Social Sciences

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Resource productivity and allocation efficiency in smallholder coffee farmers in Rugwe district, Tanzania
(SAP, 2000) Mwakalobo, A. B. S
This paper presents empirical findings on resource productivity and allocation efficiency in smallholder coffee farmers in Rungwe district. The data used in this paper are based on a case study that involved interviewing 90 farmers. A Cobb-Douglas production function was used to estimate the production organization of the coffee farmers, and their efficiency in resource use. The results show that the farmers display inefficient use of available resources. The results indicate that farmers would increase farm productivity by the use of adequate capital-intensive input levels in order to maximize their efficiency. However, in order to achieve the use of capital intensive inputs, farmers should be encouraged to form groups/associations through which can take the advantages of increasing the bargaining power in both input and output markets. Farmers' groups/associations further provides group liability in the procurement of credit from both formal and informal financial lending institutions. This in turn will improve farmers input purchasing power.
Food security and natural resource management in developing countries
(2001) Mwakalobo, Adam; Shively, Gerald
This paper provides an overview of the main concerns related to food security and natural resource management in developing countries. It is intended to serve as an introduction to the subject for students and non-specialist practitioners. The paper summarizes a number of different strands in the literature on poverty, food insecurity, and natural resource degradation, as well as their causes. The paper summarizes some of the many studies that have sought to explain options to achieve sustainable food security and natural resource use. Throughout the paper, the problem of sustaining food security and natural resource use in developing countries is highlighted as a poverty problem, conditioned on and influenced by institutional, technological, demographic, ecological and economic factors and constraints. A focus is placed on sub-Saharan Africa. The main theme of the paper is that, in order to achieve sustainable food security and use of natural resources, developing countries need to address poverty and its root causes.
Food status and income levels among dairy and non-dairy farmers in Chunya district, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2001) Kayunze, K. A.; Urassa, J. K.; Mwakalobo, A. B. S.
In order to reveal the role of dairy farming in poverty alleviation and food security improvement, a research was conducted in 11 villages of Chunya District in December 2000 among 30 dairy farmers and 30 non-dairy farmers. Their income from four sources of non-agricultural, agricultural, livestock and rental activities were compared with a poverty line of Tsh 130,128/= per adult equivalent per year. Their grains harvest in the crop season 1999/2000 were compared with three 90-kg bags of grains per adult equivalent per year. The objectives were to determine the number of food insecure households on the basis of three bags of grains for an adult person per year and income per adult equivalent from four sources. Another objective was to compare food status and income between dairy and non-dairy farmers. Average income among dairy farmers was Tsh 295,858/= while that among non-dairy farmers was Tsh 176,804/= per adult equivalent per year. Only 23.3% of dairy farmers had income below the poverty line while 50% of non-dairy farmers had income below the poverty line. The average of 90-kg bags among dairy farmers was 2.4 and 2.5 per adult equivalent among non-dairy farmers. Based on the grains, 76.7% dairy farmers were food insecure while among non-dairy farmers food insecure households were 83.3%. A t-test to compare the income between the two groups gave significant differences at 5% (p= 0.026). However, the food status between them did not differ significantly (p = 0.427). It is concluded that dairy farming is very effective for poverty reduction. Therefore, development agencies, including government departments, NGOs, religious groups and donors are urged to help poor people reduce poverty by helping them keep dairy cattle. This can be done by establishing heifer in trust schemes, that is "kopa ng'ombe lipa ng'ombe", like the Japanese Counterpart for Food Aid (JCFFA) is doing in Chunya District:
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.
