Government Of Tanzania Research Articles

Improving Maternal and Reproductive Health in Kigoma, Tanzania: A 13-Year Initiative.

The Program to Reduce Maternal Deaths in Tanzania was a 13-year (2006-2019) effort in the Kigoma region that evolved over 3 phases to improve and sustain the availability of, access to, and demand for high-quality maternal and reproductive health care services. The Program intended to bring high-quality care closer to more communities. Cutting across the Program was the routine collection of monitoring and evaluation data. The Program achieved significant reductions in maternal and perinatal mortality, a significant increase in the modern contraceptive prevalence rate, and a significant decline in the unmet need for contraception. By 2017, it was apparent that the Program was on track to meet or surpass many of the targets established by the Government of Tanzania. Over the following 2-plus years, efforts to sustain Program interventions intensified. In April 2019, the Program fully transitioned to Government of Tanzania oversight. Four key lessons were learned during implementation that are relevant to governments, donors, and implementing organizations working to reduce maternal mortality: (1) multistakeholder partnerships are critical; (2) demand creation for services, while critical, must rest on a foundation of well-functioning and high-quality clinical services; (3) it is imperative to not only collect robust monitoring and evaluation data, but to be responsive in real time to what the data reveal; and, (4) it is necessary to develop a deliberate sustainability strategy from the start. The Program in Kigoma demonstrates that decentralizing high-quality maternal and reproductive health services in remote, low-resource settings is both feasible and effective and should be considered in places with similar contexts. By embedding the Program in the existing health system, and through efforts to build local capacity, the improvements seen in Kigoma are likely to be sustained. Follow-up evaluations are planned, providing an opportunity to more directly assess sustainability.

Emerging and persistent challenges in water resources governance in rural Tanzania: The Mgeta subcatchment of the Upper Ruvu Basin

ABSTRACT The article examines the emerging and persistent challenges of water resources governance that contribute to unequitable sharing of water resources amid the different competing users in the Mgeta subcatchment in the Ruvu River Basin, Tanzania. The author used a mixed method research design to examine the challenges of water governance in rural Tanzania, with a focus on households (water users) in the Mgeta subcatchment of the Upper Ruvu Basin. Focus group discussions and key informant interviews were used to garner qualitative data, while a questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data. Both quantitative and qualitative data were analysed. The results indicated that conflicts, inactiveness of members of the Community Based Water Supply Organisation (COBWSO) in Kibaoni village (one of three case villages), overlapping of responsibilities among key actors, as well as ineffective revenue collection were the main challenges facing water resources governance. The author concludes that concerted efforts are needed to address governance challenges hampering equitable access to water resources among different users.

Local habitat characteristics determine butterfly diversity and community structure in a threatened Kihansi gorge forest, Southern Udzungwa Mountains, Tanzania

BackgroundMany species inhabiting Kihansi gorge ecosystem in Southern Udzungwa Mountains, Tanzania are threatened with extinction due to habitat loss caused by constructed hydropower plant that diverted over 90% the water off the Kihansi River. Understanding ecological correlates and structure of an animal community in perturbed ecosystems is an important way to enhancing species conservation particularly in this system, where several species are already threatened with extinction. This study assessed influences of local habitat characteristics on the butterfly abundance, species richness and diversity and examined how the butterfly community structures across three structurally heterogeneous habitats in the Kihansi gorge forest. Butterfly abundance data were collected using baited traps and measured environmental variables in the field, where trapping occurred. To understand the diversity and butterfly richness, these parameters were computed under Primer software. Non-metric multidimensional scaling and analysis of community similarity were used to analyse the butterfly community structure. Furthermore, the generalized linear models (GLM) were used to assess how the measured variables explained observed species diversity, abundance, and richness.ResultsIn total, 72 species of butterfly in five families were recorded. Butterfly species diversity and richness did not vary across the habitat types or elevation gradient but showed strong correlation with some habitat characteristics. In addition, there was evidence of butterfly communities structuring into distinct groups that showed greater separation associated with the habitat characteristics they utilise. Furthermore, across the study area, butterfly species diversity increased significantly in high canopy and in trees with smaller DBH and at lower ground cover. Similarly, abundance significantly increased in the woodland and wooded grassland habitats, where there was high canopy and where tree density was high. Furthermore, butterfly species richness was strongly positively associated with high canopy cover and mostly increased in sites closer to water source.ConclusionFirst, this study shows strong positive correlation between the habitat characteristics and butterfly species and community structure, suggesting strongly that maintaining habitat quality should be a priority in conserving the butterfly communities in Kihansi. Second, conservation of environmental disturbance indicator butterfly taxa which are also endemic and rare is worthy of concern under the ongoing human-induced threats in the area. It is appropriate time that the Tanzania government should declare the Kihansi gorge forest among existing protected areas to secure effective conservation of biological diversity in this threatened ecosystem. Third, the ants–butterfly symbionts and their links to the potential lichen depletion are still unclear, and thus future research should explore the trophic cascades of depleting habitat quality on the endemic and rare butterfly species in the Kihansi gorge.

