Mvomero District Research Articles

Climate Change Will Intensify Drought Risk at the Newly Established Mkulazi II Sugar Estate, Mvomero District, Tanzania

Despite considerable strides made in sugar industry since privatization in 1996, Tanzania still face an annual sugar deficit well above 300,000 tons, leading to an annual sugar import bill of USD$132 million. In addressing this challenge, Tanzania has embarked on ambitious program to expand the sugar industry by establishment of new sugar estates. In view of climate change challenges, the program should be aligned to the future conditions which will have bearing on the profitability of investments. A study was conducted to assess the effect of climate change on agricultural droughts in terms of water deficit index (WDI), throughout the near-term (2010–2039) at the newly established Mkulazi II Sugar Estate at Dakawa, Mvomero District Tanzania, under two greenhouse gas emission scenarios. Baseline climate indicates serious drought risk for sugarcane crop for months of July through November when WDI ≥ 0.75, and low risk during rainy season (March–May). Near-term period will become drier than the baseline climate for months of May–December while drought will subside during January–April with respect to the baseline climate. The projected changes in water deficit at the study site point to two facts: One is that rainfed production will not be possible, considering the projected decline in short rains (October–December), and the other is that water demand, in terms of crop water requirement, will increase due to increased drought conditions. In order to sustain sugarcane yields in the future, there will be a need to design an irrigation system that accounts for the climate change challenges.

Spatio-temporal prevalence of malaria and anaemia in relation to agro-ecosystems in Mvomero district, Tanzania

BackgroundAgro-ecological systems have been associated with increased malaria intensity. This study determined association between different agro-ecological systems, prevalence of malaria parasitaemia and anaemia in Mvomero district, Tanzania.MethodsThe study was carried out in three agro-ecosystems namely, savannah, rice-irrigation, and sugarcane. Malaria and anaemia prevalence were measured in four seasons of a year. Villages were categorized according to environmental characteristics, proportion of water-shaded areas and agro-ecosystems. Mixed-effects logistic regression analysis was used to determine factors associated with malaria infection.ResultsA total of 7888 individuals were involved with the overall malaria prevalence of 34.4%. Plasmodium falciparum was the dominant (99.52%) malaria species. Malaria prevalence was highest (42.9%) in children of 10–15 years of age, and significantly low during dry and hot season. Of the infected individuals, 78.1% were from rice-irrigation, 18.7% savannah and 3.2% sugarcane ecosystem. Individuals living in villages with high levels of water-shaded areas had highest malaria risk. Over three-quarters (78.9%) of the individuals slept under a mosquito net, with the highest (88.5%) coverage among individuals in sugarcane ecosystem. On average 47.1% of the children were anaemic. Anaemia was more prevalent (60.5%) among individuals in the savannah than in the rice-irrigation (48.2%) or sugarcane communities (23%). Analysis indicated that ecosystems and levels of water-shaded area were highly correlated, and altered levels of malaria infection. Gender, age, mosquito net-use, and season were other significant determinants of P. falciparum infection. Males had higher odds than females (OR = 1.16, 95% CI 1.05, 1.29). The risk for children 6–9 years and older children (10–15 years) was over 50% and 24%, respectively, higher compared to young ones (0–5 years). Use of mosquito net reduced malaria risk by 26%. The risk of infection was higher during dry and cool season (OR = 1.92, 95 %CI 1.66, 2.23) compared to other seasons. Living in villages with high level of water-shaded areas increased the chances of getting malaria up to 15 times than living in drier areas. Similarly, infection odds increased when living in savannah and rice-irrigation ecosystems than in the sugarcane ecosystem.ConclusionsFindings show significant variations in malaria prevalence between communities living in different agro-ecosystems within the same district. Local malaria control strategies should consider these variations and liaise with agricultural experts while designing interventions to maximize effectiveness.