Financial efficiency of major soil and water conservation measures in West Usambara highlands, Tanzania
(Elsevier BV, 2005-10) A.J. Tenge; J. De graaff; J.P. Hella
Soil and Water Conservation (SWC) measures are needed to control soil erosion and sustain agricultural production on steep slopes of West Usambara mountains. However, the adoption by farmers of the recommended soil and water conservation measures is low and soil erosion continues to be a problem. It could well be that the reason for the low adoption is that the costs to invest in soil and water conservation are higher than the eventual benefits. This research assessed the costs and benefits of bench terraces, grass strips and fanya juu, which are major SWC measures. Financial Cost Benefit Analysis (FCBA) was undertaken for farmers with low, moderate and high opportunity costs of labour at different slopes and soil types. The results show that labour is the major cost item in implementing SWC measures and is higher with bench terraces than with fanya juu and grass strips. The results also show that the costs of establishing the three SWC measures exceed the returns in the initial 2 years. However, in the long term, the three SWC measures are profitable to farmers with low to medium opportunity costs of labour on gentle to moderate slopes. It was also found that SWC measures are not financially attractive to most farmers with off-farm activities and other sources of income. It is concluded that high investment costs and initial negative returns are the major hindrances to the adoption of SWC measures by smallholder farmers in West Usambara mountains. Options to overcome the initial investment costs include the gradual investment in SWC measures, introduction of high value crops and small credit facilities. The promotion of dairy cattle under zero grazing system can also increase the adoption of SWC measures because of the high benefits from grasses used to stabilise SWC measures.
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.
The role of wild mushrooms in the livelihoods of rural people in Kiwele village, Iringa, Tanzania: implications for policy.
(Academy Science Publishers, 2006) Ngaga, Y. M; Munyanziza, E; Masalu, H. E.
A study on the relative position of mushrooms in the livelihoods of rural people living away from urban centres was conducted in Kiwele village, Tanzania. Data were gathered through a questionnaire administered to 130 respondents. About 76% of the households surveyed do not harvest 5 bags of maize (100 kg each) per acre, indicating a loss of land productivity. All the respondents suffer from hunger, the severest period being November to March, the cropping season. Almost all the respondents (97%) eat mushrooms during this period. Despite their wide use, mushrooms do not play any direct role in the rural economy due to the lack of market. The value of mushrooms is not measured in terms of revenues accrued from them but in terms of the large number of people who survive on them during the critical period. The major source of mushrooms is the miombo woodland where mycorrhizal mushrooms live in a symbiotic relationship with specific trees. However, all respondents were convinced that it is now more difficult to get wild mushrooms as compared to the past. The major causes identified by the respondents were deforestation and the erratic nature of rainfall. The steady drop in land productivity and poverty are behind the increasing pressure on woodlands. It is recommended that the government should introduce development projects that are geared towards energy and income generation and increased soil productivity or provide alternative means of living, thus arresting further deforestation and increasing mushroom production.
Local governance in Tanzania: Observations from six councils 2002-2003
(Mkuki na Nyota Publishers Ltd, 2007) Chaligha, Amon; Henjewele, Florida; Kessy, Ambrose; Mwambe, Geoffrey
Governance entails participation, transparency, efficiency and equity in the management of people and their economy in a given country. Governance comprises the mechanisms, processes and institutions, through which citizens and groups articulate their interests, exercise their legal rights, meet their obligations and mediate their differences. Local governance refers to the way a local authority fulfils its responsibilities towards the citizens in their areas of jurisdiction. It covers relationships between local authority leaders and the citizens, as well as political parties and non-governmental organisations, and the central government in all phases of formulating policies that affect people in carrying out their daily activities. In this study, several political and administrative dimensions of governance are discussed. First is the issue of Local Government Autonomy. Here, an attempt was made to answer the question: To what extent are the local authorities free to make political decisions within the Tanzanian polity? It is recognised that the local government reforms has opened the way for multi-level planning systems and new, non-hierarchical forms of inter-ministerial coordination. However, while the decentralisation reform has set the stage for participatory local planning practices, it is by no means guaranteeing them. Improved trust relations, citizens’ rights, reduced corruption, participation in local elections and gender mainstreaming are important governance issues that are also discussed in this study.
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.
Participatory land‐use planning and conservation in northern Tanzania rangelands
(Wiley-Blackwell, 2009) Kaswamila, Abiud L.; Songorwa, Alexander N.
