Journal Articles

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Price reforms and smallholder agricultural production in Rungwe District
(University of Dar es Salaam, 2000) Mwakalobo, B. S Adam
This paper presents research findings based on data collected for a study that was conducted in Rungwe district in 1997 covering the 1993 to 1996 cropping season. The objectives of the study were to investigate the effects of price reform measures on smallholder production systems in Rungwe district. The study also investigated responses and changes that have taken place in smallholder agricultural production systems in the study area following the institution of price reform policies in Tanzania. A multi-stage sampling design was adopted. Ninety farmers were randomly selected from the six villages chosen (three from each of the two divisions). Simple statistics such as frequency, percentages and means were employed to summarise the information collected. Quantitative analysis involved the use of the double log regression analysis, which was used to assess the influence of the crops on area cultivat ed. The study results revealed that some farmers have switched from growing some crops that were using lesser amounts of farm inputs in their farm plot and abandoned some crops (e.g. tea). From the same study the results indicated that some farmers failed to expand the area under cultivation of some crops with increasing profit margins because of high population density, increased cost of production and delay in payment of crops sold in that particular cropping season. Some of the policy suggestions that have emanated from the study include: encouraging farmers to form their associations/groups through which they can take the advantages of bargaining power in the input, output and credit market and farmers need to be advised to use capital intensive inputs such as fertilisers in order to improve crop productivity in their existing small plots.
The effectiveness of anti-corruption legislation and the prevention of corruption in Tanzania
(University of Arkansas, 2009) Marwa, Ryoba
Corruption in Tanzania is a major challenge. This article addresses the problem of corruption in four steps. Firstly, it describes the nature of corruption. Secondly, it analyses efforts so far to prevent corruption in Tanzania. Thirdly, it considers the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau and the anti-corruption legislation of 2007 with a view to assessing whether they are sufficiently comprehensive to curb corruption in Tanzania. Fourthly, it looks at the effects of corruption in Tanzania. It concludes that the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau does not have genuine independence and that the government which is needed to defeat corruption is the core of the problem.
The impact of firm characteristics in access of financing by small and medium-sized enterprises in Tanzania
(Canadian Center of Science and Education, 2012) Kira, Alex Reuben; He, Zhongzhi
The contribution of Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) sector in economic development, job creation and income generation has been recognized worldwide. However, these contributions are not effectively harnessed in Tanzania. The main challenge limiting the sector to contribute fully is a shortage of finance. This study examines the impact of firm characteristics in access to debt financing by Tanzanian SMEs. The equation specified access to finance as dependent variable while firm characteristics as independent variable. Data collection was conducted through self-administered questionnaire in a survey of 163 Tanzanian firms. The statistical analysis of data involved Pearson correlation and logistic regression to establish the association between dependent and independent variables. The results indicate that firm’s location, industry, size, business information, age, incorporation and collateral influence access to debt finance. The study recommends that Tanzanian SME operators should maintain attractive firm attributes to stimulate lenders to extend debt financing to their investments.
Impacts of artisanal fishing to the livelihoods of small scale fishing communities in Lake Victoria in Ukerewe district, Tanzania
(Indore, 2012) Kulwijila, Mary; Masanyiwa, Zacharia S.; Namwata, Baltazar M.L.
Fisheries play an important role in the livelihoods of riparian communities in Tanzania. However, changes in biodiversity and commercialization of the sector in recent decades have adversely affected fishing communities. Most studies on the sector have focused mainly on the biological and technical aspects and less on the socio-economic impacts of these changes to local communities. This paper analyses the impacts of Nile perch fishery to small scale fishing communities in Lake Victoria using a case of selected villages in Ukerewe district. Specifically, the paper examines profitability of Nile perch fishery to small scale fishing communities and its contribution to household income and non-income poverty reduction in comparison to other fishery. A cross section survey was employed to collect primary data from 140 respondents using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive analysis included the use of means, percentages, and cross tabulation using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Gross margin analysis was used to examine profitability of Nile perch and other fishery to small scale fishing communities. Results show that Nile perch fishery was far more profitable than fishery of other species. Comparison of means using paired T-test indicated that profit from Nile perch fishery significantly exceeds that of other species. Results further indicate that Nile perch contributes significantly to household income by 59% for fishers, 62% for traders and 40% for processors. While more than half of respondents have good quality houses and can afford health services, majority of them are food insecure. It is concluded that Nile perch fishing has an important role in reducing both income and non-income poverty, hence the need to promote more pro-poor policies to improve livelihoods of small scale fisher communities.
