4473 research outputs found
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The Role of Social Work Interventions in Addressing Primary School Dropouts: A Case of Mbeya Municipality.
No full textThis study explores the socio-economic and cultural factors contributing to primary school dropout rates in Mbeya Municipality, Tanzania, and assesses the role of social
work interventions in addressing this issue. The research adopts a qualitative approach, utilizing in-depth interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs) with a purposively selected sample of 15 at-risk pupils, 10 parents or guardians, and 5 social workers engaged in educational interventions. Participants were selected using predefined criteria to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the dropout phenomenon. Data were analyzed using NVivo software, following Braun and
Clarke’s (2006) thematic analysis framework, which enabled systematic coding and in-depth exploration of underlying causes, including poverty, family instability, and lack of educational support. The study highlights the pivotal role of social work interventions—such as counseling, resource coordination, and advocacy in mitigating dropout rates and improving retention in primary education. Ethical approval was obtained from the Open University of Tanzania’s Research Ethics Committee, with informed consent secured, confidentiality upheld, and data security ensured. The study contributes to the discourse on educational access and retention, offering insights for policymakers, educators, and social workers in formulating
strategies to enhance school retention. It further recommends longitudinal studies to assess the long-term impact of social work interventions on educational outcomes in Tanzania and beyond.
Keywords: Primary School Dropout, Socio-Economic Factors, Cultural Factors, Social Work Interventions, Qualitative Research, Tanzania
“Assessment of the Role of Information and Communication Technology on Enhancing Pupils’ Academic Performance in Primary Schools in Same District, Tanzania.
No full textThis study assessed the role of information and communication technology in enhancing pupils’ academic performance in public primary schools in Same district, Tanzania. Specifically, it explored the extent of ICT utilisation in the learning
process among pupils; determined the pupils' awareness of the role of ICT application in the learning process; and examined the challenges hindering the utilisation of ICT on the learning process in enhancing pupils’ academic performance. The study employed mixed methodology following a pragmatic
research paradigm and an explanatory sequential design. The study used a sample of 89 respondents. Data were collected using questionnaires and semi-structured interview guides. The collected data were analysed through descriptive statistics and content analysis. The study's findings disclosed that; First, the majority of pupils were extensively utilising ICT. Secondly, pupils are aware of and held a favourable
impression regarding the impact of ICT policy on teaching and learning activities. Third, it revealed obstacles hindering the utilisation of ICT. The study concludes that although the utilization of ICT was being hindered by the challenges in implementing the ICT played a great role in enhancing pupils’ academic performance but the effort to hampered by challenges which slowed down the desire for improving pupils’ academic performance should be taken. The study recommends maintenance of digital infrastructures to schools, adequate power supply, engaging pupils in training, as the majority were found to possess limited knowledge of ICT utilisation and other studies should be done in Pre and Primary.
Keywords: ICT, Awareness, Pupils, Teaching and Learning proces
Determinants of Participation on Monitoring and Evaluation of Projects Performance in Zanzibar: A Case of Boosting Inclusive Growth for Zanzibar.
No full textThis study investigates the socio-economic factors, institutional dynamics, and stakeholder perceptions impacting Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) activities within inclusive growth projects in Zanzibar, specifically the Boosting Inclusive Growth for Zanzibar (BIGZ) project. Based on qualitative approach and a case study design; this study collected the primary data using FGDs and in-depth interviews,
while the secondary ones were collected using document reviews. Through the sample size of 46 participants, the study employed purposive and stratified sampling techniques. The study findings revealed that higher income levels and educational attainment influenced the participation in M&E activities. The study concluded that higher income levels and educational attainment influence active involvement in M
& E processes, with participants possessing greater financial resources and better education more likely to engage effectively. The study recommended that there is a need of addressing socio-economic barriers, strengthening leadership, clarifying organizational structures, enhancing resource allocation, promoting transparency, increasing local involvement and providing actionable feedback. The targeted
interventions such as financial support and educational programs were recommended to address these disparities for enhancing an equitable participation.
Keywords: Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E), socio-economic factors, stakeholder engagement
The Impact of Foreign Direct Investment on Economic Growth in Tanzania.
No full textTanzania has experienced a positive trend in foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows since transitioning to a free and liberalized economy in the late 1980s. The study examined the impact of foreign direct investment on Tanzania's economic growth. The study used a descriptive research design, using a census of annual reports from World Banks for 2015-2022 and 15 BOT samples for interviews, whereby multiple regression analysis was used for the quantitative data, and thematic analysis for the qualitative data. The study revealed that economic growth was significantly and positively influenced by FDI inflows, implying that increase in FDI inflows lead to
increase in economic growth. It was also noted that the economic growth was significantly and negatively influenced by GFCF, meaning that decrease in GFCF leads to decrease in economic growth. The study also noted that economic growth
was positively influenced by trade openness but, this effect is not statistically significant in this model, indicating that increase in trade openness leads to increase in economic growth. The study recommends that the government, Ministry of
Industry and Trade, and Investment must collaborate in order to implement policies that maximise the benefits of FDI inflows by drawing capital into high-growth and productive industries; increase the effectiveness of capital formation to prevent misallocations and guarantee that investments provide long-term financial returns; and prioritise promoting trade openness by encouraging competitive industries and
developing the infrastructure and human capital required to capitalise on international trade.
