District Council Research Articles

Teachers Perceptions on the use of Tablets in Enhancing Teaching Public Secondary Schools in Lushoto District Council

The study aimed to assess the perceptions of teachers on the use of tablets in teaching at public secondary schools in Lushoto District Council. A survey research design and quantitative research approach were employed, targeting ordinary teachers. The sample size for this study was 84 ordinary teachers. Data collection methods included questionnaires. Collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Findings of this study reveal overwhelmingly positive strongly agreed. Teachers find tablets highly useful, enhancing task efficiency, teaching quality, and productivity. They also perceive tablets as easy to use, with clear, understandable interactions and straightforward navigation. There is a strong intention among teachers to continue and increase tablet use, viewing them as beneficial and a wise addition to the teaching process. Despite a few neutral or dissenting opinions, the overall perception is strongly supportive, indicating significant potential for effectively integrating tablets into the educational environment to enhance teaching experiences. Recommendations include integrating tablet use into curriculum policies, providing comprehensive teacher training, ensuring equitable access to digital resources, offering continuous professional development, establishing robust technical support systems, and fostering collaborative learning environments.

Zoning of the Lower Volga Region and Formation of Territory, Okrug, District and Rural Bodies of Soviet Authority in 1928: First Stage

Introduction. The article examines the process of formation of the Lower Volga region and Soviet authorities at the level of regional, district, and rural administration at the first stage of zoning (before the liquidation of okrugs). Methods and materials. The research was carried out based on traditional methods of historical research (historical-genetic, retrospective, historical-systemic, and historical-comparative). The use of an array of unpublished archival documents stored in the State Archives of the Volgograd Region and the Documentation Center for Contemporary History of the Volgograd Region, and materials from periodicals and legislative sources of government bodies of the USSR and the RSFSR, greatly facilitated the research process. Analysis. The study is aimed at identifying the regional specifics of the zoning process and the accompanying process of formation of Soviet authorities (at the level of councils and executive committees of councils of the Lower Volga region). Results. The zoning of the Lower Volga region already at the first stage revealed a range of problems, the systematic solution of which in the future will make it possible to transform the agricultural region into the industrial center of the Volga region. In the process of reform, along with positive aspects – the reduction in cost of the management apparatus, the bringing closer to the population of Soviet authorities endowed with significant powers (district executive committees and councils) – there were also clearly negative consequences. The distance of rural councils from middle management and the consolidation of individual rural councils, on the one hand, led to the planned reduction of hardware costs but, on the other hand, excluded remote villages from active public life. Districts became the main operational unit of economic and Soviet work in the region. There were several issues to address, including the imbalance between districts with different population sizes, from small ones with just over 2,000 people to large ones with populations approaching 100,000. Additionally, there was a lack of communication between administrative units and personnel problems, which emerged as a significant hurdle in the development of district and rural Soviet administration at the second stage of zoning (in the conditions of the liquidation of okrugs).

The use of School Information System in Strengthening the Management of Government Secondary Schools in Meru District Council

This study investigated the use of the School Information System (SIS) in strengthening the management of government secondary schools in Meru District Council. The study adopted the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). The Diffusion Innovation theory and Technological Acceptance model guided this study. A qualitative research approach alongside a case study research design was adopted. The targeted population of the study was 1203 including 46 heads of schools, 1083 teachers, 46 academic teachers, 26 ward secondary officers, 01 District Education Officer (DSEO) and 01 District Information Communication Technology Officer (DICTO) of which 37 were drawn. Purposive and simple random sampling techniques were used to get respondents. Interview and questionnaire methods were used to collect data. The study's trustworthiness was maintained through the supervisor’s corrections, expert advice, and following all necessary ethical procedures. The study revealed that the School Information System carries user-friendly features that strengthen the management of government secondary schools such as student information management, and teacher and staff management. However, the facilities are not sufficiently available. Furthermore, the study found that the School Information System greatly enhances data management and analysis, streamlining administrative tasks and resource management, promoting teachers’ accountability and improving communication in government secondary schools. The study recommended that there should be the provision of enough facilities, alternative sources of energy, seminars, and training to promote the implementation and use of School Information System in government secondary schools.

