Kilombero Research Articles

Evaluating the potability of domestic water supply sources using water quality index in Kilombero district, Tanzania

ABSTRACT The decline in water quality in various bodies of water has led to significant health risks for individuals relying on these sources for drinking and domestic use. The prevalence of waterborne diseases in some areas is attributed by inadequate water quality assessments of supply sources. This study focused on evaluating the potability of domestic water sources in the Kilombero district of Tanzania, where approximately 70% of the population depends on untreated natural sources. Two models were utilized: the Weighted Arithmetic Water Quality Index (WAWQI) and the Canadian Council of Ministers of Environment Water Quality Index (CCME WQI), analysing 15 water quality parameters. The WAWQI identified three groundwater sources as poor quality for consumption, while indicating seasonal improvements in water quality – from 12 in the wet season to 13 in the dry season. Conversely, the CCME WQI classified all 15 sources as potable, with an increase in ‘Excellent’ ratings from 9 to 13 between seasons. The findings showed that all surface water sources were deemed potable, while 67% of groundwater sources met quality standards. The remaining 33% of boreholes were categorized as having poor quality. Overall, both models indicated better water quality during the dry season, with surface water generally exhibiting higher quality than groundwater.

Patient’s willingness to pay for improved community health insurance in Tanzania

Globally, achieving universal health coverage remains significant challenge. Health insurance coverage in low- and middle-income countries is still low with only a few African countries managed to reach 50% coverage. This study aimed to investigate the factors influencing patients’ willingness to pay (WTP) for medication and various versions of the improved Community Health Insurance Fund (iCHF) in Tanzania. A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted in all hospitals, health centres, and eight randomly sampled dispensaries, sampling participant from the queue, one out of every three patient based on their order of entry into consultation room, and interviewed 1,748 patients in Kilombero and Same districts in Tanzania. We used multi-stage Contingent Valuation Methods exploring data collected during client exit interviews. We employed a random utility model and estimated WTP through an ordered logit model. The independent variables were; patient’s gender, age, marital status, education, employment status, Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) status, health insurance status, and the type of healthcare facility level. Our findings revealed that most patients exhibited a WTP of an amount equivalent to the current iCHF premiums and would also be willing to pay for an augmented iCHF premium inclusive of additional medication coverage. Upon adjusting for demographic characteristics, we observed that patients enrolled in an insurance program or benefiting from user fee waivers demonstrated a lower WTP for medication, while those with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and seeking care in private facilities exhibited a higher WTP. Furthermore, patients with a secondary education level or above generally displayed higher WTP for premiums. Conversely, patients enrolled in private insurance and availing user fee waivers, along with those accessing care in public facilities, demonstrated a lowered WTP for iCHF premiums. These results highlight the need for targeted interventions to address systemic deficiencies and improve access to medicines. Our conclusions is that policies considering NCD status, education levels and income status are important when designing health insurance schemes for the informal sector in Tanzania, with the goal of increasing uptake of CHF.

Different groups’ grazing technique preferences in the Miombo woodlands of Eastern Tanzania

Grazing in Miombo woodlands is essential for the livelihoods of the pastoral and agropastoral communities that live adjacent to these fragile ecosystems. However, Miombo woodlands offer not only fodder for livestock but also fertile land for crop farming; hence, they are equally important to the farmers residing in these areas. Due to the importance of the Miombo woodlands for the livelihoods of several groups, the consumption of and competition for Miombo resources has increased over time and now threatens the overall health of the ecosystem. This study aimed to identify the grazing techniques practiced by different livelihood groups in Miombo woodlands; their preferences for different practices, as well as the factors that influence these preferences, so as to understand how sustainable grazing can be achieved for better ecosystem health. The study was conducted in Handeni, Kilombero, and Kilosa districts and covered pastoralists, agropastoralists, and farmers. We carried out focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and a survey of 246 respondents. Un-patterned rotational grazing was the most preferred grazing technique by all three groups, and the only technique the three groups shared a preference for. All the groups took a neutral stance in relation to continuous grazing. Their preferences for other grazing techniques differ. The study highlights the need to raise awareness amongst pastoralists about land ownership and management and recommends enhancing land property rights for all groups in order to harmonize livestock keeping and other land uses for achieving sustainable grazing and overall ecosystem health in the fragile Miombo woodlands of Tanzania.