Ex-ante economic impact assessment of green manure technology in maize production systems in Tanzania
(Science Publishing Group, 2012) William, J. G.; Hella, J. P.; Mwatawala, M. W.
In maize-based farming systems, intercropping of maize with green manure have been increasingly been one of the strategies to revive the declining maize production caused by increasing pests’ infestations and low soil fertility. This study analyzed the potential impacts of adoption of green manure technology on yield, cost, and profitability of maize production in the Eastern Zone of Tanzania. To assess the income and costs effects of maize production using green manure, a farm level budget was constructed from primary and secondary sets of data and information using a with-and-without framework of analysis. A partial budget was constructed to determine the incremental benefits from costs of adopting the green manure technology in managing noxious weeds such as Striga. Results showed that the adoption of green manure technology has a high potential to increase marketable yield, reduce costs and increase net profits. The partial budget analysis showed that green manure would give a net incremental benefit of Tsh. 478 654/acre compared to the chemical fertilizers used by farmers. These additional benefits were realized from increased marketable yields and savings from reduced chemical fertilizers and labour costs. Future research should strive to further develop and strategize dissemination channels to reach more of the smallholder population to increase their knowledge base on the alternative values of green manures.
The tax disputes resolution system in Tanzania: a scrutiny of its effectiveness and challenges
(AfricaBib, 2012) Mgaya, Gotrib
There are many reasons which lead to the rise of tax disputes in any tax jurisdiction. One is the complications of tax laws and another is the pressure from the government on the taxing authority to make sure it meets certain tax revenue targets. An effective tax disputes resolution mechanism (regime) is of paramount importance for the purpose of tax justice in terms of decisions delivered by the same. This article demonstrates how effective the tax dispute settlement system in Tanzania is as well as the way it circumvents some important aspects of tax justice, in particular the tax payer's rights to the peaceful enjoyment of his or her property. The discussion is concentrated on examining the tax disputes settlement system which is concerned with disputes arising from the tax system administered by the Tanzania Revenue Authority. The paper also investigates the legal and practical challenges which come from setting up such a settlement system. It argues that the tax dispute regime within the tax jurisdiction needs to be effective enough to build confidence in the tax payers.
Code-switching and social stratification in a rural Chasu community in Tanzania
(UNISA Press, 2012) Sebonde, Rafiki
Traditionally, contact linguistics paid less attention to internal speaker diversity in contact situations, treating groups in contact as relatively homogeneous. This research investigates whether different subgroups of speakers in a contact situation show different effects. In particular, this research investigates whether key sociolinguistic variables such as social class, gender, age and educational levels have as much bearing as in Western variationist sociolinguistics, in explaining the occurrence of code-switching in the rural trilingual Chasu community of the Same District (Kilimanjaro, Tanzania), where Chasu, Swahili and English co-exist. The study reveals how the socio-economic status of the language used by the dominant group, and the degree and duration of contact determine the scope of code-switching among rural Tanzanian Chasu speakers.
The evaluation of the factors influence the access to debt financing by Tanzanian SMEs
(IISTE, 2013) Kira, Alex Reuben
The primary objective of this study was to test the determinants of factor(s) impacts access to debt financing by Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). The research evaluates the extent on how the firm and the owner-manager factors impact upon the firms’ access to debt financing were evaluated. This study was conducted in 2012, based on a survey of 164 Tanzanian firms. The appropriateness and the support of the determinant factors impact SMEs’ access to external debt financing were empirically analyzed. The research design was quantitative in nature involving testing various hypotheses and theories about the associations between perceived constructs. Study results were then compared with factual indicator data subjected to multiple regression and correlation analysis. The results of the regression analysis comply with other researches conducted in previous studies in relation to factors impact access to debt financing. These empirical findings provide among the factors influence access of debt financing by SMEs in Tanzania include: firms management’s education, experiences of industry and business operations; furthermore, firm’s location, industry, size, age, incorporation, and availability of collateral and business information are noticeable factors that impact firm’s access to debt financing. The significances of the factors and their impacts have been addressed and reported in the study. Recommendations are made for owner-managers acquiring better management skills and qualifications to improve their managerial capabilities, experience and also, to adjust with financial institutions’ requirements for them to access debt finances effortlessly. For government, implementation of appropriate strategic planning, education, training and government support to the SME sector.
