Research Articles

Socio-Cultural Determinants of Entrepreneurial Capabilities among the Chagga and Sukuma Small and Medium Enterprises in Tanzania

2026-06-05T07:14:33Z

Socio-Cultural Determinants of Entrepreneurial Capabilities among the Chagga and Sukuma Small and Medium Enterprises in Tanzania Mashenene, Robert G.; Macha, Joyce G.; Donge, Leo. This paper examines socio-cultural determinants (SCDs) linked to entrepreneurial capabilities (EC) among the Chagga and Sukuma Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Tanzania. A survey of 254 owner-managers was conducted in Kilimanjaro and Mwanza regions in order to collect quantitative data and case studies for qualitative data. Descriptive statistics and Binary Logistic Regression Model analysis were employed in estimating the effect of SCDs on EC. Results show that values, social factors, beliefs, norms and perceptions demonstrate positive effects while attitudes show a negative effect on EC among the Chagga and Sukuma. However, results show variation on the effect of SCD on EC between the Chagga and Sukuma in which the effect is stronger among the Chagga than Sukuma. This study concludes that SCDs have effect on EC and its implication is that individuals exposed to such SCDs are likely to have a sounding EC. The study recommends that policy makers should consider the role of SCDs in entrepreneurial undertaking. This is Research Article

Role and Empowerment of Women in Wildlife Conservation:

2026-06-05T07:13:23Z

Role and Empowerment of Women in Wildlife Conservation: Ally, Tariq A.; Kumar, Ramesh.; Verma, Raj K.; Verma, Rohit K.; Bhargava, Riya. This research explores the critical role of women in wildlife conservation and examines how gender equality laws intersect with biodiversity protection efforts. As conservation challenges intensify, the involvement of diverse communities, particularly women, becomes increasingly essential. Women often lead community-based conservation efforts, especially in rural and indigenous communities where traditional ecological knowledge is integral to biodiversity protection. However, gender-based barriers such as limited access to education, resources, and leadership roles restrict their potential contributions. This study analyzes the impact of legal frameworks that support gender equality, including international human rights laws, on conservation outcomes. Drawing from case studies, it highlights successful initiatives where empowering women in conservation has directly benefited endangered species and habitat restoration efforts. The findings suggest that enforcing gender equality within conservation policies not only strengthens human rights but also enhances ecological resilience, fostering a holistic approach to sustainable biodiversity protection. This research advocates for policies that prioritize women’s participation in conservation, proposing a model for integrated approaches that leverage gender equality as a powerful tool for environmental stewardship. This is Research Article

Mind the gap? Investigating the Curriculum- Labour Market Nexus in Tanzania

2026-06-05T07:12:04Z

Mind the gap? Investigating the Curriculum- Labour Market Nexus in Tanzania Kaleshu, Jones.; Ouma, Stefan.; Towo, Esther.; Katundu, Mangasini. Tanzanian higher education faces many challenges due to ongoing expansion and increased enrolment rates partly caused by increased number of universities and university colleges. This mass enrolment has affected the quality of graduates. Proposed solution to this challenge is a shift from knowledge to competency-based curriculum; which has the potential to link the theory with the practical experience. This paper explored the factors that shape the development of competency-based curricula. The study was conducted using a cross-sectional design and answered the following key questions: Through which processes, practices, and milieus are curricula developed at Tanzanian universities. What factors contribute to the development of competence-based curricula (internal and external? What are the challenges in developing competence-based curricula? In this study, 160 graduates and 21 employers were sampled using conveniently; whereas, purposive sampling was applied in selecting university graduates, regions, and districts. Data were gathered using household surveys, skey informants interviews and the documentary review. The findings show that resource constraints, insufficient competent staff, the lack of ownership of curricula development and bureaucratic decision-making processes are the main barriers towards developing of the true competency-based curriculum. It is recommended that Tanzanian Universities, Government and educationists should contextualized on the education landscape that fits Tanzanian environment if possible try to decolonize higher education in order to provide local solutions to local problems This is Research Article

Gender Roles Stir the Recipe:

2026-06-05T07:08:09Z

Gender Roles Stir the Recipe: Kisamo, Ansila B.; Kayunze, Kim.; Allan, Tumaini. Purpose: Food processing firms are of great benefit. Despite their importance in the economy, they have not grown enough to ensure survival and growth, which demand them to be innovative. Thus, this paper analyses the relationship between learning orientation (LO) and innovativeness in food processing firms taking into account the moderation effect of gender roles in Tanzania. Specifically, the relationship between LO and innovativeness was determined, and the moderation effect of gender roles on the LO-innovativeness relationship was tested. Methodology: The study employed 224 owner-managers of food processing firms. A questionnaire with Likert scale type items was used to gather data. Analysis was done by Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). Findings: The findings revealed that Commitment to Learn (β = 0.247, p < 0.001), Open Mindedness (β = 0.275, p < 0.001), Shared Vision (β = 0.216, p < 0.001), and Gender Roles (β = 0.276, p < 0.001) significantly enhanced innovativeness in food processing. The was no moderation effect of gender roles on the relationship between learning orientation and innovativeness. Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: The study supports the Organisational Learning Theory by demonstrating that a firm which focus on continuous learning and unlearning is in a better position of being innovative and being a market leader as learning orientation is a resource that is not easily imitative. Gender roles showed no moderating effect implying that when owners/managers have multiple gender roles that are pulling them away from the business, draws back their innovative capability. Thus, societies should advocate against all kinds of gender related drawbacks that unlevel the ground of innovation. Policy makers to formulate and implement a policy which would support food processing firms to learn from various external and internal stakeholders. This is an Abstract