Keywords: Investment, Foreign Direct Investment, Economic, Economic Growth, Local Government Authority
Assessment of Heavy Metal Accumulation from Abattoir Wastes on Soil and Selected Edible Vegetables at Ikwiriri Slaughterhouse, Rufiji District.
No full textThis study assessed heavy metal contamination and associated health risks in green leafy vegetables cultivated using slaughterhouse wastewater in Ikwiriri Ward, Tanzania. A total of three vegetable species (Vigna sp., Ipomoea sp., and Cucurbita sp.), 12 soil samples, and 6 wastewater samples were collected and analyzed for Pb, Cr, Cu, Zn, and Fe using microwave plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (MPAES) following microwave-assisted digestion. Heavy metal concentrations in vegetables ranged from 0.073 ± 0.011 to 0.158 ± 0.071 mg/kg (Pb), 0.182 ± 0.096 to 0.437 ± 0.181 mg/kg (Cr), 1.212 ± 0.208 to 2.307 ± 0.335 mg/kg (Cu), 2.933 ± 0.305 to 7.740 ± 0.928 mg/kg (Zn), and 15.543 ± 1.649 to 58.991 ± 17.196 mg/kg (Fe). In wastewater, Fe (2.098 ± 0.479 mg/L) showed the highest levels, followed by Zn (0.121 ± 0.030 mg/L), Pb (0.099 ± 0.076 mg/L), Cr (0.030 ± 0.001 mg/L), and Cu (0.027 ± 0.012 mg/L). While Cr, Zn, and Cu were within WHO and TBS permissible limits, Fe and Pb concentrations exceeded drinking-water thresholds, with Pb approaching the effluent limit (0.1 mg/L). Human health risk assessment revealed hazard indices (HI) in the order: Vigna sp. (1.65) > Cucurbita sp. (1.53) > Ipomoea sp. (0.75). Although individual metals posed limited risks (HQ 1) for Vigna sp. and Cucurbita sp. suggest potential health concerns, particularly for frequent consumers. These findings highlight the need for effective wastewater management, monitoring of leafy vegetables near abattoirs, and public health interventions to minimize exposure risks.
Keywords: Abattoir Waste, Heavy Metal, Hazard Index, Health Risk Assessment
Assessment of Quality Management Practices in Enhancing Students’ Academic Performance in Public Secondary School in Dodoma Tanzania.
No full textThis study examined the influence of quality management practices on students’ academic performance in public secondary schools in Dodoma, Tanzania. The objectives were: to assess the current quality management practices, determine the correlation between these practices and students' academic performance, and identify the factors influencing their implementation. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative and qualitative techniques. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, and document reviews from school heads, teachers, and ward education officers. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation, while qualitative data were thematically analyzed. The findings revealed that schools were implementing several quality management practices, including supervision, target setting, and performance evaluation, which contributed positively to student outcomes. However, their application varied due to challenges such as limited financial resources, weak stakeholder engagement, inadequate infrastructure, and inconsistent policy implementation. A positive correlation between quality management practices and academic performance was observed. The study concludes that improving quality management practices is essential for enhancing academic performance and recommends for increased financial support, leadership training, and stronger community involvement. Clear and consistent policy guidance is also vital for ensuring effective implementation of quality initiatives in schools.
Keywords:Quality Management, Academic Performance, Public Secondary Schools, Mixed Methods, Tanzani
Analysis of Tanzania’s Legal Framework for Digital Notarisation: A Comparative Study with Nigeria.
No full textThe growing digitisation of legal services necessitates the modernisation of some traditional services like notarisation, with the aim of facilitating these services. Tanzania legal framework still relies on traditional notarisation where notaries and signers are required to meet physically for identification and signing process. However, the advent of science and technology has facilitated all these processes through digital notarisation. Hence, this study aimed at analysing Tanzania’s legal framework for digital notarisation comparing it with Nigeria’s regulatory approach. Whereby, specific objectives of this study are to analyse Tanzania and Nigeria legal and institutional framework which covers notarisation process and analyse legal impediments which draw back digital notarisation process in Tanzania focussing on Nigeria as a comparative case study. Objectives of this study suggested the use of doctrinal and comparative study in order to analyse the laws of Tanzania and Nigeria. These methodologies assisted at pointing out areas which need improvements in Tanzania to accommodate digital notarisation. This study finds out that Tanzania hinders digital notarisation by requiring signers to appear physically before the notary public, also it has been found out that digital notarisation cannot be done without clear rules and regulations. It also finds out that digital notarisation established in Nigeria has accommodated all essential pre-requisites for performing traditional notarisation and make it more compelling, safe and secure to adopt digital notarisation in Tanzania.Therefore, this study provides legal recommendations on amending the law to cover for the requirement of registering capable notaries to perform digital notarisation, to incorporate provisions which define authorities of Registrar of the High Court on digital notarisation, to specify requirements of the platform intended for digital notarisation, legal recognition and admissibility of digitally notarised documents, define standards for digital identification and clear potential misinterpretation of electronic notarisation process and to establish a handbook for performing notarisation process in Tanzani
Contribution of Digital Videos in Improving Basic Skills of Lower Primary Pupils in Dodoma City, Tanzania.
