Iringa Municipality Research Articles

Assessing the Factors Contributing to Police Officers Turnover in Tanzania: Experience from Police Force Iringa Municipality

The focus of this study was to assess the factors contributing to police officer turnover in Tanzania, particularly at the Iringa police force. The study's specific objectives were to examine the contribution of monetary incentives, working conditions, and career advancement opportunities on police officer turnover in Iringa Police Force. The study utilized a descriptive and cross-sectional, research design was applied at a 95% level of confidence.
 Both Open-ended types of questionnaires and closed-ended types were used, as well as an interview guide for the key informants to get primary data and secondary data that were obtained through documentation or documentary review. The study used both qualitative and quantitative where qualitative data were analyzed by using interpretations and explanations while quantitative data involved the use of software suggested for analysis called Statistical Package for Social Sciences and the findings were tabulated and figured for presentation. Based on the findings, the regression analysis output confirmed that there is a significant positive relationship between inadequate monetary incentives and police officer turnover as the p-value is 0.022.
 Furthermore, the regression analysis output confirmed that there is a significant positive relationship between poor working conditions and police officer turnover as the p-value is 0.025, which is less than 0.05, likewise inadequate career advancement opportunities were also significant with a p-value of 0.028. The study recommends the provision of fringe benefits and a review of salary is done from time to time as these were found to be the main problems which facilitate turnover intention, also management was asked to provide enough working tools and attractive offices to their officers, as the majority of officers complain on them. Furthermore, management should set enough budget for training and learning sessions and scholarships to be provided for officers who wish to go further studies. The researcher suggested that similar studies be carried out in other regions to determine the impact of these factors in influencing employee turnover especially those in military forces.

Factors Affecting Fund Management among Village Community Banks (VICOBAs); a Case of Registered VICOBAs in Iringa Municipality

The primary objective of this study was to assess the factors affecting fund management among Village Community Banks (VICOBAs), focusing on registered VICOBAs in Iringa Municipality under Iringa municipal council. Specifically, the study aimed to investigate the impact of timely loan repayment, financial record keeping, and the economic activities of groups of VICOBA on fund management. The research targeted a population of 104 accountants and treasurers from 104 registered VICOBAs in Iringa Municipality, and a sample size of 83 accountants and treasurers from 83 registered VICOBAs were selected for the study. A cross-sectional research design was employed, where a quantitative approach was applied to collect data. Simple random sampling and convenience sampling were used to select accountants and treasurers from those 83 registered VICOBAs from 18 wards within Iringa Municipality. Data was analysed by using descriptive statistics and regression analysis so as to determine the relationship between fund management among VICOBAs as dependent variable to timely loan repayment, financial records keeping and economic activities of the groups of VICOBAs in Iringa municipality as independent variables. The results revealed that there was a positive relationship between all independent variables and the dependent variable, which is fund management among registered VICOBAs. Furthermore, the results revealed that lack of timely loan repayment, poor financial records keeping, and poor performance of economic activities of the groups led to poor fund management among registered VICOBAs in Iringa municipality. Based on the study findings, it is concluded that the lack of timely loan repayment, poor financial record keeping, and poor performance of economic activities of the groups significantly contribute to poor funds management within VICOBAs in Iringa Municipality. The researcher made several recommendations whereby among the recommendations was that VICOBAs should prioritise the provision of collateral security for loans to mitigate the risks associated with untimely loan repayment

Effects of Microcredit on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Performance in Tanzania with Reference to Selected MSMEs in Iringa Municipality