TEACHERS‟, PARENTS‟ AND PUPILS‟ PERCEPTIONS ON PARENTS‟ ROLE IN THE LEARNING PROCESS OF THEIR CHILDREN IN PUBLIC PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN BUKOBA DISTRICT COUNCIL, TANZANIA

Parents’ involvement in the learning process of their children is a very crucial ingredient; it is associated with perceptions of not only the teachers, but also of parents and the pupils. These three categories’ perceptions are not empirically well known. The general objective of this paper was to determine relationships between socio-demographic factors of teachers’, parents’ and pupils’ and their perceptions on the roles of parents in the learning process of their children in public primary schools. The specific objectives were to analyse respondents’ socio-demographic factors; compare the perceptions among the respondents, and determine association between the perceptions and the respondents’ socio-demographic factors. The study data were collected in Bukoba District Council in 2021 through a structured questionnaire which included an index summated scale to measure perceptions and which was administered to 400 respondents who included 130 parents, 50 teachers, and 220 primary school pupils. The respondents were selected through purposive sampling and stratified random sampling. The overall mean and median points scored by all the 400 respondents on the perception scale were 59.9 and 60, respectively, which are high compared to the maximum possible score that was 80. Moreover, using Kruskal-Wallis test, the median scores on the perception scale differed significantly among parents (Med = 58), pupils (Med = 62), and teachers (Med 58) [H(2) = 8.926, p = 0.012)]. Also, the perceptions differed significantly between parents and pupils (p = 0.010) and between pupils and teachers (0.030), but not between parents and teachers (p = 0.946). Using Chi-square tests, home to school distance (Chi-square = 7.598, p = 0.006), parents’ employment status (Chi-square = 5.256, p = 0.022), and school urbanization level (Chi-square = 28.650, p = 0.000) were significantly associated with the respondents’ perceptions. If those factors are conducive, perceptions about the roles parents play for their children’s learning process can improve. Primary education stakeholders; including parents, pupils, and teachers; are urged to keep up their perceptions about parents’ roles in their children’s learning process. Education planners and local government authorities are urged to scale-up interventions to reduce distances from home to school by building more primary schools, as shorter distance from home to school was more associated with high perceptions.

Local councils as movement resource: Post-anti-extradition movement district councils in Hong Kong

ABSTRACT This paper studies the short-lived reform experiment on grassroot democracy by the District Councils of Hong Kong in 2020–2021, following the landslide victory of candidates who supported the 2019 Anti-Extradition Movement of Hong Kong. It argues that the institutional positions and resources of local elections can serve as movement resources to support social and political movements, promote civic participation and community-building, and strengthen civil society. By a study of meeting documents and in-depth interviews with 50 pro-movement councillors, this paper recounted how movement activists made use of the local councils to support the movement, change funding allocation to counter clientelism, encourage grassroot participation and network with civil society. The window of political opportunity was quickly shut down with the imposition of the National Security Law for Hong Kong, but it showed the possibility of using local councils to further movement causes and grassroot democracy in a much-constrained non-democratic institutional setting.

Parental Contributions to Enhance Sustainable School Feeding Programme in Public Primary Schools in Gairo District Council, Tanzania

This study aimed to find out the parental contributions to enhance sustainable school feeding programmes (SFP) at public primary schools in Gairo District Council, Tanzania. It is guided by the two objectives; identify the kind of parental contributions in enhancing sustainable SFP and highlight the parents' perceptions in supporting sustainable school feeding programme (SFP). The study had a sample of 177 respondents who were selected using simple random, snowball and purposive sampling techniques. The study sample involved 98 students, 18 teachers, 60 parents, and 1 District Primary Education Officer. The study employed the mixed method approach and data was collected through a questionnaire, interview, FGD, observation and documentary review. The quantitative data was analysed by using SPSS version 25.0 and the qualitative data was analysed thematically according to the two research objectives. The findings of the study showed the existence of SFP in all 6 schools and the parents had positive perceptions as revealed through contributing food crops, cash money and physical labour to the SFP for constant supply of students' meals. The study recommended the policymakers, government and the community to act on their part for the success and sustainability of SFP

Curriculum Review and Its Effectiveness in Improving Skilled Based Education in Secondary Schools in Arusha District Council, Tanzania

Curriculum Review and Its Effectiveness in Improving Skilled Based Education in Secondary Schools in Arusha District Council, Tanzania

Effectiveness of Face-to-Face Meetings Heads of School Leadership Strategy on Teachers’ Levels of Commitment in Community-Cased Secondary Schools, in Selected District Councils in Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania

