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Exporting And Productivity: Evidence From Firm-Level Data In Tanzania, Josephat J. Hongoli, Vincent Leyaro

Tanzanian Economic Review

Using firm-level data (2006 – 2023), this paper examines the interactions between export behavior and productivity among manufacturing firms in Tanzania.  Specifically, the study tests the hypothesis that more productive firms self-select into export markets and benefit from global markets through learning-by-exporting and economies of scale. The study employs a two-step procedure to estimate firm-level productivity and compares exporting firms with non-exporting firms, controlling for observable heterogeneity. The findings of the study reveal a high and significant productivity premium of approximately 32 percent, which is consistent with the existing empirical literature. The results remain robust even when considering partial productivity …

Women's Empowerment, Female Genital Mutilation And Domestic Violence In Tanzania: Evidence From The Tanzania Demographic And Health Survey 2022, Monica Sebastian Kauky, Hinju Gabriel

Tanzanian Economic Review

Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) remains an important public health and human rights issue in Tanzania. This study uses data from the 2022 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey (TDHS) and applies logit and Tobit models to investigate the relationships between women’s empowerment, FGM/C, and domestic violence. The results indicate that approximately 3 percent of women had undergone FGM/C, while 44 percent had experienced domestic violence. Women’s educational attainment and control over land are also important factors associated with the prevalence of FGM/C. The findings further show a strong relationship between women’s autonomy and their exposure to domestic violence, particularly in relation …

Adapting To Aridity: Crop Production Trends Among Smallholder Farmers In Iramba District, Tanzania, Nashokigwa Shalua, Digna Wolfram Mlengule, Johnstone M. Andrea

Tanzanian Economic Review

Increasing crop production amid recurrent droughts remains a critical challenge for smallholder farmers in the semi-arid Iramba District; however, empirical evidence on crop production remains scarce. This paper analysed trends in crop production in Iramba District from 1995 to 2024. Mixed methods were used, and data were collected through structured interviews, focus group discussions, field observations, in-depth interviews and document reviews. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics while qualitative data were thematically analysed. The results indicate that 84.2% (n=95) of the households showed an increase in crop yields despite concurrent severe drought. Sunflower, maize, bulrush millet, and sorghum were …

Design Of A Sequential Logic Control System For Water Recycling In Car Wash Operations For Minimising Utility Costs, Enock W. Nshama, Mussa Iddi Mgwatu

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

The car wash sector in Tanzania is expected to expand in the next few years, since the trend of imported cars is increasing. However, the traditional method of washing cars is subjected to water overuse and environmental pollution. This study presents a design of water recycling sequential logic control system to come up with a cost-effective car wash operation aimed at effectively utilising water and electricity resources. Data were collected at 78 car wash stations in Dar es Salaam region to determine water and electricity costs. Data were analysed using MS Excel and Minitab to establish the trend of utility …

Techno-Economic Analysis Of Captive Solar Power Systems For Tanzania’S Manufacturing Sector: Barriers, Opportunities, And Feasibility, Edson Uhale, Sarah P. Ayeng'o

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

This study provides a comprehensive techno-economic analysis of the barriers, opportunities, and feasibility of adopting captive solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in Tanzania’s industrial manufacturing sector. Despite Tanzania’s high solar irradiation potential, averaging 4.5 to 7.0 kWh/m²/day, the uptake of captive solar systems remains minimal, with only 2.3 percent of surveyed firms currently using solar energy, primarily for non-productive uses such as security lighting. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 43 manufacturing firms in the Dar es Salaam and Pwani regions through structured questionnaires, supported by PVSyst simulations and financial modelling to assess two system configurations: grid-connected PV systems …

From Gap To Growth? Examining Institutional And Legal Efforts To Bridge Gender Disparities In Higher Learning: The Case Of University Of Dar Es Salaam, Hadija K. Mwendah, Bernadeta Killian

Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

Tanzania has adopted several institutional and legal frameworks to advance gender equality in higher learning. These include, national gender policies, affirmative action provisions and establishment of gender mainstreaming structures at universities. This paper examines how these frameworks have been implemented at the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) and the extent to which they have bridged gender disparities in academia. Using secondary data and drawing from feminist institutionalism, the study explores how formal rules and informal practices interact to influence gender outcomes. Findings reveal that while institutional mechanisms such as the UDSM Gender Policy, Institute for Gender Studies, Gender Desks …

A Solar Pv System For Industrial Application- A Case Study Of A Cement Industry In Tanzania, Santos Kihwele

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

This study presents an implementation of the largest behind-the-meter solar photovoltaic (PV) system for a cement industry in Tanzania. The project aims to supply energy for the industry’s own use, without any energy injection into the utility grid, for the purposes of cutting energy-related expenditure and reducing reliance on the utility grid. The project also aims to contribute to the efforts towards the application of renewable and alternative energy sources as a means to reducing carbon footprints, towards achieving the net-zero CO₂ emission goal. A comprehensive site assessment was conducted, analyzing factors such as location, land availability, climate data, …

The Use Of Local Materials For The Interior Quality Of Swahili Building Design In Tanzania, Luiana Makundi, Jacob Lutta

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Swahili architecture in Tanzania is recognized by spatial capacity to adapt environmental changes. This research explores the role of locally available materials in shaping the interior quality by focusing on functional, aesthetic appeal and supporting sustainable environment. A mixed-methods approach was applied which, involves field surveys, case study and interviews with different local professionals in building industry. Dar-es-Salaam was used as a case study area that was critically analysed to identify construction practices and applications of local materials in building interior spaces. A particular focus was placed on materials durability, aesthetic, ecological, environmental balance and thermal efficiency which seems to …

Optimization Of Welding Parameters For Carbon Steel Fabrication: A Trade-Off Between Tensile Strength And Heat-Affected Zone, Melkiory B. Njawala, Simon I. Marandu, Enock W. Nshama

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

This study focused on optimizing gas metal arc welding (GMAW) parameters for AISI 1045 carbon steel to balance the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and heat affected zone (HAZ) size of the weldment. Using a full factorial design of experiments (27 trials), the influence of welding current, arc voltage, and travel speed on UTS and HAZ size of AISI 1045 carbon steel weldments were investigated. From the analysis of results, using Analysis of variance (ANOVA) technique, the results revealed that current, travel speed and arc voltage contributed 74.41%, 19.05% and 0.04%, respectively, to the total percentage of variations on UTS data. …

Combined Optimisation Of Machining Parameters, Tool Wear, Dimensional Errors And Quality Deviations In Multi-Pass Turning Operations, Mussa I. Mgwatu

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Measurements of on-line tool wear and part dimensional accuracy in machining operations are not readily available in machining shop floor because they involve higher investment such that the decisions of tool wear and part quality for intermediate cutting passes cannot be justified. This paper demonstrates how the optimisation of machining parameters can be made together with tool wear and part quality for turning operations. Two optimisation models were developed for maximum material removal rate and minimum production cost. A theoretical framework was initially presented before the two models were formulated. Input data for the models were adopted from previous studies …

Comparative Competitiveness Of Ugandan And Ethiopian Coffee In International Markets, Aaron Ecel, Robert Muwanga, Bob Ssekiziyivu, Oliver Nakanwagi

Business Management Review

Purpose: This study compares the global competitiveness of Ugandan and Ethiopian coffee exports, analyzing export performance, market dynamics, and structural determinants to inform policy interventions.

Design/Methodology/Approach: Using quantitative analysis of 2012-2023 trade data from UN Comtrade and ITC Trade Map, we apply Constant Market Share Analysis (CMSA) and Revealed Comparative Advantage (RCA) metrics.