The purpose of the study was to assess the effects of microcredit on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) performance in Tanzania, with reference to selected MSMEs in Iringa Municipality specifically, to examine the contribution of the loan amount on the performance of MSMEs, to examine the influence of interest rate on the performance of MSMEs and to determine the effect of initial capital on the performance of MSMEs. The targeted population was 874 MSMEs benefiting from microcredit services from Iringa Municipality, where a sample size of 274 MSMEs was drawn. A descriptive research design was employed, and a quantitative approach was applied to analyse data. Stratified sampling technique, simple random technique and Convenience sampling technique were used to select loan benefiting. The findings revealed that loans benefiting MSMEs at Iringa Municipality receive loans from financing institutions and use them to improve performance. Moreover, the study found that interest rate has no statistically significant on the performance of MSMEs in Iringa Municipality. In addition, findings revealed that there was statistical significance in the effects of initial capital on the performance of MSMEs. In the case of the normal regression output, the adjusted R2 equals 0.698, implying that the model explains about 69.8% variations in MSMEs performance. The study recommends that the Government should ensure that MSMEs receive appropriate loan amounts and should take proactive measures to regulate interest rates on microcredit loans. MSMEs should have a clear strategy for how these funds will be used. Financing institutions should recognise that loan provisions to MSMEs should be based on the specific needs of the business. Also, they should provide micro-loans at competitive rates that balance affordability for MSMEs and sustainability for the institution. For further studies, the researchers should conduct similar research in different regions or countries that will allow scholars to ascertain the general ability of the findings. Also, the researchers should conduct longitudinal studies that can provide invaluable insights into the long-term effects of microcredit on MSMEs’ performance

Effect of Computerized Systems on the Organizational Performance: Evidence from Selected Public Organizations from Iringa Municipality

This study investigated the impact of computerized systems on public organizations in Iringa Municipality, focusing on the Computerized Accounting System (CAS) and the Government Electronic Payment Gateway (GePG). A mixed research approach and a cross-sectional design were employed, with 100 randomly selected employees from a population of 145 participating through questionnaires and interviews. Data analysis utilized descriptive statistics and multiple regression. The findings revealed that a majority (84.6%) of TRA employees had received training related to computerized systems. Similarly, IRUWASA and TANESCO had a significant portion of trained employees (71.4% and 90.9% respectively). Within IMC and RBWB, 85.7% of employees had attended training, while Mkwawa University and RUWASA showed high training attendance rates at 80%. Concerning network availability, most TRA employees (76.9%) reported inconsistent network availability. This issue was prevalent among IRUWASA and TANESCO employees (63.6% and 90.9% respectively), as well as within IMC and RBWB. The first objective's findings indicated a significant negative impact of system downtime on performance (p-value = 0.000). A one-unit increase in system downtime corresponded to a performance decrease of -0.004. Conversely, training had a positive and significant impact on performance (p-value = 0.013), with a one-unit increase resulting in a performance increase of 0.011. Latency had a significant negative effect (p-value = 0.000), where a one-unit increase in latency led to a performance decrease of -0.039. In light of these findings, it is recommended that public organizations allocate resources for the enhancement and modernization of computerized systems. This should include investments in more robust hardware, software, and network solutions, as well as comprehensive training programs

Roles of Instructors in Enhancing Open and Distance Learning (ODL) Towards Learners’ Academic Progress in Iringa Municipality, Tanzania

Most of the Open and Distance Learning students face the challenges of poor academic progress when they relay on private and self-learning without any assistance from the teachers (instructors). Therefore, this study assessed the role of Instructors in Enhancing Open and Distance Learning (ODL) Towards Learners’ Academic Progress in Iringa Municipality, Tanzania. Specifically, the study had two research questions namely: What are the services performed by instructors in enhancing learning through ODL in Iringa Municipality? What are the impacts of instructors in facilitating ODL learners toward academic performance? The study was methodologically operationalized by qualitative research approach and was guided by case study design. The target population was the Regional Resident Tutor, instructors and students from Open and Distance Learning (ODL). The total sample size involved 40 respondents. Data was collected through interview and focus group discussion methods. The data were analysed through the use of thematic analysis. The findings of this study revealed that provision of study materials such as modules and notes for further reading, face-to-face meetings, and guidance and counselling services are the services provided by ODL. Furthermore, this study revealed out that instructors have a great role in Open and Distance Learning leaners since, the guidance and counselling services provided to the students help them in various ways such as improving their studying skills and techniques. It is concluded that Tanzania government under the High Education Students Loan Board (HESLB) should provide loans even for ODL students to reduce the cost of education such as tuition fee, stationery, accommodation and meal. Finally, the government should oversee again the cost of ODL if possible, there is also a need to reduce the tuition fee and improve the infrastructure and resources such as libraries, classes and ICT facilities and services.

