Navigating grassroots innovation journey in Tanzania: factors shaping innovation

Journal articleGrassroots innovation is increasingly recognized for its potential to address localized challenges and promote sustainable development. This study addressed the factors influencing grassroots innovation journeys in Tanzania, utilizing PESTLE and SWOT analysis frameworks. A cross- sectional design was used to collect qualitative data guided by a semi-structured questionnaire from 35 grassroots innovators. 16 innovators were purposively selected from the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH) innovators database, 11 were purposively selected from Mashindano ya Kitaifa ya Sayansi, Teknolojia na Ubunifu (MAKISATU) databases and 8 innovators were purposively selected from 2020, 2021 and 2022 and participants in the 45 th and 46th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair Exhibition (SABASABA) in 2021 and 2022. Key informant interviews and observations supplemented the collected data, identifying different prototypes according to the stages of innovation. Innovators were selected from 11 sectors: Agriculture, Information and Communication Technology, Environment, Energy, Engineering, Education, Health, Security, Transport, Industrial and Water. The findings highlight the critical role of political support, economic stability, technological access and community engagement in fostering successful grassroots innovation journeys. The study offers policy recommendations to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of grassroots innovation initiatives in Tanzania. Emphasizing the need for stable funding, robust legal frameworks and holistic approach to address multifaceted challenges. This includes policy reforms, economic incentives, societal attitude shifts, technological support, legal clarity and infrastructural improvements. By tackling these issues comprehensively, Tanzania can create a more vibrant and inclusive innovation ecosystem, unlocking the potential of its innovators to drive sustainable development and economic growth

Assessing the effectiveness of employable learning pathways in vocatinal education and training in VETA Lindi and Mtwara Centers

International Journal of Education and Social Science Research Vol. 7, Issue.5, Sep-Oct 2024, p no. 62-73This study assessed the effectiveness of employable learning pathways in Vocational Education and Training (VET) in two Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA) centres; Lindi and Mtwara in Tanzania. VET plays a crucial role in youth employment, but there are challenges in ensuring that graduates' skills align with market demands. The study employed a survey research design and gathered data from 123 respondents, including 116 trainees and seven instructors, through closed questionnaires. The study was guided by human capital theory. Data were analysed using SPSS version 26. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were employed to assess the effectiveness of the curriculum in teaching methods and learning resources at those centres, as well as to evaluate resource availability. Findings revealed that work-based learning particularly industrial attachments positively impacts skills development, but language barriers, outdated equipment and inadequate resources hinder effectiveness. The study concluded that there is a need for improved language support programs, and modern facilities to enhance VET outcomes. The study recommends that improving infrastructure in vocational institutes and resource compatibility with industry standards can better equip students for the job market, thus reducing youth unemployment in Tanzania

Effect of processing on nutritional and sensory quality of orange-fleshed sweet potato’s porridge and Ugali (stiff-porridge) consumed in the Lake Zone, Tanzania

Journal ArticleThe orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) is a nutrient-rich crop with high β-carotene content, which helps prevent vitamin A deficiency (VAD). However, its semi-perishability requires proper processing to preserve its nutritional and sensory properties. This study assessed the effects of sun and solar drying on the proximate composition, β-carotene, vitamin C, mineral content, and sensory attributes of OFSP porridge and Ugali (stiff porridge) consumed in the Lake zone of Tanzania. Three variety of OFSP; Ejumla, Jewel, and Carrot Dar, were subjected to solar or sun-drying and subsequently processed into flour. The resulting flours were used to produce porridge and Ugali (stiff porridge). Conventional techniques were employed to evaluate the proximate composition, β-carotene, vitamin C, and micronutrient content of porridge and Ugali (stiff porridge). Additionally, sensory analysis was performed to assess the level of acceptability of the items' sensory qualities. There was a significant difference in moisture content, crude protein, and crude fat between porridge and Ugali (stiff porridge) for all three varieties of OFSP (p<0.05). Moreover, solar-dried products had higher retention of β-carotene (28.79 mg/100 g) and vitamin C (3.29-10.45 mg/100 g). Sun-dried products had lower mineral content than solar-dried products. There was also a significant difference (p<0.05) between solar and sun-dried products in all tested essential minerals. The nutrients analyzed were more concentrated in stiff porridge than in regular porridge, such as calcium (21.65mg/100g), potassium (90.70mg/100g), Sodium (169.98mg/100g), magnesium (13.26mg/100g) and zinc (0.51mg/100g). Solar-dried items had the highest acceptability scores (3.0–3.9) compared to sun-dried products, with Ejumla being the most preferred. The findings depict that solar drying preserves OFSP-based food's nutritional and sensory quality better. Solar-dried OFSP may reduce vitamin A deficiency (VAD) and improve nutritional security in Tanzania