Findings: Uganda demonstrated stronger growth in export value (156% from 2012–2023) and quantity (7% annual growth), driven by commodity composition effects (72.8%). However, its lower unit values ($2,578/unit) reflect reliance on bulk Robusta exports. Ethiopia, despite stagnant volume growth, commands premium prices ($5,186/unit) due to specialty Arabica …

Multi-Criteria Decision Making Methods In The Organisations' Maturity Assessment: Prisma And Delphi Techniques Perspectives, Jailos Mrisho Mzumile, Victoria Mahabi, Ismail W. R. Taifa

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Researchers often find it challenging to identify the appropriate Multi-Criteria Decision Making Methods (MCDM) to employ in various research areas that involve prioritising conflicting alternatives or criteria. A systematic literature review was conducted using the PRISMA technique to determine the most frequently and commonly employed MCDM methods in assessing organisational maturity across its functional areas. A total of 120 articles were identified for review, and a bibliometric analysis was conducted to map the relationships within the identified articles using VOSviewer 1.6.20 software. Moreover, frequent content analysis was performed to determine the most frequently employed MCDM methods in assessing an organisation’s …

The Analysis Of Non-Newtonian Blood Flow Through An Atherosclerotic Artery In The Presence Of Body Acceleration, Radiation Effect And Magnetic Field, Johnson N. Katabwa

Tanzania Journal of Science

The unsteady analysis of two-dimensional laminar flow of the non-Newtonian blood through an atherosclerotic artery in the presence of body acceleration, radiation effect and magnetic field has been studied. The blood flow has been assumed to satisfy the Herschel-Bulkley fluid model characteristics. The two- dimensional model equations have been developed from the physical laws of continuity, momentum and energy conservation. These equations are transformed to non-dimensional form and solved numerically using explicit finite difference method under suitable radial coordinate transformation. The study findings show that, the presence of body acceleration increases both velocity and temperature profiles of the blood in …

Valorization Of Palm Oil Wastes Into Oyster Mushrooms (Pleurotus Hk-37) And Biogas Production, Aneth B. David, Anthony M. Mshandete

Tanzania Journal of Science

The study explored the potential of co-production of oyster mushroom Pleurotus HK-37 and biogas from palm oil waste fractions to add value and mitigate environmental impact. Nine different blends of waste fractions were subjected to mushroom production. The highest mushroom yield and biological efficiency were obtained from a blend that combined equal amounts of palm mesocarp fiber (PMF) and empty fruit bunch (EFB) waste fractions supplemented with 1% palm oil mill effluent (POME) and sediments (SD). The spent mushroom substrates (SMS) were used in biogas production, compared to fresh waste blends, biogas volume was higher across all but two treatments. …

Short- Term Effects Of Cypermethrin Pesticide On Nutrient Levels And Microbial Communities In Tropical Soil Of Uganda, Mama N. Simon

Tanzania Journal of Science

Cypermethrin is an insecticide widely used by farmers in Uganda to control pests and diseases. The widespread use leads to biomagnification, affecting humans and the ecosystem. This study examined the short-term effects of cypermethrin on soil macronutrients (N, P, K), meso-nutrients (Ca, Mg), and microbial communities (bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes) in tropical Ugandan soils. Soil samples treated with cypermethrin and control were collected and analysed using standard methods of flame photometry for potassium (K), atomic absorption spectroscopy for calcium and magnesium, Wet-acid oxidation for nitrogen and phosphorus, and standard plate count techniques for microbial populations. The study used a Randomized …

Food Safety Concerns: A Review On Pathogenic Microbes Associated With Common Edible Insects, Anitha Philbert