In developing countries, participatory land‐use planning is seen as a panacea to mitigate land‐use conflicts and enhance land productivity. This assumption has not been thoroughly tested in wildlife corridors. Three villages were selected for this study. Several methods were used to provide indication of the performance of the plans against their stated objectives of mitigating conflicts and conserving wildlife corridors. Three hundred and fifty‐eight households and eight park and extension workers were interviewed. In addition, focus group discussion with the nomadic Barabeig, field assessment and review of land‐use plan/general management plan reports were carried out. Results reveal that land‐use plans failed to achieve their set objectives. For example, 75% of the households held this view. Major causes of failure were insufficient participation by stakeholders in the planning process, lack of robust, transparent and accountable implementation strategies, inadequacy of qualified staff and lack of ‘holistic approach’ to the planning process. Taking these findings into account, an improved buffer zone land‐use planning framework is suggested. For the framework to enhance both conservation and development and to enable policies and legislation, equitable benefit sharing and conservation education, initiation of compensation schemes for depredation caused by wild animals and intensification of patrols are required.
Human–wildlife conflicts in Monduli district, Tanzania
(Taylor and Francis, 2009) Kaswamila, Abiud
An assessment of land-use conflicts was conducted in three semi-arid villages within the Tarangire-Manyara ecosystem that are important wildlife dispersal areas and migratory routes linking northeast Tanzania protected areas. Data were collected through household and extension staff interviews, archive data from village government offices and field visits. Conflicts varied across villages and were mainly boundary conflicts with Lake Manyara National Park (LMNP). They included crop destruction and livestock depredation by wild animals, land scarcity, loss of former Manyara Ranch land to Tanzania Lands Conservation Trust (TLCT), which has imposed grazing restrictions, and insufficient buffer zone. An analysis of gender conflicts varied across villages. Several mitigation measures are suggested by both local communities and field extension staff. These include realization of economic benefits from wildlife-related enterprises, relocation of people to low-density areas, implementation of compensation schemes for destruction made by wildlife, intensification of patrols, fencing of the park, need for land-use plans and need for villages to formulate their own natural resources management by-laws. The paper concludes with a series of recommendations.
Vulnerability and adaptation of rain fed agriculture to climate change and variability in semi-arid Tanzania
(Academic Journals, 2010) Mongi, H.; Majule, A. E.; Lyimo, J.G.
A vulnerability assessment of rain fed agriculture to climate change and variability in semi-arid parts of Tabora Region in Tanzania was conducted in 2009. Four village clusters were selected out of which, three villages represent Millennium Villages Program (MVP) namely Mbola, Mpenge and Isila from Uyui District. One village namely Tumbi from Tabora Urban bordering the MVP was also selected. Both primary and secondary data were collected using different methods including structured questionnaire interviews, focus group discussion, documentary review and field observations. Structured questionnaire interviews were administered to 7% of all farmers selected at random from the four villages and 30 research and extension officers obtained through accidental purposeful sampling. Simple regression and t-test analyses of numeric data for rainfall and temperature collected over the last 35 growing seasons were performed using Microsoft Excel and Statistical Analysis System respectively. Non-numeric data were coded, summarized and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences spreadsheet. Results indicate that the overall rainfall amount was found to decline while distribution was varying both in time and space. Inter-seasonal dry spells between January and February appeared to increase both in duration and frequency. Temperature has shown an increasing trend. Minimum temperature increased faster (R2 = 0.68, p<0.001) while maximum temperature increased gradually (R2 = 0.24, p<0.01). Farmers, research and extension officers also perceived these changes by the help of a series of indicators. Nevertheless, perception on the climate change indicators varied depending on the type of livelihood activity most affected. Major implications on rain fed agriculture are possible shrinking of the growing season, increasing moisture and heat stress to common food and cash crops, increased insects and pests and eventually low income and food insecurity. This study concludes that there is strong evidence demonstrating the vulnerability of rain fed agriculture to negative impacts of climate change and variability in the study area. It is suggested that there is a need for multi-level interventions on adaptation to climate change and variability taking into account a wide range of stakeholder involvement.
