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’ perceptions about the competences of open and Distance Learning Graduates

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE Page 4643-4653Education plays a vital role in individual and national development. Open and Distance Learning (ODL) is an educational approach that enables learners to study independently within their own environments without attending conventional classes. In ODL, the learning is facilitated through provided course outlines or modules. This quantitative study investigates the perceptions of key stakeholders, including ODL learners, employers, and the head of a nearby school, regarding the skills, values, and competencies of ODL graduates, as well as their ability to perform assigned tasks. The study was conducted at the Institute of Adult Education learning centres found in Dar es Salaam, Mbeya, and Ruvuma, with a total of 622 respondents. The data was collected through closed-ended questionnaires and analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23. Descriptive statistics, including tables, frequencies, and percentages, were used to present the data, while inferential analysis employed the Pearson Chi-square test to determine relationships between variables. The results indicate that stakeholders, including employers and ODL learners, expressed confidence in the innovative skills developed by ODL graduates. The heads of the nearby schools were particularly confident with graduates' communication skills. Employers showed the highest confidence in the graduates’ ability to effectively manage assigned tasks. Similarly, the heads of the nearby schools were confident in the ODL program for equipping graduates with quality and sustainable skills to serve their communities. They also recognized the graduates' ability to demonstrate a high level of competence when taking on responsibilities. ODL learners consistently expressed confidence in nearly all aspects of the program’s outcomes. The study recommends that ODL institutions partner with employers to understand the skills ODL graduates should possess to succeed in the workplace. Additionally, ODL institutions should ensure that their programs are of high quality so that all graduates meet consistent standards of professional readiness in the labour market

Revisiting chemical and microbiological quality and safety of fish and fish products

Journal ArticleFish and fishery products constitute a primary global food source, providing essential protein and nutrients. Ensuring their safety and quality throughout the supply chain is paramount. The safety and quality of fish and fish products are paramount considerations in the global food industry but their quality and safety may be compromised at various stages of transport, handling, and processing. The major contaminants of fish and fish products are chemical and microbiological in nature. Chemical contaminants commonly found in fish, including heavy metals, pesticides, and persistent organic pollutants which pose significant risks to consumers. Microbiological contaminants are both pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms such as Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, and Vibrio spp which are often implicated in foodborne illnesses associated with seafood consumption. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the chemical and microbiological contaminants facing the fish industry while advocating for enhanced regulatory frameworks and sustainable practices to ensure consumer safety as well as modern methods for detecting these microorganisms, including molecular techniques like PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) and biosensors that enhance detection sensitivity

Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Nematodes in Silvery Mole-Rats in the Morogoro Region, Tanzania

Journal ArticleExploring the nematode diversity in silvery mole rats opens up a fascinating avenue for understanding the intricate relationships between underground-dwelling mammals and their parasites. It is intriguing to consider the potential transmission of parasitic zoonotic between humans, livestock, and silvery mole rats due to the notable interactions of these animals. This study aims to acquire crucial information about the nematode fauna in silvery mole rats in the Morogoro region, Tanzania. A survey of nematode parasites in silvery mole rats was conducted in the Morogoro region, from March to June 2023. Collected rats were euthanized using Diethyl Ether, and dissected to remove the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Adult worms were collected and preserved in 70% ethanol. A flotation method and lactophenol mounting techniques were employed to process gastrointestinal contents and adult roundworms. The prevalence of nematodes was computed, and a chi-square test was applied to assess the relationship, a p-value< 0.05 was considered significant. The examination of the gastrointestinal tract contents revealed two nematode taxa; Physaloptera spp. and Strongyloides spp. The overall prevalence of nematode infection was 38.69% (53/137), with Physaloptera species being the most prevalent (37.22%). Adult rats had a lower infection risk than sub-adult rats. Female silvery mole rats were at higher risk of being infected compared to males. The study established two nematodes in silvery mole rats of Morogoro region, Tanzania, which are Physaloptera spp. and Strongyloides spp

Farmers’ attitudes and challenges in organic spice farming: a case study of the Uluguru Mountains, Tanzania