Effectiveness of Face-to-Face Meetings Heads of School Leadership Strategy on Teachers’ Levels of Commitment in Community-Cased Secondary Schools, in Selected District Councils in Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania

Prevailing Organizational Culture Strategies in Public Primary Schools in Rorya District Council, Tanzania

The study investigated the prevailing organizational culture strategies in public primary schools in Rorya District. The study was guided by cultural dimensions theory and organizational culture model. The study employed pragmatism research philosophy and concurrent triangulation mixed research design. The target population comprised Chairpersons of School Management Committees, teachers, and heads of schools. Questionnaires and interviews were used for data collection. To ensure validity and reliability, various strategies were implemented, including expert reviews, member checking, Cronbach’s Alpha, and pilot studies. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Ethical considerations were addressed through obtaining approvals from relevant authorities. The study found that the organizational culture in public primary schools in Rorya District is generally perceived positively by teachers, with strong support for collaboration, shared values, teamwork, and effective communication. The culture also fosters a sense of belonging and commitment to school goals. However, areas such as continuous learning and professional development were rated slightly lower, indicating potential opportunities for improvement. The study recommends strengthening collaboration, teamwork, and a sense of belonging in Rorya District's public primary schools while enhancing continuous learning and professional development to further support teachers and align with effective organizational culture practices.

Effects of Teachers’ Recognition on Secondary School Students’ Academic Performance: A Study of Arusha District Council, Tanzania

Effects of Teachers’ Recognition on Secondary School Students’ Academic Performance: A Study of Arusha District Council, Tanzania

Factors Contributing to the Success of Local Government Revenue Collection Information System (LGRCIS) in Local Government Authorities: A Case of Ludewa District Council, Tanzania

Factors Contributing to the Success of Local Government Revenue Collection Information System (LGRCIS) in Local Government Authorities: A Case of Ludewa District Council, Tanzania

Maize farmers’ perceptions of the use of agrochemicals and their impact on the environment: A case study of Iringa District Council, Tanzania

This study examines farmers’ perceptions of agrochemical use in maize production and their harmful environmental effects. A convergent parallel mixed design was used to collect quantitative data from 254 respondents via structured interviews and qualitative data through in-depth interviews and Focus Group Discussions. The findings revealed that among those who were using agrochemicals, 98.9%, 59.2% and 49.7% used inorganic fertilizer to enhance soil fertility, pesticides to control pests and herbicides to kill weeds, respectively. Those who did not use agrochemicals were limited by many factors, including adverse effects of agrochemicals on the environment and lack of access to and the high cost of agrochemicals. Also, more than half of the respondents (51.2%) had limited knowledge about the harmful effects of agrochemicals on the environment. The perceived harmful effects of agrochemicals on the environment included being harmful to domestic animals and non-targeted insects and causing air pollution. The study provides insights for the government on how it could design and enforce educational programmes that would increase farmers’ knowledge of the proper use of agrochemicals to protect the environment while maximizing maize production. This study contributes to the existing literature on how unawareness of farmers on the use of agrochemicals can adversely affect the environment.

An assessment of the Effects of Government Policies on the Development of Tourism Industry in Tanzania: A Case of Meru District Council

An assessment of the Effects of Government Policies on the Development of Tourism Industry in Tanzania: A Case of Meru District Council

Challenges in Integrating Demographic Variables into Local Government Authorities’ Development Plans

