District Council Research Articles

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.

Bongso River Water Quality Status Due to Traditional Oil Mining Activities Using the Pollution Index Method

Traditional petroleum mining activities in 137 old wells in Wonocolo Village, Bojonegoro Regency Council District, East Java, have a positive impact on the local community's economy, but also have a negative impact on the environment in the form of pollution of surface water. The study aims to determine the quality of the Bongso River in the traditional Wonocolo petroleum mining area based on physical and chemical parameters (temperature, pH, DO, TSS, TDS, COD, phenol, and nitrate), as well as analyze the level of pollution in the river using the Pollution Index method. The results of the Bongso River water quality analysis contained parameters that exceeded quality standards, namely, SB 1 station with COD levels of 47.1 mg / L and Phenol 0.196 mg / L. SB 2 station with TDS levels of 1010 mg / L, TSS 93.60 mg / L, COD 94.0 mg / L and phenol 0.552 mg / L. SB 3 station TDS levels 1190 mg / L, TSS 1778 mg/L, COD 84.7 mg/L, and phenol 0.747. Station SB 4 levels TDS worth 1450 mg / L, TSS 1019 mg / L, COD 28.2 mg / L, phenol 0.632 mg / L and DO levels do not meet the minimum quality standards of 3.4 mg / L. Station SB 5 levels TDS 1310 mg / L, COD 103.5 mg / L and phenol 0.364 mg / L. Station SB 6 levels TDS 1400 mg / L, COD 65.9 mg/L and phenol 0.585 mg/L. Station SB 7 levels TDS 1230 mg/L, TSS 54.80 mg/L and phenol 0.556 mg/L. Salinity of the Bongso River increased from upstream (SB1) to middle (SB2); 0 ppt to 4 ppt (rainy season). Water quality status using the IP method shows that SB 1 and SB 5 stations are categorized as Lightly Polluted. Meanwhile, SB 2, SB 3, SB 4, SB 6, and SB 7 stations are categorized as Moderately Polluted.

MODEL PEMANDU PELANCONG DALAM INDUSTRI PELANCONGAN IBADAH DI SIK: SATU PENELITIAN AWAL

The Sik district in Kedah has been elevated as a tourist destination by promoting the image of Sik as a place for Pelancongan Ibadah (Pilgrimage Tourism). The development strategy for the Sik district focuses on sustainable and competitive economic development that empowers the tourism sector. There are two approaches used: first, strengthening potential tourism products and destinations as well as introducing new products. Second, enhancing tourism facilities and promotions. Therefore, the need for tour guides from the local community who can understand the message conveyed through this Pelancongan Ibadah is greatly needed. The question is, what is the concept of Pelancongan Ibadah in Sik based on the Draft Local Planning of Sik District Council, Kedah 2035? Furthermore, what is the tour guide model in the Pelancongan Ibadah industry in Sik? Hence, this paper has two objectives. First, to identify the concept of Pelancongan Ibadah in Sik based on the Draft Local Planning of Sik District Council, Kedah 2035. Second, to examine the tour guide model in the Pelancongan Ibadah industry in Sik, Kedah. The data collection methods include documentation and focus group discussions with the President and staff of the Sik District Council, staff at the Kedah State Town and Country Planning Department (PLANMalaysia Kedah) and deans at the School of Tourism, Hospitality & Event Management, Universiti Utara Malaysia, using content analysis methods. The paper identifies three Pelancongan Ibadah products in the Sik district. Furthermore, the paper identifies five concepts as an initial framework for the tour guide model in the Pelancongan Ibadah industry in Sik.