Determinants of financing constraints in East African countries’ SMEs
(Canadian Center of Science and Education, 2013) Kira, Alex
Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) are the main player in developing and strengthening zonal integration. This study used a sample of 1933 firms located within 5 East African countries with economic integration known as East Africa Community (EAC). Data was extracted from World Bank Business Enterprises Survey to evaluate determinants of financing obstacles of firms. Analysis of data was conducted by running ordered probit model and multivariate regression model to determine which firms’ industry or country’s characteristics explain and experienced financial constraints in their operations. The study found out that financing constraints in East African firms broadly based across firms but SMEs are mostly affected.
An economic comparison of biological and conventional control strategies for insect pests in cashew and mango plantations in Tanzania
(Journal of Economics and Sustainable Development, 2013) Mwatawala, M.; Rwegasira, G.; Esbjerg, L.; Hellas, J.; William, J. G.
This study was undertaken to compare alternative methods of pest control for insect pests in order to determine which methods has the highest efficacy against insect pests and the least detrimental side effects, while maintaining production and profits. The analysis was based on the experimental trials for three treatments: weaver ants, chemical insecticides and control. Data on yields, quantities and prices of inputs and output were collected and analyzed using inferential statistics (t-test), partial budgetary technique and marginal analysis involving dominance analysis. The results of partial budget analysis shows that a change from chemical insecticides treatment to weaver ants returned net benefits greater than zero by Tsh. 692 923 and Tsh.1019665 in cashew and mango plantations respectively. Similarly, positive net benefits was obtained when growers change from control to weaver ants treatment by Tsh. 504 989 and Tsh. 891 297 in cashew and mango plantations. The dominance and MRR analyses shows that if cashew and mango growers change from conventional agricultural practices to weaver ants, they would earn MRR of 1621% which is above minimum acceptable rate of return (MARR) of 100%. The t-test analyses show that weaver ant treatment is superior over conventional agricultural practices. The study concludes that weaver ant treatment was economically feasible and financially undertaking. Further field experimental trials will be repeated in the next two growing seasons to confirm results obtained in 2012.
Sources of technical efficiency among smallholder maize farmers in Babati district,Tanzania
(IISTE, 2013) Baha, Michael .R.
Ex-ante analysis of economic returns from biological control of coconut mite in Tanzania
(University of Missouri, 2013) Oleke, J. M.; Manyong, V.; Mignouna, D.; Isinika, A.; Mutabazi, K.; Hanna, R.; Sabelis, M.
The coconut mite, Aceria guerreronis Keifer, has been identified as one of the pests that pose a threat to the coconut industry in Benin using a standard economic surplus model. The study presents the simulation results of the economic benefits of the biological control of coconut mites in Benin. In the least optimistic scenario, the economy would derive an overall net-gain of US$155,213.40. Considered at a discount rate of 12% for the period 2008-2027, net present value was about US$207,721, while the internal rates of return or break-even discount rates are high at 13.21%. It is therefore recommended that contemporaneous with the release of natural predators of the coconut mite, plans should be underway for improving research and extension services to coconut farmers in Benin.
Implications of HIV/AIDS for rural livelihoods in Tanzania: The Example of Rungwe district
(Cambridge University Press, 2013) Mwakalobo, Adam B. S.
HIV/AIDS is disrupting household livelihood security in Tanzania's rural communities and contributing to rural impoverishment by claiming the lives of the most productive young adults who make up the bulk of the labor force in those areas. This article presents results of a case study based on a survey of 119 households conducted in three villages of Rungwe district in Tanzania. The results reveal that households with HIV/AIDS deaths spend less on food than those without AIDS deaths, and that households with HIV and AIDS-related deaths are more likely to fall below the poverty line.
