Business Administration

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://repository.tia.ac.tz/handle/123456789/7

Browse

Recent Submissions

Now showing 1 - 20 of 34
  • Item
    Cereal Bank as a Necessary Rural Livelihood Institute in Arid Land, Makoja Village, Dodoma-Tanzania
    (Asian Economic and Financial Review, 2013) Msaki, Mark M.; Mwenda, Michael I.; Regnard, Irene J.
    In 2012, the study was carried at Makoja Village, in Semi-Arid region of Dodoma. The aim of the conducted study was to assess the importance of Cereal Bank to livelihood of farming households. A total of 80 respondents were interviewed. Data were analyzed using SPSS 16.0 computer program. The major findings of the study revealed that, almost all of the households (96.2 %) were poor, while more than a half of the sampled population was chronically food insecure. Income and expenditure analysis revealed that households had no opportunity to manage savings. Further analysis on expenditure revealed that despite being farming households, the later spent large proportion of their income in purchasing food for households. Cereal bank has been potential to provide food at the time of less, storage facility, seed stocking facility and a business opportunity. Cereal banks should be purposively promoted to improve livelihood and assure food security in the rural areas.
  • Item
    Climate Change Adaptation in Semi-Arid Areas: A Gender Perspective
    (International Journal of Ecosystem, 2014) Msaki, Mark M.; Kalumanga, Venance.; Bwagalilo, Fadhili.
    At current, the world is struggling to mitigate the impacts of Climate Change to the involved communities. Due to their climatic behaviours, Semi-Arids are among the most vulnerable areas to Climate Change. Adaption to Climate Change has been suggested to lessen the impacts in different areas. However, the adaption is relative to a specific area’s social-economic, physical as well as cultural set up. For this fact, it is a matter that in some areas, culture happens to side-line women in decision making and implementation while adapting for Climate Change. Therefore, the study was carried out at Chololo Eco - Village, in Dodoma Municipality. The aim of the study was to assess the existing climate change adaptation strategies or technologies and the involvement of Gender in Addressing Climate Change Adaptation Technologies. A total of 110 respondents were interviewed. The research revealed that among the proportion 36%, 29%, 35%, 32%, and 59% of female respondents attended transfer of innovation sessions for Agriculture, Water Management and Conservation, Afforestation, Food Security and Economic Adaptation. More men attended sessions for transfer of innovations as compared to women. Tradition, culture and household chores impended women not to involve much in such sessions. Fortunately, women not attending in such session did not connote not adapting to Climate Change. Roles occupied in the community and household chores had been the factor for women to decide whether to participate or not participate in the training sessions. Women struggled to attend transfer sessions which seemed to be critical such as Economic Adaptation. Fruitfully women were found to be more involved in Income Generating Activities (IGAs) introduced by Chololo Eco – Village. Deliberate efforts should be carried to ensure that women attend technology transfer sessions to become the first beneficiaries of such innovations.
  • Item
    The impact of smallholder commercialisation of organic crops on food consumption patterns, dietary diversity and consumption elasticities
    (Agricultural Economics Research, Policy and Practice in Southern Africa (Agrekon), 2010-05-07) Msaki, Mark M; Hendriks, Sheryl L
    The impact of smallholder commercialisation on food consumption patterns in a rural community of South Africa was investigated. The dietary diversity, nutrient intakes and consumption patterns of certified, partially certified and non-members of an organic farmers' organisation were compared. Engagement in certified commercial organic farming promoted comparatively greater dietary diversity and improved nutrient intakes. While smallholder agriculture commercialisation has the potential to improve food consumption patterns and food quality through increased income and labour opportunities, caution should be exercised before claiming that such commercialisation can alleviate food insecurity and solve hunger in rural South Africa.
  • Item
    Measuring Household Food Security Using Food Intake Indicators in Rural Kwazulu Natal, South Africa
    (Ecology of Food and Nutrition, 2014-04-24) Msaki, Mark M.; Hendriks, Sheryl L.