School Climate and Its Influence on Public Secondary Schools’ Performance in Mvomero District, Morogoro, Tanzania

The study determined the school climate in eight public secondary schools and its relationship to students’ academic achievement. The study employed quantitative approach within ex-post facto research design using three climate questionnaires for secondary schools and a sample of 160 teachers. The study revealed that the general climates of all schools were non-conducive or negative. In determining the relationship, the subtest of intimate teachers’ behaviour indicated a strong positive significant correlation (r = 0.821) with division II and (r = 0.868) with division III. However, the frustrated teachers’ behaviour subtest was significantly negatively correlated (r = - 0.779) with division IV. The subtest of institutional integrity indicated a strong correlation (r = 0.887) with division IV, while initiating structure showed a strong positive correlation (r = 0.824) with division I, lastly, the subtests of headmaster/mistress influence and academic emphasis both indicated a strong significant (r = 0.848 and r = 0.860) correlations with division I and II, respectively. This study confirmed that, students’ academic achievement is influenced by school climate. Therefore, school climates need to be conducive or positive for the survival and well-being of schools.

Dominant factors for energy choice decisions by households in Tanzania: A case study of selected villages in Mvomero District

Household choice of energy sources for various social-economic activities has been associated with improved community livelihood and ecosystem quality. In this study, the multinomial probit model (MNP) was employed to establish the dominant factors for energy choice decisions by households in the five wards of Mvomero District. The results indicate the extent to which households’ use of various renewable energy sources for cooking, lighting and heating is low. Besides, the study reveals that households’ income has a significant influence on their energy choice decisions for different social-economic activities i.e. solar PV (Pvalue = 0.010), wood (Pvalue = 0.066), charcoal (Pvalue = 0.051), hydro-electricty (Pvalue = 0.066), natural gas (Pvalue = 0.014) and kerosene (Pvalue = 0.098).In addition, the benchmark of the descriptive results against the achievement of millennium development goals (MDGs), especially goals 1 and 7, indicates low achievement due to households’ lack of access to clean, reliable and affordable energy sources. Hence, the reviewed MDGs and MNP results can be used by energy policymaking instruments in the country to make informed decisions for clean energy investment needs as well as organizing households’ sensitization forums on the benefit-costs of energy sources used for various social-economic activities.

Characterization and Mapping of the Causes, Intensity and Effects of Natural Resource Use Conflicts in Kilosa and Mvomero, Tanzania

Tanzania has experienced many natural resource use conflicts in many parts of the country, including the Kilosa and Mvomero districts, ranging from family disputes through to all-out social unrest. Despite some efforts to curb rampant natural resource use conflicts, there is overwhelming evidence of the existence and upsurge of such conflicts, leading to various consequences, including death of people involved, destruction of property and the creation of a sense of insecurity. This study aims to characterize and map the causes, intensity and effects of natural resource use conflicts in the districts of Kilosa and Mvomero, Tanzania. Key Informant Interviews were used to gather valuable evidence to characterize the natural resource use conflicts in Kilosa and Mvomero, which also aided in constructing natural resource-use conflict typology. Quantum GIS software was used for spatial mapping of the conflicts. The study confirmed that land, water, crops, pasture and minerals are the main natural resources behind the conflicts, and therefore these resources have to be treated as crucial dimensions of conflict prevention in Kilosa and Mvomero. Generally, there is complexity in the conflict situations and overlapping of causes and conflict types on the one hand, and overlapping of conflict types and resources which are contested for on the other.

Information Exchange and Use among Actors Involved in Tanzania’s Local Primary Education Governance: Insights from Social Network Analysis in Two Mvomero District Villages

It is nowadays widely acknowledged that the exchange of information, both horizontally and vertically, between different actors involved in governance processes is critical for reaching outcomes. One way to grasp local governance realities is through social network analysis which is particularly apt to map and understand patterns of relations among a delineated set of actors. This article draws upon data from a network survey among actors involved in primary education governance in two Mvomero district villages to study information exchange and use. As informal relations and institutions tend to be equally important, we also map and analyse informal relations between the different actors. Findings amongst others reveal that there is hardly any (horizontal) exchange of education- related information between the two villages. This lack of exchange among village actors that are similarly positioned foregoes opportunities to combine resources and creates a learning deficit in solving similar education-related problems.