Accountability and governance in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals in a developing country context: evidence from Tanzania

PurposeThis paper examines the accountability and governance mechanisms and the challenges in a multi-stakeholder partnership seeking to implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a developing country (DC), namely Tanzania.Design/methodology/approachThe paper draws on work on the shift from government to governance to meta-governance to examine the SDGs framework's governance regime. The data stems from documentation, focussed group discussions and face-to-face interviews with key stakeholders involved in the localisation of SDGs in Tanzania.FindingsDespite the emphasis given by promoters of SDGs on the need for multi-stakeholder engagement, and network and market-based governance, Tanzania's hierarchical governance framed in national legislations dominated the localisation of the SDGs. The national-level meta-governance structures were somewhat dysfunctional, partly due to a lack of well-designed coordination mechanisms for collaborative engagement with key stakeholders. The limited involvement of different meta-governors, and particularly network and market-based governance arrangements, has had severe implications for achieving the SDGs in DCs in general and Tanzania, in particular.Practical implicationsThe paper calls for a more explicit SDG policy and strategy, alongside strengthening institutional structures and related governance arrangements in Tanzania, to promote the realisation of the SDGs. For the SDGs framework to succeed, the authors suggest that, in addition to adopting SDG friendly policies, the Tanzanian government should devise plans for financial resources, strategies for empowering and engaging with key stakeholders and promote an integrative governance system that underpins accountability at the local level.Originality/valueFocussing on Tanzania, the paper sheds light on how context in DCs, interactions between state and non-state actors, modes of governance and accountability mechanisms shape the localisation of SDGs and realising the SDGs' agenda. The implementation in Tanzania focussed on priorities in the development plan, thereby neglecting some important SDGs. This raises doubts about the possibility of meeting the SDGs by 2030. The localisation of SDGs remained within the top-down governance structure, as Tanzania's government failed to enact the policy and strategy for multi-stakeholder partnership consistent with the SDGs' principle of “leave no-one behind”. Consequently, meta-governors' efforts and ability to monitor and demand accountability from the government was constrained by the political context, the governance system and regulations enacted to side-line them.

EXAMINATION OF FACTORS INFLUENCING THE INTENTION TO ADOPT CRYPTOCURRENCIES IN TANZANIA

This paper examined factors influencing the intention to adopt cryptocurrencies in Tanzania. Specific objectives were to assess the roles of cryptocurrencies in Tanzania, to evaluate the risks of adopting cryptocurrencies to the existing financial and banking ecosystem and to examine the challenges of using cryptocurrencies in Tanzania. The study was carried out in Dar es salaam city. Purposive and snowball sampling technique were used to reach 368 respondents. The study employed quantitative method. Data were collected by using structural questionnaires and analyzed by employing regressions and correlationtesting. Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) was used to formulate conceptual framework and hypotheses. The findings indicated that the perceived usefulness and the perceived ease of use showed positive association on the intention to use cryptocurrencies. The ease and usefulness of cryptocurrencies was found in fulfilling various roles including making instant international money transfer, transacting at low charges, using it as an alternative source of currency, making free anonymous transaction and payingfor the online services that accept cryptocurrencies. On contrary, the perceived challenges and risks were insignificance to both the perceived usefulness and the perceived ease of using cryptocurrencies. The study concludes that cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin can be used in Tanzania to fulfill various roles. Furthermore, the study concludes that, risks and challenges are the key factors that delays cryptocurrencies from being used as a legal tender in many countries including Tanzania. The study recommends to the government of Tanzania to consider establishing a cryptocurrency based in Tanzania. Also, the syllabus on blockchain technology particularly cryptocurrencies should be established in both school and higher education. Finally, the study recommends central bank to review the Tanzania monetary policy in order to accommodate this financial technology