Prevalence and Determinants of Undernutrition in Schoolchildren in the Kilombero District, South-Eastern Tanzania.

Childhood undernutrition is a major issue in low- and middle-income countries, affecting the health, well-being, and educational outcomes of schoolchildren. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of stunting, wasting, and underweight among schoolchildren in peri-urban areas in the south-eastern part of Tanzania. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 930 children aged 6-12 years from four primary schools from July to August 2019. The WHO Anthro Survey Analyzer was employed to estimate the prevalence of stunting, wasting, and underweight, while logistic regression analyses examined sociodemographic background, malaria infection, anaemia, anthropometric measures, and dietary diversity score as potential factors. The prevalence of stunting, wasting, underweight, overweight, and obesity was 11.8%, 4.3%, 3.9%, 11.1%, and 2.0%, respectively. Overall, 1.5% of the children had malaria, as determined by rapid diagnostic tests, and 0.4% had severe anaemia. Univariate analysis indicated higher odds of undernutrition among children aged 9-12 compared to their younger peers. Stunting was more common among children with low and medium dietary diversity. Anaemia was found in 11.2% of schoolchildren, and severe anaemia was associated with wasting. Multivariate analysis revealed that age and low dietary diversity were significantly associated with undernutrition. These findings emphasise the need for school-based health and nutrition programmes targeting children beyond the age of 5 to improve their nutritional status and mitigate potential adverse effects on health, cognition, and academic achievement. Regular assessment of the nutritional status of schoolchildren is warranted.

Perceived Factors affecting Sugarcane Production Among Small-Scale Farmers in Kilombero District, Morogoro, Tanzania

This study investigates the nuanced perspectives of small-scale sugarcane farmers around the Kilombero Sugar Company in the Kilombero District, Morogoro, regarding the effects of weather variability, climate change, extension services, and support from sugar processing companies on sugarcane production. Cross-sectional research design was employed to gather information using a questionnaire survey from 128 farmers who were obtained through a simple random sampling technique. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis. The findings elucidate climate change and altered weather patterns are influencing agriculture, in this case, impacting the cultivation of sugarcane such that that changes in temperature and rainfall patterns have indeed resulted in unpredictable flowering and maturity cycles in sugarcane crops. Furthermore, the study highlights the significant role of extension services in enhancing agricultural practices and adequate pest and disease management practices contributes to the overall health and vigour of their sugarcane crops. It is concluded that weather variability, climate change, extension services, and support from sugar processing companies on sugarcane production are important factors influencing sugarcane production. The study emphasises the necessity of tailored education and outreach programs to bolster farmers' understanding and adoption of effective pest and disease management practices essential for sustainable sugarcane production in the Kilombero District

Challenges of proper disposal of old long-lasting insecticidal nets and its alternative uses in rural south-eastern Tanzania.

Insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), specifically long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs), are the most commonly used, scalable, and cost-effective tools for controlling malaria transmission in sub-Saharan Africa. However, the multiple alternative uses of retired LLINs have been associated with poor disposal practices. The World Health Organization (WHO) has provided guidelines and recommendations for the proper management of worn-out LLINs. This study assessed the existing alternative uses and disposal practices of old LLINs. An explanatory sequential mixed-methods approach was used to assess LLINs existing alternative uses, disposal practices, knowledge, and perceptions regarding WHO recommendations on proper disposal of old LLINs among stakeholders in Kilombero and Ulanga districts, south-eastern Tanzania. A survey questionnaire was administered to 384 participants. Furthermore, the study employed focus group discussions (FGD) and key informant interviews (KII) to elucidate responses regarding existing disposal practices, associated challenges, and alternative uses of LLINs. The insights derived from both study components were subsequently used for inferential analysis. The major challenge influencing the proper disposal of LLINs was limited awareness of how to properly dispose of them. Of the 384 people surveyed, 97.0% were not aware of the WHO recommendations for the proper disposal of old LLINs. All key informants were unaware of the WHO guidelines for proper disposal of old LLINs. The common methods used to dispose of LLINs were burning (30.7%), disposing them into garbage pits (14.8%), and alternative uses (12.2%). Of the 239 respondents with LLINs, 41.0% had alternative use, while 59.0% had no alternative use. The common alternative uses were ropes for tying or covering items (20.9%), garden fencing (7.5%), chicken coops (5.0%), and 7.5% for other minor alternative uses. Strengthening awareness and education on proper LLIN disposal practices among community members and key stakeholders is essential for enhancing malaria control efforts and preventing environmental pollution.

Gene Flow Between the Wild Rice Species (Oryza longistaminata) and Two Varieties of Cultivated Rice (Oryza sativa) in Kilombero District, Tanzania

The direction and rate of gene flow between the perennial wild rice species, O. longistaminata and cultivated rice, O. sativa was investigated using nine Microsatellite (SSR) markers. The study involved characterization of parental lines of two cultivated rice varieties and O. longistaminata and their F1 progenies. Presence of crop-specific alleles in the wild species or vice-versa was used as an indicator of occurrence of gene flow between the two species. The study revealed that gene flow between O. longistaminata and each of the two varieties of O. sativa occurs naturally. The direction of gene flow was mainly from the cultivated to wild species. The rate (frequency) of gene flow was higher from cultivated (O. sativa) to wild rice (O. longistaminata) than from O. longistaminata to O. sativa and varied with cultivated rice variety. Higher rate of gene flow from cultivated to wild species could be due to floral structure and out-crossing nature of the wild species (O. longistaminata). Gene flow between O. longistaminata and O. sativa is likely to change genetic integrity of natural populations of the two species in areas where they occur sympatrically. However, isolation by distance can help to control gene flow between these species.

The Contribution of Agricultural Marketing Co-operative Societies to Farmers’ Livelihoods in Mvomero and Kilombero Districts, Tanzania

Collective action through Agricultural Marketing Co-operative Societies (AMCOS) is a significant tool for improving smallholder livelihoods; hence, contributing to farmers’ economic development. AMCOS provides a favourable atmosphere for an effective government aid scheme, farm input supply, and mobilization of funds from external support services organizations. However, farmers are facing many challenges, such as inadequate access to agricultural credit, market linkage, information, inadequate technologies, and underperforming markets. There are mixed findings on whether or not agricultural cooperatives improve members’ livelihoods. Therefore, this study evaluated the contribution of AMCOS to members’ livelihood outcomes and constraints for sustainable livelihood development. A total of 340 respondents were interviewed. The findings showed that AMCOS members had higher outcomes in some livelihoods than non-members of AMCOS. In addition, AMCOS contributed to members’ income and some of the assets. Lastly, stakeholders pointed out inefficient service delivery, inadequate skills of co-operative managers, and district co-operative officers’ interference in AMCOS business, which deprived members of co-operative autonomy, as constraints facing AMCOS to enhance sustainable livelihoods for members. Therefore, the study recommends that AMCOS management improve service delivery and plan for continuous staff development. Also, District Co-operative Officers should observe co-operative principles and values in executing their duties.