    Estimation of micronutrients intake in food consumption surveys has generally been ignored. Focusing on similar households, a household food consumption survey (n = 200) was carried out in November 2004 (period of less) and March 2005 (period of plenty) in rural KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. Diet diversity, energy, protein and micronutrient intakes were proxies of household food security. Principal Component Analysis was used to estimate household food adequacy and strength of the variables (nutrients) in determining household intake variation amongst the community. On average, variation in household intake was contributed by energy (62.8%), iron (20.2%), protein (11.8%), vitamin E (3.8%), vitamin A (1.0%), and dietary diversity (0.3%). Linking food intake to household variables can generate plausible variables for measuring household food security.
  • Item
    Do Food Quality and Food Quantity Talk the Same? Lesson From Household Food Security Study in Embo, South Africa
    (Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 2013-07-25) Msaki, Mark M.; Hendriks, Sheryl L.
    Objectives: Relating food diversity, quality, and intake is one of the key aspects in understanding household food security. This paper aimed at marying food intake and quality, both being measurement for food security. Methods: A household food consumption survey (n = 200) exploring food diversity, quality of foods, and their relation to food intake in Embo, a poor farming community in rural KwaZulu-Natal was carried out in November 2004 (period of insufficiency) and repeated in March 2005 (period of plenty). Household food intake strata were developed using matrices obtained from the Household Food Intake Index and nutritional adequacy ratios. Food quality was measured using food count and later using 5 food groups, namely, starches, vegetables and fruits, animal sourced foods, fats, and legumes. Results: Single food count showed dietary diversity to be significantly different across households with different food intake during the period of plenty (P ≤ 0.000). During the period of plenty, vegetable and fruits contributed significantly different proportions of energy (P ≤ 0.000), protein (P ≤ 0.006), iron (P ≤ 0.020), and vitamin E (P ≤ 0.006) to household food intake strata. Intake of vitamin A was more elastic as its intake variation from legumes, fats, and animal sourced foods was (P ≤ 0.000), from starches (P ≤ 0.008) and from vegetable and fruits (P ≤ 0.064) during the second round. Starches are the most important food group to the community, whereas fats and animal sourced food groups are less important. Conclusions: The current study has been able to include food quality in food security studies. Seasonality accounts for variation in food quality. The South African food-based dietary guidelines are relevant to the Embo community.
  • Item
    Local Government Reform Policy Implementation on Fiscal Transparency and Secondary Education Service Delivery in Tanzania: The Case of Kinondoni Municipal Councils (KMC)
    (World Academic Journal of Management, 2023-06-30) Mtasigazya, Paul; Matonya, Iman
    Secondary education service delivery has been identified as a key service in Local Government Authorities (LGAs) in Tanzania and can be improved if the financial transparency is exhibited by LGAs. However, the factors which undermine financial transparency and secondary education service delivery in LGAs remain an empirical challenge, and extant literature in developing countries is still sparse. The purpose of this study was to explore why, after a decade of fiscal transparency reform programs, many developing countries in particular Tanzania is still lagging behind in secondary education service in LGAs and fiscal transparency mainly KMC. To that end, this study adds knowledge on the factors which undermine fiscal transparency and secondary education service delivery in LGAs and the ways forward in Tanzania. This study used a case study research design, purposive sampling was used to select 86 respondents and the methods of data collection were interview and documentary review while data were analyzed through content analysis. The findings indicate that the level of education and the embezzlement of public funds and, weak oversight of the citizens negatively affect secondary education service delivery in LGAs. It is therefore concluded that KMC financial transparency process should be part and parcel of KMC so that citizens may trust their government after being furnished with the financial information and improved secondary education service delivery in LGAs in Tanzania. This study recommends that KMC should make sure that relevant financial information about the finances and other local government services should be made public timely on request including to the public, media, civil society organization, and citizens
  • Item
    Livelihood Levels of Green Banana Actors along the Value Chain in Moshi and Meru Districts, Tanzania
    (African Journal of Accounting and Social Science Studies (AJASS), 2023-12) Kinisa, Gipson R.O.
