The Effects of Socio-Cultural Factors on the Performance of Women Small and Medium Enterprises in Tanzania

Globally, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) play a great role in employment creation, income generation and economic growth. However, in Tanzania women SMEs are faced with a number of factors including socio-cultural factors (SCFs) which hinder their entrepreneurial development. This paper assesses the effects of SCFs on the performance of women SMEs. The study was conducted in Dodoma urban and Chamwino districts in Dodoma region employing cross-sectional and case study research designs in which 80 women SMEs were surveyed using questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and binary logistic model. Findings show that women immobility, poor support from society members and ethnicity affect negatively the performance of women SMEs. Conversely, family roles, level of education and role models were important factors in nurturing the performance of women SMEs. The study generally concludes that SCFs have negative effect on the performance of women SMEs. This implies that, women SMEs stressed under such SCFs cannot perform outstandingly. We recommend that the government should formulate policies that encourage women participation in entrepreneurial activities. Key Words: Women SMEs, Socio-Cultural Factors, Performance, Tanzani

The impact of non-aeronautical revenues on airport performance at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

The study analyzed the impact of non-aeronautical revenues on airport performance at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es salaam, Tanzania. The study used longitudinal design in which time series data from financial statements and integrated reports for the financial years 2017/18 to 2020/21 was undertaken. The Multiple linear regression models were employed in analyzing the contribution of non- aeronautical revenues on improving the airport facilities. Findings of the study demonstrated that, i) rental fees and car parking charges impacted positively the improvement of the airport facilities, ii) advertisement also positive and significantly contributed on the improvement of the airport facilities at Julius Nyerere International Airport. This implies that, JNIA can further increase its total revenues by expanding the scope of retail operations at the airports under its jurisdiction as additional sources of income. It is recommended that airport managements and other stakeholders responsible for airports’ infrastructure and transport to expand more use of NARVs sources so as to improve the service delivery for their passengers and gain more revenues for future financial stability

The contribution of cassava production and marketing on smallholder farmers’ livelihood in Dodoma Region, Tanzania

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) has remained a major source of food security and income generation for most developing countries including Tanzania due to its ability to drought and disease resistance. At present, its production in Tanzania stands at 630,000 tons while the country's market demand is expected to grow at 7% by 2026.  Therefore, this study assessed the contribution of cassava production and marketing on the livelihood of smallholder farmers in Tanzania particularly in the Dodoma region, so as to explore its potential contributions to the society welfare. A cross-sectional research design was employed whereby a multi-stage sampling procedure was used in selecting a sample of 240 cassava smallholder farmers from four districts in the Dodoma region namely Kondoa, Chemba, Kongwa, and Mpwapwa. Quantitative data were collected through self-administered structured questionnaires and focus group discussion, interview and observation methods also were used in collecting qualitative data from the study area. Content analysis was used in analyzing qualitative data.  A binary logistic regression model was employed to estimate the contribution of cassava production and marketing on smallholder farmers’ livelihoods in the region. The findings from the study indicated that family size, farmers’ experience, land size, education, number of visits by extension, and market access statistically were significant with showed a positive relationship with the improvement in the livelihood of farmers in the selected districts. On the other hand, transportation costs showed a negative relation with the improvement of farmers’ livelihood. Generally, it can be concluded that an increase in production and improvement in marketing variables could contribute much to the improvement of smallholder farmers’ livelihood.  Based on these findings, it is recommended that Ministries responsible for cassava production and marketing which included the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Industry and Trade focus more on the design, promotion, and implementation of policies and programs that are intended to enhance cassava production in rural areas and increase the provision of best farming practices through employing more extension officers

The contribution of cassava production and marketing on smallholder farmers’ livelihood in Dodoma Region, Tanzania

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) has remained a major source of food security and income generation for most developing countries including Tanzania due to its ability to drought and disease resistance. At present, its production in Tanzania stands at 630,000 tons while the country's market demand is expected to grow at 7% by 2026.  Therefore, this study assessed the contribution of cassava production and marketing on the livelihood of smallholder farmers in Tanzania particularly in the Dodoma region, so as to explore its potential contributions to the society welfare. A cross-sectional research design was employed whereby a multi-stage sampling procedure was used in selecting a sample of 240 cassava smallholder farmers from four districts in the Dodoma region namely Kondoa, Chemba, Kongwa, and Mpwapwa. Quantitative data were collected through self-administered structured questionnaires and focus group discussion, interview and observation methods also were used in collecting qualitative data from the study area. Content analysis was used in analyzing qualitative data.  A binary logistic regression model was employed to estimate the contribution of cassava production and marketing on smallholder farmers’ livelihoods in the region. The findings from the study indicated that family size, farmers’ experience, land size, education, number of visits by extension, and market access statistically were significant with showed a positive relationship with the improvement in the livelihood of farmers in the selected districts. On the other hand, transportation costs showed a negative relation with the improvement of farmers’ livelihood. Generally, it can be concluded that an increase in production and improvement in marketing variables could contribute much to the improvement of smallholder farmers’ livelihood.  Based on these findings, it is recommended that Ministries responsible for cassava production and marketing which included the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Industry and Trade focus more on the design, promotion, and implementation of policies and programs that are intended to enhance cassava production in rural areas and increase the provision of best farming practices through employing more extension officers