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.
Improving Farming Activities through Traditional Practices: The Role of Rural Women in Tanzania
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.
Female farmers’ Traditional agricultural techniques
Copyright (c) 2026 Rural Planning Journal https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Effects of Coffee Production on Household Income among Smallholder Farmers in Mbinga District, Tanzania
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.
Digital Connectivity and Antenatal Care Utilisation in Tanzania: Exploring the Role of Internet Use
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.
Determinants of Youth Engagement in Cashew Nut Production in Ruangwa District, Tanzania
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.
The Impact of Public Debt Growth and Public Investment on Economic Growth in Tanzania: Time Series Analysis (1993 – 2024)
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.
Socio-Demographic Factors Influencing Public Servants to Engage in Entrepreneurial Activities in the Mara Region, Tanzania
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.
Socio-economic and Environmental Factors Influencing Malaria Prevalence among Children Under Five in Tanzania
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.
Agricultural Cooperatives as Drivers of Enhancing Production and Marketing of Agricultural Produce: A Systematic Literature Review of Developing Countries
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.
Initiation Ceremonies and Household Food Security in Naipingo Ward, Nachingwea District, Lindi, Tanzania
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.
The Status of Family-Owned Food Processing Firms in Tanzania: Evidence and Implications for Generational Continuity
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 zindustrialization goals.
Community awareness of sickle cell disease and Community-Based Interventions in Tabora Region
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, culturally embedded interventions that integrate screening and treatment with clear, low-literacy communication, psychosocial support, stigma reduction and stronger roles for frontline health workers, local leaders, and community networks.
The Effectiveness of Community - Based Strategies in Ending Sexual Violence Against Women and Girls in Shinyanga Region
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.
Socioeconomic and Environmental Factors Affecting Food Security among Smallholder rice farmers in Kahama District, Tanzania
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.
Copyright (c) 2025 Rural Planning Journal https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Climate-Smart Aquaculture Adoption in Rural Areas around Lake Victoria, Tanzania: Gender, Socioeconomic, and Institutional Influences
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.
Implications of Urban-to-Rural Migration and Dual Residency on Farmland Access: Insights from Njombe Town and Mufindi District Councils, Tanzania
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).
Determinants for Community Participation in Decision-making in Local Government Authorities (LGAs): Experience from Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania
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.
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
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.
The Role of Voluntary Financial Saving Groups in Promoting Rural Entrepreneurship: Evidence from Kilolo and Iringa Districts
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.
Factors influencing parents and caregivers’ engagement in school feeding programmes in Nzega District, Tanzania
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.
Adoption and Economic Benefits of Harvest and Post-Harvest Loss Management Technologies in the Maize and Rice Value Chain in Tanzania
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 education, awareness on crop harvest and post-harvest loss technologies for reducing loss.
Avocado Farming in Southern Highlands and its Inherent Threats on Staple Crops Access in Tanzania; A Case of Njombe Urban and Njombe District, Tanzania
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.
Three Decades of Land Use and Land Cover Changes in Mjini Magharibi, Zanzibar, Tanzania: Implications on the Coastal Mangrove Forest Ecosystems and Urban Development
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.
Navigating the Nexus between Agricultural Transformation, Food Security, and Climate Change in Rural Development in Tanzania
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.
Factors Influencing Adolescent-Parent Communication on Sexual Reproductive Health: A Case of Chamwino District, Dodoma Region in Tanzania
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
Determinants of Inequality in Stunting among Children Aged Between 0-23 Months in Tanzania
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.
Monitoring and Hotspots Identification of Invasive Salvinia molesta in Mwanza Gulf Using Remote Sensing Technique
Invasive plants, such as aquatic macrophytes, pose environmental challenges that require immediate attention, as they can cause considerable economic and social-ecological damage if left to spread. The invasion of Salvinia molesta (S.molesta) along the Gulf of Mwanza, Lake Victoria, was recently reported. Thus, this study focused on detecting and monitoring its presence in the Gulf of Mwanza waters, quantifying the extent of infestation, monitoring its spatiotemporal distribution from 2020 to 2025, and identifying the hotspots. The study applied a remote sensing technique using multispectral imagery from Sentinel-2, a Support Vector Machine, coupled with freely available high-resolution imagery delivered by Google Earth Pro. Three classes, namely water, S.molesta, and built-up areas, were employed in the analysis, which yielded satisfactory findings with overall accuracy metrics consistently exceeding 98.5% and Kappa coefficients greater than 0.985, confirming the reliability of the methodology for the operational detection of S.molesta invasion along Lake Victoria. The results revealed an alarming increase in S.molesta infestation along the Gulf of Mwanza, with approximately 7.72 km² coverage portraying a 60.3% increase over the past five years. Moreover, the edges of the Kigongo-Busisi Bridge were identified as highly significant hotspot locations for S.molesta infestation. These hotspots were aligned with field observations, suggesting an existing link to potential nutrient-rich runoff originating from adjacent agricultural and residential areas. This study has generated vital information for the responsible authorities to institute management strategies geared towards combating the escalation of S. S.molesta invasion in Lake Victoria.