    The study explored the livelihood levels of green banana actors along the value chain in Moshi and Meru Districts in Tanzania. Descriptive statistics (means, percentages, frequencies, and tables) were used to analyse the actors’ capital sources, activities, capabilities, and assets owned. Binary logistics regression was used to compare the relationships between actors’ capabilities and assets owned. A convenient sampling technique was used to select samples of green banana producers, collectors, processors, wholesalers, and retailers. The sample size of Farmers was 118, Collectors 96, Processors 46, Wholesalers 112, and Retailers 88 for the two districts. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to interview banana value chain actors to obtain primary data. The study found that the actors have different sources of capital. 94 out of 407 respondents (23.10%) relied on banks for their capital needs. A significant majority of respondents, 288 out of 407 (70.76%), relied on their assets as a capital source. The findings of livelihood capabilities show that the majority of households (69.53%) fall under the "Low" income level. On average, the surveyed households own 1 house with an average value of 18,300,000 TZS. Again, each surveyed household owns 8 acres of land with an average combined value of 89,900,000 TZS to assets owned by banana value chain actors. In conclusion, it was found that there are several areas where livelihood capabilities can be enhanced. The study recommends that the actors should be assisted by Local Government Authorities to have different sources of capital. Most of them sell their personal savings, investments, or other tangible assets to fund their ventures. The study also recommends that the actors should focus more on livestock and land ownership since they are significant in both communication and business running capabilities.
  • Item
    Contribution of Village Community Banks to Members’ Livelihood Outcomes in Tanzania: A Case of Chang’ombe Ward in Temeke Municipality
    (African Journal of Accounting and Social Science Studies (AJASS), 2023-12) Rwela, Anderson G.
    This paper assesses the contribution of Village Community Banks (VICOBA) to members’ livelihoods. Specifically, the paper examines the factors for membership in Village Community Banks and the contribution of VICOBA to the livelihood outcomes of members. The paper is based on a cross-sectional study whereby a sample of 224 respondents was drawn from the population using simple random sampling;112 were members and 112 were non-members of VICOBA. Non-members of VICOBA were used as a control group. The method of data collection was a survey. The data were analysed by computing descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics included calculating frequencies and percentages, while inferential statistics included means comparison. The results indicate that services offered by VICOBA were determinants of membership in VICOBA, which included access to loans, networking, receiving earnings, a lower interest rate, savings, and a source of capital. VICOBA contributed to livelihood outcomes variables such as net income and SMEs value of members as it showed a statistically significant P ≥ 0.05 meaning that members of VICOBA had higher net income and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)value compared to non-members. Also, livelihood outcomes such as TV set value, health service cost, and house value of members of VICOBA showed higher values compared to non-members as it showed statistics significant of P ≥ 0.01. The findings conclude that there is a strong positive relationship between membership and livelihood outcomes. The study recommends that local district authorities, NGOs, and the ministry responsible for community development to promote members of the community to participate in VICOBA through developing appropriate policies as VICOBA has shown a tool for achieving livelihood outcomes and means of financial inclusion by enabling members to access capital at affordable costs.
  • Item
    Modeling and optimal control of the transmission dynamics of amebiasis
    (Elsevier, 2023-10-28) Edward, S; Mpogolo, Edward, G
    In this paper, the mathematical models for amebiasis are developed and presented. The first model considers the transmission dynamics of amebiasis coupled with two constant controls: treatment and sanitation. The next-generation matrix calculates the effective reproductive number, which is then used to assess model system stability. A sensitivity analysis is performed to determine the primary factors affecting disease transmission. Nonetheless, the results suggest that indirect transmission is more crucial than direct transmission in spreading disease. In addition, we extended the first model to incorporate time-dependent optimal control measures, namely community awareness, treatment, and sanitation. The aim was to reduce the number of infections emanating from interaction with carriers, infected people, and polluted environments while minimizing the expenses associated with adopting controls. The optimal control problem is solved by applying Pontryagin’s Maximum Principle and forward and backward-in-time fourth-order Runge–Kutta methods. The results indicate that an awareness program is optimal when a single control strategy is the only available option. However, when a combination of two controls is implemented, an approach combining awareness programs and treatment is shown to be optimal. Generally, the best strategy is implementing a combination of all three controls: awareness programs, sanitation, and treatment.
  • Item
    Stakeholders’ Perception of the Impacts of Supply Chain Management on Tanzania Construction Projects’ Performance
    (TIA, 2022-12-31) Tekka, Ramadhani S.
