Community and Rural Development

Fiscal Decentralisation and Public Health Service Delivery Outcomes

2026-05-21T13:58:26Z

Fiscal Decentralisation and Public Health Service Delivery Outcomes Katunzi, Magdalena Z.; Msaki, Juda L.; Mwakilema, Nicodemus S. Rural local government authorities (LGAs) in Tanzania are facing challenges in Health Service Delivery characterized with low financing, uneven distribution of skilled medical professionals and high turnover, limiting the responsiveness and quality of healthcare available to the rural populations. In response to this, the study investigated the influence of Fiscal Decentralisation (FD) on Public Health Service Delivery (PHSD) outcomes in two LGAs of Tabora region. The study employed a mixed-methods approach with an analytical cross-sectional design. Quantitative data was collected from 385 health service users selected via multistage sampling and proportionately distributed between study LGAs for survey, while qualitative data was collected from ten interviews with Council Health Management Team (CHMT) members and two Heads of Planning and Coordination Divisions. Quantitative data were analysed using a Linear Mixed Model (LMM), Simple Linear Regression (SLR) followed by the analysis of variance (ANOVA). The findings reveal that FD has a positive significant influence (χ² = 25.72, p < 0.001) on PHSD outcomes in Igunga and Kaliua LGAs, with notable variation between wards. Locally generated revenue emerged as the most significant determinant, accounting for 35.2% of service delivery variation. ANOVA results confirm disparities in both locally generated revenue and PHSD performance across locations. While FD via local revenue boosts PHSD outcomes, differences in resources allocation and limitations in administrative capacity reduce its effectiveness. The study recommends for capacity-building strategies, improved local revenue generation, equitable resources allocation, and provision of incentives for health workforce retention to maximise FD’s impact on PHSD outcomes in Tanzania.

Impact of microirrigation technologies on financial resilience of smallholder horticulture farmers

2026-05-21T13:57:01Z

Impact of microirrigation technologies on financial resilience of smallholder horticulture farmers Sumari, Gerald A.; Mkunda, Josephine; Nyangarika, Anthony This study evaluates the impact of microirrigation technologies (MITs), primarily drip and microsprinkler systems, on financial resilience of smallholder horticultural farmers in northern Tanzania. A multistage sampling method was used to select 540 households, comprising 199 MITs adopters and 341 nonadopters. Data were collected through structured questionnaires cap turing demographic, agroecological, and technical irrigation parameters, including emitter discharge rates (1.5–4.0 L/h), irrigation frequency two to three times per week, and water source quality (electrical conductivity, EC,2 dS/m). To quantify MITs’ contribution to financial resilience, a Financial Resilience Index (FRI) was constructed using both objective and subjective indicators. Propensity score matching was employed to calculate the average treatment effect on the treated (ATT) and the average treatment effect (ATE). The results indicate that MITs adoption significantly enhances both financial and production out comes. Adopters experienced an increase of 549,515 Tanzania Shillings on FRI compared to nonadopters (ATT, p,0.01) and achieved a 1.06 log-point increase in yield (t¼17.87). The ATE (0.6453) and ATT (0.7334) further confirmed MITs’ significant impact across the sample. Policies facilitating adoption of MITs, including subsidies, technical training, and enhanced access to capital, are crucial for amplifying MITs adoption.

Socio-Economic Incentives Influencing Livestock Investment Decisions Among Smallholder Farmers in Mbulu and Bariadi, Tanzania

2026-05-21T13:55:26Z

Socio-Economic Incentives Influencing Livestock Investment Decisions Among Smallholder Farmers in Mbulu and Bariadi, Tanzania Mayala, Nyanjige M.; Katundu, Mangasini A.; Msuya, Elibariki E. Livestock are socio-economically useful assets to rural communities in Tanzania. Different aspects, however, do affect smallholder farmers’ decisions to commit resources (investment) in livestock. This paper assesses the socio-economic incentives influencing livestock investment decisions among smallholder farmers in Mbulu and Bariadi districts. A cross-sectional research design was employed whereby data was collected from 333 randomly selected respondents and 9 key informants. Qualitative data was analysed using content analysis while for quantitative data a benefit, costs, and revenue (Gross Margin) analysis was used to determine net gain. A Binary Logistic Regression Model (BLRM) was used to determine the influence of the socio-economic incentives to livestock investment decisions. Study findings show that all three ruminants are profitable while the availability of capital, costs associated with keeping livestock, herd size, returns on investment, market availability and need for draft power influence livestock investment decisions significantly at (p<0.05). The study generally concludes that availability of livestock economic opportunities influences investment decisions amongst smallholder farmers in the study area. It is recommended that the government should support smallholder farmers through livestock investment education programmes and infrastructure development.

Assessing Barriers to Electrical Vehicles and Its Impact On Public Acceptability in Rwanda

2026-05-21T13:49:33Z

Assessing Barriers to Electrical Vehicles and Its Impact On Public Acceptability in Rwanda Mutabaruka, Jean F.; Katundu, Mangasini Despite global advancements in electric vehicles (EVs) adoption, Rwanda has struggled to meet its goal of importing 20,000 EVs annually due to barriers such as limited awareness, inadequate infrastructure, high costs, and unreliable electricity, particularly outside Kigali. While research on EVs adoption has focused on developed regions, there is a gap in studies addressing Rwanda’s unique challenges. This study aimed to identify obstacles, assess policies, and propose strategies to accelerate EVs adoption to support Rwanda’s climate goals. The main objective was to evaluate public acceptability by identifying economic, social, and infrastructural challenges affecting EVs adoption. Specific objectives include identifying key barriers, assessing public perceptions, evaluating policies and infrastructure, and proposing solutions to increase EVs uptake in Rwanda. The study aimed to provide insights beneficial to police makers, investors, and stakeholders in the transport and energy sectors. Findings offered Evidence-based recommendations to overcome barriers, enhance EVs adoption, and improve Rwanda’s transition towards sustainable mobility while addressing infrastructural and economic constraints. In conclusion, the study highlights that while there is growing interest in electric vehicle (EV) adoption in Rwanda. In conclusion, the study highlights that while there is growing interest in electric vehicle (EV) adoption in Rwanda, significant barriers remain primarily the high upfront cost, limited charging infrastructure, and low public awareness.