Motives and Consequences of Premarital Cohabitation Practices among University Students in Iringa Municipality, Tanzania

This study was done in order to establish motives and consequences of premarital cohabitation practices among university students in Iringa Municipality through qualitative research approach and phenomenological research design. Snowball and purposive sampling were used to obtain a representative sample of 36 students, 3 deans of students, 3 wardens, and 4 ministers of residences. The obtained data was subjected to thematic analysis and presented in quotes of respondents’ voices. The findings indicate that university students do cohabit to meet accommodation demands, not lose sexual lovers, exercise freedoms and acquire status from their peers, satisfy sexual urges and secure financial collaboration from partners. Furthermore, cohabitation leads students to encounter unplanned pregnancies, engage in abortions, attain poor academic performance, acquire sexual transmitted diseases, be subjected to physical and sexual abuse, emotional neglect and psychological disturbances. Therefore, it is recommended that students should not cohabit because the practice is associated with negative effects that may hinders life goals and expectations.

Perception of Heads of School, Teachers, Students and Parents about the Relevance of Fee-Free Education in Iringa Municipal, Tanzania

This study sought to establish Contributions of fee-free education in secondary schools towards student’s academic progress in Iringa Municipal through qualitative approach. The population of the study comprised five heads of schools and 35 teachers, parents and students through purposive sampling technique. Participants expressed a positive perception regarding the Contributions of fee-free education in secondary schools towards student’s academic progress. Fee Free Education in Tanzania has been a massive benefit hence it gives an access to education which increase students’ enrolment. for instance, FFSE in Iringa Municipality, the enrolment of form one students rose for about 45 percent to 5,386 in 2016 to more than 90 percent 43,826 in 2023. It is recommended that the government should expand the provision of service because, free education has minimized the gap in enrolment between the poor and non-poor children in Tanzania public schools, where the poor are now being more enrolled in schools than it was before. Also, different strategies such as building enough classrooms to accommodate all enrolled students in secondary schools should be into consideration. Moreover, Tanzania government should equip enough tables and chairs with appropriate ventilation to make learners enjoy teaching and learning process. Hence the provision of quality education can be possible.

Factors Influencing Youth Participation in Leadership in Secondary Schools in Iringa Municipality, Tanzania

Youth participation in leadership activities is a continuous discussion to emphasize in our Tanzanian community. There are limited research findings on factors contributing to youth participation in leadership in secondary schools. This results in a lack of confidence, communication skills, leadership skills, team working, and social participation among the students. Therefore, the study examined the factors influencing youth participation in leadership in secondary schools in Iringa Municipality. The study researcher adopted an explanatory research design to conduct the study. The covered a sample of 300 respondents drawn from a target population of 1400 students of secondary schools in Iringa Municipality. Data analysis was done by use of descriptive and inferential statistics; frequencies, percentages, correlation, and multiple regression. The study revealed that; social influence, social media, and civic education have a positive but weak relationship with youth participation in leadership in secondary schools in Iringa Municipality. This is because the correlation coefficients (r) on the relationship between social influence, social media and civic education with youth leadership participation were 0.159, 0.139, and 0.099 respectively which shows positive significance but weak. This is because in estimating the required relationship the results yielded p values greater than 0.05 which justify insignificant contributions. The practical implication is that these constructs should be improved in their application in order to provide a significant contribution to youth leadership in Iringa Municipality. Based on these results, the researcher recommends advanced policies and division of resources to address youth marginalization in the distribution of opportunities for leadership participation. The resources to be addressed should cover both financial and non-financial resources. The study also recommends that schools should encourage leadership skills, mentoring, and trainings across all activities and programming to advance youth’s self-confidence, agency, and voice to advocate for their issues and engage in civic discussions.