    The current era that is characterised by growth in science and technology, free market beyond borders and globalization effects has compelled every construction industry globally to struggle to resolve the increasing and overwhelming challenges raised by increase in clients' demands and needs. The rise in demands and needs has led to a serious worldwide competition of which the construction industry and firms in particular from emerging economy countries can no longer escape from. In the domestic competitive atmosphere, construction competitors have attempted to identify the strategic competitive environment and potential adaptable market features targeting to lower unnecessary construction costs and time overrun, improving quality, safety, and environmental sustainability while attaining value for money. Thus, to tolerate within a global competition environment, supply chain management has been pointed to ease the construction projects’ performance. This study aimed at examining the impacts of supply chain management on construction projects’ performance. One hundred thirty-eight (138) respondents were randomly sampled from three cities in Tanzania. Primary data were collected using a structured questionnaire, and the data were analysed descriptively. An exploratory factor analysis was performed to validate the questionnaire. Afterwards, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted, and structural equation modelling (SEM) technique was used to determine the validity of the study. The Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) was used to analyse the data. The findings provided pragmatic factors necessary for improving construction projects’ performance. Also, it was found that fourteen supply chain impacts had a positive significant contribution to improving the construction projects’ performance. Moreover, the findings showed direct and statistically significant influence of supply chain management on collaboration, integration, risk sharing and management as well as configuration. Thus, the findings suggested that supply chain management cannot be isolated from other potential factors when one needs to attain an adequate construction project’s improved performance. Both social and practical implications of the study arerecommended to construction industry practitioners and policymakers in Tanzania to understand the impact of supply chain management on construction projects’ performance to enhance performance improvement. Therefore, increased use ofnformation technology (IT) in supply chain management is recommended to improve construction projects’ performance.
  • Item
    Effects of Innovation on Business Performance: Empirical Evidence from Manufacturing Firms in Tanzania
    (TIA, 2022-12-31) Mwaifyusi, Hussein A.; Dau, Ramadhani K.
    Regardless of its relevance for business performance, the influence of innovation on the performance of manufacturing firms in Tanzania is not well documented. Thus, this study aimed to examine the effects of innovation on business performance of manufacturing firms in Tanzania. The study used cross-sectional design and quantitative approach. Copies of a structured questionnaire were administered to 420 participants from 28 manufacturing companies in Dar es Salaam and Coast Regions. An impressive response rate of 93.1% was achieved. Data were tested for reliability using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. Tests for normality, multicollinearity and autocorrelation were conducted, and the results showed the data were reliable, normally distributed, free of multicollinearity and autocorrelation problems. Descriptive and multiple regression statistical techniques were employed. The results suggested that a significant positive effect existed between performance of manufacturing firms and product innovation (B=0.705, p=0.001), process innovation (B=0.640, p=0.000) and marketing innovation (B=.818, p=0.000). The obvious implication to industry is that innovation is important to business success of the manufacturing companies, thus the governments should motivate firms to innovate continuously by giving incentives to invest in R&D. Past studies linking innovation and performance have focused on financial measures of performance. The major contribution of the current study is to use non-financial measures of performance such as business growth and responsiveness to change.
  • Item
    Automated Optimization-Based Deep Learning Models for Image Classification Tasks
    (MDPI, 2023-09-01) Migayo, Daudi, M.; Kaijage, Shubi.; Swetala, Stephen.; Nyambo, Devotha, G.
    Applying deep learning models requires design and optimization when solving multi-faceted artificial intelligence tasks. Optimization relies on human expertise and is achieved only with great exertion. The current literature concentrates on automating design; optimization needs more attention. Similarly, most existing optimization libraries focus on other machine learning tasks rather than image classification. For this reason, an automated optimization scheme of deep learning models for image classification tasks is proposed in this paper. A sequential-model-based optimization algorithm was used to implement the proposed method. Four deep learning models, a transformer-based model, and standard datasets for image classification challenges were employed in the experiments. Through empirical evaluations, this paper demonstrates that the proposed scheme improves the performance of deep learning models. Specifically, for a Virtual Geometry Group (VGG-16), accuracy was heightened from 0.937 to 0.983, signifying a 73% relative error rate drop within an hour of automated optimization. Similarly, training-related parameter values are proposed to improve the performance of deep learning models. The scheme can be extended to automate the optimization of transformer-based models. The insights from this study may assist efforts to provide full access to the building and optimization of DL models, even for amateurs.
