http://repository.mocu.ac.tz/xmlui/handle/123456789/216 2026-05-13T20:12:28Z http://repository.mocu.ac.tz/xmlui/handle/123456789/2128 Can and Should Cooperatives Manage Water, Energy and Forest Resources in Tanzania? Nkuhi, Mathias S. This chapter explores whether cooperatives can and should assume responsibility for the management of natural resources as part of role expansion. It is a continuation of the author’s study on what cooperative enterprises may undertake under the umbrella of the principle of concern for community with an emphasis on the socio-economic needs of non-members. However, the analysis is limited to natural resources management in Tanzania. The author wondered whether Tanzania’s institutional, legislative and policy frameworks encourage cooperative societies to carry out their responsibilities for managing natural resources. The discussion is triggered by explanations on the cooperative organisation role evolution from being member centric to encompass concern for community. It then gives special attention to the enterprises’ roles in natural resources management. In this, the chapter explains why cooperatives fit in the picture using best practices and examples of the enterprises’ endeavours to meet the economic progress of members while satisfying their socio-cultural interests and protecting environment. This is research Article 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z http://repository.mocu.ac.tz/xmlui/handle/123456789/2127 Sustainable Use of Natural Resources in Tanzania: Mchopa, Alban D. Research Article 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z http://repository.mocu.ac.tz/xmlui/handle/123456789/2126 Financial literacy and members’ investment decisions Msuya, Richard I.; John, NeemaLucy; Ndosi, Regan J.; Temu, Karen A.; Nzungu, Restituta Saving and Credit Cooperative Societies (SACCOS) play a crucial role in enhancing financial inclusion and mobilising savings for investment among Tanzanians. However, it remains unclear whether members’ financial literacy influences the effectiveness of their utilisation of SACCOS platforms for wealth building investments. This study was guided by dual process and planned behaviour theory, which emphasises the importance of financial knowledge among members and examines how financial attitudes and behaviours affect SACCOS members' investment decisions. The study employed a cross-sectional research design, using purposive and simple random sampling to select 220 respondents. Primary and secondary data were collected through structured interviews, survey questionnaires, and documentary reviews. The data were analysed using the binary logistic regression model. The study found that financial knowledge and financial behaviour positively and significantly influence SACCOS members' investment decisions, while financial attitude has negative and insignificant effects. These findings emphasise the crucial role of financial education and prudent financial behaviours in enhancing investment decision-making within the cooperative context. It is concluded that financial literacy significantly influences members’ investment decisions. Therefore, the study recommends that Muungano Kikavu Chini SACCOS management maintain a focus on improving the financial knowledge of their members to increase investments in shares, deposits, savings, loans, and SACCOS projects, which directly contribute to enhanced financial inclusion. This can be achieved through financial literacy programmes, workshops, and seminars. Additionally, SACCOS should provide financial education and training programmes for their members and develop products and services tailored to the needs of members with varying levels of financial knowledge. Moreover, specific interventions, such as financial education and counselling, should target members whose financial habits may hinder their progress, assisting them in adopting practices that promote greater financial stability and inclusion. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://repository.mocu.ac.tz/xmlui/handle/123456789/2125 Mediating role of the regulatory framework in board accountability and sustainable growth of agricultural marketing co-operative societies in Simiyu, Tanzania Nkilijiwa, Angelina L. Sustainability remains a major challenge for Agricultural Marketing Co-operative Societies (AMCOS) in Tanzania, where governance is key to growth. This study examined how the regulatory framework mediates the relationship between board accountability and the sustainable growth of AMCOS in Simiyu Region. Guided by agency and institutional theories, the study employed a convergent parallel mixed-methods design. Data were collected from 237 AMCOS managers using questionnaires and from 6 District Co-operative Officers via key informant interviews (KIIs). Quantitative data were analysed with PLS-SEM, while qualitative data were thematically analysed. Findings indicated that board accountability moderately enhanced AMCOS growth, with effective monitoring, timely reporting, and transparent disclosure fostering trust and sustainability. The regulatory framework exerted a significant direct effect and mediated the accountability-growth relationship, highlighting its dual role. Among growth indicators, membership growth was strongest, whereas asset growth and product innovation remained weak due to limited resources, traditional business models, government dependency, and limited board capacity. The study concludes that AMCOS growth, mainly through membership expansion, is moderately driven by board accountability and strongly shaped by regulatory frameworks, while innovation and asset growth remain constrained. The study urges policymakers to balance enforcement with capacity building to strengthen innovation and stability in co-operatives. This is Research Article 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z