Rural Planning Journal
type: channel
description: The Rural Planning Journal (RPJ) is an international, double-blind peer-reviewed journal that publishes cutting-edge research of interest relating to rural development planning. Thematic areas of interest include Rural Development; Poverty Reduction; Development Planning and Management; Economic and Investment Planning; Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition; Environment, Climate Change and Energy; Population and Development; and, Cross-Cutting Issues. Specific focus areas include public policies, social services, agriculture, regional planning, public health, development finance, environment, gender, governance, business and entrepreneurship, and natural resources management. RPJ publishes twice a year in June and December.
publisher: Institute of Rural Development Planning
language: en
publication name: Rural Planning Journal
issn: 2507-7848
items: Digital Learning Platforms and Student Engagement: Empirical Evidence from Higher Learning Institutions in Tanzania
items: Influence of Monitoring and Evaluation Practices on Performance of Construction Projects in Public Secondary Schools in Ifakara Town Council, Tanzania
items: Determinants of Group Loans Uptake at the Local Government Authorities (LGAs) Fund among Youths at Mwanga District Council, Tanzania
items: The Analysis of Local Brewing and Its Contribution towards Asset Ownership in Rural Tanzania: A Case of Ulanda Ward
items: Improving Farming Activities through Traditional Practices: The Role of Rural Women in Tanzania
items: Effects of Coffee Production on Household Income among Smallholder Farmers in Mbinga District, Tanzania
items: Digital Connectivity and Antenatal Care Utilisation in Tanzania: Exploring the Role of Internet Use
items: Determinants of Youth Engagement in Cashew Nut Production in Ruangwa District, Tanzania
items: The Impact of Public Debt Growth and Public Investment on Economic Growth in Tanzania: Time Series Analysis (1993 – 2024)
items: Socio-Demographic Factors Influencing Public Servants to Engage in Entrepreneurial Activities in the Mara Region, Tanzania
items: Socio-economic and Environmental Factors Influencing Malaria Prevalence among Children Under Five in Tanzania
items: Agricultural Cooperatives as Drivers of Enhancing Production and Marketing of Agricultural Produce: A Systematic Literature Review of Developing Countries
items: Initiation Ceremonies and Household Food Security in Naipingo Ward, Nachingwea District, Lindi, Tanzania
items: Determinants of Effective Revenue Collection in Local Government of Tanzania: The Case of Dodoma City Council, Dodoma Region
items: The Status of Family-Owned Food Processing Firms in Tanzania: Evidence and Implications for Generational Continuity
items: Community awareness of sickle cell disease and Community-Based Interventions in Tabora Region
items: The Effectiveness of Community - Based Strategies in Ending Sexual Violence Against Women and Girls in Shinyanga Region
items: Socioeconomic and Environmental Factors Affecting Food Security among Smallholder rice farmers in Kahama District, Tanzania
items: Climate-Smart Aquaculture Adoption in Rural Areas around Lake Victoria, Tanzania: Gender, Socioeconomic, and Institutional Influences
items: Implications of Urban-to-Rural Migration and Dual Residency on Farmland Access: Insights from Njombe Town and Mufindi District Councils, Tanzania
items: Determinants for Community Participation in Decision-making in Local Government Authorities (LGAs): Experience from Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania
items: Can Mobile Phones Bridge the Information Gap? An Assessment of Mobile Phone Usage and Agricultural Market Information Access for Smallholder Farmers in Kasulu District, Tanzania
items: The Role of Voluntary Financial Saving Groups in Promoting Rural Entrepreneurship: Evidence from Kilolo and Iringa Districts
items: Factors influencing parents and caregivers’ engagement in school feeding programmes in Nzega District, Tanzania
items: Adoption and Economic Benefits of Harvest and Post-Harvest Loss Management Technologies in the Maize and Rice Value Chain in Tanzania
items: Avocado Farming in Southern Highlands and its Inherent Threats on Staple Crops Access in Tanzania; A Case of Njombe Urban and Njombe District, Tanzania
items: Three Decades of Land Use and Land Cover Changes in Mjini Magharibi, Zanzibar, Tanzania: Implications on the Coastal Mangrove Forest Ecosystems and Urban Development
items: Navigating the Nexus between Agricultural Transformation, Food Security, and Climate Change in Rural Development in Tanzania
items: Factors Influencing Adolescent-Parent Communication on Sexual Reproductive Health: A Case of Chamwino District, Dodoma Region in Tanzania
items: Determinants of Inequality in Stunting among Children Aged Between 0-23 Months in Tanzania

Digital Learning Platforms and Student Engagement: Empirical Evidence from Higher Learning Institutions in Tanzania
type: item
description: Despite substantial investment in digital learning infrastructure across sub-Saharan Africa, the question of whether that investment translates into meaningful student engagement remains empirically unresolved. This paper examines how digital learning platforms (DLPs) influence behavioural, cognitive, and emotional engagement among students in selected higher learning institutions (HLIs) in Dodoma Region, Tanzania, and by testing the relative explanatory power of digital literacy, perceived usefulness, motivation, and institutional support. Grounded in Connectivism Theory and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology, a mixed-methods cross-sectional design was employed involving 369 students and eight key informant interviews analysed through Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis. Principal Component Analysis extracted three engagement dimensions—cognitive (61.8%), behavioural (12.7%), and emotional (7.8%) yielding a moderate overall score (M = 3.56, SD = 0.97). Multiple regression identified digital literacy (β = .31, p < .001), perceived usefulness (β = .21, p = .007), and motivation (β = .19, p = .012) as significant predictors, while institutional support was not (β = .08, p = .178). These findings mount a direct empirical challenge to infrastructure-centred digital education policy: they demonstrate that competency and attitude are the decisive engagement drivers, not physical provision. The paper argues that Tanzania's digital education strategy must pivot from a supply-side logic of platform procurement to a demand-side logic of digital competency, pedagogical design, and emotional learning architecture.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Digital learning platforms
  topic: keywords
subject: Student engagement
  topic: keywords
subject: Digital literacy
  topic: keywords
subject: UTAUT
  topic: keywords
subject: Connectivism
  topic: keywords
subject: Blended learning
  topic: keywords
creator: Leonard Mapunda
creator: MacLean C. Mwamlangala
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Rural Planning Journal https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
date: 2026-07-21
publication date: 2026-07-21
starting page: 1
ending page: 11
doi: 10.59557/rpj.28.1.2026.234

Influence of Monitoring and Evaluation Practices on Performance of Construction Projects in Public Secondary Schools in Ifakara Town Council, Tanzania
type: item
description: This study examined the effects of Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) practices on the performance of construction projects in public secondary schools in Ifakara town council, Tanzania. Using a positivist philosophy and a descriptive research design, data were collected from 119 respondents, complemented by six key informant interviews and documentary review. Findings demonstrated that stakeholder involvement had a significant and positive effect on project performance with (Beta = 0.725, p < 0.001), similarly, data collection & reporting had a significant and positively effect on project performance with (Beta = 0.286, p < 0.001) feedback utilization also had a significant and positive effect on project performance with (Beta = 0.295, p < 0.001). All these variables were strong and positive predictors of project performance, indicating that improvements in these areas substantially enhance projects outcomes. The study concludes that robust M&E systems characterized by inclusive stakeholder engagement, reliable data processes and timely feedback mechanisms, significantly improve the performance and sustainability of school construction projects which is consistent with Stakeholder theory and Accountability theory. The study recommends that district council should prioritize inclusive stakeholder engagement, ensuring that teachers, parents, students, and community leaders are actively involved in planning and monitoring processes, as this was the strongest predictor of success. Also, there is a need to establishment of robust data collection and reporting systems. Finally, feedback utilization must be institutionalized, with clear mechanisms for integrating lessons learned and stakeholder input into ongoing and future projects.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Monitoring and evaluation practices
  topic: keywords
subject: Project performance
  topic: keywords
subject: Construction projects
  topic: keywords
subject: Public secondary school
  topic: keywords
creator: Ernest Godson
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Rural Planning Journal https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
date: 2026-07-21
publication date: 2026-07-21
starting page: 46
ending page: 57
doi: 10.59557/rpj.28.1.2026.231