This paper examines the Challenges in Integrating Demographic Variables into Local Government Authorities’ Development plans in Chemba and Mpwapwa district councils. The study population was LGA’s development planning officers. The study adopted a cross-sectional research design in which both qualitative and quantitative data from planning officers were collected. Descriptive statistics (Univariate analysis) was done to explore the characteristics and distribution of respondents presented in frequencies and percentages. Cross-tabulation with chi-square (χ2) test tested the association of variables at a 0.05 (95%) significance level. The study findings revealed that LGA planning officers face several challenges in integrating population variables into development plans. Such challenges are Institutional-based (Scarcity of data, lack of political commitment to the goal, limited access to computing facilities, and inadequacy of statistical sources. Resource-based (Unclear relevance of the move among development planners, Continuing discussions on the best ways can use population data in development planning, Lack of clear understanding of demographic variables that can be integrated into the development plans in different sectors, Inadequate conceptualization and understanding of the operation and effects of population variables, lack of sufficient expertise to prepare needed projection inputs). Planning process based (Bureaucratic structures of centralized planning offices; create a barrier between planners and the public) Relying on secondary data from socio-economic profiles, too many directives (central government priories).Technical-based (unclear approaches of integrating population issues into development plans, lack of appropriate methodology, lack of planning and projection techniques, missing manual on the methodology, inadequate research into the many facets of the demographic processes and of their interrelations with other social and economic processes. The chi-square (2) test of the findings revealed no significant (P>0.05) statistical variation by LGAs on the faced challenges in integrating population variables into development plans. The study concludes that institutional setup, resource constraints, the nature of the planning process, and some technical issues affect LGA’s in coming up with effective and comprehensive development plans that cope with the area-specific aging population. The findings require the LGAs to consider putting more effort into the reliable sources of data, knowledge, and skills of planners, planning tools, and planning approaches in order to come up with good and realistic development plans that foster increasing local economic growth and improve the living standard of people; that slow down youth rural-urban migration due to low economic efficiency in their places of origin. The study recommends that LGAs in collaboration with the parent Ministry have to design the means of curbing the encountered planning challenges including improving awareness and sources of data for planning purposes, reviewing the planning approach by making it rather horizontal and comprehensive instead of being vertical from central government policies because obstacles and opportunities for development are area specific, and planners should get acquainted with methodologies for integrating population variables into development plans.

Electronic Logistic Management Information System in Public Health Facilities and Its Implications for the Medicine Supply Chain in Singida District Council, Tanzania.

The effective management of the medicine supply chain is crucial for ensuring the availability of essential medicines and supplies in public health facilities. This study aimed to determine the utilization of the electronic logistic management information system (e-LMIS) in public health facilities and its implications for the medicine supply chain. A mixed methods approach, combining both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods, was used. The study included 106 healthcare providers from 35 public health facilities in Singida District. Six key informants were interviewed using a qualitative method. Of the 106 participants, 62.3% said they were somehow competent in e-LMIS utilization. In in-depth interviews, respondents underscored the system's utility for tracking stock levels, procurements, and managing orders. Staff shortages and a lack of customized training were mentioned as major challenges hindering efficiency in managing drug supplies. This study highlighted the positive impact of e-LMIS on various aspects of the medicine supply chain, including the timely submission of orders and enhanced inventory management. Sustained management support and the regular utilization of the e-LMIS system are crucial for building and maintaining competence among healthcare providers, thereby optimizing the medicine supply chain and ultimately improving healthcare delivery.

Attitude of Community Members towards the Capacity of the Village Land Councils in managing land use conflicts between farmers and pastoralists in Tanzania: A cross sectional Case study Analysis.

Village Land Councils have been established to resolve land use conflicts in rural Tanzania. The history reveals that Tanzania has been mostly affected with the endless land based conflicts between farmers and pastoralists.The presence of VLCs in rural Tanzania has brought significant changes in rural areas where farmers and pastoralists compete to utilize and possess scarce resources. However, rural dwellers have different opinions on the worthness of the respective local organs in resolving land use conflicts between farmers and pastoralists. This study therefore intended to explore attitudes from the community members towards the capacity of the Village Land Councils in managing land use conflicts between farmers and pastoralists. Sem-structured interviews were used to collect data where semantic differential scale was used as the appropriate tool for exploring attitudes from the respondents particularly: farmers and pastoralists who mostly rely on VLCs for mediation services. NVivo software was used for analyzing such data. The results indicated that majority of respondents (farmers and pastoralists) in Mbarali and Kilosa District Councils had positive attitude towards VLCs due to their performance in resolving land use conflicts between farmers and pastoralists. Similar response was obtained from the farmers operating in Tunduru District Council. However, some pastoralists in Tunduru District Councils had remained skeptical on the capacity of the VLCs to resolve conflicts and create conducive working environment for both conflicting parties. Their doubts relied on injustice practices such as corruption, nepotism and tribalism that were directly associated with VLC members. Based on the findings, the study suggests for more capacity building programs for enhancing the capacity of VLC members to act firmly and objectively and for the community members so that they develop a sense of responsibilities in supporting the VLCs’ operations for the common good.

