Conference Proceedings

Why is Tanzanian opposition weak twenty-five years since its re-introduction?

2024-10-10T10:05:34Z

Why is Tanzanian opposition weak twenty-five years since its re-introduction? Mangasini, A. K This paper examines the performance of opposition parties and the prospects of multiparty politics in Tanzania. At independence in 1961 and during Colonial Rule, Tanganyika now Tanzania Mainland was enjoying a multiparty democracy but moved to one party state during 1970s. The Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) has won all elections since re-introduction of multiparty politics in 1992. The debate now is on the performance of Tanzania's opposition parties. Some scholars argue that many Tanzanians especially smallholders and rural inhabitants have strong loyalty to the ruling party CCM despite the economic difficulties they face. They further argue that, this strong loyalty to CCM is largely a result of lack of a strong alternative among the political parties, and nostalgia for the party which brought them independence and which has maintained relative peace. They also maintain that, it will simply take time for such nostalgia to fade and for a pro-rural challenge to the CCM to emerge; otherwise, age appears to have no significant effect on CCM support both Tanzanians old and young are loyal to the CCM. However, others claim that even if CCM is enjoying the power of the incumbency past elections results show that the margin of votes across constituencies for the CCM is in steady decline, thus challenging its dominance’. This paper is set to contribute to this live debate but taking the readers to a slightly different view point. In this paper, it is argued that, in spite of the claims made on the nature and quality of electoral institutions, and electoral system, opposition parties in the country have remained both numerically institutionally weak and fragmented. It is further argued that failure of the Tanzanian opposition parties is largely a product of internal weaknesses.

Socio-Economic Factors Limiting Smallholder Groundnut Production in Tabora Region

2024-10-10T10:05:17Z

Socio-Economic Factors Limiting Smallholder Groundnut Production in Tabora Region Mangasini, A. K; Kumburu, N.P Groundnut is among the most important crops for smallholder farmers in Tanzania, providing both food and income for households. Groundnut is a nutritious source of fats, protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals for human consumption and parts of the crop can be used for livestock feed. This study identified factors which contribute to the stagnation of groundnut production among smallholder producers in Urambo district of Tabora region in Tanzania. Quantitative data were collected using a survey questionnaire administered to 400 smallholder farmers. Multistage, simple random and purposive sampling were used to select participants. Qualitative data were also collected through focus group discussions, key informant interviews and personal observation. A multivariate regression technique was used to examine socio-economic factors influencing small scale groundnut production in the district. In addition, the profitability of various crops produced in the study area was assessed using gross margin analysis. Results indicate that hours spent farming, cultivated land size, the price of groundnut from the previous season, cost of seeds and cost of pesticides significantly influence groundnut production in the area. Data further indicate that groundnut was the third most profitable crop in the area after beans and rice. The study also revealed gender disparity in land ownership. Few women owned land despite being major providers of labour. Based on the evidence, the study recommends that the government, among other policy responses, expand extension services to ensure that smallholder groundnut farmers have access to high-yielding groundnut seed varieties, agro-chemicals, improved farm inputs, storage and marketing facilities.

Nature And Magnitude of Land Acquisitions in Tanzania: Analyzing Role Of Different Actors, Key Trends And Drivers In Land Acquisitions

2024-08-27T12:08:04Z

Nature And Magnitude of Land Acquisitions in Tanzania: Analyzing Role Of Different Actors, Key Trends And Drivers In Land Acquisitions Katundu, Mangasini A.; Makungu, Innocent M.A During the period between 1967 and the early 1990s the economy of Tanzania was centrally planned and managed with major means of production including land and industries under the direct state control. Around 1990s Tanzania liberalized its economy. As a result, the government embarked on a major privatization policy and opened up the market for international investors. Recently, we have witnessed influx of foreign investors who want to invest in the country’s farmlands. Most of these investors come from India, China, Europe, Malasia, America, Arab Countries and South Africa. However, land is limited in supply. Besides, the impact both beneficial and adverse brought by these foreign direct investments (FDIs) to Tanzania are not well known. This project evaluated the nature and magnitude of land acquisition and accumulation currently taking place in the country, by analyzing the role of key actors, trends and drivers in the land acquisition process. Mixed methods were employed in gathering data. Qualitative methods include in-depth interviews (IDIs); focus group discussion (FGDs); key informant interviews (KIs); observation and documentary reviews (DR). Surveys were used to capture quantitative information that could not be captured using qualitative methods. Quantitative data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and Micro Soft Excel (MS-Excel) computer packages while qualitative information from key informant interviews were summarized and jotted down into main themes. Results show that Tanzania’s land acquisition and accumulation process is dominated by foreign companies who have acquired cheaply huge tracks of land for different purposes. Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) in Tanzania have not reduced poverty neither have they improved living conditions of the people. The myth of an “idle” land is a major cause of the current rush for land acquisition and accumulation in the country. Other findings show that increased land crises, increased cost of purchasing land, increased land shortage, and outbreak of famine due to export oriented production are key challenges brought by FDI in the study areas. The study recommends that, existing local smallholder farmers must be informed and involved in all stages related to negotiations over land deals that they own or that surround them. Likewise due to sensitivity in land matters to human livelihoods, the land tenure policy should be reviewed to the possible minimum period of time. A full text article from the collection of Community and Rural Development

Determinants of Youth Self-Employment in Bujumbura, Burundi

2024-01-19T12:49:34Z

Determinants of Youth Self-Employment in Bujumbura, Burundi Nintunze, Calixte In response to escalating youth unemployment challenges globally and particularly in Burundi, this research investigates the determinants of youth self-employment in Bujumbura, aiming to identify key shaping entrepreneurial decisions. The study explores the influence of demographic, socio-economic, and psychological factors on youth’s pursuit of self-employment. Data were collected from 378 self-employed youth in Bujumbura using disproportionate stratified and snowball sampling techniques. Descriptive and Inferential analyses were conducted, including Multiple Linear Regression and Structural Equation Modelling, utilizing IBM SPSS 25 and SMARTPLS. Demographic analysis revealed that age (β=0.288, P<0.001), education (β=0.009, P<0.05), and skills (β=0.009, P<0.05) significantly influenced the decision to become self-employed. Socio-economic factors highlighted the importance of access to financial resources (β=0.044, P<0.05) and social networks (β=0.238, P<0.001), with the latter playing a substantial role in influencing self-employment decisions. Psychological factors emphasized the need for achievement (β=0.897, t=59.832, p<0.001) and entrepreneurial intention (β=0.048, t=2.201, p<0.05) as a driving force behind youth self-employment.