Rock art Conservation and Tourism in Iringa Region, Tanzania

Much of the archaeological research in Tanzania over the last three decades has focused on sites that have yielded early hominin fossils and the resulting data has been analysed and discussed with the goal of generating knowledge about hominins bio-cultural evolution. Previous research focused on monumental, built heritage sites along the coast of the Indian Ocean and the interregional trade networks that existed from 1000 to 1500 A.D located along the coast of the Tanzania. This regional research prioritization in Tanzania and bias has resulted in the marginalization of some geographical regions in Tanzania from a research perspective and a resultant lack of understanding of important sites in the interior archaeological sites. Our research shifts attention from the famously well researched sites to the less investigated sites in the interior of Tanzania. We have noted that many of these sites currently face many natural and anthropogenic threats. Thus, we propose a number of sustainable management and conservation strategies to mitigate threats to these non-renewable heritage resources of Iringa Region, particularly the rock art sites. We highlight the roles of different stakeholders including the Government of Tanzania in the conservation and management of the country’s patrimonies.

Factors Behind Deficient Participation of Local Civil Works Contractors in Carrying Out Bituminous Road Works in Tanzania

Despite the huge investment made by Tanzania government in the road sector development, the participation of local civil works contractors in developing road infrastructure is not satisfactory and is reported to be less by value of the total works undertaken annually in the country. The extent to which local contractors participate in the development of road infrastructure in Tanzania leaves many questions behind, and the factors of their deficient participation are not well established. The objective of this study is to identify the significant factors of deficient participation of local civil works contractors in carrying out bituminous road works in Tanzania and suggest the appropriate means to improve their participation. The methodology used in this study includes critical review of literature, road project reports from Tanroads and discussions with road sector stakeholders. Results from forty four (44) randomly selected bituminous trunk road projects awarded by Tanroads between 2003 and 2012 shows that, only 16 % of all bituminous road projects were awarded to local civil works contractors and the remaining 84% were awarded to foreign contractors. Moreover, participation of local civil works contractors is less by 10% by value of the total works undertaken annually in the country. Further, the study revealed that, inadequate participation of local civil works contractors is predominantly associated with problems such as inadequate capital, low financial capacity, inadequate work opportunities, lack of appropriate construction equipment and plant, lack of skilled personnel and inadequate management skills. However, collective efforts by government and other construction industry stakeholders are needed to increase effective participation of local contractors in the development of road infrastructure in the country. The authors hope that the findings from the current study will increase the stakeholders’ awareness on the participation of local civil works contractors in executing bituminous road works in the country.

Tax compliance in an EFD-enabled environment: Evidence from a developing economy

The focus of this study was to assess the contribution of Electronic Fiscal Devices (EFDs) to ensuring tax compliance among small business owners in the Arusha Region in Tanzania. The study was motivated by the fact that the government of Tanzania has invested effort and funds to ensure that revenue adequately supports development projects. Regardless of effort, there is continued reliance on external sources of funds to support development projects. This poses a question on how the introduction of EFDs would increase tax compliance and eventually impact the government income for development projects. The main objective of the study was to determine whether the rate of using EFDs, the level of transparency, fairness in tax procedures, and the perceived audit effectiveness affect the level of tax compliance. Data was analyzed using descriptive procedures, One Way ANOVA, Chi-Square, and ordinal regression. Findings of the study are as follows: First, fairness in tax procedures, the perceived level of transparency and the rate of EFD use had no impact on the level of tax compliance; second, business and EFD use experience, audit effectiveness, and the use of EFDs in tax audits have impacted tax compliance. The study recommends other government departments to consider adopting relevant technology in operational areas where transparency, fairness and compliance are required. The inclusion of other sectors not currently captured by EFD use will be a step in the right direction.

The Government’s Interventions and Anti-famine Campaigns and Kalyongo Movement in Singida Region (1962-1985).