Influence of institutions on value creation activities of micro and small enterprises in rural Tanzania


 
 
 Economic development initiatives in Tanzania recognise the importance of enterprises in the country’s economy. Similarly, rural entrepreneurship has the potential to stimulate the rural economy. The promotion of rural entrepreneurship can help to fulfil that potential, with creation of value for customers as one of the promotion initiatives. Institutions govern the value creation activities of enterprises. By focusing on the wood furniture industry, this research article analyses the influence of institutions on the value creation activities of rural Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) in Tanzania. The institution theory and the value chain model are its theoretical bases. The Mvomero district is the study area. Interviews and discussions are the data collection methods used in this qualitative study and 14 cases are analysed. The study finds that four institutional concerns influence the value creation activities of enterprises and these are: regulations compliance; regulations enforcement; regulations knowledge; and regulatory costs. However, the study excludes informal institutions. Its findings may be beneficial to stakeholders such as policymakers, development stakeholders, researchers – as well as rural MSEs.
 Key words: institutions, value creation activities, micro and small enterprises, rural areas, Tanzania
 
 

Beekeeping in Tanzania: why is beekeeping not commercially viable in Mvomero?


 
 
 Beekeeping is a long established economic activity in Tanzania. It contributes to the national economy by generating some US$ 19 million per annum and employing more than two million people. Beekeeping produces food and medicines, makes a significant contribution to bio-diversity, and encourages agricultural production through pollination. Moreover, more than 50% of Tanzania is covered by forests suitable for beekeeping. This potential is not fully exploited, and the sector is non-commercial. This study analyses the causes of the inability of rural Tanzanian beekeepers to establish commercially viable businesses. Using the case study research design, this qualitative study was conducted in the Mvomero district. Triangulation sampling techniques were used to select different beekeeping actors. Data was collected through interviews, focus group discussions, and observation. The descriptive analysis and ‘current tree reality’ of thinking process techniques were used to identify constraints that limit beekeepers from commercial- ising the sector. The challenges that are repeatedly cited as the main hindrances to the growth and development of beekeeping include over-reliance on traditional hives and honey production methods, low volumes, poor quality honey, limited access to finance, and insufficient fodder. We conclude that insufficient beekeeping expertise (knowledge and skills) and management are the two critical underlying factors that have led to the current situation. Since this study was limited to answering the first question of the theory of constraints approach, a further study is suggested to answer the remaining two questions. Moreover, a study to assess obstacles that hinder the adop- tion of top bar hives in the area is vitally important.
 Key words: beekeeping, commercial beekeeping, theory of constraints, beekeeping constraints, Tanzania
 
 

Access to bank credit by smallholder farmers in Tanzania: a case study


 
 
 Tanzania like many other developing countries is highly dependent on agriculture for income generation and job creation for its citizens. Because the sector is mainly composed of smallholder farmers, lack of finance remains the leading obstacle to development. This study seeks to determine factors that affect access to bank credit by smallholder farmers in the Mvomero District of Morogoro, Tanzania. The study used a cross-sectional design, with data being collected via the survey method. Purposeful sampling was used to obtain the respondents who fitted into the study objective. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a logistic regression model. The Logit regression model in particular was employed to determine factors that affect smallholder farmers’ access to bank services. The study reveals that the value of assets invested in farming activities, education and gender are significant factors affecting smallholder farmers’ access to bank credit. Policy recommendations include the establishment of a government bank that would exclusively provide financial services to agriculturalists by establishing a credit guarantee scheme, and the development of new financial products by the banks that would cater to the needs of smallholder farmers.
 Key words: access, bank credit, smallholder farmers, logit regression
 
 

Political-institutional barriers to energy access and efficiency in Tanzania: a case study of Mvomero District


 
 