Assessing cropland disagreement in Tanzania using machine learning methods with Sentinel-2 and Planet Scope imagery

ABSTRACT East Africa faces major land use pressures arising from the harsh effects of climate change and fast-increasing human populations. Recent efforts to increase food production in this region have focused on cropland mapping and approaches to improve yield. Generating accurate cropland maps provides critical support to inform policy, investment, and logistical decisions that address food security, but cropland disagreement assessment studies are lacking mostly due to the unavailability of fine-scale data. Understanding the inconsistent nature of pre-existing global cropland mapping products necessitates disagreement assessment as the most valuable urgent tool to align agricultural resource allocation and policy realignment to tackle food security challenges. This study evaluates cropland disagreement in Kilombero and Ulanga districts in Morogoro, Tanzania based on land use land cover (LULC) maps generated using machine learning methods and high-resolution PlanetScope and Sentinel-2 data sets acquired from 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2018. We created time-variant median composites and performed a three-step assessment; (i) generating multi-class LULC maps in Google Earth Engine, (ii) generating croplands and non-cropland LULC classes from the multi-class images, and (iii) assessing cropland disagreement based on GIS conditional statements. Results show minimal disagreement in mapping cropland based on higher-resolution PlanetScope and Sentinel-2. Results based on the Random Forests and Support Vector Machines relatively outperform those from Classification and Regression Trees achieving 93%, 89%, and 83% with PlanetScope and 91%, 86%, and 76% with Sentinel-2, respectively. On average, 73% of the pixels were consistently classified while 27% were misclassified between cropland and non-cropland classes. Prior unsupervised land cover cluster analysis may substantiate the quality of sampling for accurate land cover classification. Our results indicate that in data-sparse regions where confirmatory ground truth data are lacking, remotely sensed cropland identification may be more successful using Support Vector Machines on newer high-resolution imagery, thereby improving crop forecasts.

Distribution and molecular identification of ixodid ticks infesting cattle in Kilombero and Iringa Districts, Tanzania

BackgroundHard ticks infesting cattle are vectors of Tick-borne diseases that causes major public health problems and considerable socioeconomic losses to the livestock industry in tropical and subtropical countries. A repeated cross-sectional study was carried out by collecting ticks on cattle during the wet and dry seasons from January to August 2021 in order to determine hard tick prevalence, distribution, and abundance on cattle in Kilombero and Iringa Districts of Tanzania. The collected ticks were identified morphologically using published morphological keys under a stereomicroscope and confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing.ResultsOut of 740 examined cattle, 304, (41.08%) were infested with ticks. In total, 1,780 ticks were counted on one side of the animal’s body and doubled, whereby resulting in a total of 3,560 ticks were recorded. Individual tick burden ranged from n = 2 to 82 ticks per animal, with a mean tick burden of n = 11.7 ± 0.68 per animal. A total of 1,889 ticks were collected from infected cattle including 109 additional ticks observed while collecting ticks based on the animal’s posture when restrained to the ground. Out of 1,889 ticks, nine species from three genera were identified morphologically: 1,377 fit in the genus Rhipicephalus, 459 to the genus of Amblyomma, and 53 to the genus Hyalomma. Rhipicephalus microplus was the most prevalent (n = 909, 48.1%), followed by Rhipicephalus evertsi (n = 310, 16.4%), Amblyomma lepidum (n = 310, 16.4%), Rhipicephalus appendiculatus (n = 140, 7.4%), Amblyomma gemma (n = 120, 6.4%), Hyalomma rufipes (n = 50, 2.6%), Amblyomma variegatum (n = 29, 1.5%), Rhipicephalus decoloratus (n = 18, 1.0%), while the least common was Hyalomma albiparmatum (n = 3, 0.2%). Tick diversity was higher in Iringa compared to Kilombero District. Tick prevalence was higher in wet season (n = 148, 41.11%). Ticks were widely distributed in different parts of the host body, with the highest distribution on zone 4 (n = 1,060, 56.11%), which includes groin, flank, abdomen, and around inner thigh of the hind legs and the lowest distribution on zone 2 (n = 14, 0.74%), which includes the back surface of the body. Both Amblyomma lepidum and Rhipicephalus microplus species were found in all the five body zones, and with the highest proportions recorded on zone 4: A. lepidum (n = 209, 67.42%) and R. microplus (n = 714, 78.55%). The nine tick species identified morphologically were also confirmed using molecular methods. However, during sequencing, two species (Rhipicephalus appendiculatus and R. decoloratus) had poor quality sequences and were excluded from the sequence analysis. Sequencing results indicated high nucleotide identity (96–100%) with sequences available in GenBank and Barcode of Life Database (BOLD). The phylogenetic analysis of partial mitochondrial COI and 16S rRNA gene sequences of ticks were used to confirm the morphological identification.ConclusionThe results showed a high burden of tick infestation on cattle, which could reduce animal production and potentially increase the risk of tick-borne diseases. Therefore, it is necessary to explore the epidemiological and molecular aspects of various tick species in other regions of Tanzania.