Assessment of Knowledge, Awareness, and Use of Family Planning Methods Among Residents in Iringa Municipality

A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in the Iringa Municipality with 100 women of childbearing age aged 18 to 45 years. Levels of knowledge and awareness of family planning methods were surveyed using a self-administered questionnaire. As a result, it was found that the majority of 94(94%) of the surveyed population said they were well-informed about family planning methods and had good attitudes and awareness of contraceptives. Of the methods presented, male condoms, injections, and implants were familiar and used by the majority of participants. Of the 100 participants, 85(85%) used modern family planning techniques and 71(83.5%) of them reported having used services at a health facility. However, the remaining 15(15%) of respondents indicated that they did not use family planning for religious and cultural reasons. Modern contraceptive technology is available, accessible, and proven to be used. Therefore, more education is needed for communities on the importance of using permanent modern strategies, including sterilization. Getting men involved is also important.

Business Practices of Beneficiaries of Women Development Fund in Iringa Municipal Council, Iringa Region, Tanzania

The study was conducted in 2021 to examine the business practices of the beneficiaries of the Women Development Fund (WDF) in Iringa District Council, Tanzania. The study adopted a cross-sectional research design where checklists and semi-structured questionnaires were used to gather information from a sample size of 100 respondents who were beneficiaries of WDF. The respondents involved in the study were randomly selected from the study population. Descriptive analysis was used to analyze quantitative information using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS. 20.0) computer software. Thematic analysis was used to analyze qualitative data collected from the key-informants. The study findings showed that beneficiaries of WDF in the study area are operating their business with low start-up capital, inadequate technical and managerial skills, lack of business premises, operating unregistered business activities, low savings, and poor record keeping of their business activities. The study recommends to the Local Government Authority (LGA) to provide a friendly business environment for beneficiaries of WDF to undertake business activities by providing technical and managerial skills that will enable them to have the ability to manage their undertakings successfully.

Contribution of Psychological Intervention for People Living with Diabetes Mellitus in Iringa Municipality

Contribution of Psychological Intervention for People Living with Diabetes Mellitus in Iringa Municipality

Effect of Broken Families on School Attendance among Private Secondary School Students in Iringa Municipality, Tanzania

This study sought to establish the effect of broken families on school attendance among private secondary school students in Iringa Municipality, Tanzania. The study adopted the case study design which helped the researcher to study a smaller unit in terms of two schools with students from broken families. The methods of data collection involved a questionnaire, a semi-structured interview, a focus group discussion and documentary review. Quantitative data was analyzed through descriptive statistics while the qualitative data was analyzed through the thematic approach. The study concluded that students form broken families faced unique challenges that affected their school attendance. They did not commence to school on resume days and they regularly missed classes because some were required to take parental responsibilities like taking care of their younger ones and others engaged in such activities like farming and casual works to enable their families to get necessities and school fees. Some students had missed school with reasons like financial problems including lack of school fees, inability to obtain school requirements and poor parental care. Furthermore, family structures in terms of broken families led to school dropout since students from those families were involved in illegal businesses like theft, robbery and prostitution as the means to meet their daily needs. Based on the conclusions, it is recommended that broken family parents should try as much as possible to provide basic needs that support school attendance and encourage their children to attend school regularly in order to avoid absenteeism which may hinder the intended academic achievement.

Guidance and Counselling Need in Tanzania: Needs Assessment for Primary School Pupils of Iringa Municipality

The purpose of the study was to identify the guidance and Counselling needs for primary school pupils. This study applied a Cross-sectional study design. Data were collected through questionnaires, structured interviews, and focus group discussion. The study involved 205 respondents; 155 primary school pupils, 26 primary school teachers, four guidance and counselling teachers, 10 educational administrators and 10 parents. The findings showed that pupils experienced some problems/needs and communicated them to their significant people and received help. The findings also revealed that pupils had some problems/needs which did not receive any help from the significant people although they were communicated to them. Likewise, the findings revealed that pupils had problems/needs which they found difficult to communicate to their significant people. Also, it was clear that the significant people around the primary school children were aware of the guidance and counselling needs of the pupils. The study concludes that social problems were the most outstanding problems/needs which primary school pupils experienced and shared easily with their significant others; psychological and developmental problems/needs are the most outstanding problems/needs which did not receive appropriate help from the significant people although they were communicated to them. The study recommends that guidance and counselling programmes in the schools be strengthened by employing trained professional counsellors to meet pupils’ problems and needs.