Determinants of Group Loans Uptake at the Local Government Authorities (LGAs) Fund among Youths at Mwanga District Council, Tanzania
type: item
description: This study examines why youth groups in Mwanga District, Tanzania show low uptake of a Local Government loan fund designed to improve credit access. A cross-sectional mixed - methods design was employed, collecting data via questionnaires from 122 youth group leaders selected through stratefied cluster sampling. A highly predictive model (Nagelkerke R2 = 0.90), identified four key determinants: Marital status, non-farm economic activities, positive borrower attitude and the loan amount requested. Notably, only 36.9% of groups received their full applied amount. Major barriers were perceptual (widespread favortism at 71.3%) and institutional (impractical short repayment periods at 67.9%). The study conclude that low uptake results from a misalignment between the fund’s design and youth entrepreneurs’ reality. It recommends transparent merit-based administration, redesigning loan terms to match business cash flows, simplifying procedures and adding mandatory financial literacy training to enhance the fund’s effectiveness for youth entrepreneurship and financial inclusion.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: LGA funding
  topic: keywords
subject: Youth group loans
  topic: keywords
subject: Uptake drivers
  topic: keywords
subject: Access barriers
  topic: keywords
subject: Tanzania
  topic: keywords
creator: Richard Kusongwa
creator: Hussein Kiende
creator: Betrida Sindano
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Rural Planning Journal https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
date: 2026-07-21
publication date: 2026-07-21
starting page: 12
ending page: 22
doi: 10.59557/rpj.28.1.2026.230

The Analysis of Local Brewing and Its Contribution towards Asset Ownership in Rural Tanzania: A Case of Ulanda Ward
type: item
description: This study examined local brewing as a household-based rural enterprise and analysed its association with asset ownership in Ulanda Ward, Iringa District, Tanzania, using a cross-sectional mixed-methods design and a survey of 96 brewer households. Three principal beverages were identified—Komoni, Uhambule, and Kangara—and they differed significantly in raw-material intensity, process design, and economic returns, supporting the argument that traditional brewing is not a homogeneous activity in Tanzania. Komoni generated the highest mean monthly profit (TZS 251,100), Uhambule recorded the highest profit margin (77.3%), and Kangara occupied a higher-price niche with a mean selling price of TZS 1,000 per litre. Regression results Monthly net profit (B = .524, p < .001), access to credit (B = .458, p < .001), scale of operation (B = .318, p < .001), years of experience (B = .226, p = .001), education level (B = .194, p = .004), and secondary occupation (B = .142, p = .016) were positively associated with higher asset ownership scores, while gender and household size showed negative coefficients. The study concludes that local brewing contributes to financial capital, physical capital, and indirectly to social reproduction. Yet the strength of that contribution depends on enterprise profitability, market access, institutional conditions, and household endowments of capability, as emphasised in contemporary SLF applications. This, therefore, argues for a more analytically differentiated and policy-sensitive understanding of local brewing as part of rural livelihood diversification in Tanzania.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Local brewing
  topic: keywords
subject: Asset ownership
  topic: keywords
subject: Rural livelihoods
  topic: keywords
subject: Sustainable
  topic: keywords
subject: Landholding differentiation, livelihood diversification, rural livelihoods
  topic: keywords
subject: framework
  topic: keywords
subject: Tanzania
  topic: keywords
creator: James Morrice
creator: Nyanchoka Chacha
creator: Getrude Msovela
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Rural Planning Journal https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
date: 2026-07-21
publication date: 2026-07-21
starting page: 58
ending page: 71
doi: 10.59557/rpj.28.1.2026.228

Improving Farming Activities through Traditional Practices: The Role of Rural Women in Tanzania
type: item
description: This study was carried out to investigate the potential of rural women to bring about agricultural change in Tanzania. Based on the original research, this paper presents findings on improving farming activities through traditional practices in Dodoma City Council and Singida District. Specifically, the paper presents findings on the role of women’s traditional practices in improving farming activities and on women’s attitudes towards those practices. Utilizing a cross-sectional design, the original research collected data from 382 rural women of varying age, education, and marital status. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS for ordinal logistic regression and Microsoft Excel to calculate mean scores for each Likert-scale statement. The findings revealed five significant factors (p < .001) associated with improved farming activities: knowledge, skills, technology, information systems, and personal characteristics (p < 0.05). In contrast, farming materials, sources of funding, farming inputs, and women’s attitudes were not found to be statistically significant. Additionally, the study assessed women's attitudes toward traditional farming practices and found both positive and neutral perceptions. Based on these findings, this paper concludes that five key factors significantly influence agricultural practices and the women in the surveyed area hold both positive and neutral attitudes toward traditional farming methods. As a result, the paper recommends that the Ministry of Agriculture, Local Government Authorities (LGAs) in Dodoma and Singida, and non-governmental organizations develop agricultural interventions and capacity-building programs to strengthen weak traditional agricultural practices and reinforce effective ones.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Female farmers’ Traditional agricultural techniques
  topic: keywords
subject: Rural farming
  topic: keywords
subject: Rural women
  topic: keywords
creator: Martin Tetti
creator: Elson Justine
creator: Berine Magaria
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Rural Planning Journal https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
date: 2026-02-03
publication date: 2026-02-03
starting page: 107
ending page: 117
doi: 10.59557/rpj.25.2.2025.222

Effects of Coffee Production on Household Income among Smallholder Farmers in Mbinga District, Tanzania
type: item
description: Coffee production plays a crucial role in supporting rural livelihoods and the Tanzanian economy by generating income, creating jobs, and boosting export earnings. Despite its importance, smallholder coffee farmers continue to face challenges, including low productivity, volatile prices, and limited access to markets and inputs. However, its effects on household income are not explicit. This study thus examined the effects of coffee production on household income among smallholder farmers in the Mbinga District. A cross-sectional research design was employed, and data were collected from 327 smallholder farmers through structured questionnaires and interviews with key informants. Both descriptive and inferential statistics, specifically the chi-square test, were used to examine the association between coffee production and smallholder farmers’ income levels. The results revealed that the income from coffee production (mean TZS 3,695,069.11) was significantly higher than the income from other sources (mean TZS 1,542,350.75), demonstrating that coffee production is the main livelihood activity for smallholder farmers. Moreover, the number of coffee trees, years of experience, input use, yield, and market price were significantly associated with income level (p < 0.05). The study concludes that although coffee production substantially enhances household income, disparities persist because of differences in access to resources, farm size, and productivity. These findings underscore the importance of improving coffee production inputs, extension services, and market access to strengthen coffee farmers’ economic resilience and ensure sustainable rural livelihoods.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Coffee production
  topic: keywords
subject: Smallholder farmers
  topic: keywords
subject: Household income
  topic: keywords
subject: Mbinga District
  topic: keywords
creator: Defao Tulyanje
creator: Helene Francis
creator: Emmanuel Hauli
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Rural Planning Journal https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
date: 2026-02-03
publication date: 2026-02-03
starting page: 10
ending page: 24
doi: 10.59557/rpj.25.2.2025.219