Tanzania Journal of Science

This review explored the pathogenic microbes associated with common edible insects. With rising human populations and fluctuating food supplies, edible insects offer a rich source of protein, vitamins, and minerals and are culturally accepted in many regions. Despite their nutritional benefits, knowledge on microbial hazards associated with edible insects is fragmented. The review focuses on commonly consumed species, including Tenebrio molitor, Zophobas morio, Acheta domesticus, Gryllus bimaculatus, Locusta migratoria, Ruspolia differens, Bombix mori, Bunaea alcinoe, and Oryctes monoceros. A total of 43 pathogenic bacteria and 20 pathogenic fungi linked to these edible insect species were identified. The most frequently reported …

Geochemical Fingerprinting Of Tanzanian Uranium Deposits: The Insights Of Ree Ratios (La/Ce, Nd/Ce, And Sm/Nd) As A Provenance Tool, Lazaro H. Meza, John W. Kondoro, Iyabo T. Usman, Najat K. Mohammed, Titus A. Msagati, Mwingereza John Kumwenda, Mohamed S. Mazunga

Tanzania Journal of Science

Accurate uranium provenance determination is crucial for nuclear non-proliferation and environmental protection, yet a forensic-level geochemical framework for Tanzanian uranium deposits has been lacking. This study establishes a robust analytical method using forty-five samples from three major deposits (Mkuju, Manyoni, and Bahi), analyzing elemental compositions, particularly Rare Earth Elements (REEs), via ICP-MS, and validating results using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA). Despite their proximity, the deposits exhibit distinct geochemical signatures as revealed by key REE ratios and anomalies. Mkuju (mean La/Ce 1.17, Nd/Ce 0.62, Sm/Nd 0.56) is characterized by a positive Europium (Eu) anomaly and heavy …

Decolonizing Knowledge As Epistemic Justice: Key Conceptual Tendencies From The Global South, Richard Sambaiga

Tanzania Journal of Sociology

The project of decolonising knowledge has gained renewed prominence as scholars confront enduring epistemic injustices and structural inequalities embedded in global systems of knowledge production. Situated within long-standing anticolonial and postcolonial intellectual struggles, this article interrogates key conceptual dilemmas that continue to shape contemporary debates on decoloniality. Adopting a commentary orientation, it examines what it means to decolonise knowledge by engaging the historical foundations of decolonial thought alongside contemporary critiques that expose the persistence of epistemic hierarchies within modern academic institutions. The article argues that, without conceptual clarity, the decolonial project risks becoming analytically misguided and politically misdirected, potentially reproducing …

Theorizing ‘Magwangala’ As An Unorthodox Livelihood In Geita, Tanzania, Albert Tibaijuka

Tanzania Journal of Sociology

The increasing contestation of Magwangala as a livelihood in Geita, Tanzania, invokes a scholarly desire to further the constitution of the term beyond its traditional constructs. Following the present framing of magwangala as a disruptive, hazardous, contentious, and risky engagement; including the sanctions against it and the disparaging remarks upsurging the oppression of its actors, an attempt to advance its comprehension is of paramount importance. Given the nature of Magwangala business and the evident ramifications, its contestation is inevitable and unlikely to yield a uniform understanding. This paper, therefore, draws from the grueling life experiences endured by magwangala dealers in …

The Mwanza Declaration: Magufuli, Street Vendors And The Right To The City In Tanzania, Sabatho Nyamsenda, Ng’Wanza Kamata

Tanzania Journal of Sociology

This article seeks to understand the continuity and change in relations between the state and street vendors under the late President of Tanzania, John Pombe Magufuli (November 2015–March 2021). Focusing on the concessions made by the state to street vendors under the Magufuli regime, the article diverts from the standard characterisation of such gains as an expedient gift from an authoritarian leader to conceptualising them as a product of street vendors’ struggles against eviction from the city centre. It examines the key tenets of the Mwanza Declaration on the Right to the City as well as the contestations around its …

Influence Of Household Characteristics And Incident Setting On Child Abuse Cases In Shinyanga Region., Amani Mapamba