An assessment of the trends and extent of employee turnover in local government authorities in Tanzania: a case study of Dodoma municipal council
(The University of Dodoma, 2010) Temu, Elizabeth G.
The study aims at assessing the Trends and Extent of Employee Turnover in Local Government Authorities: A Case Study of Dodoma Municipal Council. The researcher used the cross sectional design that allowed the researcher to use questionnaire, interview and documentary review during data collection. The sample size was 85 respondents. Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) was used to analyze the collected data. Descriptive statistics summarized the information from the collected data. From the research findings, the study reveals that low salaries, lack of motivation and promotion, poor working environment, poor organizational policy and poor leadership are the most applauded factors leading to employee turnover in Dodoma Municipal Council. As well from the research resulting, the most revealed effects of employee turnover are poor service delivery, low productivity, and hence the failure to meet the intended goals and objectives. The study consequently recommends that there should be well designed policies and strategies to retain all the categories of employee by treating them equally. And this can be done through improving working environment by hiring inappropriate staff and practice equality in treatment of staff, improve salary, accommodation, empower employee through attendance of conferences and the use of feedback system by giving employee feedback on how they are performing and thus what need to improve if needs. Again to provide employee with clear job descriptions, place staff according to their qualifications, usage of users friendly Information Technology (IT) system, applying Open Performance Review Assessment System (OPRAS) for promotions may motivate employee through performance rewards.
Is decentralization still recentralization? The local government reform programme in Tanzania
(Taylor & Francis, 2010) Kessy, A. T.; McCourt, W.
Many governments have promoted decentralization, but opinion is divided on whether real devolution of authority from the centre to the local level has occurred. This article uses a study of the Local Government Reform Program (LGRP) in Tanzania to explore whether decentralization is realizing its objectives. Our findings are that LGRP has led to a significant devolution of authority and resources. However, persisting capacity deficits, increased financial dependence on the central government, and political and institutional constraints mean that the achievements have fallen short of the reformers' intentions. The study suggests that even where political will to decentralize exists, it has to translate into identifying and dealing with stubborn and subtle constraints such as, in this case, the contradiction between a new devolved structure and a persisting deconcentrated structure in order for decentralization to reach the logical conclusion that the reformers intended.
Challenges and opportunities facing community owned and managed microfinance institutions: a case of the village savings and loans associations in Dodoma municipal.
(The University of Dodoma, 2011) Kopoka, Inocensia B.
In order to increase the outreach of financial services to community members, especially in the rural areas, community owned and managed microfinance institutions were introduced to curb the problems associated with the present microfinance institutions. One approach of community owned and managed microfinance is the Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) methodology. The purpose of a VSLA is to provide simple savings and loan facilities in a community that does not have easy access to formal financial services. The study was conducted within the Dodoma Municipality in the wards of Makole, Ipagala, Tambukareli, Kikuyu and Kisasa where the VSLA groups are operating. The main objective of the study was to assess the prevailing challenges and opportunities faced by community owned and managed microfinance institutions using the Village Savings and Loans Associations as the case study. Specifically the study explored the nature, dimensions and rationale of the formation of community owned and managed microfinance institutions i.e. VSLAs in Dodoma and also to assess the performance of Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLA) methodology of microfinance delivery through community ownership and management and lastly to identify the challenges of building community owned and managed microfinance institutions and sustaining them. The findings of the study were drawn from the data collected from eighty four (84) respondents of which, eighty (80) were members of the VSLA groups, fifteen of these members were also the office bearers who consisted of one chairperson, treasurer and a secretary from each group covered as well as four field officers from CODERT Dodoma. Data collection methods used included survey and interviews. Secondary information was obtained through review of literature from published and unpublished documents, reports and journals through which the VSLA methodology was seen to be an effective mechanism for helping the poor in the rural areas gain access to financial services. The major challenges faced by the VSLA were that members were more concerned with buying shares than repaying their loans and that there was no effective mechanism to deal with those who failed to repay their loans during a cycle. However, the VSLA methodology had brought about a culture of savings among the members and that they are able to effectively cope with financial shock which may occur within the household. There is a strong need for CODERT to develop effective means for the VSLA member to be able to recuperate their lost savings if they have guaranteed loans of other members which have not been paid. For those members of the VSLA groups who do not have any income generating activity, CODERT must provide entrepreneurial skill for these members as this will reduce the increase rate in outstanding loans by these members.