Digital Connectivity and Antenatal Care Utilisation in Tanzania: Exploring the Role of Internet Use
type: item
description: Antenatal Care (ANC) is essential for improving maternal and child health, yet coverage remains uneven in sub-Saharan Africa, including Tanzania. Guided by Information Asymmetry Theory and the Health Belief Model, this study examines the role of digital connectivity on ANC utilisation in Tanzania, where evidence on information pathways and maternal health-seeking remains limited. Using data from the 2022 Demographic and Health Survey, a nationally representative sample of 5,825 women aged 15-49 years was analysed. Poisson regression was applied to model the count of ANC visits, while logistic regression assessed the binary attainment of the World Health Organisation’s recommended visits, allowing analysis of multiple dimensions of ANC utilisation. Findings indicate that digital connectivity, as proxied by internet use, is positively associated with improving ANC visits: women who were digitally connected were 9% more likely to complete four or more visits. Employment and household wealth also increased ANC use, while higher parity and longer travel time to health facilities reduced it. Moreover, the effect of digital access was stronger in urban areas, highlighting persistent inequalities. These results suggest that expanding affordable digital connectivity and integrating digital health communication into maternal health strategies could complement existing interventions and enhance ANC coverage in Tanzania.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Antenatal care
  topic: keywords
subject: Digital connectivity
  topic: keywords
subject: Internet use
  topic: keywords
subject: Poisson regression
  topic: keywords
subject: Tanzania
  topic: keywords
creator: Steven Mwaseba
creator: Emmanuel Mwang’onda
creator: Fadhili Ngalawa
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Rural Planning Journal https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
date: 2026-02-03
publication date: 2026-02-03
starting page: 1
ending page: 9
doi: 10.59557/rpj.25.2.2025.218

Determinants of Youth Engagement in Cashew Nut Production in Ruangwa District, Tanzania
type: item
description: This study examines the factors influencing youth engagement in cashew nut production in Ruangwa District, Tanzania, where empirical evidence remains limited. A cross-sectional research design employing multistage sampling was used to select 96 youths engaged in cashew nut production in Chienjele ward. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires and analysed using descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression. The descriptive statistics revealed that 46.9% of farmers grew local varieties, with the majority harvesting between 100 and 399kg, at a mean farm size of 1.29. The binary logistic regression results revealed that source of income (p< 0.01), farm size (p< 0.01), price of cashew nut (p< 0.05) and land ownership (p< 0.05) were found to have positive and statistically significant influencing youth engagement indicating that youths with reliable income sources, access to larger farm sizes, ownership of land, and higher market prices are more likely to engage in cashew nut production. Distance to the nearest market (p < 0.1) and access to market information (p < 0.01) were significantly negatively associated with youth engagement, suggesting that logistical challenges and limited access to market information discourage youth participation in cashew nut production. The findings indicate that improving market access, providing accurate and timely market information, and enhancing land ownership opportunities could motivate greater youth participation in the cashew value chain. The study recommends that policymakers and development actors prioritise targeted interventions to improve access to resources and market linkages, thereby fostering inclusive and sustainable youth engagement in cashew nut production.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Cashew nut
  topic: keywords
subject: Local varities
  topic: keywords
subject: Market access
  topic: keywords
subject: Youth unemployment
  topic: keywords
creator: George Kihamba
creator: Nyanchoka M. Chacha
creator: Galinoma G. Lubawa
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Rural Planning Journal https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
date: 2026-02-03
publication date: 2026-02-03
starting page: 153
ending page: 162
doi: 10.59557/rpj.25.2.2025.212

The Impact of Public Debt Growth and Public Investment on Economic Growth in Tanzania: Time Series Analysis (1993 – 2024)
type: item
description: This study aims to investigate the impact of public debt growth and public investment on economic growth in Tanzania from 1993 to 2024, using yearly data. The study employs the Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) to determine the short- and long-run dynamics among the variables. The results indicate that public debt has mixed effects on economic growth. In the short run, it has a negative effect, but in the long run, it can be positive. This means that if public debt is used wisely, especially for projects that bring future benefits, it can help the economy grow. Public investment, on the other hand, has a positive and significant effect on long-run economic growth. The study found that public investment and interest rates granger-cause economic growth, and that public debt influences public investment. These findings suggest that managing debt responsibly and making sure investments are used effectively are important for Tanzania’s economy. The study suggests that the government should improve fiscal control, ensure borrowed funds are used productively, and build a better system to enable investment to work effectively.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Public Debt
  topic: keywords
subject: Public Investment
  topic: keywords
subject: Economic Growth
  topic: keywords
subject: Interest Rate
  topic: keywords
subject: Vector Error Correction Model
  topic: keywords
creator: Nyanchoka Chacha
creator: Petro Samwel
creator: James Maghori
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Rural Planning Journal https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
date: 2026-02-03
publication date: 2026-02-03
starting page: 50
ending page: 60
doi: 10.59557/rpj.25.2.2025.211

Socio-Demographic Factors Influencing Public Servants to Engage in Entrepreneurial Activities in the Mara Region, Tanzania
type: item
description: Entrepreneurship among public servants in Tanzania’s Mara Region is increasingly becoming vital for economic diversification and poverty reduction. This study assessed the socio-demographic factors influencing public servants’ engagement in entrepreneurial activities in the Bunda District, utilizing a binary logistic regression model. A cross-sectional design employing mixed methods was used to collect data from 150 public servants using questionnaires and from ward executive officers through in-depth interviews. The study found that more than half (63.3%) of the respondents engaged in entrepreneurial activities. Based on binary logistic regression analysis, significant predictors of engagement in entrepreneurial activities among public servants include male sex (OR = 2.34, p = 0.010), married/divorced status (ORs = 2.46/4.27, p < 0.05), partner occupation (self-employed OR = 4.58, p = 0.002), and information access (OR = 3.56, p = 0.004). On the other hand, age, partner education, and social media use were non-significant. The study recommends entrepreneurial training and provision of affordable credit to public servants, particularly women and those in lower-income brackets, to enable them to initiate entrepreneurial ventures.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
creator: Robert Ndobori Pauline
creator: Emanuel Amon Kikwale
creator: Amani Mkelenga
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Rural Planning Journal https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
date: 2026-02-03
publication date: 2026-02-03
starting page: 142
ending page: 152
doi: 10.59557/rpj.25.2.2025.209

Socio-economic and Environmental Factors Influencing Malaria Prevalence among Children Under Five in Tanzania
type: item
description: This study examined socio-economic and environmental factors influencing malaria prevalence among children under five in Tanzania using data from the Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey (TDHS) 2022. A cross-sectional design was employed, analyzing 1,264 households with children under five, with malaria prevalence as the response variable and socio-economic (wealth, maternal education, marital status, sex of child) and environmental (roof material, place of residence) factors as predictors. Stepwise logistic regression showed that female children had 40% lower odds of malaria (OR=0.60, p=0.002), higher wealth reduced odds by 80% (OR=0.20, p<0.001), and primary education lowered odds by 65% (OR=0.35, p<0.001). Thatch/palm leaf roofs increased odds by 5.5 times (OR=5.50, p<0.001), and recent fever raised odds by 350% (OR=4.50, p<0.001). Rural residency (70.5%) and low maternal education (40.2% without education) were significant risk factors. Findings highlight the need for nationwide interventions, including community education and housing improvements, to support Tanzania’s National Malaria Strategic Plan 2021–2025 to malaria elimination by 2030.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Malaria
  topic: keywords
subject: Children under five
  topic: keywords
subject: Malaria prevalence
  topic: keywords
subject: Morbidity and mortality
  topic: keywords
creator: Robert Ndobori Pauline
creator: Emmanuel Amon Kikwale
creator: Janeth Daudi Migamba
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Rural Planning Journal https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
date: 2026-02-03
publication date: 2026-02-03
starting page: 118
ending page: 127
doi: 10.59557/rpj.25.2.2025.208

