The Geoweb for community-based organizations: Tool development, implementation, and sustainability in an era of Google Maps

Recent advances in web-based geospatial tools (the Geoweb) show promise as low-cost and easy-to-use methods to support citizen participation. This research presents two case studies of Geoweb implementation set in community-based organizations in rural Quebec, Canada. When comparing the development and sustainability of each Geoweb tool, the implementation time frame plays a key role. Two implementation time frames are defined; a discrete, or ‘one-off’ time frame associated with lower resource requirements, and a continuous, or ongoing time frame, that has a higher total resource cost, but can fulfill a different set of goals than a discrete implementation

Reducing Edible Oil Import Dependency in Tanzania

Reducing food imports and promoting domestically produced food commodities are long-standing goals for policymakers and other stakeholders in sub-Saharan African countries. For instance, Tanzania, after a long period of dependency on imported food commodities, such as sugar and edible oils, intends to meet its demand for these commodities through domestic production by transforming its agriculture sector to achieve this goal. Applying a general computable equilibrium (CGE) model, this study determines the multiplier effects of technological progress that is assumed to foster domestic edible oilseed crop production, other crops, and Tanzania’s economy in general. Findings from the model establish an increase in domestic production not only for the edible oilseed crops but also for other commodities from other sectors of the economy. In addition, there is a decrease in prices on domestically produced commodities sold in the domestic market, and an increase in disposable income is predicted for all rural and urban households, as well as government revenues. Based on model results, we recommend that the Tanzanian government invests in technological progress and interventions that increase production in sectors such as agriculture, where it has a comparative advantage. Interventions that increase smallholder farmer’s production, such as the use of improved seed and other modern technologies that reduce costs of production, are critical for reducing food imports and improving food security.Peer Reviewe

Tariff Impact on Industrialization in Tanzania: Evidence from Edible Oil Sub-Sector

The research is financed by the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture under the auspices of the Federal Office for Agriculture and Food, Germany Abstract Developing countries implement protectionist policies like imposing tariffs, with the aim of promoting domestic production. This study assesses the impact of the imposed tariffs on edible oil on Tanzania’s economy using a recursive dynamic computable general equilibrium model (CGE). Findings from this study show that implementing the tariff intervention on the dibble oil sub-sector has two principle outcomes; first, it triggers domestic producers to supply more due to the rise in demand and prices for the commodities, thus increases domestic production to meet demand; second, it reduces imports, consequently, decreasing citizens’ welfare by limiting the availability and access options from imported commodities. Protectionist policies, when solely used as a solution to increase domestic production in a sector that is inefficient in terms of productivity, creates a supply deficit in the market, thus reducing consumers’ welfare. Therefore, to improve sustainability and increase industrial competitiveness, it is imperative to promote policies and interventions that target increasing productivity. Interventions, like the use of improved seed and other modern technologies, that reduce costs of production are critical as commodities will be sold at a slightly competitive premium or the same prices as imported commodities. Keywords: Tariff; Industrialization; Edible oil; Recursive dynamic CGE; Tanzania DOI: 10.7176/JESD/10-10-02 Publication date:May 31st 201

Assessment of Nitrogen Management on Sunflower Yield and Its Economic Response in Smallholder Farms in a Semi-Arid Region

Although sunflower production in Tanzania is increasing, smallholder farmers still face a number of constraints that result in poor yields. Lack or inadequate nutrient supply is one of the main factors limiting crop productivity in Tanzania. However, mineral fertilizer is not always easily available and not economically affordable by smallholder farmers. Therefore, the use of animal manure could be a feasible and financially viable alternative, especially in the Dodoma region, where there is abundant livestock production. The aim is to analyze the effects of different animal manure rates on sunflower yield and the economic response of smallholder farms from Dodoma region. The dataset used in this study was obtained from a 2-year in loco survey. Sunflower yields under different animal manure rates were obtained using a process-based biophysical model, and results linked to an economic assessment. Results considering the 2015 and 2045 period showed a positive effect of animal manure application in sunflower yield (866.8 kg ha(-1)) under manure rate limiting 5000 kg ha(-1). The high rates of animal manure showed a decrease on yield providing evidence that water stress becomes the main limit factor for sunflower growth. Taking the economic assessment into account, an animal manure rate of 3000-5000 kg ha(-1) is the most appropriate fertilization management under the environmental and social conditions of Dodoma region, providing a profitable financial return to the farmers (283-416 USD ha(-1)). Therefore, sunflower is an attractive cash crop for Tanzanian farmers when the soil fertilization is properly managed

Sensorized Tools for Haptic Force Feedback in Computer Assisted Surgery

Structural engineerin