Stochastic frontier analysis of technical efficiency of smallholder maize farmers in Morogoro municipality: a reflection from RIPAT program

Journal articleThis study looks into the elements that influence maize production and technical efficiency among households participating in the RIPAT SUA Project in Morogoro Municipality, using stochastic frontier analysis for the 2022 – 2023 season. The focus was on socio-economic characteristics, land size, seed usage, use of fertilizer extension services, training from the project, and education. The primaryobjective was to examine the factors influencing maize production and Stochastic Frontier, efficiency by evaluating socioeconomic aspects and specific Technical Efficiency, agricultural techniques. A total of 110 households were surveyed with standardized questionnaires. Socioeconomic data was collected, key variables were evaluated and key variables were analyzed using descriptive statistics and analysis. The results reveal that land size harms productivity (β = -0.436, p < 0.001), whereas improved seed usage has a positive impact (β = 0.401, p = 0.016). Education level (β = -1.168, p = 0.002) and agriculture experience (β = -0.016, p = 0.049) considerably reduce insisting on the importance of education interventions. Additionally, 40% of households have access to VSLA, revealing financial problems. While 94.55% of households got training, only 18.18% received extension services which could hamper the best productivity. Every household reported owning land and using seeds highlighting that they had the necessary materials for maize production. Regarding technical efficiency, Magadu ward high score of 5%, while Kauzeni has the lowest at 1.9% suggesting significant disproportions in productivity among wards. These findings emphasize the importance of focused initiatives to improve agriculture productivity through enhancing farmer education and training, experience, and increased access to finance. These strategies are critical for improving maize productivity and addressing food security issues among households participating in programs like the RIPAT SUA initiative hence will increase agricultural efficiency and contribute to more farmer-sustainable farming methods throughout the region

Stakeholders dynamics in the grassroots innovation journey in Tanzania: a swot analysis

Journal articleThe study analyzes the roles of various stakeholders in Tanzania’s grassroots innovation journey using a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis. The study examines key actors, including government agencies, private sector organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), international donors and grassroots innovators to assess their impact on the innovation ecosystem. A cross-sectional design was employed to collect qualitative data from 35 grassroots innovators, selected through purposive sampling from sources such as the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH) database, Mashindano ya Kitaifa ya Sayansi, Teknolojia na Ubunifu (MAKISATU) records, and participants in the Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair Exhibition (SABASABA). Data were gathered through semi-structured questionnaires, key informant interviews and observations. The SWOT analysis reveals that stakeholders such as the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MOEST) and COSTECH provide crucial policy and funding support but face challenges like bureaucratic delays and budget constraints. Other institutions, including the Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA), Small Industries Development Organization (SIDO), National Institute of Transport (NIT) and Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology (DIT) are recognized for their role in incubating grassroots innovations. The private sector and international donors contribute financial and technical support, yet issues related to trust and alignment with grassroots needs hinder their effectiveness. The findings emphasize the need for enhanced collaboration, improved coordination and streamlined administrative processes to strengthen stakeholder involvement in grassroots innovation

The nexus between school environment and pupils’ learning outcomes within the framework of the unlock literacy program in Handeni district, Tanzania

Journal articleThis study employs a quasi-experimental design to examine the influence of the school environment on pupils' learning outcomes within the Unlock Literacy Program in Handeni District. Data from 200 pupil respondents were collected through surveys and key informant interviews with teachers. The analysis utilized STATA 17 software for descriptive statistics to assess educational infrastructure and resources and ordinal regression to evaluate the school environment's impact on pupil learning outcomes. The findings indicate significant disparities in access to infrastructure and resources between treatment and control groups. Treatment schools had superior access to toilet facilities, classroom conditions, books, and libraries, with 37.5% having good classroom environments and similar percentages reflecting adequate book and library access. In contrast, control schools exhibited deficiencies, with 50% reporting inadequate books and 37.5% lacking library facilities. Ordinal regression revealed that factors like teacher encouragement, peer interaction, homework management, borrowing books, and engaging in fun activities significantly improved learning outcomes when integrated into a structured program. Conversely, the absence of such support led to less effective or negative impacts on pupils’ learning. Based on these findings, the study recommends adopting structured educational programs integrating supportive activities like teacher encouragement and peer interactions to enhance learning. Emphasizing positive teacher-pupil relationships through targeted training, improving access to essential resources, and regularly evaluating educational programs are crucial for fostering effective educational environments and improving pupil success

