health importance were identified. They were detected in eight pools, while there was no detection in four pools. A total of 10 (22.7%) bacteria species including H. pylori were detected in the rectal swabs pool and the remaining 34 (77.3%) were distributed among the pools of oral-pharyngeal swabs.
A total of 15 potentially pathogenic, zoonotic and bacteria of unknown zoonotic potential including Mycobacterium tuberculosis,
Helicobacter pylori, Vibrio cholerae, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella pneumonae, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, Escherichia coli, Chlamydia psittaci,
Campylobacter sputorum, Acinetobacter baumannii and Acinetobacter pitti were identified in this study. The findings of this study are in line with several previous studies that have reported a number of rodent species in western Tanzania; also, citing rodents as reservoirs of disease-causing agents; and has the potential to spread and maintain transmission cycles of human and livestock
diseases. This study presents the first reports of natural infection of rodents with Helicobacter pylori and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. These findings provide baseline information to inform surveillance systems and the public in general on potential health risks that are associated with interaction between rodents, humans and livestock. Furthermore, it gives insight on the potential of using a unified approach One Health‖ between sectors in order to achieve better
health and a safer community. However, since the findings of this study do not explain pathogen transmission from rodents to humansand vice versa, we recommend further studies to characterize them
and understand their transmission dynamics.The African Centre of Excellence for Innovative Rodent Pest Management and Biosensor Technology Development (ACE IRPM and BTD
Co-decided agriculture information radio program needs: a case study of women crop farmers in Dodoma city, Tanzania
No full textThe shift from top-down programming to co-decision-making, aimed at capturing listeners' needs, has been significant. However, there is a notable gap in studies assessing how gender considerations factor into radio programming for listeners' needs. This study addresses this gap by investigating co-decided agricultural radio program needs, specifically focusing on women crop farmers in Dodoma City, Tanzania. Utilizing a sample of 32 participants selected purposively for in-depth face-to-face interviews, supplemented by Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and key informant interviews, the study employed content analysis to analyze the collected data. The findings reveal variations in co-decided agricultural information radio programs among radio programmers, indicating a lack of alignment with the specific needs of women crop farmers. In light of these findings, the study recommends that the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) should address financial constraints hindering the co-decision approach to work accurately. With the accurate working of the co-decision approach intended listeners’ needs will be identified