The article discusses anti-famine measures taken by the post-colonial government of Tanzania and local people’s responses to the interventions, specifically in Singida District from 1962 to 1985. Framing his inquiry and analysis within the political economy and social constructionist theories, the author examines the variety of government policy and enforcement strategies applied on one hand, and local communities’ agency and creativity on the other. The empirical data for the article was gathered from archival sources and through in-depth oral interviews. The main argument running through the article is that, although the post-colonial government introduced new methods and strategies for enhancing food security in the district, in the final analysis it was the resilience of time-tested local communities’ practices that effectively allayed food insecurity threats in post-colonial Singida District.

The Influence of Family Leadership on Girl- Child School Dropout

Family leadership is one of the vital aspects that influences and determines both the wellbeing and successful education of a girl-child. Unfortunately, the role of family leadership in ensuring girls' education is oversimplified into getting girls enrolled in school rather than warranting their perseverance in learning and successful completion. As a result, many communities in Tanzania, especially those in rural and marginalized areas are experiencing persistent girl–child school dropouts. It is against this standpoint that we sought to find out how family leadership may influence secondary school girls’ dropouts. We also explored possible measures which should be employed to eliminate girl-child school dropouts. In conducting this study, we employed a mixed research approach and convergent parallel design. We collected data through interviews and questionnaires involving 143 respondents including girl students, teachers, heads of schools, and district educational officers. Our findings from this study indicate that while the government of Tanzania has made remarkable efforts to ensure girls’ continuity and successful completion of secondary education, there are a number of factors hindering girls’ continuity and completion of secondary education. Weak family leadership, the improper raising of the children, less emphasis and interest on the importance of girls’ education, limited cooperation between family leadership were among the reason for continuous girl-child school dropout. Hence, based on our findings and the significance of girl’s education as well as the role which parents should play in ensuring girls achievement of education, we appeal to various educational leaders, to make strategic efforts in raising more awareness among rural and marginalized communities about the importance of educating girls and the role of family leadership in bringing to an end the phenomena of girl-child school dropout which is catastrophic to the long-awaited sustainable development. Moreover, we call upon all parents, to make intentional efforts in mentoring and influencing girls to strive towards achieving formal education.

The Influence of Family Leadership on Girl- Child School Dropout

Family leadership is one of the vital aspects that influences and determines both the wellbeing and successful education of a girl-child. Unfortunately, the role of family leadership in ensuring girls' education is oversimplified into getting girls enrolled in school rather than warranting their perseverance in learning and successful completion. As a result, many communities in Tanzania, especially those in rural and marginalized areas are experiencing persistent girl–child school dropouts. It is against this standpoint that we sought to find out how family leadership may influence secondary school girls’ dropouts. We also explored possible measures which should be employed to eliminate girl-child school dropouts. In conducting this study, we employed a mixed research approach and convergent parallel design. We collected data through interviews and questionnaires involving 143 respondents including girl students, teachers, heads of schools, and district educational officers. Our findings from this study indicate that while the government of Tanzania has made remarkable efforts to ensure girls’ continuity and successful completion of secondary education, there are a number of factors hindering girls’ continuity and completion of secondary education. Weak family leadership, the improper raising of the children, less emphasis and interest on the importance of girls’ education, limited cooperation between family leadership were among the reason for continuous girl-child school dropout. Hence, based on our findings and the significance of girl’s education as well as the role which parents should play in ensuring girls achievement of education, we appeal to various educational leaders, to make strategic efforts in raising more awareness among rural and marginalized communities about the importance of educating girls and the role of family leadership in bringing to an end the phenomena of girl-child school dropout which is catastrophic to the long-awaited sustainable development. Moreover, we call upon all parents, to make intentional efforts in mentoring and influencing girls to strive towards achieving formal education

Entrepreneurship, beekeeping, and health training to decrease community violence in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: a pilot study for an intervention trial