  • Item
    Modeling the Transmission Dynamics of Hepatitis A with Combined Vaccination and Sanitation Mitigation
    (HINDAWI, 2023-02-13) Mwaijande, Stephen, E.; Mpogolo, Godfrey, E.
    A mathematical model for the Hepatitis A Virus (HAV) epidemiology with dual transmission mechanisms is developed and presented. The model considers vaccination and sanitation as mitigation strategies. The effective reproductive number was derived and employed to study the stability of the model. Using Routh’s stability criteria, the local stability of a disease-free equilibrium was determined, whereas the global stability of the endemic equilibrium was attained through a suitable Lyapunov function. Furthermore, bifurcation analysis is carried out using the centre manifold theory to ascertain its nature and implication for disease control. It was revealed that the model exhibits a forward bifurcation indicating the possibility of disease eradication when the effective reproduction number is kept below unity. Numerical results indicate that infection rates decrease quantitatively when at least one control measure is effectively implemented. It was deduced that combining vaccination and sanitation yields even fewer cases, making it the best alternative for eliminating Hepatitis A (HA) infection from the community. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to ascertain the parameters of the strong influence that could significantly affect the system. It was revealed that constant recruitment and vaccination coverage were the most critical parameters affecting the system. In addition, the study found that direct transmission plays an essential role in the occurrence of HA infection. In contrast, indirect transmission contributes marginally but significantly to the prevalence of HA infection.
  • Item
    Agro-pastoralist Resilience: Emerging Challenges towards Innovated Pathways of Climate Change Effects in Semi-arid areas of Kiteto and Kilindi Districts, Tanzania
    (TIA, 2022-06) Mung’ong’o, Henry G.
    Climate change and its variability threaten food security globally, making life uncertain, especially among agro-pastoral communities living in fragile semi-arid areas. This trend has necessitated the exploration of the potential designed and developed pathways and the emerging challenges which reduce the adaptive capacity of agro-pastoralists. This study investigates innovative pathways and challenges facing agro-pastoral communities in adapting to climate change and variability effects on crops and livestock production in semiarid areas of Kiteto and Kilindi Districts. A mixed-method research approach under a correlation case study design was employed. Primary data were collected using a household survey which sampled 362 households, Focus Group Discussion (n=6), In-depth interviews (key informants) and field visits. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used in analysing and presenting the findings. The study results indicate that agro-pastoral communities have observed a decrease in rainfall and an increase in temperature trends that were linked to reduced livestock, cereals and pulses crop production thus affecting the agro-pastoral community’s food security status. The study identified innovative pathways as a response to reduced livestock, cereal and pulse crops production which includes growing drought-tolerant crops, practising intercropping, livestock seasonal mobility, traditional grazing management system through by-laws, pastures rotational uses and traditional water reservoirs (Mboutu). Furthermore, the study identified several challenges to overcoming declining livestock production and crop yields, which include inadequate financial capital (91%), droughts (85.4%), unpredicted weather patterns, (74.7%), emergency of new AJASSS Volume 4, Issue No. 1, 2022 page 20 livestock diseases (50.3%), a lack of reliable weather information (44.2%), low livestock prices(40%), insufficient and delayed delivery of agricultural equipment (37%). All these challenges reduced the resilience capacity of agro pastoralists. To ensure the sustainability of fragile dryland communities, this study recommends purposeful institutional intervention plans and increased income diversification as well as more capacity-building activities for increased awareness of climate change adaptation practices in semiarid areas of Tanzania which will increase agro-pastoralists resilience.
