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Community perception and participation in agricultural projects in Kishapu district, Tanzania
No full textMA. Dissertation in Project Management and EvaluationThis study focuses on community perceptions and participation in
agricultural projects in Kishapu District, emphasizing the need for
understanding both positive and negative perceptions. The motivation
behind the need of such understanding is that perception towards
development projects being introduced or implemented in an area tends
to differ among community members, with some projects being
perceived negatively and others positively. Community members are
more likely to participate if they have a positive perception about the
project in question. Therefore, there is a need of understanding the
drivers for community perception and drivers for community
participation in development projects. Specifically, the study aimed at
understanding the community perceptions towards agricultural projects
(1st part of the study) and the influence of other socio-economics of the
community on participation in agricultural projects (2nd part of the study),
using Kishapu District as a case. Data were collected from 100
respondents through questionnaire survey, and from 6 participants
through key informant interview and focus group discussion. Descriptive
statistics, binary logistic regression model, multiple linear regression
model and content analysis were employed for data analysis. Results
show that, most of the respondents had a positive perception toward
agricultural projects because the projects contribute to community
development. Drivers of positive community perception are involvement
in previous agricultural projects, education, access to information and
farm size. Therefore, community perception toward agricultural projects
hinges on the extent to which similar projects have benefited the
community in the past. For levels of community participation in
agricultural projects the findings revealed that most of the respondents
(92%) fall under the category of low level of participation, 6% of medium
level and only 2% for high level of participation. Regarding the factors
influencing community participation, findings show that variables such
as household member information, farm size and involvement in
previous projects has a significant influence (p>0.05) on community participation. This study
thus recommends that principal investigators of agriculture based
development projects must ensure that targeted beneficiaries really
benefit in the entire course of their project implementation since
community perception toward agricultural projects depends on the past
experience from the previous projects’ performance. Social and
institutional benefits accruing from participation in agricultural projects
include; agricultural knowledge and skills, farmer cooperatives formation
or strengthening, participation in decision making, contributing ideas in
farmers groups' meetings and economic gains. Thus, to achieve
positive community perceptions towards agricultural projects there is a
need for project implementers to ensure that projects improve people’s
living standards. Moreover, there is a need to ensure community
members are well informed of the projects regardless of their literacy
level and that innovative practices to benefit farmers regardless of their
farm sizes are promoted
Characterization of selected rice genotypes from eastern and southern Africa tolerant to salinity at seedling stage
No full textMSc. DissertationSoil salinity stands as a prominent abiotic stress significantly
impacting rice production and food security within sub-Saharan
Africa. A promising strategy to mitigate this challenge involves the
development and deployment of salinity-tolerant rice varieties. The
objective of this study was to identify salinity-tolerant rice genotypes
suitable for integration into breeding programs, offering a viable
solution to salinity-affected soils in Eastern and Southern African
rice-growing areas. The investigation focused on both phenotypic
and genotypic characterizations of selected rice genotypes at the
seedling stage, coupled with the identification of salinity tolerance-
associated quantitative trait loci (QTLs).
This research focused on analyzing a collection of 206 rice
genotypes obtained from Tanzanian farmers' fields, along with other
genotypes from Eastern and Southern Africa. genotypes were then
subjected to phenotypic screening under a salinity level of 12 dS/m,
utilizing a hydroponic system and following the established IRRI
protocol. From this initial pool, 13 genotypes were carefully selected
based on their SES scores to undergo more detailed evaluation of
their growth and physiological characteristics. To identify the
presence of the Saltol allele, a widely recognized QTL associated
with salinity tolerance, genotypic analysis was performed using 1k-
RiCA SNP markers.
Phenotypic screening revealed salinity's adverse effects on various
growth parameters, particularly on root and shoot dry weights,
indicative of osmotic imbalance. Correlation analysis identified
sodium concentration, sodium-to-potassium ratio, and canopy
temperature as strong indicators of salinity tolerance in rice
genotypes. These variables hold as potential physiological markers
for salinity tolerance screening in breeding programs. Principal
Component Analysis (PCA) was employed to identify key variables
for salinity tolerance, revealing potassium ratio, root dry weight, shoot dry weight, shoot length, and survival as significant
contributors. Based on PCA results, genotypes were classified into
tolerant, moderately tolerant, and sensitive categories. Six
moderately tolerant genotypes (Intsindagira Bigega, K5, SATO 1,
Sukari, Terembele (LL 29), and ZX 117) exhibited promising
phenotypic tolerance, making them potential candidates for
enhancing salinity tolerance in rice varieties.
