Browsing by Author "Tenge, A. J."

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    Accessibility and utilization of mobile phones for governance of water resources in the Lake Victoria basin: constraints and opportunities in Tanzania
    (Academic Journals, 2015) Mongi, H. J.; Mvuma, A. N.; Kucel, S.; Tenge, A. J.; Gabriel, M.
    Mobile phones are the worlds fastest growing technologies in terms of coverage and adoption. This trend makes them a desirable information and communication technology (ICT) platform for addressing the striking challenges of water resources governance at all levels. Some of remarkable challenges in Lake Victoria Basin (LVB) that have negative impact on the water resources are rapid population growth, unfavorable climate change and variability, and non-sustainable urbanization. Mobile phones can contribute to addressing these challenges by addressing three key principles of governance: transparency in a manner that the resources are utilized by increasing population; accountability in both supply and demand sides of water resources for household, industry and agriculture; and participation of key stakeholders in policy formulation and decision making across temporal and spatial scales. This paper analyses the accessibility and utilization of mobile phones among various actors in the governance of water resources within LVB with the aim of identifying opportunities and constraints at community (micro), local government (meso) and national lake/river basin (macro) scale. To achieve this, three data collection sites were identified in Tanzania: Mwanza, Kagera and Mara. Data were gathered from key stakeholders through five methods: key informant interview, actors panel discussion, observation, literature reviews and questionnaire administration. Qualitative data were subjected to contents analyses while empirical data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The analyses provided information on the constraints in access and utilization as well as opportunities availed by mobile phones. Furthermore, their potential for enhancing transparency, accountability and stakeholders participation were summarized and discussed. Conclusion drawn from this study is that there is variation in access and utilization of mobile phones across scales of water resources governance in LVB that offer both opportunities and constraints. Integrated and innovative system that bridges the gap by capitalizing on the opportunities and minimizing the constraints could be an option.
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    Impacts of climate change on traditional irrigation farming systems and adaptation strategies in West Usambara Highlands, Tanzania
    (Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), 2024) Maro, F. L.; Tenge, A. J.
    Climate change is among the challenges to sustainable development due to its effects on major sectors of economy worldwide. However, its impacts differ from one system to another depending on the magnitude, vulnerability and adaptive capacity of the system. This study assessed the impacts of climate change on crop yields in Ndiwa and Chamazi traditional irrigation farming systems and their adaptation strategies. A cross-sectional research design was adopted employing purposive and systematic random sampling to select 380 respondents for this study. Data was collected through household survey, Focus Group Discussion, interviews, observation and documentary reviews. The results showed that, within 42 years (1981-2022), climate change has caused yield decline (maize, beans and irish-potatoes) by 12% to 51% and Maize being the most affected crop. The decrease in crop yield was linked to the decreased amount of water for irrigation and outbreak of crop diseases. Major adaptation strategies adopted as mitigation measures include cultivation closer to water sources (93.8%), early planting (86.9%), crop diversification (72.6%) and digging of shallow wells (58.7%). However, some adaptation strategies are detrimental to the environment. Adaptive capacity of farmers is low to medium. We recommend to improve adaptive capacity of farmers through access to climate information, financial resources, agricultural extension services and improved irrigation infrastructures.
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    Participatory soil and water conservation planning using a financial analysis tool in the West Usambara highlands of Tanzania
    (Wiley, 2006) Tenge, A. J.; Okoba, B. O.; Sterk, G.
    Despite decades of soil and water conservation (SWC) efforts in Tanzania, the adoption of the recommended SWC measures by farmers is minimal. In the past, SWC plans did not incorporate farmers' knowledge, and the economics of SWC was not given much attention at the planning stage. This research evaluated the applicability of two tools for participatory soil erosion mapping using farmers' indicators of soil erosion and financial analysis of SWC measures at the planning stage. The two tools were evaluated in Kwalei catchment in the West Usambara highlands, Tanzania. The participatory soil erosion‐mapping tool uses farmers' indicators of soil erosion to identify, classify and map soil erosion at the catchment level. The financial analysis tool involves farmers in a stepwise analysis of the costs and benefits of SWC measures before the implementation. The erosion‐mapping tool increased farmers' awareness on the severity of soil erosion problems, and they realised the need for SWC plans at both field and catchment scales. With the financial analysis tool farmers participated in the cost and benefits analysis and were able to select SWC options that were feasible under their socio‐economic situation. The two tools were able to demonstrate that farmers' participation in SWC planning increases the acceptance of SWC measures because they solve problems that are perceived by themselves. The financial analysis tool demonstrated how farmers could make selection of SWC measures that are feasible under their biophysical and economic condition if they are informed about the costs and benefits.