Influence of School Feeding Programs on Students’ participation in Sports Activities in Ilala District Council, Tanzania

This study investigated the influence of school feeding programs on students’ sports activities in Ilala District. It was conducted to examine primary school pupils’ participation in sports before the introduction of feeding programs, to determine the relationship between school feeding programs and pupils’ participation in sports in primary schools, and to highlight improvements in students’ participation in sports activities after the introduction of school feeding programs in primary schools in Ilala District. The study employed a convergent research design under a mixed research approach. A sample of 168 respondents, including head teachers, sports teachers, and pupils purposefully chosen from selected primary schools in Ilala District were involved in the study. Data were gathered by using questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions. The quantitative data were analysed by using descriptive statistics with the help of SPSS version 25 while the qualitative data were analysed thematically. The results showed that the school feeding programs enhance students' physical fitness for sports activities. It was revealed that, before the introduction of the feeding programs, students' participation in sports was low as many of them were inactive and others found it difficult to participate due to the lack of food in their schools. Moreover, it was found that the introduction of feeding programs had positively changed students’ attitudes towards sports and improved their health and participation in sports. The study recommends that the authorities responsible for education have to make every possible effort to sustain and expand the feeding programs and establish special committees for effective management and monitoring to ensure that children get food in schools on a continuous basis.

Influence of Heads of Schools’ Leadership Practices on Teachers Job Performance in Public Secondary Schools in Kigoma District Council, Tanzania

Influence of Heads of Schools’ Leadership Practices on Teachers Job Performance in Public Secondary Schools in Kigoma District Council, Tanzania

Examining the Role of Lower-Level Local Government Leaders in Mitigating Climate Change Impacts on Smallholder Farmers

The agricultural sector remains the main source of livelihoods for rural communities in Tanzania, but faces the challenge of changing climate. This study aimed at assessing the roles played with local government leaders towards smallholder farmers escaping from climate change effects. Specifically, the study examined the influence of Climate change information Adoptive strategies, Updated farming knowledge from local government leaders on smallholders’ ability to escape from climate change effects. The study employed a cross-sectional research design on 200 smallholder farmers. Data collection methods included survey, key informants’ interview (KIIs) and focus group discussions. The study collected and analysed both qualitative and quantitative data from primary and secondary sources. Quantitative data were analysed using a multiple regression model while the qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. findings revealed that local government leaders are not effectively supporting smallholders farmers escaping from climate change effects since the result under this study reveal that local government leaders are not providing supporting knowledge to smallholder farmers on climate change and strategies towards its adoptions, it can be concluded that local government leaders has a slight influence on supporting smallholders farmers to escape from climate change effects in the study area since observed that local leaders are not providing adequate climate and its adoption strategies. The study concludes that local government leaders have less knowledge on climate issues hence negatively influencing smallholder farmers to escape from climate change effects due to the absence of local government employees development program particularly to wards and village executive officers who are directly closely to local natives by increasing the ability of the smallholders’ farmers to have good wellbeing performance. The study recommends to the Moshi District Council particularly to local government leaders and ministry of agricultural to establish capacity building program to local government employees working at lower levels and local government leaders have to include climate change information agenda in their assembly to ensure farmers are updated with climate change issues.

Resilience building interventions to manage climate induced livestock poverty and deaths in Southern Zimbabwe

Livestock production in Mwenezi District (MD) has become more susceptible to effects of climatic variability and change which undermines developmental gains from livestock value chain. Climate change impacts are increasing the intensity of livestock poverty and deaths across all forms of livestock. The study examined livestock production interventions implemented to reduce livestock poverty deaths in MD. Descriptive research design which utilizes both qualitative and quantitative paradigms was used to accurately and systematically describe the phenomenon. A household survey questionnaire was administered to sampled households in MD wards 4 and 10 while interviews were conducted with purposively selected key informants from the department Agriculture Technical and Extension Services (AGRITEX), Veterinary Services Department, Rural District Council, CARE and District Development Coordinator's Office. Various interventions including construction of improved livestock structures, availing of safe drinking water for livestock, livestock feed formulation have been initiated to reduce and contain livestock poverty deaths. The study recommends that development actors should initiate more interventions to boost livestock production sector since it is the most suitable intervention in relation to climate and weather conditions experienced in MD. The research offers insights to address the complex interplay between climate change, livestock farming, poverty and resilience building. Results inform future researchers while guiding policy makers working in similar contexts on how best to support vulnerable communities. Findings lessen the burden to achieve Sustainable Development Goals namely no poverty, zero hunger amongst others. The study enlightened farmers on how to implement drought mitigation and adaptation techniques during drought periods.