Concurrently, Genotypic evaluation at the seedling stage provided
insights into the expression of salinity-tolerant traits among the rice
genotypes. Remarkably, 36 rice genotypes were found to possess
the Saltol allele, recognized for its role in conferring salinity
tolerance. some Saltol-possessing genotypes exhibited inadequate
performance under salinity stress conditions. Interestingly, 16
genotypes lacking the Saltol allele demonstrated salinity tolerance,
suggesting the presence of other genetic factors (QTLs) contributing
to this trait beyond Saltol. Additionally, the geographical distribution
of Saltol-possessing genotypes within Tanzania revealed variations
across different Agro-ecological zones. Notably, the Coastal Zone
exhibited a higher proportion of phenotypically tolerant genotypes
compared to other zones, suggesting local farmers' continuous
selection pressure as a possible contributing factor. These findings
highlight the potential for integrating diverse salinity-tolerant rice
genotypes, possessing various genetic mechanisms, into breeding
programs. This approach could lead to the development of novel rice
varieties capable of thriving under salinity stress conditions
The pattern of reproduction in the African giant pouchedrat, Cricetomys gambianus, from Tanzania: unravelling the environmental triggers for breeding
No full textJournal ArticleOur research represents the first extensive study of the breeding behaviour and related environmental triggers of reproduction
in the African giant pouch rat (Cricetomys gambianus Waterhouse, 1840) in and around the equator throughout a whole
year. We measured the gross morphology and detailed histology of both female and male rats, along with plasma steroid hormone
levels. Contrary to other tropical-dwelling small mammals, the African giant pouch rat is a seasonal breeder; however,
rainfall is not to be the primary cue of reproduction. Our study suggests that ambient temperature and photoperiod are the
primary environmental cues of reproduction, with breeding occurring during the cooler months of the year, namely in the
dry season. During the wet and hot season, which succeeds the dry season, there is an increase in the availability of quality
food, which results in nursing mothers and weaned pups achieving a positive energy balance and increased body condition.
This, in turn, increases pregnancy success and offspring survival. Climate change, particularly global warming, could harm
the reproduction of African giant pouched rats as rising temperatures in and around the equator, including Tanzania, may
impact their circannual reproductive cycl
Contribution of timber and honey on livelihood of communities adjacent to Village Land Forest Reserves in Songea and Liwale Districts, Tanzania
No full textMSc DissertationVillage Land Forest Reserves are recognized as important base for
rural community development. Forest products obtained from these
forests are essential for improving livelihoods of communities
residing close to these forests. This study assessed timber and
honey products from two village land forest reserves located in
Liwale and Songea Districts to understand at what extent does these
products contribute to the improvement of livelihood assets of
people living adjacent to these forests and how these products
contribute towards improvement of the condition of these forests.
The study was guided by the assumption that harvesting of these
products from these forests is guided by the presence of robust
management plan which indicate the allowable quantity of wood to
be harvested, where to be harvested, who should be involved and
how the revenue accrued from selling of these products should be
ploughed back to reinforce the management of these forests. With
regards to honey production it is assumed that local communities
have been trained to properly use the forests for beekeeping
activities and have been supplied with important facilities to enable
them properly harvest and process their honey to meet the market
standards of this product. It was important to assess the contribution
of forest products on livelihood assets in order to understand the
interaction between the livelihood assets to bring the livelihood
improvement.
Data were collected using household structured questionnaires and
focused group discussion. A total of 71 timber dealers’ households
(38 in Songea and 33 in Liwale District) and 37 honey dealers’
households (23 in Songea and 14 in Liwale District) were
interviewed in this study. Inferential statistical using the binary
logistic model and descriptive statistics such as frequency and
percentage and also inferential statistics were used to report the
results of this study.
Results show that there is gain in livelihood assets which have
contributed to the livelihood improvement. It was revealed that, physical capital indicators including better education, better health
care and food security had significant influence on livelihood of
timber and honey dealer as the p-value (p<0.05). Also, savings as
an indicator of financial capital had significant influence on the
livelihood of honey and timber dealers similarly, training as an
indicator in human capital had significant contribution on livelihood of
honey and timber dealers, membership status had significant
influence on livelihood contribution p<0.05. Factors that contributed
to this trend include poor transportation facilities in the forest, lack of
market and insufficient modern harvesting and processing tools.