Tanzania Journal of Sociology

This study investigates the influence of household characteristics and incident settings on child abuse cases in Shinyanga Region, Tanzania. Grounded in Rational Choice Theory, the study assumes that perpetrators make calculated decisions influenced by household structure and contextual settings. Utilizing a quantitative research approach, cross sectional secondary data were collected from 401 reported child abuse cases at Shinyanga Regional Referral Hospital between July 2020 and April 2023. Binary logistic regression was used to analyze the predictive influence of variables such as relationship to household head, history of abuse in the household, perpetrator identity, and location of the incident. Findings revealed …

Patient And Systemic Barriers To Cancer Care: Implications For Delayed Prostate Cancer Detection In Tanzania, Jane Senga John

Tanzania Journal of Sociology

Prostate cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality among men in Tanzania, with most cases diagnosed at advanced stages. This study explores the interplay of patient-level and systemic barriers that contribute to delayed prostate cancer detection within a tertiary hospital context. Conducted at Bugando Medical Centre in Mwanza, the research employed in-depth interviews with 25 purposefully selected participants, including patients, oncologists, spouses and traditional healers. Thematic analysis was used and guided by Paul Farmer’s structural violence model and Courtenay’s theory of gender and health to interpret how cultural, economic, and structural factors shape health-seeking behaviours. Findings reveal that delays …

Effects Of Corporal Punishments On Students’ Learning: A Case Of Selected Secondary Schools In Tanzania., Adenias Ishabisa

Tanzania Journal of Sociology

The paper presents the practice of corporal punishment on students’ learning in Tanzania secondary schools. Specifically, the study examine how corporal punishment affects students’ learning. The study adopted a qualitative research approach with multiple embedded case study design. Data were collected from 76 participants selected purposefully from Morogoro Municipal, Mvomero District, Sumbawanga Municipal, and Nkasi District. The participants were students, teachers, Regional Educational Officers, District Secondary Educational Officers, and school board members. In-depth interviews, focus group discussions, observation, and documentary reviews were applied to collect data while thematic analysis was used to address the research question. The findings revealed that …

Optimized Beamforming And Network Slicing For Dense Urban 5g Deployments, Kwame S. Ibwe

Tanzania Journal of Science

Optimizing beamforming and network slicing is critical for enhancing spectral efficiency, energy efficiency, and resource distribution fairness in dense urban 5G networks. This paper proposes a hybrid genetic algorithm particle swarm optimization (GA-PSO) method to jointly optimize beamforming weights, bandwidth allocation, and power distribution, balancing computational efficiency with near optimal performance. The hybrid approach uses GA for global exploration and PSO for fast convergence, overcoming the limitations of standalone heuristic and exact optimization methods. Simulation experiments in a dense urban 5G network with massive MIMO base stations show that proposed method achieves up to 15% higher spectral efficiency and 18% …

Implementation Of A Carbon-Neutral Pv+Bess System - A Case Study Of Knauf Gypsum Tanzania, Santos Kihwele

Tanzania Journal of Science

This study presents a decarbonization pathway for Tanzania’s industrial sector by integrating a 2.966 MWp solar photovoltaic (PV) system with a 2 MW/8 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) at KNAUF Gypsum Tanzania. A comprehensive techno- economic analysis was conducted using PVSyst simulations software. The simulation integrated site-specific meteorological data, component specifications and the factory’s electricity load profile to model annual generation patterns, system losses and battery charging and discharging cycles. The model accounted for system degradation to ensure realistic long-term performance projections. The PV+BESS solution reduces the energy-related carbon footprint to 64% and cuts annual energy costs by 65%, …

Antioxidant And Anti-Inflammatory Effects Of Blighia Unijugata Baker Aril Protein-Rich Extract, Oludele O. Odekanyin, Ifeoluwa M. Adepoju, Tolulope A. Anjorin, Oluwatobi S. Adekoya