Assessment on the informal sector and its impact to the economy in Tanzania: The case of Arusha Municipality
(Diva Enterprises Pvt. Ltd., 2013) Christopher, Lema Nicodemas
The main objective of this study was to assess the informal sector and its contribution to the Tanzanian economy having Arusha municipality as the case study. The study attempted to find out the level of contribution the informal sector is making to the economy by looking at a number of factors, which were entrepreneurial skills, capital, production technique, and legal status. The study employed mainly qualitative approach in data collection and analysis after which the researcher identified a number of factors that affect contribution of informal sector to the economy. They included lack of permanent centers for doing business, lack of entrepreneurial skills, absence of market, market pressure resulting to low commodity prices, too high taxes established as well as unstable weather conditions. It also went further into suggesting the possible recommendations/policies to the government and policy makers in order to improve the current situation that included provision of entrepreneurship training, establishment of permanent business places, formation of small groups for easy accessibility to loans and education pertaining to formalities in obtaining those loans from financial institutions.
Animal health constraints perceived to be important in Kilosa and Gairo Districts, Morogoro, Tanzania: Implications on disease prevention and control
(2013) Karimuribo, E. D.; Kimbita, E. N.; Silayo, R. S.; Mgongo, F. O. K.; Mpanduji, D. G.; Wambura, R. M.; Batamuzi, E. K.; Matiko, M. K.; Massawe, L. B.; Sendalo, D.; Mwakalobo, A. B.; Rich, K.
A study was carried out in Kilosa and Gairo districts to identify and characterize animal health constraints as perceived by stakeholders in the beef and milk value chains. A combination of methods was used to collect data, namely, mapping of value chain actors and baseline survey. The baseline survey involved 220 households drawn from 33 villages and 22 wards. Using a structured questionnaire, households were visited to assess awareness and experience of livestock diseases based on observation of clinical cases prevalent in cattle herds. Prevalent diseases as reported by the respondents were East Coast fever (ECF; 88.1%), anaplasmosis (78.0%), heartwater (75.8%) and babesiosis (64.0%). Other animal health problems reported were contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP; 92.6%), calf diarrhoeas (79.9%), trypanosomosis (66.7%), brucellosis (65.3%) and mastitis (60.1%). Further inquiry revealed that health problems perceived to be the most important, in declining order, were: ECF, trypanosomosis, anaplasmosis, heartwater, calf diarrhoea, brucellosis and babesiosis. With regard to routine disease control activities, all respondents reported to apply acaricides to control ticks while 90% reported deworming their animals regularly. Although acaricide application was reported to be carried out, tick-borne diseases (TBDs) were still prevalent in the study area. These finding suggest that the current control measures against infectious diseases are ineffective. There is, therefore, a need to have in-depth evaluation of existing disease prevention and control options so that corrective measures can be applied to reverse the situation, which will ensure reduction of morbidities and mortalities associated with infectious diseases. This will contribute to improved livelihoods of pastoral and agro-pastoral farmers predominant in Kilosa and Gairo districts.
The factors affecting Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in developing countries: the case of Tanzania
(IISTE, 2013) Kira, Alex Reuben
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is one of the determinants of country’s economic growth. This study intends to analyze the factors that affect the GDP of Developing Countries whereby Tanzania is selected as a representative. Keynes model was adopted to be tested in Tanzanian GDP from 1970 to 2009. The result shows the GDP being at the same level year after year with no significant changes subject to some dormant factors. The most common GDP trend is a continuous growth with periods of acceleration and deceleration. Some occurrences of unconditional decline are afterwards plagued by further growth. Developing county’s GDP is confused and unbalanced, with regular and deep unconditional GDP falls and booms. Tanzanian GDP as a developing country is influenced by Consumption (Government Final Expenditure and Household Final Expenditure) and Exports. Investment sector have to be encouraged for its impact on GDP be realized including stimulation of industrialization at country level. Problems such as increase in oil prices, power shortages and political instabilities are a distinctive source of GDP sinking in developing countries which require abruptly solution.
The beef value chain in Kilosa and Gairo districts: Features and weak links.