Therefore, VLFRs through timber and honey products, have
contributed to livelihood improvement of the communities adjacent to
forests but more support to the communities adjacent the Village
Land Forest Reserves on timber and honey production should be
provided so as to build their strong foundation for their livelihood
improvement. Policymakers and stakeholders can use these findings
to develop interventions for sustainable livelihoods and community
development.The Forestry and Value Chains Development Programme (FORVAC
Meta-analysis of legumes and groundnut production trends and variability in the global South
No full textJournal of Agriculture and Food Research 18 (2024) 10150This study examined the production trends and variability of grain legumes in the Global South from 2000 to
2022, with a particular emphasis on groundnut yields and regional differences. From 2000 to 2022, global
legume production in the Southern Hemisphere increased by approximately 20–30 %, driven by rising demand
for plant-based proteins and expanded cropping areas in countries like Brazil and Argentina. Improved agri-
cultural practices have further enhanced yields. In contrast, groundnut production experienced a more moderate
growth of around 10–15 %, influenced by favourable conditions and expanded cultivation in regions such as
Argentina and South Africa. While demand for groundnuts remains strong, market fluctuations and competition
with other crops continue to shape its production dynamics. The analysis covered a range of legumes, including
common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris), cowpeas (Vigna unguiculata), pigeon peas (Cajanus cajan), groundnuts/pea-
nuts (Arachis hypogaea), soya beans (Glycine max), bambara groundnuts (Vigna subterranea), chickpeas (Cicer
arietinum), lentils (Lens culinaris), mung beans (Vigna radiata), black gram (Vigna mungo), faba beans (Vicia faba),
lablab beans (Lablab purpureus), tepary beans (Phaseolus acutifolius), African yam beans (Sphenostylis stenocarpa),
Kersting’s groundnut (Macrotyloma geocarpum), lima beans (Phaseolus lunatus), black beans (Phaseolus vulgaris),
adzuki beans (Vigna angularis), moth beans (Vigna aconitifolia), horse gram (Macrotyloma uniflorum), broad beans
(Vicia faba), winged beans (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus). Regional data revealed significant differences in legume
production. In Sub-Saharan Africa, cowpeas and groundnuts are vital, with cowpeas grown over 11.4 million
hectares on average yielding 450 kg ha 1, and groundnuts covering 9.1 million hectares with an average yield of
1007 kg ha 1. Chickpeas and pigeon peas dominate South Asia’s production, whereas Latin America features
prominent soya bean and groundnut cultivation. Oceania’s legume farming is less extensive, focusing on
chickpeas and mung beans. Descriptive statistics revealed that Egypt led in groundnut production with an
average yield of 3279.1 kg ha 1 and a low coefficient of variation (CV) of 4.89 %, indicating stable production.
Conversely, Mozambique had the lowest average yield at 322.9 kg ha 1, with a high CV of 30.23 %, reflecting
greater variability. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) identified five principal components explaining
70.9 % of the total variance, with the first two components (PC 1 and PC 2) accounting for 51 %. Bangladesh and
Brazil were major contributors to PC 1, while Algeria and Senegal influenced PC 2. These findings highlight the
considerable regional variability in yields and stability in legume production. Future research should address
these disparities and enhance resilience through targeted agricultural practices and policy interventions.This study did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors
Irrigation performance of a water distribution system: The case of Kigugu irrigation scheme-Mvomero district Morogoro region Tanzania
No full textJournal articleThis study assessed the performance of the Kigugu Irrigation Scheme's water distribution system in Tanzania with an emphasis
on its impact on crop yields. We used a combination of participatory tools and direct observation to gather comprehensive data,
including weather patterns, water discharge rates, and farmer input levels. Descriptive statistical analysis revealed significant
variations in water distribution across canals, with Relative Water Supply (RWS) values ranging from 0.7 to 5.9, indicating
instances of both over- and under-supply. Despite these variations, satisfactory performance was demonstrated by the irrigation
system, with high Water Delivery Performance Ratio (WDPR) values consistently recorded above 0.65, indicating that water
demands were largely met across the system. Furthermore, the study found that equity in water distribution improved
significantly during the growing season, with the equity index dropping from 0.2 to 0.1. This underscores the critical need for fair
water allocation practices, particularly during low-flow periods, to ensure that all farmers receive an adequate supply. Based on
these findings, several recommendations for irrigation system modifications were proposed to further improve water distribution
and equity. In terms of productivity, a notable correlation between water distribution and crop yield was observed. A canal with a
design discharge of 0.0228 m 2 /s produced a yield of 552.18 metric tonnes, demonstrating efficient water utilization. In contrast,
canal SC.4-2, with a lower discharge of 0.0185 m2/s, achieved a smaller yield of 274.31 metric tonnes, further highlighting the
importance of optimal water distribution for enhancing agricultural productivity. Overall, the Kigugu Irrigation Scheme
maintains a reliable water supply, contributing positively to sustainable water resource management and agricultural
productivity. This, in turn, supports local economic growth, enhances food security, and improves community well-being. The
study’s findings provide critical insights for future improvements in irrigation management and resource allocationMinistry of Agriculture in Tanzani
Disparities in water accessibility in primary schools: insights from Mvomero District, Tanzania
No full textInternational Journal of Education and Social Science Research (IJESSR) 7 (5): pp. 126-141Water is a crucial need in schools as it supports healthy practices and other important school activities.