Career Development and Employee Performance in Public Sector Organizations in Tanzania: A Case of Kondoa District Council

Career Development and Employee Performance in Public Sector Organizations in Tanzania: A Case of Kondoa District Council

Monetary and Non-Monetary Rewards for Employees Motivation in Tanzania Public Sector: The Management Perspectives

The study on monetary and non-monetary rewards for employees’ motivation in Tanzania public sector was done in Kakonko district council. A case study research design, mixed research approaches were used and eighty employees participated. Both qualitative and quantitative data was collected. Close ended- questionnaire, documentary review and documentary review guide were used to collect data. Quantitative data was analyzed by using descriptive statistics, Spearman’s correlation and regression methods while qualitative data was analyzed by using contents analysis method. The study reveals that paid leave, merit pay and salary increments were among monetary rewards provided to employees. It was also revealed from the study that promotion, appreciation, training and development were non-monetary rewards provided to employees. It was also revealed from the study that salary increment and merit pay had positive and significant effects on employees’ motivation while paid leave had negative and significant effect on employees’ motivation. Also, appreciation and promotion had positive and significant effect on employees’ motivation. It was also revealed from the study that training and development had no significant effect on employee’s motivation. Conclusively, there is no significant difference in motivational effects between monetary and non-monetary rewards among employees and it is therefore recommended that the integration between monetary and non-monetary to be emphasized and provided equally to employees.

Ensuring the functioning of society in activities of local governments under the legal regime of martial law

The scientific article is devoted to the study of the activities of local self-government bodies during the period of martial law in ensuring the functioning of society, characterization of the concept, competence and features of local self-government bodies, and types of local selfgovernment bodies. The article examines the scientific and regulatory approaches to defining the most important functions of local authorities, in particular, ensuring the constitutional rights and security of citizens. Local self-government during the period of martial law faces many challenges on a daily basis. That is why this topic is extremely relevant and requires scientific substantiation and research. The decentralization reform has laid the foundation for the activities of competent local governments. However, the unjustified military aggression has changed the usual rhythm of work of regional and district councils, as well as local authorities. The peculiarity of this legal regime is the creation of temporary state bodies, including military authorities. They operate in parallel with autonomous local governments. However, there are cases when the military administration can assume the powers of local self-government bodies if the local council does not meet on time. Local self-government in Ukraine is a right guaranteed and enforced by the state and a territorial community – a voluntary association of residents of a village, villages or several villages, cities – to address local issues within the limits determined by the current legislation, may be formed independently or subordinated to officials and self-government bodies. Local self-government is designed to strengthen the foundations of the constitutional order of Ukraine, ensure the implementation of constitutional principles, human and civil rights, create conditions for meeting the vital needs and legitimate interests of citizens, and develop local democracy. During the legal regime of martial law, military authorities exercise the powers of local state authorities and part of local self-government bodies, as defined by the current legislation. Therefore, the role of local state authorities and local self-government bodies in ensuring the quality functioning of society is very important.

Evaluation of the current situation of sheep production characteristics in Nkasi District, Tanzania

Abstract. Kapongo RY, Mbaga SH. 2024. Evaluation of the current situation of sheep production characteristics in Nkasi District, Tanzania. Intl J Trop Drylands 8: 44-57. This study was conducted in two divisions, Namanyere and Mkwamba of Nkasi District in the Rukwa Region, Tanzania, to assess the sheep production status of smallholder farmers. Eight wards, namely Namanyere, Mtenga, Chala, Swaila, Kipande, Sintali, Kate, and Isale, were surveyed from November 2010 to April 2011. The random sampling technique was adopted to get 20 respondents from each selected ward. Two villages from each ward were chosen randomly, whereby ten respondents were interviewed in each village. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from smallholder farmers keeping sheep and was complimented by secondary data from the district council offices. The results showed that sheep strains kept mainly by smallholder farmers were variant crosses of local strains and Red Maasai. The strains were deemed tolerant to diseases/parasites, heat, and drought and had better carcasses. Most smallholder farmers adopted an extensive grazing system during both dry and wet seasons. Breeding was uncontrolled; however, rams were selected based on their body sizes, conformation, and performance (e.g., number of lambs per ewe's lifetime, age at first lambing, and lambing intervals). Traits such as disease tolerance, drought, and heat tolerance scored higher for most strains. The average age at first lambing was 6.5 months, the lambing interval was three months, and the average number of lambs per ewe's lifetime was 14. The constraints to sheep production mostly were poor market availability, endemic diseases, and mortality of lambs. On marketing, fewer sheep were sold in the market compared to goats, and the price was 22% lower than that of goats.