Agricultural Cooperatives as Drivers of Enhancing Production and Marketing of Agricultural Produce: A Systematic Literature Review of Developing Countries
type: item
description: Agricultural cooperatives serve as vital systems which play a role in boosting smallholder farming operations and their ability to access markets throughout developing nations. The systematic review analyzed studies from 2016 to 2025 which focused on cooperative organizations that improve agricultural production and marketing operations in 12 different countries including Tanzania, Ethiopia, Nepal, Nigeria, Benin, Ghana, Indonesia, Iran, Kenya, Mexico, Peru and Uganda. The study excluded studies focused on non-agricultural cooperatives and those conducted in developed countries because they do not apply to smallholder farming situations. Using a structured search and screening process based on PRISMA guidelines, 1,002 records were identified and 25 studies met the inclusion criteria. The qualitative synthesis reveals that cooperatives boost production through five main factors which include improved technical efficiency, better access to inputs, extension services, climate-smart technologies, organisational innovation and sector-specific productivity improvements in livestock and poultry systems. The marketing efforts of cooperatives generate various benefits which include enhanced operational efficiency and expanded market access and improved bargaining power and technological integration and member training that leads to better livelihoods and lower poverty rates. The review as a whole establishes that agricultural cooperatives function as key agents for smallholder farming development because they deliver both production and marketing benefits. The organization faces ongoing issues with its marketing activities and structural capabilities which require new solutions and improved leadership and supporting policy frameworks and infrastructure development.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Agricultural cooperatives
  topic: keywords
subject: Production
  topic: keywords
subject: Marketing
  topic: keywords
subject: Smallholder farmers
  topic: keywords
subject: Developing countries
  topic: keywords
creator: Edmund Zakayo
creator: Mwajabu Mashinde
creator: Janeth Migamba
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Rural Planning Journal https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
date: 2026-02-03
publication date: 2026-02-03
starting page: 92
ending page: 106
doi: 10.59557/rpj.25.2.2025.202

Initiation Ceremonies and Household Food Security in Naipingo Ward, Nachingwea District, Lindi, Tanzania
type: item
description: The paper is based on a study on the initiation ceremonies and household food security that was conducted in Nachingwea District, Tanzania. It examined the association between initiation ceremonies and household food availability, involving 94 households. The study employed surveys and structured interviews to collect primary data, which were processed and analyzed through descriptive statistics, logistic regression, and cross-tabulation. It was observed that a substantial amount of food was used for initiation ceremonies, leading to food shortages. However, the association between initiation ceremonies and household food security was not statistically significant as household food security is influenced by several other factors. It is recommended that community members should understand that initiation ceremonies may affect food security in their households and therefore they need to increase food production while using their food resources wisely. On the other hand, policymakers should integrate cultural issues into food security intervention measures to develop more effective and equitable policies. The government, through extension officers, should educate community members on improving household food security and addressing food shortages by enhancing production through climate change adaptation strategies, agricultural diversification, irrigation farming, pest control, and reducing post-harvest losses by improving food storage facilities. The Ministry of Agriculture should strengthen agricultural financing strategies to end hunger, enhance food availability, and reduce malnutrition in all its forms.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Initiation ceremonies
  topic: keywords
subject: Food security
  topic: keywords
subject: Food availability
  topic: keywords
subject: Food access
  topic: keywords
subject: Food utilization
  topic: keywords
creator: Mwabless Malila
creator: Beston Musoma
creator: Rahel Raphael
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Rural Planning Journal https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
date: 2026-02-03
publication date: 2026-02-03
starting page: 25
ending page: 35
doi: 10.59557/rpj.25.2.2025.199

Determinants of Effective Revenue Collection in Local Government of Tanzania: The Case of Dodoma City Council, Dodoma Region
type: item
description: Revenue collection remains a critical and debated issue among scholars, economists, accountants, and policymakers due to its role in enabling governments to acquire debt-free assets for economic development. This study aimed to evaluate the factors influencing revenue collection efficiency in Tanzania, focusing on Dodoma City Council. A cross-sectional research design was adopted, utilizing questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions to gather data from 80 respondents. Data were analyzed using IBM-SPSS 26.0, while content analysis was employed for qualitative data from interviews and focus groups. The findings revealed that factors such as technology, education, administrative capacity, and commitment are crucial to enhancing revenue collection efficiency. The study also highlighted the benefits of improved revenue collection, including increased revenue generation and enhanced service delivery. However, respondents reported inefficiencies in Dodoma’s revenue collection systems, attributed to challenges such as inadequate manpower, low tax compliance, and technological constraints. Additionally, while revenue collection agents were found to be more effective than local councils, Dodoma City Council faces persistent issues like poor data management, political interference, and an outdated legal framework. The study recommends that the government, particularly the Ministries of Local Government and Finance, provide targeted training and educational programs on tax compliance and implement swift strategies to address the challenges hindering revenue collection efficiency in Tanzania.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: : Revenue, effectiveness, local government
  topic: keywords
creator: Maclean Mwamlangala
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Rural Planning Journal https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
date: 2026-07-21
publication date: 2026-07-21
starting page: 23
ending page: 45
doi: 10.59557/rpj.28.1.2026.197

The Status of Family-Owned Food Processing Firms in Tanzania: Evidence and Implications for Generational Continuity
type: item
description: Family-owned food processing firms are central to Tanzania's economy, contributing to the agricultural value chain and food security. However, limited information exists on their characteristics, governance, and generational succession. This study provides a quantitative overview of 267 single-family-owned food processing firms in Mainland Tanzania, guided by socioemotional wealth and stewardship theories. The study collected data through structured questionnaires and zanalyzed them using descriptive statistics, logistic regression, cluster analysis, and the General Electric Portfolio Matrix. Results show that the founder leads 78.3% of firms, 84.6% were under first-generation control, and only 14.6% involve multiple generations. The descriptive results indicated that 73.0% of firms focused on staple grain milling, while 14.6% were involved in bakery production. Participation in other categories is minimal, including fruit and vegetable processing (6.7%), dairy (3.4%), meat products (1.9%), and cocoa and confectionery (0.4%). No firms had adopted a family constitution; instead, they relied on informal governance. Education and work experience significantly predicted founder status, firm longevity, and diversification. Cluster analysis identified three profiles: founder-led, multi-generational, and education-driven firms, with the latter exhibiting stronger governance and adaptability. Asset analysis revealed significant disparities: average firm assets were valued at TZS 920.6 million, yet the distribution was highly skewed. The General Electric Portfolio Matrix indicates that most firms operate in low- to medium-risk zones, although some education-driven and emerging firms exhibit high growth potential. The study concludes that, although the firms support continuity, founder dominance and limited governance restrict their resilience. Policy efforts should prioritize governance reform, succession planning, and diversification to support Tanzania's Vision 2050 zindus…
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Family-owned firm
  topic: keywords
subject: Food processing
  topic: keywords
subject: Food security
  topic: keywords
subject: Socioemotional wealth
  topic: keywords
creator: Galinoma Lubawa
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Rural Planning Journal https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
date: 2026-02-03
publication date: 2026-02-03
starting page: 61
ending page: 80
doi: 10.59557/rpj.25.2.2025.190