This study investigates water availability situation in primary schools of Mvomero district of Tanzania.
The study utilized a descriptive design. A sample of four primary schools was selected, and data were
gathered from 300 students and 23 teachers using questionnaires. The study utilized various aspects as
indicators for water scarcity condition including accessibility by distance, sufficiency for various
activities, water infrastructures conditions and cleanliness of the water provided at school. Findings
revealed disparities in water availability across different schools. 2 of the sampled schools had water
scarcity whereas the other 2 had no water scarcity. Schools with water scarcity obtained water from
longer distances, infrastructures were not functional, water for various activities was not sufficient and
the water was not clean unlike schools with no water scarcity. It was recommended that investments
in water infrastructure construction and maintenance should be prioritized in the affected schools.
Also, training on water management practices and engaging local communities to support schools with
scarcity could serve as important initiatives towards dealing with this problem
Interactive radio-based agricultural knowledge sharing: a case study of women crop farmers in dodoma city, Tanzania.
No full textMSc DissertationThis study was conducted in the area under the jurisdiction of
Dodoma City Council, in Dodoma Region, Tanzania. The data
collection took place between March and April 2023. The main
objective of the study focused on assessing interactive radio-based
agricultural knowledge sharing by women crop farmers in Dodoma
City. The selected administrative streets were Mchemwa, and
Azimio from Makutupora ward, Maendeleo and Chihanga from
Chihanga ward, and Hombolo Bwawani B from Hombolo ward. The
study focused on assessing interactive ways used by radio
programmers to obtain women crop farmers’ agricultural reactions
and demands. The study specifically intended to identify women
crop farmers’ agriculture-related radio programs co-decided as
relevant. Also, the study intended to identify women crop farmers’
limitations to be involved in the co-deciding process. To achieve
these objectives, face-to-face interviews, Focus Group Discussions
(FGDs) and key informant interviews were employed. Purposive and
snowball sampling procedure was used to identify study participants.
Questionnaires with open-ended questions were used to allow the
study participants to provide views in their own words. Afterward,
content analysis was used to analyse the data according to the
study objective and themes.
The study revealed that radio programmers interact with women
crop farmers by visiting them in their fields/ home to conduct face-to-
face interviews while recording their agricultural reactions and
demands. Moreover, radio programmers provide opportunities for
women crop farmers to call and share their opinions or ask for
information clarifications. Likewise, the programmers invite women
crop farmers as guests in the studio to talk on various topics.
Despite such interactive ways available, the study found that there is
inadequate interaction between women crop farmers and radio
programmers. The low interaction results from women crop farmers'
many household responsibilities, being prohibited by their husbands
from speaking on behalf of their families (taboos), language barriers
and not being contacted by radio programmers. Moreover, identified
barriers include a scarcity of radios and mobile phones, absence of
electricity for device charging, domestic responsibilities, fear of
spousal disapproval, and non-contact by programmers, voucher
purchase costs, and language obstacles.
Second, radio programmers inadequately align with the agricultural-
specific needs of women crop farmers. The majority of women crop
farmers have time between 20:00 and 22:00 hours at night. The
reason attributing to this is that women crop farmers are busy with
household responsibilities at other times. The study further found
that radio programmers prefer the morning sessions. Moreover,
women crop farmers preferred language differ from that used by
radio programmers when airing agricultural radio programs. The
study found that women crop farmers prefer the use of both Swahili
and vernacular languages. Unluckily, the study found that most of
the licenses provided by the Tanzania Communications Regulatory
Authority (TCRA) to radio stations recommend the use of Swahili
only.
Third, women crop farmers lack knowledge on who is responsible for
preparing agricultural radio programs. The study found that women
crop farmers know that those responsible for preparing agricultural
radio programs are radio programmers only. This situation makes
some women crop farmers to demand gifts especially money for
them to give their agricultural information. The tendency makes radio
programmers to decide alone on what agricultural radio programs to
air.
