Research Articles

Impact of clean cooking energy and afforestation on environmental conservation at household level in Tanzania:

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Impact of clean cooking energy and afforestation on environmental conservation at household level in Tanzania: Ntangeki, Advella. Clean cooking energy and afforestation practices are essential components in promoting environmental conservation, especially at the household level. The number of Tanzanians using clean cooking energy has increased slightly from 1.5% in 2010 to 6.9% in 2021. This study aimed to analyse the impact of clean cooking energy and afforestation on environmental conservation at the household level in Tanzania: a case study of Moshi District Council. Specifically, the study intended to examine the determinants of tree planting practice and its contribution to environmental conservation at the household level, explore determinants of tree harvesting practice and its contribution to environmental conservation at the household level and determine the costs and benefits of clean cooking energy adoption and its contribution to environmental conservation at the household level in Moshi District Council. A cross-sectional research design was employed. The sample included 381 respondents and 4 key informants, for a total of 385. A survey questionnaire, interviews, and document review were used to gather data, and respondents were chosen by simple random and purposive selection. This study employed a Binary Logistic Regression Model and a Cost-Benefit technique to analyse the data. The findings showed a positive statistically significant association between fruit trees provision, increasing biodiversity, education, marital status and tree planting practice with p < 0.05. Moreover, forest management practices, forest protection targets, education, household size and timber production have a statistically significant relationship with tree harvesting practice (p < 0.05). Regarding the adoption of clean cooking energy, the cost-benefit analysis showed a BCR of 1.1. The study concluded that when households understand the ecological importance of trees, such as their role in preserving diverse plant and animal species, stabilising ecosystems, and improving climate resilience, they are more inclined to plant and conserve them. With regard to tree harvesting practices, forest management influences household decisions. Again, the cost-benefit analysis for clean cooking energy adoption showed a BCR of 1.1, meaning that using clean cooking energy saves money, time spent going and returning, and time spent gathering firewood, and reduces health risks associated with medical expenses. This study recommended that, given the strong influence of education on both tree planting and harvesting practices, LGAs should integrate environmental education into their local development agendas. This is Research Article

Logistics management practices and performance of small-scale grape processing firms in Dodoma, Tanzania

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Logistics management practices and performance of small-scale grape processing firms in Dodoma, Tanzania Kisinga, Debora C. Efficient logistics management practices are widely recognised as the backbone of successful agro-processing businesses, where swift handling and transportation are essential. However, there is a notable gap in the literature regarding the impact of logistics management practices on performance, which has gained scholarly attention. Therefore, this study addresses the gap in the literature by examining the impact of logistics management practices on the performance of small-scale grape processing firms in Tanzania. Specifically, the study first determined the effect of warehouse management practices on performance. Secondly, it examines the relationship between supplier relationship management practices and performance, with logistics capabilities serving as a moderating factor. Thirdly, it investigates the relationship between order management practices and performance, also moderated by logistics capabilities. Lastly, the study determined the influence of transportation management practices on performance. The study was guided by four theories: the Resource-Based View, Dynamic Capabilities, Resource Dependency, and Transaction Cost theories. The study was conducted in Dodoma, Tanzania, using a cross-sectional design. A census approach was used to select 202 small-scale grape processing firms, and purposive sampling was used to determine the study area. A structured questionnaire collected data on logistics management practices and performance. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and structural equation modelling. The study findings revealed that warehouse management practices, including material handling, storage management, and inventory control, have a positive and significant impact on performance. Moreover, the findings revealed that supplier relationship management practices, specifically buyer-supplier relationship, knowledge transfer, supplier development, and supplier selection, have a positive and significant impact on performance, particularly when moderated by firm logistics capabilities. Furthermore, the findings emphasise that effective order management practices, including order fulfilment, information flow management, and multichannel order management, have a positive and significant impact on performance, with logistics capabilities playing a significant moderating role. Likewise, transportation management practices, including third-party logistics management, physical distribution, and load management, have a positive and significant impact on performance. The study recommends that small-scale grape processing firms prioritise xiii effective logistics management practices and invest in logistics capabilities, as these jointly enhance logistics operations and lead to sustainable and improved performance. This is Research Article

Prospects of biological control agents for management of invasive pest Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) in Africa

Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Prospects of biological control agents for management of invasive pest Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) in Africa Zekeya, Never.; Peter, Humphrey.; Mbega, Ernest Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) is a devastating agricultural pest of global concern, which has spread widely across continents causing substantial economic losses, particularly in tomato cultivation. In Africa the problem is much severe to the extent that farmers are abandoning the crop. Controlling T. absoluta by use of chemical pesticides is profoundly tricky due to development of rapid resistance. Alternative options such as biological controls are either scarce or expensive and only a handful of microbial agents are currently registered for management of T. absoluta in Africa. It has been observed that T. absoluta causes damage and loss in tomato ranging from 50-100% in South America, Europe and Africa where management options are most limited. Although several synthetic pesticides are registered for management of T. absoluta including; chlorantraniliprole spinetoram and emamectin benzoate group, little success are reported in Africa due to various factors including fast resistance development of T. absoluta. Commercially available biopesticides such as; Beauveria bassiana (Bals.), This is Research Article

Tomato Leafminer, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick 1917), an emerging agricultural pest in Sub-Saharan Africa:

Fri, 01 Jan 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Tomato Leafminer, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick 1917), an emerging agricultural pest in Sub-Saharan Africa: Zekeya, Never.; Ndakidemi, Patrick A.; Chacha, Musa.; Mbega, Ernest. Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is an important vegetable crop for income and nutrition of smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa. However, it is attacked by many insect pests that cause high economic losses. This review focuses on one insect pest, namely Tuta absoluta (Meyrick, 1917) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae). Many studies have shown that chemical pesticides have failed to control tomato leafminer in many parts of the world including America, Europe, Asian and Sub-Saharan Africa, where the pest is impacting significantly the tomato value chains as farmers were unaware of the pest and unprepared to control it. The review has also evaluated current approaches used to manage T. absoluta in different countries and proposes areas for future investment in research for effective and affordable management to prevent further losses caused by T. absoluta in tomato production is Sub- Saharan Africa. This is Research Article