BackgroundHigh unemployment rates and limited access to resources, services, and economic opportunities are associated with many types of violence. In Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, most violence is experienced by unemployed, poorly educated men between the ages of 20 and 35 years. It is expected that community violence will decrease as the incomes of those most at risk increase. However, economic opportunity through formal employment is rarely available to uneducated men in Dar es Salaam. Giving them access to economic independence through entrepreneurship training is therefore supported by the World Bank and the government of Tanzania. There has been little research on the effectiveness of programs to encourage entrepreneurship.MethodsTo evaluate the feasibility of providing entrepreneurial training programs to young men in Dar es Salaam, especially those without formal employment, a pretest-posttest pilot study was conducted drawing a sample of young men from neighborhood camps called vijiweni. There were four interventions, each implemented in a single camp: Health/Control, Entrepreneurship + Health, Beekeeping + Health, and Entrepreneurship + Beekeeping + Health. The four camps received 2, 6, 6, and 10 training sessions, respectively. No start-up capital was provided. The participants were interviewed at baseline and 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after the sessions were completed. Data were collected on demographics, household assets, experience of violence, and income.ResultsFifty-seven respondents attended the first session. At baseline, the camps were not meaningfully different from one another in educational attainment, number of dependents, daily income, assets, or individual members’ roles as victims, perpetrators, or witnesses of violence. Differences were found in age, occupation, and weekly income. Over a period of 2.25 years (from baseline to the end of the project), the weekly income of the Health/Control camp, which had been earning the most, decreased by 37% in a reflection of worsening economic conditions at the time. All three intervention camps increased their income: Beekeeping by 43%, All by 50%, and Entrepreneurship by 146%, with the latter almost reaching the minimum wage level. The most persistently reported constraint was insufficient start-up capital.ConclusionsThe feasibility and potential effectiveness of a short training program on entrepreneurship skills for unemployed, poorly educated young men in urban Tanzania were demonstrated in this study. It has set the stage for an intervention trial to test an updated hypothesis: A 5–7-day intervention about entrepreneurship and microfinance savings groups will lead to increased income and decreased violence.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.govNCT 04602416. Registered on 24 October 2020. Retrospectively registered.

A Study of Local Government in Africa through Participatory Action Research (PAR)

A Study of Local Government in Africa through Participatory Action Research (PAR)

Analysis of determinants of work performance for seafarers based on fuzzy Electre model

Nowadays, most shipping companies are aware of the importance of analysing seafarers’ work performance. Thus, improving seafarers’ work performance or finding out the ways by which seafarers’ work performance can be enhanced is becoming one of the decisive factors for the success of any shipping company. Any organization aims to have employees who can accomplish corporate goals and objectives using available resources efficiently and effectively. Manpower performance can be enhanced by putting more emphasis on factors that can stimulate employees’ motivational level, creativity and job satisfaction. In this study, we use literature review and experts’ opinions to identify determinants of workplace performance for seafarers working with Marine Services Company Limited (MSCL), a shipping company owned by the government of Tanzania. The data is collected from a random sample of 30 seafarers working for the MSCL and a Fuzzy Electre Model (FEM) is developed and applied to determine the significance of the factors and sub-factors for the work performance of seafarers. The fuzzy terms are adopted in order to integrate the uncertainty of subjective judgment when evaluating alternatives. The computational results validate the effectiveness of the developed evaluation model. This study is resourceful for the top management of MSCL, as it points out those factors that can directly affect the performance of her seafarers. Seafarers are important assets of any shipping company and thus, this study helps shipping enterprises devise efficient human resource strategies to get maximum benefit from this kind of assets. More importantly, enhanced seafarers’ work performance leads to improved company’s productivity and higher service quality and therefore make the shipping company competitive in the trading markets.

Corporate Governance and Risk Management on Listed Banks, The Tanzania Perspective

The study was to assess on corporate governance and risk management in Tanzania. The study was guided by three objectives which were to assess if transparency, disclosure and audit have significant effect on risk management of the firm, to assess if the board of directors have significant effect on risk management of the firm and evaluate if the ownership structure have significant effect on risk management of the firm. Furthermore, we assess how corporate governance and particularly board of directors, ownership structure, transparency disclosure and audit can affect risk management practices in the context of Dar es Salaam stock exchange listed banks. By the use of a content in analysis approach, the level of exposing the risks in terms of likelihood, consequences of such risk and the strategies used for managing that risk were identified for each kind of risk by using attributes. The results show that corporate governance is related to board of directors, ownership structure, transparency, disclosure and audit play a positive significant and crucial role in establishing an integrative risk management approach. The results from data collected demonstrate that corporate governance has positive significant effect in determining the the good quality of risk management through the level of risk-taking in decisions, especially in terms of financial risks management.