Governing land use planning in pursuit of customary tenure security: A case of Kilombero District in rural Tanzania

Purpose This paper aims to explore the role of participatory governance to actors’ participation in land use planning for tenure security in rural Tanzania. Three case studies where land use planning project implemented were selected to make assessment on how local actors were involved in the process. Design/methodology/approach This paper uses qualitative research methods, whereby semi-structured interviews with village landholders and key informants were conducted to get their perspectives on land use decisions and land tenure (in)security. Besides, focus group discussions with the village landholders were also used. Findings The research findings indicate low participation of local actors in land use planning process. Decisions on land use by the local actors were very minimal. Further, communication between the involved actors was also difficult. Originality/value The study offers insights on participatory governance into land use planning for tenure security. The study develops a framework to improve land use planning process toward tenure security outcome. A tri-partite strategy consisting of enabling mechanisms of governance capacity, institutional capacity and converging discourses articulates a framework for the evolution in the degree of local actors’ participation to improve security of land rights through land use planning process in rural Tanzania.

Factors Influencing Women Inclusion in Fish Value Chain in Kilombero District, Tanzania

Fishing is among livelihood activities for many residents around the world, however, women inclusion in the fishing value chain is not equal to men. This gap is attributed by different factors. The study analyses the factors that influence women inclusion in fish value chain in Kilombero District, Morogoro. Tanzania. Cross-sectional research design involving 132 women fishers was used. Systematic random and purposive sampling techniques were used. Questionnaire survey and key informant interviews were used to gather information from women fishers and Key informants for the study. The data analysis employed Multiple linear regression and thematic content analysis. It was found that awareness on fish activities, access to market fish supply, access to credit, access to license, social responsibilities, norms and customs are the important variables influencing women inclusion in fish value chain. The study concludes that awareness on fish activities, accessibility to fish markets, credit and to license are opportunities for women to engage into fish value chain while existing cultural norms and customs social responsibilities drawbacks. The study recommends that the government needs to advocate for environment that promote opportunities for women to engage into fish value chain whilst diminishing negative cultural situation that discourage women involvement into fish value chain.

Exploring the Nexus between Agricultural Seasonal Dynamics and Rural Household Food Security in Kilombero Wetland, Morogoro Region, Tanzania

It is recognized that wetlands have great potential for enhancing agricultural activities due to their prolonged periods of water availability and good fertile soils making great expansion and intensification of agricultural production enhancing household food security in rural areas hence, communities have been relying on those wetlands for their livelihoods in different ways. It is from this interdependence that this study was proposed to examine the seasonal patterns of agriculture in the wetland and their implications on food security in three villages, Njage, Mngeta and Mkangawalo in the Kilombero wetland. The study employed mixed method approach whereby household questionnaires,-key informant interviews, focus group discussions, field observations, wealth ranking and documentary review were used to collect primary and secondary data. Purposive and simple random sampling techniques were used to obtain 150 respondents. Content analysis was used to analyze qualitative data while descriptive statistics were used to analyze quantitative data. Chi-square test was used to test the statistical significances of the differences between wetland and upland yields as well as size of wetland plots cultivated among socio-economic groups. The findings revealed that wetland users were the average wealthy (42.7%) and poor farmers (40.7%) who depended on the wetland for their survival. Crop production in Kilombero wetland was low as farmers practiced mono-cropping of rice and maize in both dry and wet seasons depending on rain-fed agriculture. Very few wealthy (8.7%) practiced dry season farming. The small size of the wetland plots cultivated, inadequate use of agro-inputs and over dependence on subsistence led to low crop production. Consequently, farmers experienced seasonal food shortages and food insecurity, particularly among the poor and very poor households. The study concludes that, despite its agricultural potential, Kilombero wetland had not contributed much to improve the food security status of the poor and very poor households, only the well-off and average wealthy were benefiting from the wetland. Therefore, Kilombero district authorities should ensure that village governments allocate adequate land for both the poor and very poor farmers to enable them increase crop production. The agricultural extension officials of Kilombero district should build capacity to farmers on the importance of intensive agriculture, use of improved seeds and use of a variety of cropping methods in order to improve their produce.