The sub Saharan Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities (SJSSH), pp. 41-50Despite Tanzania's economic reforms and rising global demand for organic spices, smallholder farmers in the Uluguru Mountains face significant barriers to sustainable organic spice production, including fungal diseases, market exploitation, and post-harvest losses. This cross-sectional mixed-methods study (n=120 farmers, 11 key informants) in Morogoro District employed descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and logistic regression to examine farmers’ attitudes and challenges. Results revealed that 47.5% of farmers held favourable attitudes toward organic farming (95% citing environmental benefits, 84.2% premium prices), while 45% expressed unfavourable views due to economic constraints. Logistic regression showed that male farmers (OR=6.63, 95% CI: 2.43–18.09, p<0.001) and those with secondary education (OR=19.85, 95% CI: 2.20–179.23, p=0.008) were significantly more likely to have favourable attitudes, while market inefficiencies (OR=0.29, 95% CI: 0.12–0.73, p=0.008) and inadequate storage (OR=0.33, 95% CI: 0.11–0.99, p=0.047) reduced this likelihood. Key challenges included fungal diseases (84.5% prevalence; χ²=25.909, p<0.001), middlemen-driven market inefficiencies (64.9%), and poor storage facilities (24.1%). Grounded in the Theory of Planned Behavior, these findings highlight how socio-demographic disparities and structural barriers shape farmers’ engagement with organic practices. The study recommends disease-resistant crop varieties, improved storage infrastructure, farmer cooperatives, and gender-inclusive training to enhance the viability and equity of organic spice farming, aligning with Tanzania’s sustainable development goals

Impact of northern Tanzania potato system improvement project on income and food security of smallholder farmers in Arusha district, Tanzania

Journal articlePotatoes are a staple crop with substantial potential to enhance the income and food security of smallholder farmers in Tanzania. This study assesses the impact of the Northern Tanzania Potato System Improvement (NTPSI) project on smallholder farmers in Arusha District, focusing on both economic and food security outcomes. Using a cross-sectional survey of 192 farmers, comprising both participants and non-participants of the NTPSI project, the study applied Propensity Score Matching (PSM) to address selection bias and ensure robust comparison. Key outcome indicators included Gross Margin (GM) for income, Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS), and Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) for food security. The results reveal that participation in NTPSI significantly improved economic returns and food security. Specifically, the Average Treatment Effect on the Treated (ATT) showed that participants had a mean gross margin increase of TZS 512,000 per acre compared to non-participants (p < 0.01). Moreover, the HDDS score increased by an average of 2.4 points (p < 0.01), indicating better household dietary diversity, while the HFIAS score decreased by 3.7 points (p < 0.05), suggesting reduced food insecurity. These statistically significant findings confirm the effectiveness of the NTPSI project in enhancing smallholder livelihoods. The study underscores the transformative potential of integrated agricultural interventions, such as improved seed distribution, farmer training, and access to extension services, on rural incomes and nutrition. The evidence supports scaling similar programs across potato-producing regions in Tanzania to contribute to achieving SDGs 1 (No Poverty) and 2 (Zero Hunger)

Studies on the Influence of altitude on abundance of fall armyworm (Spodoptera Frugiperda (Je Smith)) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Tanzania

Research articleFall armyworm (FAW) (Spodoptera frugiperda) is one of the most devastating polyphagous field crop pests in many parts of the world, including Tanzania. Influence of altitude on the abundance of S. frugiperda was studies by using Pheromone (Frugilure S. frugiperda, Chemtica international, S.A) embedded cup traps. The study was conducted along sites of Mt. Uluguru slopes including; SUA (525 masl), Mlali (579 masl), Mgeta (1050 masl) and Nyandira (1691 masl) located in Morogoro Region, Tanzania. A total of 16 cup traps (four at each site equidistantly arranged at 100 m apart) were used. Weather data were recorded using Hygrocron i-button hung on a tree at equidistant from the four traps. Data on S. frugiperda counts and weather variables were recorded weekly for duration of six months from January to June 2020. Results showed that S. frugiperda was abundantly recorded across he tested altitude albeit at varied abundance. There was significant difference (p < 0.001) among altitude on S. frugiperda abundance, whereby at low altitude, S. frugiperda abundance was high compared to medium and high altitude. Rainfall had positive correlation on S. frugiperda abundance (r = 0.16, r = 0.04) for SUA and Mlali and negative correlation (r = -0.44) and (r = -0.03) for Mgeta and Nyandira. Temperature had positive correlation (r = 0.21) on S. frugiperda abundance at Nyandira while SUA (r = -0.03), Mlali (r = -0.35) and Mgeta (r = -0.28) had negative correlation. Relative humidity for all four locations showed negative correlation with S. frugiperda abundance. Thus, appropriate and effective management practices of S. frugiperda should be considered throughout maize production areas and across crop production seasons regardless of the altitude