 Recently, energy access and efficiency have attracted much research interest due to their critical role in addressing the challenges of climate change and the country’s social and economic development. The major question in this study is whether household energy demand can be influenced by government institutions and political systems which switch their preferences towards clean energy sources including renewable energy. The analysis revealed that government agencies are not well-coordinated when dealing with energy access and efficiency issues e.g., ward and village leaders are not always in agreement and lack common understanding of issues arising out of in- creasing energy supply and use of energy efficient appliances. In addition, households witnessed that despite their low level of income, they would have done better in terms of accessing quality and affordable energy had they been educated or informed about the need to shift from using wood to electricity for different social and economic activities. The study recommends that universities offer training, research and consultancy in the energy field to help raise awareness among communities of costs and benefits of using clean energy sources. The results therefore, provide useful and current information to policy making and energy planning institutions on the barriers to energy access and efficiency in order to help formulate remedial action.
 Key words: political-institutional barriers, government leaders, energy access and efficiency
 
 

English

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is the second most important food crop after maize in Tanzania. It faces many challenges like diseases, pests and physical damages, which reduce the seed quality. This article identified microorganisms and the district where they occurred. 13 fungal species comprising of 11 pathogenic and 2 saprophytic fungi were detected and the incidence level varied among sample. Mvomero District showed the highest incidence recorded (64.5%) for sample collected from Hembeti and Dakawa/Msufini villages. In Kilombero, the fungal specie which detected highest incidence was Fusarium equiseti (31%) followed by Fusarium moniliforme (28.5%). Verticillium cinnabarinum and Curvularia inaequalis had the least incidence of 1 and 1%, respectively. The study recommends that before planting season, seeds should be tested to minimize spread of fungal species.   Key words: Pathogens, quality declared seed (QDS), farmer saved

Drivers and Consequences of Recurrent Conflicts between Farmers and Pastoralists in Kilosa and Mvomero Districts, Tanzania

Recurrent conflicts between farmers and pastoralists have brought significant impacts on both groups. In response to this situation, the government and other actors have taken several measures to mitigate such conflicts with little success. This paper examined drivers and consequences of recurrent conflicts between farmers and pastoralists in Kilosa and Mvomero districts. Covering a sample size of 203 respondents, data was collected using interview, documentary review, and focus group discussions. Collected data was analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative analysis. The findings revealed that weak governance structures associated with unethical behavior, regulatory deficiencies, socio-economic and environmental factors are responsible for the recurrence of conflicts between farmers and pastoralists. Consequently, the recurrent conflicts have resulted into major socio-economic impact that includes loss of lives and properties to both farmers and pastoralists. Drawing from conflict and conflict resolution theories, which advocates use of coercive power and participatory approaches to restore peace, respectively; this paper conclude that no single strategy fits all conflicts given the complexity in which such conflicts occurs. In the light of the results this paper recommends that the effective way to address farmers-pastoralists conflicts; actors should use both lenses of coercive and participatory approaches and the choice of appropriate strategy will depends on the context since no single approach fits all types of conflicts...

English

A cross-sectional study was carried out in the Morogoro region, Tanzania, to determine the seroprevalence of canine Leptospira exposure. A total of 232 sera were collected from apparently healthy dogs in Mvomero, Morogoro Urban and Morogoro Rural districts. The microscopic agglutination test (MAT) was performed following standard procedure using panel of six Leptospira serovars. Within the districts, positive reactions against five serovars were detected: Sokoine (4.3%); Pomona (4.3%); Lora (3.0%); Grippotyphosa (2.2%), and Kenya (0.9%). The overall seroprevalence was found to be 9.5%. Male dogs were at significantly greater risk than the female dogs (p 0.05). The growing urbanization, which allows high interaction between different maintenance hosts, may cause infection spill over and consequently a rising prevalence. The presence of Leptospira antibodies suggests that leptospirosis is common in this study area. Therefore, further serological surveys followed by isolation and identification of isolates in this study area and other areas of the country need to be undertaken to report infective serovars in canine population. Key words: Seroprevalence, leptospirosis, serovars, epidemiology, dogs.