  • Item
    The Influence of School Leadership Experiences and Working Environment on Teachers’ Job Satisfaction in Kilimanjaro and Pwani Regions, Tanzania
    (Tanzania Institute of Accountancy, 2022-06) Mwita, Sospeter; Hassanal, Issaya
    This study explored the influence of school leadership and working environment on teachers’ job satisfaction in Tanzania. The study was guided by two questions: how school leadership influences teachers’ job satisfaction and how the working environment influences teachers’ job satisfaction. Herzberg’s two-factor theory guided the study. A mixed method approach was employed where both qualitative and quantitative data were collected and analysed using a concurrent research design in which. The study focused on public secondary schools in Tanzania and involved 244 respondents who were selected using a simple random sampling technique. questionnaires and interviews were used in data collection for the study. Qualitative data were analysed using content analysis while quantitative data were analysed using descriptive and linear regression analyses . The study findings reveal that school leadership influences teachers’ satisfaction with the job. Importantly, the linear regression results revealed that teachers’ collaboration significantly predicted commitment to the job (β=0.24, t (4, 239)= 3.77, p=0.000). the findings imply that the increase in teachers’ collaboration in various school matters stimulated their passion and engagement in school activities. On the other hand, a safe working environment at school accounts for 51.5 per cent in predicting teachers’ satisfaction with the job (p≤ 0.01). Therefore, collective leadership and a conducive environment at school help in increasing employees’ satisfaction with the job. It is recommended that school leaders AJASSS Volume 4, Issue No. 1, 2022 page 2 should continuously be trained on collective leadership and improvement of the working environment.
  • Item
    Turnover Intention among Lecturers in Private Universities Tanzania: Is the Question of Job Satisfaction?
    (Tanzania Institute of Accountancy, 2023-06) Mrope, George
    The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of job satisfaction on turnover intention among lecturers in private universities in Tanzania. Specifically, the study intended to examine the effect of pay towards labour turnover intention, ascertain how workload affects labour turnover intention, and assess the contribution of work environment towards labour turnover intention. The study employed a cross-sectional survey design. The sample of the study was 132 academicians, drawn using simple random sampling technique. The data were collected using a close-ended questionnaire and analysed using multiple linear regression analysis. The findings show that pay has a negative relationship with labour turnover intention (β = -0.247, p < 0.05). The result implies that increase in pay results in a 0.247 decrease in turnover intention among lecturers. Moreover results reveal that workload has a positive relationship with labour turnover intention (β = 0.246, p < 0.01). The result infers that increase in workload results in 0.246 an increase in turnover intention among lecturers. Similarly, the finding indicates that work environment has a negative relationship with lecturers’ turnover intention (β = -0.586, p < 0.001). The results suggest that a more favourable work environment is associated with a decrease of 0.586 in turnover intention among lecturers. The study concludes that pay, workload, and work environment are related with turnover intention among lecturers in private universities in Tanzania. The study recommends a review of the current pay structure and enhancement of the characteristics of the work environment in order to lower turnover intention among lecturers. A study on job satisfaction due to work environment and labour turnover intention among lecturers is suggested.
  • Item
    Influence of Indulgence on Entrepreneurial Opportunity Exploitation among Small and Medium Enterprises Owners in Tanzania: Mediating Effect of Innovativeness
    (Tanzania Institute of Accountancy, 2023-06) Kamwela, Baraka H.; Tonya, Emmanuel
    The purpose of this study was to examine the direct and indirect influence of indulgence on entrepreneurial opportunity exploitation among small and medium enterprise owners in Tanzania. The specific objectives were to examine the influence of indulgence on entrepreneurial opportunity exploitation and to examine the mediating effect of innovativeness on the relationship between indulgence and entrepreneurial opportunity exploitation. The study employed an explanatory research design in which 370 small and medium enterprise owners were studied using a cross-section survey questionnaire. Partial least square structural equation modelling was used to test the hypotheses for the direct and indirect effects of indulgence on entrepreneurial opportunity exploitation. Empirical results indicated that indulgence has a positive and significant direct influence on entrepreneurial opportunity exploitation among small and medium enterprise owners. Also, mediation effects indicated that innovativeness had positive and significant indirect effects on the relationship between indulgence and entrepreneurial opportunity exploitation. Theoretically, the study implies that innovativeness is the mechanism through which indulgence influences entrepreneurial opportunity exploitation. Moreover, the study implies that indulgent values influence SME owners’ behaviour toward entrepreneurial opportunity exploitation. Policymakers should incorporate indulgent values and innovativeness characteristics when formulating business policies and strategies that aim at promoting entrepreneurial opportunity exploitation.