National introduction of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in Tanzania: Programmatic decision-making and implementation

BackgroundCervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer among women in Tanzania, with approximately 10,000 new cases and 7,000 deaths annually. In April 2018, the Government of Tanzania introduced 2 doses of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine nationally to adolescent girls to prevent cervical cancer, following a successful 2-year pilot introduction of the vaccine in the Kilimanjaro Region. MethodsWe interviewed key informants at the national level in Tanzania from February to November 2019, using a semi-structured tool to better understand national decision-making and program implementation. We conducted a comprehensive desk review of HPV vaccine introduction materials and reviewed administrative coverage data. ResultsTen key informants were interviewed from the Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly, and Children, the World Health Organization, and other partners, and HPV vaccine planning documents and administrative coverage data were reviewed during the desk review. Tanzania introduced HPV vaccine to a single-age cohort of 14-year-old girls, with the decision-making process involving the Tanzania Immunization Technical Advisory Group and the national Interagency Coordination Committee. HPV vaccine was integrated into the routine immunization delivery strategy, available at health facilities and through outreach services at community sites, community mobile sites (>10 km from the health facility), and primary and secondary schools. Pre-introduction activities included trainings and microplanning workshops for health workers and school personnel at the national, regional, council, and health facility levels. Over 6,000 health workers and 22,000 school personnel were trained nationwide. Stakeholder and primary health care committee meetings were also conducted at the national level and in each of the regions as part of the advocacy and communication strategy. Administrative coverage of the first dose of HPV vaccine at the end of 2019 was 78%, and second dose coverage was 49%. No adverse events following HPV vaccination were reported to the national level. DiscussionTanzania successfully introduced HPV vaccine nationally targeting 14-year-old girls, using routine delivery strategies. Continued monitoring of vaccination coverage will be important to ensure full 2-dose vaccination of eligible girls. Tanzania can consider periodic intensified vaccination and targeted social mobilization efforts, as needed.

An analysis of groupthink and decision making in a collectivism culture: the case of a public organization in Tanzania

PurposeGroupthink happens in-group decision-making processes whereby members of a group prematurely arrive at a decision that may indicate consensus but for the aim of protecting group harmony. This limits the contributions of the individuals' talents, ideas, competences and experiences to more effective decisions. Although there are a number of studies on predictors (forecasters) of groupthink, they do not consider the influence of the African cultural aspects of collectivism, high power distance and tolerance on groupthink that may characterise the decision-making context in African settings. It is in that context that this case study analyses groupthink in a public sector organization in Tanzania.Design/methodology/approachThis paper unveils the presence of groupthink predictors that can affect the quality of decisions made in groups within the Tanzania context. The study was conducted in one of the public institutions in Tanzania that is under the Ministry of Home affairs. The study population included Directors, Managers, Heads of units, District registration officers and other officials as shown in Table 1. These are the people who participate in decision-making processes in the organization and were drawn from different offices of the organization including the headquarter office, Kibaha Data centre, District Registration offices from different regions including Dares Salaam, Coast region, Arusha, Mtwara, Mwanza, Manyara, Mbeya, Singida, Dodoma, Geita, Lindi and Njombe – these 12 administrative regions are among the 27 regions that make up the Tanzania mainland. Through simple random and purposive sampling methods, a total of 97 participants participated effectively. The criterion for participation being participants must have been involved with at least one decision-making group experience. The choice of the organization was done on the basis that it is a relatively a new institution of importance; it was also possible to get from it the needed data.FindingsThe results of the study show that there is the presence of groupthink predictors of high trust, conformity and promotional leadership in decision-making groups in the organization. Furthermore, the diversity of group members alone indicates to be insufficient reason to avoid Groupthink. It is suggested that other important factors might be at play in group decision making including the influence of African cultural characteristics.Research limitations/implicationsThis study was limited to only one institution. For a study of this nature to be undertaken access to data could be a very significant problem. Limiting it to one organization we are familiar with made it a bit easy to achieve access.Practical implicationsGroup decision making and groupthink are rarely in discourse in Africa. Tanzania is not isolated from the world, and being a country that unity is a cultural tenet that is promoted at every level from the family to national level (Rwegelera, 2003; Tripp, 1999) effects of groupthink is reasonably conspicuous because of the inbuilt national culture that has shaped people to be tolerant and accepting of different perspectives, ethnic groups, religious and races (Tripp, 1999). The same tolerance and acceptance may be transferred to decision-making groups and easily cause the occurrence of groupthink that can affect the quality of decisions made.Social implicationsThe Tanzania government has dedicated itself to putting strict measures to prohibit unethical and erroneous decisions that cost the nation including reducing employees' misconduct. The findings of this study indicate that there are hidden aspects like groupthink that are not reached by those measures yet ironically impacts the decisions made in organizations and in turn costs organizations and the country at large and calls for the government and its institutions together with the private sector to be awakened and alerted if they are dedicated and concerned about the quality of decisions they make.Originality/valueThis is an original research work building on previous research. Some findings on groupthink and implications have Western origins. In Africa, we need to figure out what is making the continent not to make significant steps to change the social-economic environment. This study highlights to both African academics and leaders with no management background to make them understand groupthink as a phenomena that has implications to quality decisions. It will also prompt similar studies and therefore widen understanding on decisions making.