Community awareness of sickle cell disease and Community-Based Interventions in Tabora Region
type: item
description: Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a major public health and social challenge in Tanzania, yet most research and services are concentrated in urban referral centres. Evidence from rural districts, where many affected families live, remains limited. Guided by the socio-ecological model and the social determinants of health framework, this study examined community awareness of SCD and the perceived effectiveness of existing Community-Based Interventions (CBIs) in Uyui and Urambo Districts, Tabora Region. A cross-sectional household survey was conducted with a proportionate sample of 309 household heads. A structured questionnaire captured socio-demographic characteristics, SCD-related knowledge, information sources, intervention exposure and perceived effectiveness. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative information from key informants and documents was examined through content analysis. Community recognition of SCD was high (93.9%), and 87.7% of respondents reported knowing at least some symptoms. Most understood SCD as hereditary, with 67.1% citing inheritance of the sickle cell trait as the cause. However, knowledge of at-risk groups was uneven (57.0% aware), and 59.2% were unsure whether SCD is curable. Information pathways were dominated by family and friends, with health workers rarely cited as first sources. Around 60.2% of respondents reported that no effective SCD interventions existed in their communities. Recognized interventions mainly included screening and nutrition services; participation across 17 types of activities was very low (72–87% rated “never”), and most interventions were rated ineffective or very ineffective. Findings reveal a gap between a high nominal awareness of SCD and a shallow, uneven understanding of risk, inheritance and treatment, as well as weak, poorly perceived CBIs. To improve their impact, SCD responses in rural Tanzania must move beyond narrow biomedical models toward participatory, culturall…
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Sickle Cell Disease (SCD)
  topic: keywords
subject: Community awareness
  topic: keywords
subject: Care-seeking behaviour
  topic: keywords
subject: Community-based interventions
  topic: keywords
subject: Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)
  topic: keywords
creator: Mwajuma Yamlinga
creator: Fidel Dome
creator: Jennifer Mgallah
creator: Baraka Justine
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Rural Planning Journal https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
date: 2026-02-03
publication date: 2026-02-03
starting page: 81
ending page: 91
doi: 10.59557/rpj.25.2.2025.187

The Effectiveness of Community - Based Strategies in Ending Sexual Violence Against Women and Girls in Shinyanga Region
type: item
description: This paper explores the effectiveness of community-based strategies in addressing sexual violence against women and girls in the Shinyanga Region, Tanzania. Using a cross-sectional mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 282 households and from key informants, including police officers, teachers, religious leaders, and local officials. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively, and qualitative insights were thematically assessed to understand community perceptions and institutional responses. Findings reveal that sexual violence is both widespread and normalized, with 94.1% of respondents reporting personal or second-hand experience within the past five years. Common forms include child marriage (33%), rape (30.5%), intimate partner violence (23.2%), and other abuses (9.6%). Girls aged 12–17 were identified as most vulnerable. Community awareness of strategies was high (91%), with school programs, public awareness campaigns, community policing, and involvement of traditional or religious leaders most commonly cited. While educational and awareness efforts were viewed as effective, services like counselling, legal aid, and paralegal support were less visible and had limited impact. The study offers valuable, context-specific insights, using social-ecological and feminist frameworks to highlight how structural and community dynamics shape violence. It calls for stronger law enforcement, improved survivor-centred services, and the integration of gender-based violence strategies across sectors. NGOs are urged to expand psychosocial and legal support, while local leaders should promote accountability and shift harmful social norms. These coordinated actions are vital to reducing violence and improving protection for women and girls in the region.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Gender
  topic: keywords
subject: Women and girls
  topic: keywords
subject: Sexual violence
  topic: keywords
subject: Community-based strategies
  topic: keywords
subject: Tanzania
  topic: keywords
creator: Mwajuma Yamlinga
creator: Fidel Dome
creator: Jennifer Mgallah
creator: Baraka Justine
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Rural Planning Journal https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
date: 2026-02-03
publication date: 2026-02-03
starting page: 36
ending page: 49
doi: 10.59557/rpj.25.2.2025.186

Socioeconomic and Environmental Factors Affecting Food Security among Smallholder rice farmers in Kahama District, Tanzania
type: item
description: This study explores the impact of socioeconomic and environmental factors on food security among smallholder rice farmers in Kahama District, Tanzania. A random sampling technique was employed to gather data from 460 smallholder rice farmers through structured questionnaires. Socio-demographic characteristics reveal that the majority of smallholder farmers were male (74.2%), had primary education (57.9%), were aged between 46-55 years (32.9%), earned a monthly income of less than TZS 200,000 (72.3%) and a majority of smallholder farmers used local seeds (86.7%). Interestingly, 62% sold their rice post-harvest, despite 60.87% acknowledging the importance of maintaining an adequate rice stock for food security. Regression analysis revealed farm credit (β=0.258, p<0.05) and farm size (β=0.151, p<0.001) as positively influencing rice stock. Age showed a marginally positive association (β=0.045, p<0.10), while non-farm income (β=−0.085, p<0.05) and household size (β=−0.075, p<0.05) had negative impacts. Stable temperatures (β=0.115, p<0.05) and high rainfall (β=0.257, p<0.001) also positively correlated with rice stock. The findings suggest that increasing farm size and access to credit can enhance rice production while also addressing climate change concerns. The study recommends smallholder farmers focus on expanding farm size and utilizing farm credit to enhance rice production while adapting to climate change effects. Policy implications stemming from our findings include promoting access to agricultural credit, implementing supportive land policies, and providing extension services to improve farming techniques and management of larger farms to bolster food security among smallholder rice farmers in Kahama and similar regions.
subject: Special Issue
  topic: section
subject: Food security
  topic: keywords
subject: socioeconomic and environmental factors
  topic: keywords
subject: farm credit
  topic: keywords
subject: smallholder farmers
  topic: keywords
subject: rice
  topic: keywords
creator: Mwoya Byaro
creator: Anicet Rwezaula
creator: Benjamin Magori
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Rural Planning Journal https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
date: 2025-08-06
publication date: 2025-08-06
starting page: 148
ending page: 162
doi: 10.59557/rpj.1.1.2025.184