The Role of Financial Incentives on Employees’ Performance in Tanzania: A Case of Iringa Municipal Council

Employee motivation and reward are common concepts that are widely practised in many organisations. Among such rewards are financial incentives, rewards given to employees as part of an organization’s strategies to boost performance and motivation. While the role of financial incentives on employee performance has widely been investigated in many organisations, not as much research has been done on the same in Tanzania. The present study assessed the role of financial incentives on employees' performance at Iringa Municipal Council in Tanzania. The study employed a quantitative research approach and a randomly selected sample size of 339 employees out of a total population of 2,215 employees at the Council. The collected research data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics like multiple linear regression. The findings revealed a positive but insignificant contribution of financial incentives on employees’ performance in Iringa Municipal Council. For instance, financial incentives contributed to about 52% of the variations in employee performance (β = .529), but the contribution was statistically insignificant (p = .127). This demonstrates that there could be other factors that drive employee performance at Iringa Municipal Council, and different approaches are required to enhance the employee’s performance. The study recommends that further studies should focus on assessing the contribution of incentives to employees’ performance in other types of local government, such as rural and district councils, as well as central government institutions.

Factors Contributing to Employee Retention in Banks: A Case of Iringa Municipality Tanzania

This study sought to determine factors contributing to Employee Retention in Banks in Iringa Municipality Tanzania. The study specifically assessed the contribution promotion opportunities, financial incentives and work environment on employees’ retention. The researcher employed quantitative research approach, and research design was descriptive cross-sectional research. Data was obtained from 93 respondents. Data were collected using structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive (frequencies and percentages) and inferential statistics (regression analysis). Regarding promotion opportunities, the study found that there is positive and significant relationship between promotion opportunities and employees retention. Furthermore on financial incentives were found to have positive and significant relationship with employees’ retention and the study reveal banks provide bonuses and other benefits; however majority of the employees are not satisfied with salaried offered. Also the study also found there is positive and significant relationship between work environment and employees retention. As it was also revealed that work environment is very impressive as there are teamwork, support from management, and enough working tools but in terms of fair treatment the study there is a mixed opinion on this. All in all regression findings cemented that all the three determinants (work environment, promotion opportunities and financial incentives) have significant influence on employee retention. The study therefore concludes that there is significance influence between promotion opportunities, work environment and financial incentives on retention. Lastly the study recommends management of these banks to review salary and enhance fair treatment to all employees in the banks since most of employees had concerns on these two issues.

Exploring the Characteristics, Drivers and Control Strategies of Informal Settlements on Mkimbizi Hill in Iringa Municipality, Tanzania

This study explored the characteristics, drivers, and control strategies of informal settlements on MkimbiziHill in Iringa Municipality, Tanzania. The study employed a mixed research design whereby heads ofhouseholds were randomly selected while key informants were purposively sampled. Data were collectedthrough a questionnaire survey with heads of households, in-depth interviews with key informants, and fieldobservations. Quantitative data were analysed by statistical product and service solution software.Qualitative data were organised into themes and involved content analysis. It was established that the studyarea is occupied by individuals of different social and economic characteristics with informal land tenure,limited access to social services, and are exposed to the risk of the collapse of buildings and rockfalls. Thestudy also found that informal settlements in the study area were caused by the lack of education on urbansettlements, proximity to essential social services, cheap plots, and poor settlement planning. Nonetheless, thestudy showed that the strategies used to control informal settlements in the study area included intermittentpatrol, awareness creation on sustainable urban development, and settlements for economically weakindividuals. The study recommends proper land use planning for sustainable urban development by theauthorities.