Health Literacy and Some Socio-Demographic Aspects under One Health Approach in Eastern Tanzania: Connections and Realities

<p><em>Health Literacy significantly contributes towards attaining good health particularly when taken into the context of the interface of humans, animals and the environment</em><em>. This cross-sectional study assessed health literacy and its connections to other socio-demographic aspects under One Health Approach in Morogoro municipality and Mvomero districts in Tanzania. A structured questionnaire administered through a Computer Aided Personal Interviewing (CAPI) electronic platform was used to collect data from 240 respondents obtained through a multistage sampling procedure. Health Literacy was assessed using context specific assessment tool. IBM-SPSS v20 and Gretl software were used to analyze data. The results revealed Inadequate</em><em> Health Literacy at 36.3%, Moderate Health Literacy at 30.8% and Adequate Health Literacy standing at 32.9%. </em><em>There was no association between educational attainment and the level of Health Literacy revealed. Health Literacy was lower among older individuals, with 40.2% of those who had Inadequate</em><em> Health Literacy</em><em> were from the elderly age category, more females (56.3%) had Inadequate</em><em> Health Literacy</em><em> than males (43.7%), </em><em>Adequate Health Literacy</em><em> was observed among married respondents at 65.8% in the category. Health literacy varies across some socio-demographic aspects. It therefore remains imperative that interventions in scale up health literacy by various stakeholders to consider these socio-demographic aspects. </em></p>

Beekeeping in Tanzania: why is beekeeping not commercially viable in Mvomero?

Beekeeping is a long established economic activity in Tanzania. It contributes to the national economy by generating some US$ 19 million per annum and employing more than two million people. Beekeeping produces food and medicines, makes a significant contribution to bio-diversity, and encourages agricultural production through pollination. Moreover, more than 50% of Tanzania is covered by forests suitable for beekeeping. This potential is not fully exploited, and the sector is non-commercial. This study analyses the causes of the inability of rural Tanzanian beekeepers to establish commercially viable businesses. Using the case study research design, this qualitative study was conducted in the Mvomero district. Triangulation sampling techniques were used to select different beekeeping actors. Data was collected through interviews, focus group discussions, and observation. The descriptive analysis and ‘current tree reality’ of thinking process techniques were used to identify constraints that limit beekeepers from commercialising the sector. The challenges that are repeatedly cited as the main hindrances to the growth and development of beekeeping include over-reliance on traditional hives and honey production methods, low volumes, poor quality honey, limited access to finance, and insufficient fodder. We conclude that insufficient beekeeping expertise (knowledge and skills) and management are the two critical underlying factors that have led to the current situation. Since this study was limited to answering the first question of the theory of constraints approach, a further study is suggested to answer the remaining two questions. Moreover, a study to assess obstacles that hinder the adoption of top bar hives in the area is vitally important.

Influence of institutions on value creation activities of micro and small enterprises in rural Tanzania

Economic development initiatives in Tanzania recognise the importance of enterprises in the country’s economy. Similarly, rural entrepreneurship has the potential to stimulate the rural economy. The promotion of rural entrepreneurship can help to fulfil that potential, with creation of value for customers as one of the promotion initiatives. Institutions govern the value creation activities of enterprises. By focusing on the wood furniture industry, this research article analyses the influence of institutions on the value creation activities of rural Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) in Tanzania. The institution theory and the value chain model are its theoretical bases. The Mvomero district is the study area. Interviews and discussions are the data collection methods used in this qualitative study and 14 cases are analysed. The study finds that four institutional concerns influence the value creation activities of enterprises and these are: regulations compliance; regulations enforcement; regulations knowledge; and regulatory costs. However, the study excludes informal institutions. Its findings may be beneficial to stakeholders such as policymakers, development stakeholders, researchers – as well as rural MSEs.

Political-institutional barriers to energy access and efficiency in Tanzania: a case study of Mvomero District

Recently, energy access and efficiency have attracted much research interest due to their critical role in addressing the challenges of climate change and the country’s social and economic development. The major question in this study is whether household energy demand can be influenced by government institutions and political systems which switch their preferences towards clean energy sources including renewable energy. The analysis revealed that government agencies are not well-coordinated when dealing with energy access and efficiency issues e.g., ward and village leaders are not always in agreement and lack common understanding of issues arising out of increasing energy supply and use of energy efficient appliances. In addition, households witnessed that despite their low level of income, they would have done better in terms of accessing quality and affordable energy had they been educated or informed about the need to shift from using wood to electricity for different social and economic activities. The study recommends that universities offer training, research and consultancy in the energy field to help raise awareness among communities of costs and benefits of using clean energy sources. The results therefore, provide useful and current information to policy making and energy planning institutions on the barriers to energy access and efficiency in order to help formulate remedial action.