Actors’ roles and functions in the improved rice varieties innovation system in the eastern zone of Tanzania

The objective of the study was to establish the actors’ roles and functions in improved rice varieties innovation system in the Eastern Zone of Tanzania. The target population samples for the study comprised of household heads (n = 340) and other key identified actors (n = 99). The research design was a convergent parallel mixed method. Face-to-face interviews, focus group discussions and documentary review were used to collect the data. The findings indicate weak or inability of Agricultural Seed Agency, TANSEED International Ltd, Quality Declared Seed producers in seed multiplication and distribution and agro-dealers were not selling quality rice seeds, thereby resulting in low availability and high prices of the same. Also, the findings show weak participation of farmers, agro-dealers, traders and millers in the functions of guidance of the search and rice varieties development, and the limited number of market actors and weak credit mobilization for farmers to invest in IRVs. The study recommends for the Government of Tanzania to create enabling environment that enhances participation of all key actors in the processes of guidance of the search and rice varieties development; linking farmers with external markets; and enhancing the farmers’ access to credit facilities by working on the obstacles hampering farmers from accessing loans from financial institutions.

Decentralisation, Institutional Characteristics and Public Sector Governance in Tanzania

Public sector governance has been the primary focus of the developing countries to ensure that they realise their developmental goals. In ensuring the public sector governance, decentralisation has been considered as the primary initiative. However, most of the previous empirical studies concentrate on political decentralisation meanwhile excluding administrative decentralisation and mediation effect of contingent factors i.e. technological capacity and institutional culture as institutional characteristics. In view of the aforementioned missing knowledge, the article investigated the influence of administrative decentralisation on public sector governance considering the mediation effect of institutional characteristics adopting Stewardship theory and Contingency theory. The article collected data from Dar es Salaam, Dodoma and Kigoma through self-administered questionnaire and analysed by using Mean scores and Structural Equation Model (SEM). The results revealed that administrative decentralisation had significant positive influence on public sector accountability and transparency. Moreover, technological capacity and institutional culture partially mediated the relationship between administrative decentralisation and, public sector accountability and transparency. In view of such results, among others, the article recommends that there is a need of developing the National Decentralisation Strategy (NADIS) to guide the decentralisation process and ensure its effective implementation for the sake of achieving public sector governance goals.

The influence of performance expectancy on e-procurement adoption model in developing countries: Tanzanians perception

This study aimed at filling the knowledge gap by examining the influence of performance expectancy on e-procurement adoption model in developing countries, Tanzania in particular. The mediation effects of relative advantage and attitude were considered in this study. Positivism philosophy and cross-sectional survey research design were adopted. In addition, stratified sampling technique was adopted and a sample of 157 respondents was used. Questionnaire and documentary review were used for data collection. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling with the help of SmartPLS 3 software was used to analyze the collected data. The findings reveal that performance expectancy has direct influence on e-procurement adoption model. Likewise, performance expectancy has indirect influence on e-procurement adoption model through relative advantage and attitude. Basing on these findings, it is concluded that performance expectancy has both direct and indirect influences on e-procurement adoption model. Therefore, it is recommended that the Government of Tanzania and other Governments based in developing countries to pay attention to the performance expectancy on the way to e-procurement adoption systems.