Perceptions of innovation system stakeholders towards grassroots innovators in Tanzania

Journal articleThis study explores the perceptions of various stakeholders toward grassroots innovators in Tanzania and how these views shape the innovation ecosystem. Stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector actors, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and international donors, influence the grassroots innovation journey through their support, policies, and funding mechanisms. Using a qualitative approach, data were collected from 35 grassroots innovators through semi-structured questionnaire, key informant interviews, and observations. Innovators were selected from the COSTECH database, Mashindano ya Kitaifa ya Sayansi, Teknolojia na Ubunifu (MAKISATU) records, and participants in the Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair Exhibition (SABASABA). The findings indicate that while institutions such as the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MOEST) and COSTECH are seen as crucial for policy support, bureaucratic delays and budget constraints limit their effectiveness. Meanwhile, organizations such as 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 perceived as more accessible and hands-on in supporting grassroots innovators. However, challenges persist in aligning private sector and international donor support with grassroots needs due to issues of trust and mismatched priorities. The study underscores the importance of addressing these perceptions to enhance stakeholder engagement, improve resource distribution and foster a more inclusive innovation ecosyste

Conflicting interests over natural resource use: the case of interactions among livestock keepers, farmers, and wildlife at Kilombero Valley, Tanzania

Journal ArticleConflicts over natural resources use among farmers, livestock keepers, and wildlife are escalating in the Kilombero Valley, Tanzania, posing significant threats to livelihoods, security, and sustainable development. This study investigated the types, drivers and impacts of these conflicts using a mix-methods approach, including questionnaire survey, key informant interviews, and focused group discussions. Descriptive statistics and content analysis revealed 16 distinct conflict types, with the most prevalent being crop raiding by livestock before harvest (farmers-pastoralist conflict) and disputes over farm boundaries (farmer- farmer conflict). Key drivers of conflicts varied between groups but commonly included an increasing number of livestock, inadequate supervision of herders, and seasonal flooding of grazing lands. The primary consequences identified were reduced crop yields, social tension, and emotional distress. To mitigate these conflicts, the study recommends enforcing adherence to village land use plans, promoting coexistence through community education, providing training in livestock management and good practice, and regulating livestock influx into the areaEU funding support through the MSCA-RISE UNDERTREES Project (GA No. 872384)

Impact of northern Tanzania potato system improvement project on income and food security of smallholder farmers in Arusha district, Tanzania

Journal articlePotatoes are a staple crop with substantial potential to enhance the income and food security of smallholder farmers in Tanzania. This study assesses the impact of the Northern Tanzania Potato System Improvement (NTPSI) project on smallholder farmers in Arusha District, focusing on both economic and food security outcomes. Using a cross-sectional survey of 192 farmers, comprising both participants and non-participants of the NTPSI project, the study applied Propensity Score Matching (PSM) to address selection bias and ensure robust comparison. Key outcome indicators included Gross Margin (GM) for income, Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS), and Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) for food security. The results reveal that participation in NTPSI significantly improved economic returns and food security. Specifically, the Average Treatment Effect on the Treated (ATT) showed that participants had a mean gross margin increase of TZS 512,000 per acre compared to non-participants (p < 0.01). Moreover, the HDDS score increased by an average of 2.4 points (p < 0.01), indicating better household dietary diversity, while the HFIAS score decreased by 3.7 points (p < 0.05), suggesting reduced food insecurity. These statistically significant findings confirm the effectiveness of the NTPSI project in enhancing smallholder livelihoods. The study underscores the transformative potential of integrated agricultural interventions, such as improved seed distribution, farmer training, and access to extension services, on rural incomes and nutrition. The evidence supports scaling similar programs across potato-producing regions in Tanzania to contribute to achieving SDGs 1 (No Poverty) and 2 (Zero Hunger)