Access to bank credit by smallholder farmers in Tanzania: a case study

Tanzania like many other developing countries is highly dependent on agriculture for income generation and job creation for its citizens. Because the sector is mainly composed of smallholder farmers, lack of finance remains the leading obstacle to development. This study seeks to determine factors that affect access to bank credit by smallholder farmers in the Mvomero District of Morogoro, Tanzania. The study used a cross-sectional design, with data being collected via the survey method. Purposeful sampling was used to obtain the respondents who fitted into the study objective. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a logistic regression model. The Logit regression model in particular was employed to determine factors that affect smallholder farmers’ access to bank services. The study reveals that the value of assets invested in farming activities, education and gender are significant factors affecting smallholder farmers’ access to bank credit. Policy recommendations include the establishment of a government bank that would exclusively provide financial services to agriculturalists by establishing a credit guarantee scheme, and the development of new financial products by the banks that would cater to the needs of smallholder farmers.

Pedological Characterization of Typical Soil of Dakawa Irrigation Scheme, Mvomero District, Morogoro Region, Tanzania

This study was conducted to characterize dominant soil type at Dakawa Irrigation Scheme (DIS), Tanzania. Typical soil at DIS was identified, excavated and described using FAO (2006) Guidelines. Six disturbed samples were taken from soil profile horizons together with three undisturbed core samples for laboratory analysis. The pedon developed from Neogene alluvial parent materials under ustic moisture and isohyperthermic temperature regimes. The pedon was very deep (> 150 cm), moderately well drained, with gray to very dark gray soil colours. CaCO3 concretions characteristic of calcic horizon were observed in subsoil. Soil texture was sandy clay loam throughout the pedon. pH was rated as medium (5.5 - 7.0) to very high (7.0 - 8.5) respectively for topsoil and subsoil. OC and N levels were very low; CEC and exchangeable bases were low to medium. Bulk densities were high (1.8 gcm-3) to very high (>1.9 gcm-3) for topsoil and subsoil, respectively. Study on moisture retention properties showed that subsurface (95 - 100 cm) and intermediate (45 - 50 cm) horizons retained more water than surface (0 - 5 cm) soil, congruent with increasing clay content with depth. According to Soil Taxonomy and World Reference Base for Soil Resources, pedon at DIS classified as Vertic Calciustepts and Haplic Vertic Cambisols, respectively. These taxa reflect properties that may guide use and management of soils at DIS including selection of crops and fertilizers and rates to use. Organic fertilizers were recommended to increase organic matter content in soil. Use of acidifying inorganic fertilizers and gypsum as soil amendments should also be taken onboard to correct emerging sodicity.

Size isn't everything: narratives of scale and viability in a Tanzanian irrigation scheme

AbstractThis paper explores tensions over scale and viability in irrigated agricultural development in Tanzania. A revival of ambition to transform African agriculture has reawakened debate over what type of agriculture can best deliver increased production and poverty reduction for rural populations. This paper examines these debates through the lens of an ethnographic study of an irrigated rice farm in Tanzania. With a chequered history of state and donor intervention management, Dakawa, Rice Farm in Mvomero District is now collectively farmed by a cooperative society of ‘small farmers’. It is widely hailed as a success, both of irrigation production, and of ‘small farmers’ in delivering this. However, such narratives of smallness and success obscure a more complex reality in which smallness of scale may be more of a discursive tool than a reflection of empirical reality. Although notions of ‘viability’ and ‘success’ in such development interventions are themselves also contested and depend on perspective, there is evidence that there are fundamental problems of both short- and long-term viability.