Tanzania Journal of Science

The study investigated the in vitro oxidative-stress-mitigating effect and anti- inflammatory potential of the soluble protein of the arils of Blighia unijugata in order to establish possible use in inflammatory therapy. Air-dried Blighia unijugata aril was pulverized into powder, defatted using petroleum ether, and homogenized in Phosphate Buffer Saline. The homogenate was centrifuged, and the supernatant was subjected to ammonium sulphate fractionation. The precipitate was thoroughly dialyzed, dialysate was freeze-dried, and termed partially purified Blighia unijugata aril protein extract (ppBUAPE). The antioxidant potential of the protein-rich extract was investigated using DPPH, H2O2 scavenging activity, and FRAP. The ability of ppBUAPE …

Enterobacteriaceae Contamination In Locally Packaged Roasted Cashew Kernels From The Coast And Morogoro Regions, Tanzania, Douglas Mushi, Silvia Francis Materu

Tanzania Journal of Science

The increased sales of locally packaged roasted cashew kernels (RCK) in Tanzania reflect growing consumer demand for healthy, convenient snacks. Despite this popularity and frequently reported cases of gastrointestinal illness, the microbial safety of these plastic- bagged products is not well-documented, posing a potential public health concern. To address this, a study was performed to evaluate packaging hygiene, package integrity, and microbial contamination of randomly selected packages of RCK (small: n=99; medium: n=87; large: n=118) from vendors in Coast and Morogoro regions, Tanzania. Package integrity was assessed using a vacuum decay leak tester while microbial contamination on surfaces including RCK, …

Molecular Evidence For Presence Of Manihot Esculenta Associated Virus 1: Cg-Nmb And/Or Cg-Kah Isolates In Coast, Tanzania: A Threat To Cassava Production, Herieth R. Mero

Tanzania Journal of Science

Genetic diversity of Manihot esculenta associated virus type 1 (MEaV-1) species suspected to cause the most destructive Brown Streak of Cassava (CBSD) in Tanzania, has remained elusive since the year 2020 when MY-6mb-4 virus isolate was first identified in Chambezi, Coast region. In this study, two additional isolates (CG-Nmb and CG-Kah) of the MEaV-1 species were characterized in the same area after screening leaf samples collected from 292 Kiroba, 12 Albert and 22 Kikombe varieties of cassava using a Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT- PCR) assay. One half of the leaf samples collected from each of the three varieties …

Mathematical Modeling Of Awareness-Driven Interventions For Gender-Based Violence Control In A Closed Population, Furaha M. Chuma, Edward K. Ngailo, Zubeda S. Mussa

Tanzania Journal of Science

Gender-based violence (GBV) remains a critical global health issue with profound social, economic, and psychological implications. Despite concerted efforts to address this challenge, traditional intervention approaches often fall short of effectively mitigating its prevalence. In recent years, there has been growing recognition of the potential impact of awareness-based interventions in addressing various social and health crises. This paper introduces a modeling framework to explore the efficacy of awareness-based interventions in influencing the dynamics of the GBV epidemic within a closed population. A detailed sensitivity analysis, utilizing a normalized sensitivity index method, reveals that the violence transfer rate between perpetrators and …

Modelling The Impact Of Multiple Control Strategies On The Spread Of Phyllody Disease In Sesame, Augustino I. Msigwa, Furaha M. Chuma

Tanzania Journal of Science

Phyllody disease, caused by phytoplasma and transmitted by insect vectors such as leafhoppers, poses a serious threat to the productivity of sesame (Sesamum indicum) as it has caused substantial yield and oil-quality losses worldwide, with documented seed-yield reductions ranging from 38% to as high as 80% in severe outbreaks, particularly in Africa and India. Understanding phyllody dynamics is therefore critical to safeguard yields and trade. While some modeling efforts exist for sesame phyllody (for example, statistical and prediction-focused approaches), mechanistic transmission models (SEIR) assessing its full impact remain scarce. This study therefore develops and analyses impact of multiple control strategies …