Climate-Smart Aquaculture Adoption in Rural Areas around Lake Victoria, Tanzania: Gender, Socioeconomic, and Institutional Influences
type: item
description: Climate-Smart Aquaculture (CSAq) is increasingly recognized as a sustainable adaptation strategy to enhance aquaculture productivity, resource efficiency, and climate resilience. However, socioeconomic and institutional constraints continue to shape CSAq adoption patterns, particularly among smallholder farmers. This study examines the determinants of CSAq adoption in Tanzania’s Lake Zone, using a Multinomial Logit (MNL) model to analyze survey data from 384 fish farmers. The model assesses the likelihood of adopting Integrated Aquaculture-Agriculture (IAA), Polyculture, or Monoculture (baseline category) based on household characteristics, financial access, extension services, and education levels. The findings reveal that household size (p < 0.05), education level (p < 0.05), financial grants (p < 0.01), and extension services (p < 0.01) significantly influenced CSAq adoption. Larger households and better-educated farmers were more likely to adopt IAA, while financial support and extension services were associated with higher Monoculture adoption rather than CSAq. This suggests that current institutional support structures may be reinforcing conventional single-species fish farming rather than promoting climate-resilient aquaculture models. Gender was not statistically significant, indicating that CSAq adoption disparities are more closely linked to financial and institutional constraints rather than direct gender-based preferences. These findings highlight the urgent need to realign financial incentives, extension programs, and training initiatives to promote climate-smart aquaculture adoption. Policies should prioritize CSAq financing models, and integrate climate-smart training into extension services. Strengthening institutional support mechanisms and enhancing smallholder farmers' access to CSAq knowledge and resources will be critical for achieving climate resilience, food security, and rural economic development in Tanzania’s aquaculture sector.
subject: Special Issue
  topic: section
subject: Climate-Smart Aquaculture (CSAq)
  topic: keywords
subject: Institutional Constraints
  topic: keywords
subject: Multinomial Logit Regression
  topic: keywords
subject: Rural Development
  topic: keywords
subject: Tanzania
  topic: keywords
subject: Lake Victoria
  topic: keywords
creator: Christopher Mdoe
creator: Mohamed Awadh
creator: Bonamax Mbasa
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Rural Planning Journal https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
date: 2025-08-06
publication date: 2025-08-06
starting page: 133
ending page: 147
doi: 10.59557/rpj.1.1.2025.183

Implications of Urban-to-Rural Migration and Dual Residency on Farmland Access: Insights from Njombe Town and Mufindi District Councils, Tanzania
type: item
description: This study explores the impact of urban-to-rural migration and dual residency on smallholder farmers’ farmland access in Tanzania’s Njombe Town and Mufindi District Councils. Despite growing urban-rural linkages, the effect of urban-to-rural migration on rural land dynamics remains understudied. Using a cross-sectional design, data were collected from 494 smallholder farmers across six villages, supplemented by interviews with urban dwellers (n=30), dual residents (n=20), and key informants (n=15). Results show a significant influx of urban dwellers (99.2%) and dual residents engaging in commercial agriculture (e.g., timber, avocado), acquiring large land tracts (98%). This drives economic benefits like job creation and technology transfer (77.3% positive perceptions) but exacerbates land scarcity (93.7%) and conflicts (83.9%). Chi-square tests confirmed significant associations (χ²=50.639, df=8, p<0.05) between migration and reduced farmland access. Women and youth face disproportionate barriers due to customary tenure. While migration fosters agricultural transformation, it threatens smallholder livelihoods. Policymakers should implement land ceilings, cooperative ownership, and training programs. Future research should explore gendered impacts and alternative income sources (e.g., agro-tourism).
subject: Special Issue
  topic: section
creator: Nsajigwa Mwalupani
creator: Edmund Zakayo
creator: Stanslaus Paul
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Rural Planning Journal https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
date: 2025-08-06
publication date: 2025-08-06
starting page: 118
ending page: 132
doi: 10.59557/rpj.1.1.2025.182

Determinants for Community Participation in Decision-making in Local Government Authorities (LGAs): Experience from Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania
type: item
description: Community participation in decision-making is among the universal human rights recognised from the global to the local level as stipulated in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UNDHR) of 1948, Articles 1 and 2; and in the United Republic of Tanzania's constitution of 1977, Article 18. Tanzania has been enhancing community participation in decision-making at the local level through the decentralisation process and local government reforms. The study, therefore, assessed the determinants for community participation in decision-making in LGAs. A sample of 105 participants was used. Data were collected using interviews, observations, focus group discussions and documentary review methods. Data were analysed through descriptive and Binary logistic regression models. The findings from the study found that more than 90% of community members are accessing invitations for decision-making meetings, whereby about 66% of all community members participate in the decision-making process. The variables included in the binary logistic regression model were predictors of participation in decision-making process by 62% in which education level, occupation, access to information on participation in the decision-making meeting, believing that feedback for public inputs is provided by LGAs and a sense of ownership of the plans were statistically significant (p < 0.05). The study recommends that policymakers and lower local government officials should come up with proper approaches to attract more community members in decision-making, especially women and youth. There should also be efforts among LGAs and other development partners in providing civic education for enhancing community understanding of the importance and the process of decision-making at LGAs.
subject: Special Issue
  topic: section
subject: Community participation
  topic: keywords
subject: Decision-making
  topic: keywords
subject: Local government authorities
  topic: keywords
subject: planning
  topic: keywords
creator: Titus Mwageni
creator: Omary Magasha
creator: Matrida Quiyenga
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Rural Planning Journal https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
date: 2025-08-06
publication date: 2025-08-06
starting page: 107
ending page: 117
doi: 10.59557/rpj.1.1.2025.181

Can Mobile Phones Bridge the Information Gap? An Assessment of Mobile Phone Usage and Agricultural Market Information Access for Smallholder Farmers in Kasulu District, Tanzania
type: item
description: Agriculture forms the economic foundation of rural Tanzania, yet smallholder farmers’ access to timely and accurate agricultural market information remains limited, undermining their bargaining power and income. While mobile phone technology is widely regarded as a tool to connect farmers with markets, empirical evidence of its impact in regions like Kasulu District is lacking. This study examined the effect of mobile phone usage on agricultural market information access among 315 smallholder farmers in Kasulu, Tanzania, addressing three objectives: assessing the level of information access; evaluating mobile phone usage’s influence and, exploring socio-demographic moderators (age, sex, marital status, education). A cross-sectional survey design utilised multi-stage clustered random sampling, with data collected via structured interviews (Kobo Collect) and analysed through descriptive statistics and ordered logistic regression. Findings indicated 86.67% of households had low to moderate market information access. Mobile phone usage significantly improved access (OR = 1.90, p< 0.01), with sex moderating this relationship: female-headed households exhibited stronger effects (p= 0.05), while other factors showed no significant impact. The study concludes that mobile phones are pivotal in bridging information gaps, particularly for women, and recommends promoting mobile technology adoption alongside gender-sensitive interventions to enhance equitable access. These insights inform policies aimed at reducing information asymmetry and fostering sustainable agricultural development in Tanzania.
subject: Special Issue
  topic: section
subject: Mobile phone usage
  topic: keywords
subject: Agricultural market information
  topic: keywords
subject: Smallholder farmers
  topic: keywords
subject: Information asymmetry
  topic: keywords
subject: Kasulu District
  topic: keywords
subject: Tanzania
  topic: keywords
creator: Hamenya Mabuga
creator: Africanus Sarwatt
creator: Enea Longo
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Rural Planning Journal https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
date: 2025-08-06
publication date: 2025-08-06
starting page: 95
ending page: 106
doi: 10.59557/rpj.1.1.2025.180