Factors Influencing Women Inclusion in Fish Value Chain in Kilombero District, Tanzania

Factors Influencing Women Inclusion in Fish Value Chain in Kilombero District, Tanzania

The Contribution of the Udzungwa Mountain National Park to the Livelihoods of Communities in the Morogoro Region of Tanzania

The effect of Udzungwa Mountain National Park (UMNP) on the livelihoods of communities is important.National Park is crucial in supporting the livelihoods of communities socially, economically andenvironmentally. This article analyzes the contribution and importance of the management of UMNP on thelivelihoods of communities in Kilombero District in Morogoro Region. This paper adopted mixed researchapproach where data were collected using questionnaires, interviews and observations. Data were collected inthe villages’ proximity to UMNP; Msosa, Msolwa, Mkula and Ruipa villages. A total of 233 heads of householdswere interviewed. The results showed that, heads of households were motivated to manage the park because ofthe benefits accrued from it. People managed the park because they get firewood, poles, water and othersbenefits. This paper adopted Sustainable Livelihoods Framework (SLF). SLF is a useful tool for analyzing thecontribution of UMNP to livelihood of the communities residing close to it. The livelihood supports offered byUMNP among others include income, improved food (forest vegetables), fruits and improved well-being.Challenges encountered in the management of UMNP among others include climate change, deforestation,cutting trees for building houses, wildfire, illegal collection of herbs for medicines, poaching and illegal hunting.The study concludes that, fringe communities must be motivated to manage the park because of the continuingbenefits accrued from it. The study recommends that communities should be encouraged to take measures toprotect, conserve and participate in the management of UMNP.

Financial Service usage and Rice Commercialization of Smallholders Farmer in Kilombero District: The Role of Institutional Law and Regulation

This survey study was conducted in Tanzania to assess the effect of financial service usage on the agriculture commercialization of smallholder rice growers in Kilombero District. Primary data were collected using survey questionnaires from 358 smallholder farmers. Data were analyzed using hierarchical multiple regression analysis and Hayes PROCESS macro with the help of IBM SPSS software. The results obtained suggest that financial services usage had a positive effect on rice commercialization. The results also confirm that institutional law and regulation had a negative significant moderating effect on the relationship between financial service usage and agriculture commercialization. This implies that high laws and regulations in accessing and using financial services hinder smallholder farmers’ usage of financial services. The study recommends that to improve the level of agriculture commercialization, policymakers and the Government are required to set policies which reduce the cost of accessing and using financial services and improve the efficiency of rules and regulations governing financial services usage.