Contribution of revenue enhancement plans to fiscal performance: A study of Local Government Authorities in Tanzania

Journal articleThis study investigates the impact of Revenue Enhancement Plans (REPs) on fiscal performance— primarily revenue collection—within Tanzanian Local Government Authorities (LGAs), focusing on three representative councils: Mwanza City Council, Manyara Urban Council, and Mbeya City Council. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study integrates quantitative and qualitative data collected from 400 respondents using a multistage sampling technique. Quantitative data were analyzed using a Multivariate Ordered Probit model, which enabled the assessment of four key revenue performance dimensions: effectiveness, increment, reliability, and efficiency. Findings indicate that reducing revenue leakage and improving revenue forecasting accuracy significantly enhance revenue performance. Revenue leakage exhibited a strong negative association with effectiveness (coefficient: -1.221, p<0.01) and increment (-1.59, p<0.01), while accurate forecasting had a positive impact on effectiveness (1.390, p<0.01) and increment (0.516, p<0.01). High implementation costs were negatively associated with revenue growth (-1.634, p<0.05). In contrast, compliance positively influenced reliability (1.533, p<0.01) and efficiency (1.029, p<0.01), reinforcing the importance of regulatory adherence. These findings reflect persistent fiscal decentralization challenges in LGAs, such as weak systems, limited institutional capacity, and inadequate planning. Policy recommendations include implementing digital revenue management systems to curb leakages, strengthening forecasting capabilities through staff training and data analytics, and promoting compliance through awareness programs and enforcement mechanisms. Addressing these areas can improve fiscal performance, enhance financial sustainability, and strengthen service delivery at the local level

Industrialization and economic development in Tanzania from independence to today: a review of historical strategies, challenges and prospects

South Asian Journal of Social Studies and Economics Volume 22, Issue 7, Page 319-332Tanzania got her independence from the British in 1961, by then, Tanganyika, before joining Zanzibar in 1964. Tanzania started the move towards industrialization just after the independence in 1961. The Industrial development in Tanzania is categorized in various phases namely immediately after independence, during Ujamaa na kujitegemea (Socialism & Self-reliance ideology) after the Arusha Declaration of 1967, economic and political reforms in mid 1980s, beyond 1996 - privatization and establishment of private sectors, and free market economy period to date. The Industrial Development in Tanzania was strengthened in 2000s when the Tanzania Development Vision (TDV) 2025 was formulated with the aim of enabling the country to reach the semi-industrialized economy by 2025. Various strategies and economic development plans have been formulated in order to meet the TDV 2025. Many industrial development efforts were observed such as constructions of infrastructures such as buildings for offices, hotels, roads, railways, marine facilities, purchasing of airplanes, and establishment of power energy plants and service delivery facilities. However, the Industrial Development sector faced a number of challenges. The challenges include lack of capital, Inadequate supply of power, lack of technical skills, discontinuation of policies between succeeding regimes, price fluctuation, unstable currencies, corruption and economic crises due to various shocks such as the Tanzania –Uganda war of 1978/1979. However, the Industrial development in Tanzania keeps on pacing since independence 1961 to date. Industrialization in Tanzania has a positive, though complex, relationship with economic growth. In order to improve development of industries and country’s economic growth towards achieving the TDV 2025, the challenges and constraints which hinders industrial development should be evaded

Models for estimating volume of Tectona grandis at Longuza and Mtibwa forest plantations in Tanzania

Journal ArticleThis study aimed to develop and validate allometric equations for estimating total and merchantable volumes of teak (Tectona grandis L. f.) trees in two major statemanaged forest plantations in Tanzania, Longuza in the Tanga Region and Mtibwa in the Morogoro Region. It addresses the existing gap of the absence of accurate volume models required for the reliable estimation of total teak tree volume, which is critical for effective forest management and planning. A total of 177 destructively sampled trees were used to fit non-linear regression models incorporating diameter at breast height (D) and total height (H) as predictor variables. Site-specific and general models were developed and evaluated. Models that included both D and H outperformed those based solely on D, providing more unbiased volume estimates across diameter classes and sites. The bestperforming models exhibited high explanatory power (R² ≥ 0.96) and low prediction errors (PE% < 3%). The H-D relationship reveals differences in tree allometry between the two sites, with taller trees on average in Longuza than in Mtibwa. The site-specific H-D and volume equations are recommended where available. In the absence of such models, the generalised equations developed herein provide a reliable alternative across teak plantations in Tanzania