The Role of Voluntary Financial Saving Groups in Promoting Rural Entrepreneurship: Evidence from Kilolo and Iringa Districts
type: item
description: The research investigates the role of Voluntary Financial Saving Groups (VFSGs) in promoting rural entrepreneurship with evidence from Kilolo and Iringa districts in the Iringa region. Specifically, it examines three objectives (i) to determine the effect of VFSG practices on rural enterprise growth, (ii) to establish the relationship between the entrepreneurial culture of members of VFSGs and rural enterprise growth, and (iii) to examine the influence of entrepreneurship education on rural enterprise growth. Adoption of a cross-sectional design was considered applicable whereas a mixed research approach comprising quantitative and qualitative data was adopted as well. Proportionately from strata of Kilolo and Iringa districts, a sample of 262 members of VFSGs was drawn. Quantitative data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire, whereas qualitative data were collected using focus group discussions and in-depth interviews. Content analysis was considered useful for qualitative data, while descriptive statistics and logit model were performed in the quantitative data analysis. The research results discovered that VFSG practices were statistically significant but negative (p=0.000) in influencing enterprise growth. Similarly, entrepreneurship education was statistically significant but negative (p=0.002) in influencing enterprise growth. Further, entrepreneurial culture was significantly positive (p=0.0050 in influencing enterprise growth. Likewise, entrepreneurial behaviour was significantly positive (p=0.001) in influencing enterprise growth. The study recommends that Kilolo and Iringa District Councils, through trade and cooperative officers as well as other development stakeholders like the Institute of Rural Development (IRDP), collaboratively design relevant training programmes in numerous areas such as proper VFSG practices, entrepreneurship, business and investment skills as empowerment strategies for VFSG members.
subject: Special Issue
  topic: section
subject: Enterprise growth
  topic: keywords
subject: rural Tanzania
  topic: keywords
subject: voluntary financial saving groups
  topic: keywords
creator: Annastazia Majenga
creator: Judith Namabira
creator: Elson Justine
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Rural Planning Journal https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
date: 2025-08-06
publication date: 2025-08-06
starting page: 81
ending page: 94
doi: 10.59557/rpj.1.1.2025.179

Factors influencing parents and caregivers’ engagement in school feeding programmes in Nzega District, Tanzania
type: item
description: This study examined factors influencing parents’ and caregivers’ engagement in School Feeding Programmes (SFPs). The study was conducted in Uduka Ward, in Nzega District, Tanzania. The study adopted a cross-sectional research design and collected data through interviews and documentary review methods. The study involved 227 respondents, 219 parents and caregivers, and 8 key informants who were systematically and purposively selected, respectively. Interviewers administered a questionnaire to collect primary data. The collected data were subjected to binary logistic regression and descriptive statistics analysis. The study observed that education level, income, number of income sources, attitude towards primary education, and awareness of SFPs significantly influenced the engagement of parents and caregivers in SFPs through contributions. The study concludes that several factors have a significant influence on parents’ and caregivers' engagement in SFPs. These factors include income, number of income sources, education level, attitude towards education and SFPs, all of which have a positive association with their engagement in SFP. The study recommends enhancing the efficacy of the programme and the engagement of parents and caregivers through workshops and information sharing sessions, the Ministry responsible for Education and Vocation Training can cultivate a better understanding on how SFPs positively affects pupils’ health and educational performance, thereby increasing participation and support for SFPs. To boost parents’ and caregivers’ engagement in school feeding initiatives, it is advisable to the responsible ministries to improve individuals’ education level, households’ income and launch targeted awareness raising and mindset change campaigns on provided education and the school feeding programmes.
subject: Special Issue
  topic: section
subject: Parents
  topic: keywords
subject: Care givers
  topic: keywords
subject: School feeding programmes
  topic: keywords
subject: Primary education
  topic: keywords
creator: Neema Robert
creator: Mwabless Malila
creator: Beston Musoma
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Rural Planning Journal https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
date: 2025-08-06
publication date: 2025-08-06
starting page: 60
ending page: 80
doi: 10.59557/rpj.1.1.2025.178

Adoption and Economic Benefits of Harvest and Post-Harvest Loss Management Technologies in the Maize and Rice Value Chain in Tanzania
type: item
description: Reducing harvests and post-harvest losses is among the government's priority agenda to address the challenges of food security, poverty, and nutrition in Tanzania. Using survey data from different actors along the maize and rice value chain in Tanzania, this study (1) assessed the advanced technologies and traditional technology for managing crop harvest losses adopted by smallholder farmers and market actors, (2) determined the crop losses at different actors in the value chain, (3) evaluated the willingness of actors in adopting the technologies for crop harvest and post-harvest technology, and (4) assessed the economic benefits of advanced technologies and traditional technology for post-harvest losses in the study area. The study employed a cross-sectional research design whereby the interview method was used for data collection. Mult-stage random sampling techniques with three stages were employed to select a sample of 180 respondents. Data analysis employed in this paper included both descriptive and inferential analysis. The results indicate that the majority of respondents used traditional technology for crop harvest practices and advanced technology for post-harvest practices. The results also show that respondents who use advanced technology incur a lower loss than those who use traditional technology. The results also show that the majority of actors experience difficulties with the availability, accessibility, and affordability of the advanced technology, although they use it in post-harvest practice. The binary probit model result indicates that age, education, and value chain economic activities significantly influence an actor's decision to adopt technology for harvest and post-harvest losses. Therefore, the government should provide subsidies for crop harvesting technology, especially combined harvesters, to enhance availability, accessibility, and affordability for farmers. Moreover, the agricultural development programs should focus on creating edu…
subject: Special Issue
  topic: section
subject: Harvest and Post-harvest losses
  topic: keywords
subject: Technology
  topic: keywords
subject: Maize
  topic: keywords
subject: Rice
  topic: keywords
subject: Value Chain
  topic: keywords
subject: Tanzania
  topic: keywords
creator: Yohana Mgale
creator: Abel Moshi
creator: Edmund Bikelenke
creator: Ng'osha Pius
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Rural Planning Journal https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
date: 2025-08-06
publication date: 2025-08-06
starting page: 44
ending page: 59
doi: 10.59557/rpj.1.1.2025.177

Avocado Farming in Southern Highlands and its Inherent Threats on Staple Crops Access in Tanzania; A Case of Njombe Urban and Njombe District, Tanzania
type: item
description: There has been increased emphasis on avocado production in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania, accompanied by a noticeable shift in farmers' interests from the cultivation of major staple crops to avocado farming. This trend poses a threat to household food access in the Southern Highlands and in other regions of Tanzania that rely on staple crops sourced from these areas. This study was conducted in the Njombe Region with the objective of assessing the rapid expansion of avocado farming in the Southern Highlands and its inherent threats to food access in Tanzania. Primary data were collected through household surveys, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews, while secondary data were obtained through a review of official records. A sample of 385 respondents was used. The results indicated that avocado cultivation is increasingly focused on export-oriented varieties rather than those consumed domestically; the flourishing of avocado farming has led to the conversion of land previously used for staple crop production; the land allocated to avocado farming has been increasing while land for food crop production has been decreasing; and the production of major staple crops is declining amidst the expansion of avocado farming. Projections for 2030 reveal a potentially devastating impact on staple crop production, further threatening food access in other regions of the country. Based on these findings, the study recommends that policymakers and decision-makers take precautionary measures and design appropriate policies and interventions to ensure that the promotion of avocado farming goes hand in hand with the promotion of staple crop production, encourage intensive farming practices to achieve high yields on relatively small plots of land, and provide subsidies for inputs used in staple crop production to encourage continued farmer engagement in this essential sector.
subject: Special Issue
  topic: section
subject: Avocado farming
  topic: keywords
subject: Southern highlands
  topic: keywords
subject: Njombe district
  topic: keywords
subject: Food access
  topic: keywords
creator: Raphael Jettah
creator: Bonamax Mbasa
creator: Mashaka Mkongwa
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Rural Planning Journal https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
date: 2025-08-06
publication date: 2025-08-06
starting page: 30
ending page: 43
doi: 10.59557/rpj.1.1.2025.176