The study concludes that although interactive radio programs are
crucial in promoting agricultural knowledge sharing for women crop
farmers, they are still some challenges related to the scarcity of
radios and mobile phones ownership, the absence of electricity for
device charging, domestic responsibilities, and spousal disapproval.
Moreover, non-contact by programmers, voucher purchase costs,
and language obstacles remain a barrier. Therefore, the government
through the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA)
should address financial constraints hindering women's crop farmers
from interacting with radio programmers. This will align with the
TCRA's core value of commitment to prioritizing information
consumer interests. Additionally, the Ministry of Education, Science,
and Technology is urged to empower school girls by providing
agricultural education through secondary levels. In turn, the school
girls will share the information to their mothers. The proposed
initiatives can foster improved access to vital agricultural information
for women crop farmers and contribute to their socio-economic
development.Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI
Pest status of citrus psyllids in relation to citrus greening disease (Huanglongbing) in major citrus growing areas of Tanzania
No full textMSc DissertationThe citrus industry is a significant contributor to the global economy,
with East African countries like Tanzania playing a crucial role.
However, the emergence of Asian citrus greening disease, facilitated
by insect vectors such as Diaphorina citri and Trioza erytreae, poses
a substantial threat to this sector. This study aims to document the
impact of citrus greening and psyllid infestations on Tanzania‘s citrus
industry, which results in diminished fruit yield, compromised quality,
and economic losses.
Field surveys were conducted in major citrus-growing regions in
Tanzania, including Ruvuma, Arusha, Morogoro, and Tanga. Data
was collected using molecular detection techniques, and the
prevalence and severity of Huanglongbing, distribution and
abundance of Diaphorina citri and Trioza erytreae were recorded.
These factors were then correlated with altitude, temperature
variations, and citrus varieties. DNA samples were extracted and
analysed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to confirm the
presence of Huanglongbing in selected samples.
The study found regional variations in the distribution and
abundance of Diaphorina citri and Trioza erytreae. Altitude
significantly influenced psyllid species abundance, with Diaphorina
citri decreasing and Trioza erytreae increasing with altitude. The
temperature had a weak positive correlation with Diaphorina citri
abundance and a moderately negative correlation with Trioza
erytreae abundance. Different citrus varieties significantly affected
Diaphorina citri abundance, with the ―Late Valencia (Kitenesi)‖
variety having the highest average Diaphorina citri counts per tree.
The study also found a negative correlation between altitude and the
Disease Severity Index (DSI), suggesting that as altitude increases,
the DSI decreases. However, a weak positive correlation was
observed between the number of citrus trees in an orchard or backyard and the DSI. Significant variations in Huanglongbing
prevalence were observed at both the regional and ward levels.
The study concluded that the Mediterranean variety was particularly
susceptible to Huanglongbing, while the Valencia, Local variety,
Washington navel, and Bitijuma varieties exhibited more resistance.
The study also confirmed the presence of Ca. L. asiaticus in
symptomatic leaves and the absence of bacteria in asymptomatic
leaves using PCR Analysis for pathogen detection.
The findings of this study have significant implications for developing
region-specific management strategies to protect Tanzania‘s citrus
industry, which is vital for food security and rural livelihoods. It is
recommended to combine molecular and visual methods to enhance
our understanding of the dynamics of Tanzania‘s two crucial citrus
psyllid species, Diaphorina citri and Trioza erytreae, reflecting the
complex ecological interactions involved. This will aid in the
development of effective strategies to mitigate the impact of citrus
greening disease.The HEE
Implementation of english language competence –based curriculum in Tanzanian secondary schools: a case Mtama District
No full textResearch ArticleThe study assessed the implementation of the English language Competence Based Curriculum (CBC) in Tanzanian secondary
schools, with a focus on Mtama District. The study employed the Communicative Competence Model (CCM) to guide the study.
Data were collected in Mtama District in April 2023, where the study used a mixed methods design involving random and
purposeful sampling. The study focused on 21 English teachers and 380 students, employing a complementary research design
that integrated qualitative methods such as interviews with quantitative techniques like Likert scale questionnaires. The findings
revealed that English teachers in Mtama District implement CBC at a medium level; the study sheds light on the practical aspects
of CBC performance, providing an understanding of approaches, strategies, and methods. The study concludes that the successful
implementation of the CBC is a collective responsibility, and it is crucial for English teachers to be proactive in their training
and development. The study also recommends the effectiveness of different models of English teacher training and professional
development programs, specifically to CBC methodologies and innovative teaching strategies and pedagogical approaches that
enhance the integration of CBC principles in English language teaching