Browsing by Author "Mwanyoka, Iddi"

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    Disrupting the epistemic empire is necessary for a decolonial ecology
    (Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2023) Mabele, Mathew Bukhi; Kiwango, Wilhelm Andrew; Mwanyoka, Iddi
    Guedes et al.1 argue that eponyms in biological nomenclature represent epistemic injustices that perpetuate the negative legacies of imperialism and colonialism in the fields of taxonomy, ecology and conservation science. We believe that their argument and proposal underscore the ongoing discussion on the need to decolonize ecology and conservation science, as Western science and expertise continue to be privileged over others2,3,4,5. This privilege is built on an epistemological and ontological failure to recognize “the different ways through which diverse people across the human globe make sense and provide meaning to their existence”6. Guedes and colleagues’ argument suggests that eponyms are part of the epistemic empire, which is bound to be biased against non-Western knowledge systems.
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    EIA practices in the natural gas extraction sector in Tanzania: does local community contribution matter?
    (World Scientific Publishing, 2019) Mwanyoka, Iddi; Selestine, Will-Elimina; Nuhu, Said
    Community participation is an important element for the implementation of various development projects including Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) processes. However, the involvement of the local community in contributing to the EIA processes is minimal. This paper sought to explore local community contribution in the EIA practices in the natural gas extraction sector in Tanzania. Household survey, in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and document review were employed in this study. Findings revealed that the majority of respondents have an inadequate understanding of the EIA process and therefore undermine its significance, their role and contribution towards the exercise. Procedures for engaging the community were also lacking according to standard measure practices. Various factors emanating from policy implementers, EIA consultants and the community were attributed to low participation. Views and opinions of participants were not considered during implementation of the gas exploration and extraction project which left communities dissatisfied with implementers and practitioners. Therefore, implementation of the EIA policy in regard to procedures should be emphasised to ensure adherence for smooth and effective community participation in the EIA processes. This will guarantee respect for community contribution and mainstreaming of suggestions in the implementation of natural gas exploration and extraction projects to avoid adverse effects and reduce on mitigation consequences.
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    EIA practices in the natural gas extraction sector in Tanzania: does local community contribution matter?
    (World Scientific Pub Co Pte Lt, 2019-09) Mwanyoka, Iddi; Selestine, Will-Elimina; Nuhu, Said
    Community participation is an important element for implementation of various development projects including Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) processes. However, involvement of the local community in contributing to the EIA processes is minimal. This paper sought to explore local community contribution in the EIA practices in the natural gas extraction sector in Tanzania. Household survey, in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and document review were employed in this study. Findings revealed that the majority of respondents have inadequate understanding of the EIA process and therefore undermine its significance, their role and contribution towards the exercise. Procedures for engaging the community were also lacking according to standard measure practices. Various factors emanating from policy implementers, EIA consultants and the community were attributed to low participation. Views and opinions of participants were not considered during implementation of the gas exploration and extraction project which left communities dissatisfied with implementers and practitioners. Therefore, implementation of the EIA policy in regard to procedures should be emphasised to ensure adherence for smooth and effective community participation in the EIA processes. This will guarantee respect for community contribution and mainstreaming of suggestions in the implementation of natural gas exploration and extraction projects to avoid adverse effects and reduce on mitigation consequences.
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    Methodological leeway and obstacles in qualitative research: reflections on procedural and practical issues in Tanzania
    (SAGE Publications, 2024) Telaky, Said Nuhu; Mwanyoka, Iddi
    Despite being subject to criticism, qualitative research methodology remains a unique and valuable approach in collecting rich and informative data. However, this may vary from one context to another and researchers understanding of the context. Grounded on the decolonization notion of qualitative research, this paper explains leeways and obstacles in conducting research, reflecting upon the procedural and practical aspects that represent the reality in Tanzania based on two cases. Our paper emphasizes that it is essential to understand and capture the real-world reflective of the voices of the population whom the study targets, which may be easier for local/native researchers. This is because the local/native researchers may be able to explain the research processes and findings in consideration of the socio-cultural settings and political environment. The paper acknowledges that qualitative research requires patience and time, which may have financial implications. It also acknowledges that some populations are facing research fatigue exacerbated by inadequate research dissemination plans. Understanding the context of the study area or topic and applying appropriate methodological approaches to overcome obstacles and gather required adequate and relevant information is thus of importance.
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    Methodological leeway and obstacles in qualitative research: reflections on procedural and practical issues in Tanzania
    (SAGE Publications, 2024-01) Telaky, Said Nuhu; Mwanyoka, Iddi
    Despite being subject to criticism, qualitative research methodology remains a unique and valuable approach in collecting rich and informative data. However, this may vary from one context to another and researchers understanding of the context. Grounded on the decolonization notion of qualitative research, this paper explains leeways and obstacles in conducting research, reflecting upon the procedural and practical aspects that represent the reality in Tanzania based on two cases. Our paper emphasizes that it is essential to understand and capture the real-world reflective of the voices of the population whom the study targets, which may be easier for local/native researchers. This is because the local/native researchers may be able to explain the research processes and findings in consideration of the socio-cultural settings and political environment. The paper acknowledges that qualitative research requires patience and time, which may have financial implications. It also acknowledges that some populations are facing research fatigue exacerbated by inadequate research dissemination plans. Understanding the context of the study area or topic and applying appropriate methodological approaches to overcome obstacles and gather required adequate and relevant information is thus of importance.
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    The reality of local community participation in the natural gas sector in Southeastern Tanzania.
    (Elsevier Ltd, 2021) Mwanyoka, Iddi; Mdemu, Makarius; Wernstedt, Kris
    The production of natural gas in Tanzania has contributed to national socioeconomic development. It is responsible for about 57% of the total generated electricity in the country. Despite a growing body of literature in this sector, little intellectual attention has been given to how local community members participate in and profit from this sector through an articulated engagement mechanism, employment and other benefits. Using a mix of qualitative research methods, we studied two gas-producing locations of Msimbati and Songosongo in southeastern Tanzania. Findings suggest inadequate local community participation. Belated and fast local community engagement by the government and gas companies resulted in unmanageable expectations to local communities. Hopes for more local employment opportunities dwindled as gas projects entered the production phase that required skilled workers. Stakeholders were unprepared without a gas sector institutional framework. Local communities have failed to tap the potential to produce and supply foodstuffs to gas companies. This has further restrained their potentially meaningful participation in this sector. Benefits emanating from gas activities have appeared inequitably shared among stakeholders. We call for well thought local community engagement approaches, equitable benefit-sharing modalities and local community preparedness to promote meaningful local community participation in the natural gas sector.