(Tanzania Veterinary Association and Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2013) Batamuzi, E. K.; Karimuribo, E. D.; Wambura, R. M.; Kimbita, E. N.; Silayo, R. S.; Matiko, M. K.; Rich, K.; Mpanduji, D. G.; Massawe, L. B.; Sendalo, D.; Mwakalobo, A. B.; Mgongo, F. O. K.; Mutabazi, K.
A value chain analysis of beef sub-sector was carried out in Kilosa and Gairo Districts in order to address weak-links in the chain. Stakeholder mapping and analysis, baseline data collection and stakeholders’ workshop were conducted. Results indicate that the beef value chain has various actors among them: pastoralists and agro-pastoralists, service providers, small, medium and large livestock traders and live animal transporters. Others are market masters, slaughterhouse operators, meat transporters, meat shop operators and consumers. Mobile phone service was noted to effectively link various actors along the value chain. The producers in Kilosa and Gairo are feeding into within the district, region, Dar es Salaam; and the export market. There are relatively few female actors along the beef value chain, mostly in processing and retail offal business, input supply and one case in Dar es Salaam where three women are operating a slaughter slab. Feeds and water availability particularly during the dry season; and animal diseases were reported as major production constraints impacting on quantity and quality of beef produced. Analysis of value chain governance revealed that retailing butcher shops are receiving relatively a larger share (30%) of the overall price compared to the rest of actors in the strand. Furthermore, findings show that the supply chain is characterized by low value addition among the pastoralist and high value addition among the feedlot operators and large scale processors. Weak links that require immediate attention include: animal diseases and non-use of standard weight measures during selling of live cattle.
Sources of technical efficiency among smallholder maize farmers in Babati district,Tanzania
(AJOL, 2013) Baha, Michael .R.
Decrease in maize yield per hectare in Tanzania for the past three years was noted. This decline in yield has been attributed to many factors. Using a cross sectional data obtained through a multistage sampling technique the production efficiency and its determinants among maize crop farmers in the district were examined. A purposive sampling technique was used to select four wards under maize production with a simple random sampling used to select six villages out of the four wards. Stratified sampling was to select 122 farmers who cultivated maize in the study area. Stochastic frontier model determined the sources of inefficiency among farmers in the study area. The mean technical efficiency was found to be 62.3% suggesting that an estimated 37.7% of the inefficiency in maize production in study area results from combination of both technical and allocative inefficiency. The study concludes that, in order to increase efficiency farm size, formal education, number of plots owned by a farmer, frequency of contacts with extension officers, use of insect sides, and the use of hand hoes or otherwise are important factors.
Sources of technical efficiency among smallholders maize farmers in Babati district
(The Open University of Tanzania, 2013) Baha, M.; Temu, A.; Philip, D.
Maize yield in Tanzania has been decreasing in the past few years. The decline has been attributed to many factors. This paper assesses production efficiency and its determinants among maize farmers in Babati district. The paper uses data collected from 122 maize farmers residing in six villages in the study district. A stochastic frontier model has been used to determine the sources of inefficiency among maize farmers in the study area. The results show that the mean technical efficiency score for famers in the study area is 62.3%. This implies that there is a significant room for increasing maize yield in the study area if farmers use the resources at their disposal efficiently. Moreover, the results show that the efficiency of maize farmers in the study area is influenced by farm size, formal education, number of plots owned by the farmer, frequency of contacts with extension officers, and the use of insecticides. It is therefore plausible to argue that improving farmers’ access to extension services and important inputs such as insecticides will have a significant influence on maize yield in the study area.
Determinants of financing constraints in East African Countries’ SMEs
(Canadian Center of Science and Education, 2013) Kira, Alex R
Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) are the main player in developing and strengthening zonal integration. This study used a sample of 1933 firms located within 5 East African countries with economic integration known as East Africa Community (EAC). Data was extracted from World Bank Business Enterprises Survey to evaluate determinants of financing obstacles of firms. Analysis of data was conducted by running ordered probit model and multivariate regression model to determine which firms’ industry or country’s characteristics explain and experienced financial constraints in their operations. The study found out that financing constraints in East African firms broadly based across firms but SMEs are mostly affected.

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