  • Item
    Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) towards COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study among Higher Learning Institutions (HLIs) Students of Tanzania
    (Tanzania Institute of Accountancy, 2023-06) Mawala, Isaac; Akyoo, Elimeleck P.
    There is paucity on both the level of knowledge about COVID-19 and whether the level of knowledge among students of HLIs is related to their practices regarding measures proposed for prevention against COVID-19. The objective of this study was to analyse the level of knowledge, attitude, misconceptions and practices of students in HLIs in order to improve protection measures being undertaken by the students and staff at HLIs. The study employed a cross sectional research design involving 385 HLIs students who were selected randomly using simple and systematic sampling techniques from four institutions of HLIs in four regions. The data were collected through using a questionnaire and analysed with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) whereby descriptive statistics, Chi-square test were analysed. Results indicate that the general knowledge about COVID-19 was low among students, and it was different between male and female students; female students had relatively lower level of knowledge about COVID-19 compared to their male counterparts. Most students were not aware of how COVID- 19 is transmitted. Most students had positive attitudes towards COVID-19 control. It can be concluded that, generally students had low overall levels of knowledge, attitude and practices towards COVID-19. It is recommended that HLIs should create comprehensive awareness strategies suited to the needs of male and female HLIs students that are urgently needed in the fight against COVID-19.
  • Item
    Determinants of Business Formalization in Singida Municipal Council, Tanzania
    (Tanzania Institute of Accountancy, 2023-06) Pallangyo, Barakael T.; Akyoo, Elimeleck P.
    While Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are recognized to be the engine of growth of the economy, most businesses continue to operate informally. There are competing arguments on prospects of business formalization. This study analysed the attitudes of business owners towards business formalization and determinants of such formalization among SMEs in Singida Municipality. The study adopted a cross-sectional research design, and a mixed-methods approach whreby both quantitative and qualitative data were collected. A sample of 200 SMEs owners were selected using Fisher’s formula. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic content analysis with a constant comparison. Quantitative data were analysed with the aid of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software whereby descriptive statistics were computed to obtain frequencies and percentage distributions of the responses. A five-point Likert scale was used to establish the level of attitude towards business formalization. Binary logistic regression was used to determine effects of predictors on chances of business formalization. It was found that education, age, sex, firm location, firm size, employment and access to credit were important predictors of business formalization (p <0.005). Many respondents (56.6%) had positive attitude on business formalization. Insufficient capital (30.1%) and high tax charges (21.7%) were the most frequently cited factors hindering business formalization.
  • Item
    Determinants of Livelihood Diversification Strategies in Communities Adjacent to Large Scale Agricultural Investment in Kilombero Valley, Tanzania.
    (Tengeru Community Development Journal, 2021-12-15) Akyoo, Elimeleck P.
    Household’s socio-economic characteristics have the potential of determining livelihood strategies of community living adjacent to large scale agricultural investment areas. However, livelihood diversification strategies in areas with large-scale agricultural investment are determined by complex and yet empirically untested factors in Kilombero Valley. Thus, the aim of this study is to examine the determinants of livelihood diversification strategies in the study area. The study based adopted a cross-sectional research design and the exploratory sequential research strategy whereby data were collected from 376 respondents. Quantitative data collected through a structured questionnaire were entered into SPSS and Multinomial logit model was used to examine determinants of household livelihood diversification strategies. Qualitative data were subjected to content analysis. Generally, findings show that household size, land size and access to credit were positively and significantly (p ≤ 0.05) associated with households’ livelihood diversification for households adjacent to Kilombero Sugar Company Limited (KSCL). On the other hand, land size, total income and group membership were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) associated with households’ livelihood diversification for households adjacent to Kilombero Plantation Limited (KPL). It is concluded that diversification of livelihood strategies in communities adjacent to large-scale agricultural investments are context specific and depends on investors adjacent to the community in question. It is recommended that local government authorities and other development actors in Kilombero Valley should recognize and support non-farm livelihood diversification and address access to credit constraints by provision of credit with lowest interest rate to households who will be interested in non-farm income generating activities.