The contribution of international institutions to women economic empowerment: a case of the united nations entity for gender equality and the empowerment of women (UNW)
(The University of Dodoma, 2011) Marwerwe, Naomi Nyakenda
The past three decades from the 80‘s have witnessed a steadily increasing awareness of the need to empower women through measures that increase social, economic and political equity. In recognition of the importance of establishing gender equality around the world the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UNW)) was established in 1984. Thus, this study aimed to examine the contribution of the UN Women in women economic empowerment. The contribution of UNW was studied under three aspects; the nature and magnitude of UN Women contribution to women empowerment, activities being supported by UN Women and finally the extent to which UN Women support is contributing to women economic empowerment. The research used a descriptive case study design and data was collected through 20 interviews, document review and internet sources. Interview reports, document analysis findings were analyzed using content analysis method. The findings revealed that UNW does not provide money to women but it contributes to women economic empowerment through programs and activities that it does to women in various places. UN-Women focus on women who are often excluded including rural women, who are poor, illiterate, have less access to property ownership, credit, training and employment. Activities include training, advocates, studies and formation of networks of women engaged in informal cross-border trade. Finally, empowering a woman means empowering a nation, community and the entire human family. The study therefore recommends that UNW puts in more attention and find out new approaches, skills, techniques, interesting programs and further education that would draw women‘s attention even those who have never been exposed to educational programs would have a sense of wanting to concentrate more and get to explore new ideas.
Performance of village development committees in Tanzania: a case study of Kilombero district council, Morogoro region
(The University of Dodoma, 2011) Sinoni, Jumanne
The specific objective of the study were to find out the role of Village Development Committees, to examine the operations of Village Development Committees and to assess the performance of Village Development Committees in Kilombero District Council.Literature review, questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussion and field site visits were used in collecting data. Data were analyzed into simple descriptive statistics using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) program and MS-EXCEL. A total of 100 respondents from eight villages were involved in this study as representative samples.The villages were:Kibaoni, Kilama, Kikwawira, Lughongole, Mbasa,Lumemo,Ihanga and Mahutanga. Research findings indicate that Village Development Committees (VDCs) were ineffective because it were unable to implement development projects successfully including construction of schools, markets, drilling and installation of water projects and irrigation schemes. The operation of VDCs was found to rely on villager’s participation rather than enforcement of directives from District Officials. The role of VDCs were found to be familiar to villagers including planning, information disbursement to villagers, budgeting, mobilization of resources and involvement of key stakeholders in development. The challenges facing VDCs were conflicting political interests between CUF and CHADEMA versus CCM rulling political party and lack of education on how VDCs works and inadequate funds from external sources to support village development programmes.The suggested measures to ensure effectiveness of VDCs varied across villagers including resolving of conflicting political parties interests (CHADEMA & CUF versus CCM), provision of education to villagers and VDCs members on how VDCs works in connection to the community, payment of salaries to VDCs members and committment and accountability to VDCs members.
Promotion of grassroots participation on HIV/AIDS policy formulation in rural Tanzania: a case study of Serengeti district
(The University of Dodoma, 2011) Peter, Cecilia
This study is about promotion of grassroots participation on HIV/AIDS policy formulation in rural Tanzania a case of Serengeti district. Grassroots participation has been done in Tanzania but in HIV/AIDS policy formulation particularly it has never been done. The main problem behind the study is lack of participation for ordinary people in the HIV/AIDS policy, especially in rural areas where only few people have knowledge on the National HIV/AIDS elimination strategies. The aim is to assess the level of grassroots participation in HIV/AIDS policy formulation. Questions had to be answered as follows; people’s perception on HIV/AIDS policy; people’s ways of participation in traditional life; people’s participation on HIV/AIDS policy; and on how should people participate in HIV/AIDS policy. The study implied mixed approach with cross sectional design whereby situation and conclusions concerning the study was derived from the respondents themselves. There were few common challenges mentioned by respondents if the whole community is to be involved in policy formulation process mainly costs and time factors, but they suggest that if they can participate in different social and economic activities successfully, what will hinder participation in policy formulation. Finally, the study suggests that grassroots participation should be a culture and that having policy as an instrument is one best thing but, ordinary people’s participation is more important to make it become successful.