Socio-economic and institutional determinants of membership in Agricultural Marketing Co-operative Societies in Mvomero and Kilombero districts, Tanzania

ABSTRACT Membership in Agricultural Marketing Co-operative Societies (AMCOS) benefits farmers through strengthened bargaining power in marketing and better access to other support services including access to agricultural inputs. Despite the benefits of AMCOS, many farmers have not joined AMCOS. Some farmers are reluctant to join AMCOS while others are dropping out. This study, therefore, specifically examined socio-economic and institutional determinants of farmers’ decision to join AMCOS in Mvomero and Kilombero districts. This study adopted a cross-sectional design whereby 340 farmer respondents were interviewed. Data were analyzed through descriptive statistics, comparative, and binary regression analysis. The findings showed that age, education, credit services, the amount of credit accessed, farm input, marketing, and price information were significant determinants of farmers’ decision to join AMCOS. The study recommends that AMCOS management should improve the services they offer and reduce the cost of membership to attract more farmers to access their services. Also, the District Co-operatives Officers and AMCOS managers should carry out public awareness campaigns and educate the farmers on the importance of co-operatives as the findings showed that some farmers were not informed about co-operative societies.

The Significance of Motivational Incentives to the Management of Udzungwa Mountain National Park In Kilombero, Tanzania

This paper explores the significance of providing motivational incentives to local communities to attract effective management of the Udzungwa Mountain National Park (UMDP) in Kilombero district. It also examines the benefits accrued by local people from the UMDNP, explores factors motivating people to manage the UMNP, and determines challenges encountered in the management of the park. The article employs data from a study that was carried out in Msosa, Msolwa, Mkula and Ruipa villages; where a total of 233 heads of households and 7 tour guides were interviewed. The data generation process was complemented by focus group discussions and observations. The results show that active involvement of the heads of households in the management of the park was driven by benefits accrued from it. The results further suggested that local communities that live adjacent to the park are aware of the importance and role of such motivation. It is further uncovered that proper management may potentially reduce deforestation and degradation of the park. The analyst of this paper is guided by Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. The paper recommends the need for promoting the provision of motivational incentives as a useful strategy for attracting active community participation in the management of national parks.

Quantification of Non-Timber Forest Products utilized by local communities in Nyanjange forest reserve, Morogoro, Tanzania

This study was conducted to assess the types and quantity of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) used by local communities around Nyanganje Forest Reserve (NFR), which is within the Eastern Arc Mountains, Kilombero District, Morogoro, Tanzania. The study involved ecological survey in the same forest whereby sytematic sampling was established along the transect across the entire study forest. The data collected was analyzed by using Microsoft Excel, a computer software tool where the average number of woody plants per hectare was computed using recommended equations. The study identified different NTFPs which are locally utilized in a study area. These include a total of 68 plant and 13 animal species. It was further revealed that, firewood was mostly extracted due to population growth, which relies on the wood-based energy from the forests. It was concluded that NTFPs are useful in day-to-day life of the local communities surrounding NFR. Furthermore, the utilization trend could lead to the reduction of NTFPs available in the forest reserve. It is however, recommended that, for sustainability of the NTFPs in Nyanganje Forest Reserve, the Government should initiate strategic plans for the production of NTFPs in Nyanganje Forest Reserve by planting the open spaces with desirable species. • Different Non-Timber-Forest Products were identified. • A total of 68 plant and 13 animal species were identified. • Firewood was mostly extracted due to population growth. • Open spaces in a study forest should be planted with desirable species.

Financial service access and agriculture commercialization of smallholder rice growers in Kilombero District

The study was conducted in Tanzania to assess the effect of financial service access on the agricultural commercialization of smallholder rice growers in Kilombero under the moderating effect of institutional cultural cognition. Primary data were collected from 397 smallholder farmers, and after data cleaning, we remained with 358 responses subjected to regression analysis. Data were analyzed using hierarchical multiple regression analysis with the help of IBM SPSS software. The findings revealed that financial service access significantly positively affected commercialization. Also, the results confirm that institutional cultural cognition has a significant negative moderation effect on the relationship between financial inclusion and agriculture commercialization. The results suggest that reducing cultural cognition can increase financial service access. So, if the wrong perception and beliefs of the poor and marginalized society toward formal financial services can be reduced, then access to formal financial services will be increased, thus improving the level of agriculture commercialization. Also, we recommend that policymakers and the government set policies to reduce the cost of accessing financial services and enhance financial services availability.