Three Decades of Land Use and Land Cover Changes in Mjini Magharibi, Zanzibar, Tanzania: Implications on the Coastal Mangrove Forest Ecosystems and Urban Development
type: item
description: Mangroves are vital coastal ecosystems that serve as natural barriers against erosion, support diverse marine life, and play a crucial role in mitigating climate change through carbon sequestration. This study uses remote sensing techniques to examine land use and land cover (LULC) changes in Mjini Magharibi, Zanzibar, from 1994 to 2024. The classification of LULC changes using Landsat images achieved high accuracy in thematic mapping, with overall accuracy and kappa coefficients ranging from 79.7% to 92.5%. The results revealed significant landscape transformations with environmental sustainability and coastal management implications. Furthermore, the results depicted a consistent increase in areas covered with water bodies, from 20,736.27 ha in 1994 to 22,422.51 ha in 2024, suggesting potential sea level rise and coastal land erosion. Concurrently, bare soil and built-up areas expanded from 1,981.44 ha to 3,406.14 ha, indicating rapid urbanization. The study highlights a substantial decrease in mangrove and dense forest cover, with a loss of approximately 35.5% over 30 years, posing significant ecological and socioeconomic challenges. Sparse vegetation and farmland areas also decreased, while mixed land uses increased, reflecting the diversification of land use patterns. These changes underscore the adverse pressure of urban expansion on natural resources, including pristine beaches, mangrove areas, and marine ecosystems. The findings emphasise the urgent need for sustainable management practices and conservation initiatives to protect the remaining mangrove forests, mitigate land use change impacts, and ensure the long-term ecological balance of Mjini Magharibi's mangrove ecosystems.
subject: Special Issue
  topic: section
subject: Mangrove forest
  topic: keywords
subject: LULC
  topic: keywords
subject: NDVI
  topic: keywords
subject: Carbon sequestration
  topic: keywords
subject: Zanzibar
  topic: keywords
creator: Miza Ali
creator: Sosteness Nakamo
creator: Mihayo Maguta
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Rural Planning Journal https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
date: 2025-08-06
publication date: 2025-08-06
starting page: 15
ending page: 29
doi: 10.59557/rpj.1.1.2025.174

Navigating the Nexus between Agricultural Transformation, Food Security, and Climate Change in Rural Development in Tanzania
type: item
description: The rural landscape is home to 65% of Tanzania’s population, who heavily rely on agriculture as their main source of food and income. Agriculture employs 65% of the workforce and contributes 128% of food security. However, as the Household Budget Survey 2017/18 shows, some parts of rural areas are faced with extreme poverty, with a 31.3% poverty incidence and 9.7% extreme food poverty, compared to 15.8% and 4.4% in urban areas, respectively. This editorial uses a desk review of the literature and secondary data to synthesize the findings from the special issue in exploring the nexus of agricultural transformation, food security, and climate change. Smallholder-dominated agriculture, characterized by low productivity and rain-fed systems, struggles with climate variability, land tenure issues, and limited mechanization. Transformation towards market-oriented and climate-smart farming is critical. However, it is hindered by resource constraints and post-harvest losses among other things. Food insecurity, exacerbated by climate shocks, manifests in many different ways, including malnutrition and low dietary diversity, with 35% of under-five children stunted. Climate change threatens yields and pastoral livelihoods, potentially reducing economic growth. This editorial paper advocates integrated strategies, such as promoting climate-smart agriculture (CSA), irrigation, commercialization, and youth engagement, to enhance resilience and sustainability. Private sector involvement and mind-set shifts among farmers are essential for inclusive rural development, ensuring food security and climate adaptation in the evolving agricultural landscape.
subject: Special Issue
  topic: section
subject: Commercialization
  topic: keywords
subject: sustainable agriculture
  topic: keywords
subject: food systems
  topic: keywords
subject: end hunger
  topic: keywords
subject: climate resilience
  topic: keywords
creator: Hosea Mpogole
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Rural Planning Journal https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
date: 2025-08-06
publication date: 2025-08-06
starting page: 1
ending page: 14
doi: 10.59557/rpj.1.1.2025.173

Factors Influencing Adolescent-Parent Communication on Sexual Reproductive Health: A Case of Chamwino District, Dodoma Region in Tanzania
type: item
description: Adolescent sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is a critical public health challenge in Tanzania, where 27% of girls aged 15-19 have begun childbearing. Effective adolescent-parent communication can reduce SRH risks, yet cultural and relational barriers persist. This study explores factors influencing adolescent-parent communication in Chamwino District, Dodoma Region, using a cross-sectional survey of 250 adolescents aged 10-19 in Buigiri and Manchali wards, analyzed with IBM-SPSS v25. Findings show 66% engage in SRH discussions, with key drivers including prior SRH awareness (Odds Ratio=21.0, meaning adolescents unaware are 21 times more likely to discuss with parents compared to those aware), preference for mothers over fathers (Odds Ratio=0.09, indicating a lower likelihood of discussion), poor parent-adolescent relationships (lower likelihood), and limited communication skills (higher likelihood). Qualitative interviews with parents, health workers, and teachers highlight cultural norms and resource constraints as barriers. We recommend culturally sensitive SRH education, communication training, and father engagement initiatives through schools, health centers, and religious institutions to enhance dialogue and reduce SRH risks in rural Tanzania
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Adolescent
  topic: keywords
subject: Parent Communication
  topic: keywords
subject: Sexual Reproductive Health
  topic: keywords
subject: Chamwino District
  topic: keywords
creator: Robert Ndobori Pauline
creator: Amani Mkelenga
creator: Fadhili Ngalawa
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Rural Planning Journal https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
date: 2025-08-13
publication date: 2025-08-13
starting page: 106
ending page: 117
doi: 10.59557/rpj.27.1.2025.166

Determinants of Inequality in Stunting among Children Aged Between 0-23 Months in Tanzania
type: item
description: Globally, approximately 149 million children suffer from stunting, a condition linked to long-term health, economic, and cognitive disadvantages. In Tanzania, despite a 4% reduction in stunting rates between 2015 and 2022, disparities persist, particularly among socioeconomically disadvantaged groups. This study explores the determinants of stunting inequality among aged 0-23 months using data from the 2022 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey (TDHS). A secondary analysis of 2,158 children revealed a concentration index of -0.0348 (95% CI: -0.0573, -0.0123), indicating stunting disproportionately affects the poor. Decomposition analysis, using concentration curves, highlighted key factors: children aged 18-23 months were 2.40 times more likely to be stunted than those aged 0-5 months, while second-to-fourth-born children were 37% less likely than firstborns. Maternal primary education increased stunting odds by 39% compared to no education, and unimproved toilet facilities raised the risk by 51%. Protective factors included normal birth weight (25.76% contribution), breastfeeding (-7.78%), and vaccination (2.19%). These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions addressing sanitation, maternal education, and early nutrition to reduce stunting disparities.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Stunting
  topic: keywords
subject: Malnutrition
  topic: keywords
subject: Socioeconomic factors
  topic: keywords
subject: Maternal education
  topic: keywords
subject: Concentration curve
  topic: keywords
creator: Nsajigwa Mwalupani
creator: Amani Mkelenga
creator: Robert Ndobori Pauline
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Rural Planning Journal https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
date: 2025-08-13
publication date: 2025-08-13
starting page: 1
ending page: 12
doi: 10.59557/rpj.27.1.2025.164