Attitudes and Practices on the Adoption of Conservation Agriculture among Smallholder Farmers in Bahi District
Conservation Agriculture (CA) has gained prominence worldwide, with its principles including minimum soil disturbance, maintaining soil cover and crop rotation. However, in some areas, the adoption is still low. Therefore, this study explored smallholder farmers’ attitudes and practices on the adoption of CA at Msisi, Babayu, Zanka and Mundemu wards in Bahi district. The study sample size was 379 respondents, obtained using stratified and simple random sampling techniques. Also, the purposive sampling technique was used to select agricultural field officers, ward executive officers and village chairpersons as key informants. A structured survey through questionnaires was used to collect data from smallholder farmers, and in-depth interviews through checklist were used to collect data from key informants. A cross-tabulation with a Chi-square test (at the 5% level of significance) was used to test the relationship between sex and education level of respondents to the adoption of CA. Quantitative data were analysed using IBM-SPSS statistics version 25 computer programme in which descriptive statistics (mean, minimum, maximum, frequency and percentage) were analysed. Also, thematic analysis was used for qualitative data. The study found that respondents had neutral attitude, indicated by mean scores between 2.5 to 3.4. The study further revealed that only 17.4% of the respondents practice CA whereby minimum soil disturbance and maintaining soil cover are commonly used. Maize, millet and groundnut claimed to perform better under CA. Moreover, the study highlights pests, wild bird attacks, and erratic rainfall patterns as major challenges smallholder farmers encountered during CA implementation. The study recommends that local government through agricultural extension officers and agricultural field officers in collaboration with non-government organization should continue with the provision of knowledge about CA benefits to farmers to encourage its implementation.
Consumer Preferences for Rural Periodic Markets and Their Influence on Commodity Access: Insights from Selected Market Centers in Magu District, Tanzania.
Rural periodic markets play a vital role in shaping the social fabric, economy, and daily lives of rural communities, and they also act as fundamental building blocks within the complex marketplace exchange system in rural areas. However, despite their importance and the opportunities they present, consumers continue to face several critical challenges in utilizing these markets effectively. This study was conducted at Sola, Mahaha, Kabila, and Magu periodic markets in Magu District to assess consumers’ preferences for rural periodic markets, understand the factors influencing their buying behavior, and explore their perceived effects on access to commodities. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 236 consumers. Multiple responses, binary logistic regression, and the likert scale were used for analysis. The findings revealed that manufactured goods were more preferred by consumers in rural periodic markets compared to agricultural and livestock products. This preference was largely influenced by factors such as product availability, affordability, and the convenience of the market’s location. Most consumers acknowledged that rural periodic markets played a positive role in improving their access to essential commodities. Nevertheless, despite these benefits, the study identified several challenges faced by consumers, particularly price fluctuations, inadequate market facilities, and an unfavorable market environment, which collectively affected their overall purchasing experience. Thus, enhancing rural periodic markets in Magu District requires a multi-sectoral approach that integrates infrastructure development, market organization, access to financial and information services, and inclusive policy support. By addressing these areas holistically, periodic markets can become vibrant economic hubs that contribute significantly to rural livelihoods, food security, and sustainable local development.
Agriculture and Manufactured commoditues
Disclosure of HIV Positive Test Results and Clients’ awareness of the Advantages of Sharing the Results. A Case of three selected Care and Treatment Clinics (CTC) in Zanzibar
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) status disclosure is an important approach pursued in the Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) services, hospitals, and Care and Treatment Clinics (CTCs) to prevent the spread of HIV. This study aimed to examine drivers for HIV-positive results disclosure and clients' awareness on the benefits of disclosing the HIV positive test results. The study was conducted in Zanzibar, focusing on clients attending for care and treatment at Mwembeladu, Fuoni, and Makunduchi Care and Treatment Clinics (CTCs) and data were collected from 210 clients attending CTCs. Collected data were analysed using descriptive statistics and crosstabulation. The results showed that the majority (92.6%) of People Living with HIV (PLWHIV) prefer to disclose their HIV status to partners or people with a formal relationship, the majority (100%) who initially tested HIV in the hospital disclosed the results and 87.7% who tested at TVC also disclosed, and the disclosure rate had no significant variation by gender. This study observed a high HIV disclosure rate (88%) among PLWHIV in Fuomi ward, Zanzibar, driven by awareness of benefits like partner discussions and care access. However, 46.7% of respondents remain unaware of these benefits, indicating a need for enhanced education and support. The study recommends that stakeholders like ministries and departments responsible for public health, particularly on HIV related issues should launch community-based campaigns (e.g., radio programmes, peer-led workshops) to raise awareness of disclosure benefits. Healthcare providers should receive regular training on counselling techniques to support PLWHIV in overcoming stigma and fear of discrimination.
Economic Drivers Influencing Oil Palm Farmers’ Decision to Sell Fresh Fruit Bunches Instead of Processing in Kigoma District, Tanzania
Palm oil processing plays a crucial role in driving economic growth, especially in regions where oil palm farming dominates agriculture. By converting raw materials into valuable products, palm oil processing supports local economic development, generates employment, and boosts trade competitiveness. In this context, the study sought to examine the economic drivers that influence oil palm farmers' decisions to sell or process Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFBs) in Kigoma, Tanzania. A cross-sectional survey design was employed in this study, whereby data were collected from 199 farmers in Simbo and Bitale wards through questionnaires and interviews with a guide. A combination of purposive and simple random sampling techniques was used to select respondents. Descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) described the socio-demographic characteristics of respondents, while the binary probit model examined economic drivers influencing the choice to sell FFBS versus processing them. The findings revealed that factors such as high processing costs, limited credit access, household income, larger farm sizes, production volumes, and labour availability influence bulk sales. The study recommends enhancing access to processing technologies, financial literacy initiatives, and targeted subsidies to encourage value addition.