The impact of vocation training centers (VTCS) on improving youth livelihood in Dodoma municipality: the case of five selected VTCS
(The University of Dodoma, 2011) Aloyce, Babene
The study on impact of Vocation Training Centers (VTCs) on improving youth livelihood was conducted in Dodoma Municipality. Generally the study aimed at assessing the relevance of vocational education training centers in improving youth livelihood; specifically intended to: identify skills acquired by youth through vocational education training, determine the teachers qualifications and its effects on the teaching of practical skills, examine the contribution of vocational training skills in creating self-employment and livelihood promotion among VTCs graduates. The study has used cross sectional research design. A sample of 60 respondents was drawn from the selected five VTCs. The study used both probability and non probability sampling procedures. Data analysis was based on descriptive statistics using Statistics Package for Social Science (SPSS) and Microsoft Excel to form frequencies and percentages of the findings. The study has found that most of the youth have acquired skills on carpentry, catering, tailoring, mechanics and electrical installation. However, this does not mean that other vocation skills are less significant to youth livelihood. Sustainable livelihood depends much on the ability of one to access livelihood assets, access to sources of working capital was one of livelihood assets examined; it was observed that more than half of respondents (65%) accessed the working capital from their relatives and friends followed by few respondents (14%) who have affirmed to have received working capital from SACCOS. This implies that support from the government, CSOs and private sector to empower VTCs graduates to start self-employment is inadequate and has resulted most of VTCs graduates livelihood stand still in the state of vulnerability. The study, therefore, recommends the stakeholders to complement the government’s effort in the provision of training resources.
Challenges and prospects of addressing road safety in Tanzania: a case study of Dar es salaam city
(The University of Dodoma, 2011) Mtamwa, Chipegwa Joseph
This study examines the challenges and prospects of road safety which are associated to road traffic accidents in Dar es Salaam City in Tanzania. In identifying challenges and prospects associated with the causes of road traffic accidents, the study used a system theory and model for traffic accidents as the base of knowledge in this study. The methodology and procedure for data collection employed in the field was based on both qualitative and quantitative approaches within a framework of a case study approach. Interviews with accident victims, government officials, traffic police, focus group discussions, observations and review of secondary data at Muhimbili hospital of about 400 casualties, were done accordingly. The study has revealed the trends of motor traffic accidents in Dar es Salaam between 2006 to 2011 which show that accident occurrences were increasing every year; passengers are always at high risk of being injured or killed on the road. Men are more involved in road accidents than women. The study has also described different types of motor related injuries. Over speeding, reckless driving, being a pedestrian, or a motor cyclist were identified as challenges to motor vehicle crashes. The study has also identified qualitatively that the technical element of the highway construction, corruption, irresponsibility, poor management, driving while using cell phone, driving without training, failure to respect and obey traffic regulations, bad condition of vehicles, age of the vehicles and poor condition of services as the important challenges associating with the cause of traffic accidents in Dar es Salaam. In order to reduce traffic accidents in Dar es Salaam City, the study recommends that the government should review legislations regarding employment of drivers; National Institute of Transport (NIT) and Vocational Education Training Authority (VETA) should be given a statutory mandate to train the drivers. Working conditions of police force should be improved, public road safety campaigns should be conducted, and new driving license system must be followed. The use of cell phones while driving should be totally restricted. The hospital and police record keeping should be strengthened, the hospital staff, traffic police and ambulance personnel should be considered for intensive training on emergency and attentiveness, and regular vehicle inspection should be introduced in the country.

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