No full textThis study examined the contribution of digital videos in improving basic skills (reading, writing, and arithmetic skills) of lower primary pupils in Dodoma City, Tanzania. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, employing a sequential explanatory design, with quantitative data collection preceding qualitative analysis. Data was gathered through questionnaires from 60 standards one and two teachers selected via stratified sampling. Additionally, 160 public primary school pupils were chosen through convenience sampling based on their access to instructional videos. A standardized test assessed the pupils‘ progress. As the study was interventional, pupils were divided into control and experimental groups based on their lower performance in reading, writing, and arithmetic, with 80 pupils in each group. Guided by the Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning, data analysis employed correlation, linear regression, univariate, and multivariate general linear models. Results showed a statistically significant relationship between video-based digital media and improved skills in reading (basic sounds, word pronunciation), writing (spelling), and arithmetic (number identification, addition, subtraction). Pupils exposed to videos achieved higher test scores than those who did not, underscoring its positive impact. The study recommends that policymakers, curriculum developers, teachers, and stakeholders integrate digital videos into primary education to enhance reading, writing, and arithmetic skills among lower primary pupils in Tanzania.
Keywords: Digital videos, Basic skills, Lower primary, Improvement
Effect of Working Environment on Employees Performance in Tanzania Local Government Authorities: The Case of Njombe Town Council.
No full textThis study investigated the impact of the working environment on employees’ performance within local government agencies in Tanzania, specifically focusing on the Njombe Town Council. This study was directed by three objectives: to ascertain the impact of the physical environment, health and safety, and work-life balance on employee performance at Njombe Town Council. This study utilized the Job Demands-Resources paradigm. This study employed a positivist research philosophy, a quantitative research approach, and an explanatory research design. Structured questionnaires were employed to gather data from a sample of 190 respondents selected by stratified random sampling from 372 workers of the Njombe town council. The study revealed that all three independent variables physical environment, health and safety, and work-life balance were positively and significantly correlated with employee performance at Njombe Town Council. The study shows that the work environment substantially affects employee performance at Njombe Town Council, emphasizing the vital importance of physical conditions, health and safety, and work-life balance in improving productivity within Tanzania's local government authority. The study advises the council to invest in contemporary and ergonomic office furniture to alleviate physical strain, enhance lighting and ventilation systems for improved comfort and productivity, and ensure regular maintenance and cleanliness of workspaces to foster a hygienic and appealing environment. Furthermore, the council should establish and enforce comprehensive occupational health and safety policies, conduct regular safety training and awareness programs for all staff, and guarantee the availability and utilization of personal protective equipment. Finally, establish flexible working hours and remote work options when possible, and advocate for regulations that support sufficient rest and leave usage.
Keywords: Working Environment, physical Environment, Health and safety, Work Life Balanc
Outcome of the Community-Led Total Sanitation Approach: Process evaluation of the National Sanitation Campaign in Butiama District.
No full textCommunity-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) is a participatory approach aimed at eliminating open defecation and improving sanitation through community-driven behavioural change. This study examined the effectiveness of CLTS in Butiama District, Mara Region, focusing on behavioural change, community engagement, and household participation. A mixed-methods design was used, combining quantitative and qualitative approaches. Data were collected from 96 households and key informants, including community leaders, health workers, and district officials. Findings revealed a 95.7% reduction in open defecation and a 59.2% increase in latrine use, showing strong CLTS impact. However, 99% of respondents cited cultural beliefs as barriers to abandoning open defecation, highlighting the need for culturally responsive interventions. Community engagement was rated high by 73.1% of respondents, though some households were less involved in decision-making. Participation in triggering activities was high (94.6%) but declined in follow-up stages such as action planning (9.7%) and mapping (1.1%). The emotional effect of triggering was limited, with 83.9% reporting no feelings of shame or disgust, affecting long-term behaviour change. The study concludes that CLTS has improved sanitation outcomes in Butiama District but requires sustained follow-up, cultural adaptation, and strong community leadership. Integrating CLTS into broader health and sanitation policies will help ensure lasting progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 6.
Keywords: Community Led Total Sanitation; Behavioural Change; Open Defecation; National sanitation campaign; Butiama Distric