http://repository.mocu.ac.tz/xmlui/handle/123456789/56 2026-05-24T19:05:48Z 2026-05-24T19:05:48Z Absanto, Gerald http://repository.mocu.ac.tz/xmlui/handle/123456789/2199 2026-05-21T13:54:03Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Economic Viability of Micro-Irrigation Technologies in Smallholder Horticultural Farming Absanto, Gerald This study investigated the economic viability of Micro Irrigation Technologies (MITs) compared with traditional furrow irrigation in smallholder horticultural farming in northern Tanzania. Using a quasi-experimental cross sectional design, data were collected from 540 farmers, divided into adopters and nonadopters of MITs. Economic metrics, including net present value (NPV), the benefit‒cost ratio (BCR), and the internal rate of return (IRR), were analysed over a five-year investment horizon through statistical methods in SPSS and Microsoft Excel. The results indicate that MITs, particularly drip and sprinkler systems, increase the productivity and profitability of high-value crops such as onions and tomatoes, yielding significantly higher NPVs than furrow irrigation does. Despite their high initial costs, these technologies demonstrated long-term economic benefits, including improved water efficiency and labour cost savings. Regression analysis further revealed that both crop type and irrigation technology significantly influence economic outcomes. Onions and tomatoes under MIT presented the highest financial returns, whereas peppers under furrow irrigation achieved better cost efficiency. This study underscores the transformative potential of MITs in enhancing horticultural productivity and sustainability in water-scarce regions. The study recommends targeted interventions, including subsidies, financial incentives, training programs, and policy support, to scale up the adoption of MITs.

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z Absanto, Gerald Mkunda, Josephine Nyangarika, Anthony http://repository.mocu.ac.tz/xmlui/handle/123456789/2196 2026-05-21T13:49:12Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Toward an Ideal Framework for Assessing Economic Viability of Micro-Irrigation Technologies Absanto, Gerald; Mkunda, Josephine; Nyangarika, Anthony Micro irrigation technologies (MITs), such as drip and sprinkler systems, have been recognized as transformative solutions for enhancing agricultural productivity, optimizing water use, and promoting environmental sustainability. However, their adoption among smallholder farmers remains limited due to a complex interplay of economic, social, technical and environmental constraints. Traditional frameworks for assessing economic viability of these technologies often focus narrowly on financial metrics, neglecting critical factors such as water availability, market dynamics, and the technical and socioeconomic contexts. A systematic review of the literature from 2014 to 2024 was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Articles were sourced from major databases, including Scopus, Taylor and Francis, IEEE Xplore, and Web of Science, yielding a final dataset of 69 relevant studies from an initial pool of 719 articles. The analysis of selected studies highlights key trends, including a growing focus on economic and water management aspects and the role of institutional and policy support in MIT adoption. A novel framework is proposed that integrates dimensions such as water availability and management, market dynamics, socioeconomic factors, and environmental sustainability. This comprehensive approach addresses limitations in traditional financial metric-based evaluations, offering actionable insights to policymakers and stakeholders. The findings aim to advance the adoption of MITs by aligning technical and market strategies with the needs of smallholder farmers, contributing to global food security and environmental goals.

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z Sambuo, Damian B. http://repository.mocu.ac.tz/xmlui/handle/123456789/2146 2026-05-21T06:30:19Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

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. This is Research Article

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z Komba, Cyril K. http://repository.mocu.ac.tz/xmlui/handle/123456789/2055 2026-01-19T08:53:48Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Effects of Residential Property Credentials on Tenants’ Choice Komba, Cyril K. This study aimed to assess the effects of National Housing Corporation (NHC) residential properties' credentials on tenant choice, focusing on property location and structural design. The study was conducted in the Arusha region. Specifically, the study examined the effects of residential properties' location and residential properties' structural design on tenants’ choice. A mixed-methods approach was employed, utilizing both quantitative data from 121 tenants and qualitative interviews. The findings indicated that tenants considered property location features as the most affecting factor for tenants' choice to let or reside in the NHC residential properties, as compared to structural design features. The study concluded that location and structural design significantly influence tenant choices and satisfaction. In response, the following recommendations were made; NHC should prioritize developing properties in locations that offer safety, proximity to essential services, and public transport, NHC should enhance the structural design of its properties by improving ventilation, natural lighting, and adhering to modern design standards; and NHC should focus on improving responsiveness to maintenance and tenant concerns to increase overall tenant satisfaction and retention.

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