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    Participatory soil and water conservation planning using an erosion mapping tool in the central highlands of Kenya
    (Wiley, 2007) Okoba, B. O.; Tenge, A. J.; Sterk, G; Stroosnijder, L.
    Despite several approaches that aimed at mobilising East African farmers to embrace soil and water conservation (SWC) activities, farmers hardly responded since they were seldom involved in the planning of SWC activities. Two tools that employ farmers' participation were developed and applied at Gikuuri catchment in Kenya. The first tool involved farmers to map soil erosion using their own indicators and determine the soil erosion status at catchment scale. This formed the basis upon which they undertook to plan for SWC measures at catchment scale. Farmers also predicted crop yield losses based on the soil erosion status. Farmers widely approved the soil erosion status map since their own indicators and perceptions were used. The second tool provided cash flow trends for a variety of SWC activities and farmer situations. Farmers can use land with a high, moderate or low erosion status and often have rather different socio‐economic settings. The net benefits over 5 yr for bench terraces, fanya juu terraces and grass strips were illustrated to assist farmers in making informed decisions on SWC adoption. The two tools increased awareness on the need for collective actions among farmers and showed fields that cause run‐on on downslope fields. The improved awareness of erosion problems and the related financial consequences increased farmers' willingness to share the investment costs for cut‐off drains.
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    Social and economic factors affecting the adoption of soil and water conservation in West Usambara highlands, Tanzania
    (Wiley, 2004) Tenge, A. J.; De Graaff, J.; Hella, J. P.
    Accelerated soil erosion is one of the major constraints to agricultural production in many parts of the Tanzanian highlands. Although several soil and water conservation technologies have been developed and promoted, the adoption of many recommended measures is minimal and soil erosion continues to be a problem. This research was conducted in order to determine the social and economic factors that influence adoption of soil and water conservation (SWC) measures in the West Usambara highlands, Tanzania. For this research a household survey, group discussions and transect walks were undertaken. A total of 104 households were interviewed and several fields were visited during the transect walks. Data was analysed with the use of cross‐tabulation, cluster analysis, factor analysis and chi‐squared methods. The results obtained indicate that involvement in off‐farm activities, insecure land tenure, location of fields and a lack of short‐term benefits from SWC are among the major factors that negatively influence adoption of SWC measures. Membership in farmer groups, level of education, contacts with extension agents and SWC programmes were found to be positively influencing the adoption of SWC measures. Recommendations to facilitate adoption of different SWC measures include: integration of social and economic factors into SWC plans; the creation of more awareness among farmers of soil‐erosion effects and long‐term benefits of SWC; the development of flexible SWC measures to cater for different farm patterns and a participatory approach to SWC at catchment level rather than at individual farmers' fields.
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    Value chain analysis: A case of chinese cabbage, tomatoes and okra at Swaswa settlement in Dodoma Municipality
    (Rural Planning Journal, 2015) Mamboya, S. F.; Tenge, A. J.; Malugu, D.
    The study about value chain analysis was conducted at Swaswa settlement in Dodoma urban district. The area practices wastewater irrigation as there is Waste stabilization ponds which form a source of reliable, cheap wastewater, rich in nutrients for crops production. This study aimed at analyzing value chain of vegetables in Swaswa settlement. Specifically the study intended to (i) identify the activities involved in producing vegetables (ii) identify actors involved in the vegetable value chain, their roles and linkages, and (iii) analyse distribution of gross value across different linkages in vegetable production chain. The data were collected from both primary and secondary sources. The primary data for this study were collected from 204 respondents using multi-stage random sampling and purposive techniques. Questionnaires and checklists tool were employed to collect data from respondents. Results show that high gross income goes to Agro-vet wholesalers, whole sellers and middlemen (71.4%) followed by collectors who scored 57.1%. Therefore, farmers are forced to capture a lower share (28.6%) of gross value. Besides, results indicate that farmers face lack of knowledge on postharvest losses, limited access to market, low price of product, lack of storage, lack of transport and low quality of product. Therefore, it is recommended that farmers should be provided with knowledge on post-harvest handling techniques, should form groups so as to buildup collective bargaining power to be able to acquire good prices and ensure crops processing for value addition.