http://repository.mocu.ac.tz/xmlui/handle/123456789/51 2026-05-19T07:12:52Z http://repository.mocu.ac.tz/xmlui/handle/123456789/2144 Determinants of Teachers’ Choice of CopingStrategies to Witchcraft Belief in Rural PublicPrimary Schools in Nzega Districts, Tanzania Nziku, Dismas.; Kumburu, Neema.; Sikawa, Gideon. This study examined the determinants infl uencing public primary school teachers’ choice of copingstrategies in response to witchcraft beliefs in rural Tanzania, with empirical evidence from NzegaDistrict. A cross-sectional research design was employed, drawing on survey data collected from 330public primary school teachers selected through random sampling across fi ve rural wards. A MultivariateProbit (MVP) model was applied to analyse the simultaneous adoption of multiple coping strategies. Thefi ndings reveal that teachers’ demographic and contextual characteristics signifi cantly infl uencedstrategy selection. Specifi cally, spiritual and religious coping was shaped by household size, maritalstatus, distance to school, residence with villagers, and teaching experience; traditional ritualistic copingby age of household head, residence with villagers, and teaching experience; symbolic marking by sex ofhousehold head, witnessing witchcraft incidences, and residence with villagers; animal-based protectionby years living in the community and residence with villagers; and seeking social support by householdsize, years living in the community, and religious affi liation. The results highlight that witchcraft beliefscontinue to exert a meaningful infl uence on teachers’ well-being and decision-making in rural contexts.The study underscores the need for targeted psychosocial support, culturally sensitive communityengagement, and strengthened institutional strategies to promote constructive coping and enhanceteachers’ resilience. By applying a multivariate analytical approach within a culturally embedded ruralsetting, this study extends empirical and theoretical understanding of occupational stress and coping ineducation, offering context-specifi c insights relevant to policy and practice in the context of developingcountries. This is research Article 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z http://repository.mocu.ac.tz/xmlui/handle/123456789/2143 Determinants of commercialization among smallholder maize farmers in Tanzania Mboma, Angela B.; Kilima, Fredy T. M.; Mchopa, Alban D.; Schäfer, Joachim G. Agriculture is fundamental to Tanzania’s economic development with smallholders producing 85% of the nation’s maize. However, their market participation remains constrained. This study eximines determinants of maize commercialization among smallholder farmers in Tanzania, focusing on household characteristics, assets, access to information, and market engagement. Using data from 1,529 households drawn fromWave 5 of the Tanzania National Panel Survey and applying Tobit regression model, the study identifies key factors influencing the intensity of commercialization. Durable assets ownership, market information and number of adult household members significantly enhence maize commercialization. Conversely, higher household income, unmarried household head, older age, and larger plot sizes are associated within lower levels of commercialization. These findings suggest that while asset ownership and information access support commercialization by easing the separation of production and consumption decision, social-cultural factors often override profit-maximizing behaviour. Wealthier and older farmers tend to prioritize household food security and kinship affairs over maize sales, while land and labor decisions are shaped by inheritance norms and gender roles. The study recommends multi-pronged policy approach, including improved access to finance, strengthern digital and extension-based information systems, enhanced,market infrastructure, and targeted support for women and youth, alongside sustainable intensification strategies to improve productivity and resilience. This is Research Article 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z http://repository.mocu.ac.tz/xmlui/handle/123456789/2141 Determinants of livelihood diversification among Youth Development Fund beneficiaries in Chalinze District and Dar es Salaam City Councils, Tanzania Ngoyo, Laurent D.; Machimu, Gervas M.; Komba, Cyril K. Livelihood diversification is the strategy to reduce vulnerabilities by engaging in multiple income generating activities. This study analyses the determinants of diversification of livelihood activities undertaken by Youth Development Fund beneficiaries in Chalinze District and Dar es Salaam City Councils. The cross-sectional research design was used with a sample size of 200 beneficiaries. Focus Group Discussions and Key informant interviews were used to collect the qualitative data while the semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect the quantitative data. Descriptive statistics, and binary logistic regression were used to analyse the quantitative data while content analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data. Findings showed that, business experience, marital status and entrepreneurship skills are the key and significant determinants of livelihood diversification where male beneficiaries diversified their livelihood than female. Motorcycle riding business was the highest diversified activity undertaken by 30% of respondents. The findings suggest that, beneficiaries their livelihoods had prior experience and entrepreneurship skills. The study recommends that the government should provide mentorship and coaching to youth and equip them with entrepreneurship skills in order to diversify income sources The government should also create or revitalise youth-friendly policies in order to create supportive environment for livelihood diversification. This is Research Article 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z http://repository.mocu.ac.tz/xmlui/handle/123456789/2140 Contribution of Cash Crops to Export Trade in a Middle-Income Country Sambuo, Damian B. Understanding the role of cash crop export in strengthening a country’s middle-income class is paramount. Export crop trade data from selected crops between 1995 and 2000 were analysed using Box and Jenkins' model to assess implications for middle-income countries. The Box and Jenkins forecast projected export trade values up to the year 2028. Results indicate that increased exporting of crops and the achievement of middle-income country status have a bidirectional influence. The increase in crop exports influenced middle-income countries status achievement, and middle-income countries status led to more exports of cash crops. The intermediation of Gross National Income was also effective, significantly contributing to crop export and growth of Gross National Income. Further, cashew and sisals crops showed a significant upward trend, thus calling for country crop specific investment strategy. Also, there should be more focus on increase exports crops and policy strategies. Strategic investment and reassessment of market forces and export standards requirements are recommended for further study. The study extends the Ricardian comparative advantage framework by highlighting Tanzania’s stable and positive export performance in sisal and cashew during economic shocks. 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z