Perceptions of the Exemption Policy on Maternal Mothers Healthcare Service Delivery in Iringa Municipality, Tanzania

This article presents perceptions on the effect of the user-fees exemption policy on maternal mothers in Iringa Municipality, in Iringa, Tanzania. It specifically presents outcomes of the policy on healthcare services offered to maternal mothers. The study employed a cross-sectional research design, with a purposively selected sample of 74 respondents. Data was collected through questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and documentary review; and analysed descriptively and thematically. The results indicated that, on the one hand, the policy increased equal chances in accessing health services among maternal mothers; increased the number of deliveries in health facilities; reduced the number of maternal deaths and uncertainty of delivery for maternal mothers; and improved chances of survival and the overall health of maternal mothers and their babies. On the other hand, the policy tempted unlawful payments; increased household’s dependency on the government; increased municipal expenditure; led to the shortage of beds, drugs as well as skilled health workers; and invited indirect costs. Despite all these challenges, the exemption policy was important as access to health services for maternal mothers improved greatly. Based on the study results, it is recommended that unlawful payments should be controlled; municipal expenditure budget, hospital beds, drugs, and skilled health workers be increased; and indirect costs be minimized.

Perception of School Stakeholders on Shadow Education in Iringa Municipality, Tanzania

This study investigated on the perception of school stakeholders on shadow education in Iringa Municipality through mixed approach and descriptive design. A sample of 50 participants was drawn out of 58 Education Stakeholders from six Education Centers. Participation was voluntary and participants had the right to withdraw any time. Questionnaire and interview schedule were sources of data. Qualitative data was treated thematically in that common themes were assembled together to address the research question. Quantitative data was presented descriptively through numbers. The study established that school stakeholders held a positive perception toward the shadow education as compared to the mainstream education as the shadow education system boosted the academic performance of the students. It is therefore recommended that the government through the ministry of Education and Vocational Training needs to make much greater attention to shadow education centers which seem to affect the performance of teachers in mainstream education system.

Social Factors Encumbering Land Title Registration in Tanzania: The Case of Mtwivila and Mkimbizi Wards, Iringa Municipality

The aim of this study was to explore social factors impeding land title registration (LTR) in Mtwivila and Mkimbizi Wards, Iringa Municipality. Using the mixed research design, this study employed cross-sectional research to collect both quantitative and qualitative data. Questionnaire and interview methods were used to collect primary data. Qualitative data were presented in selected themes and verbatim by interview respondents. Quantitative data were presented in tables, frequencies, percentages and figures then analysed descriptively. The study findings indicated limited awareness among Plot Owners Without Title Deed (POWTD) regarding: the inherent benefits of title deeds, probate and administration, plot allocation procedures, land title registration procedures and the perils of not executing property transfer. This study recommends that allied land professionals in Iringa Municipal council (IMC), Ministry of Lands, Housing and Human Settlement Development (MLHHSD) and other stakeholders should create public awareness, as an immediate intervention measure regarding land title registration.

Socio-Economic Factors Influencing Youth Participation in Local Government Planning and Budgeting in Iringa Municipality

This study focused at exploring the socio-economic factors influencing youth participation in planning and budgeting in Local Government Authorities (LGA) in Iringa Municipal Council. The study employed a mixed approach where data were collected through questionnaires and interviews. Findings from the study indicated that the youth did not participate in any activity in their LGA in the past three years whereby it was only 31(19.1%) of the youth respondents who participated in at least one of the local government activities in the past three years. Findings further indicated more male participation in planning and budgeting than female. On the other hand findings revealed that education has influence on youth participation in planning and budgeting whereby the more educated youth participated more than none educated youth. Based on the findings, it was concluded that there was an information gap between leaders and youth especially on local government planning and budgeting; hence the study recommended for creation of awareness on the right of the youth to participate in planning and budgeting. The study also recommended regular meetings with the youth in the wards/ streets to hear out their challenges and needs. Furthermore, the study urged the government to use youth friendly tools to create awareness to the youth on planning and budgeting processes and opportunities available in their locality and how they can tap into that pool of opportunity.