Tanzania Journal for Population studies and Development

Exploring the Effects of Carbon Trading on Local Communities in Mbulu District, Tanzania

Gideon Joseph Matekele — 2025-06-29

Carbon trading projects are widely promoted as effective climate mitigation tools, and are often lauded for their potential to alleviate poverty and improve livelihoods. They are intended to significantly reduce deforestation and forest degradation, and improve livelihoods forrural forest-dependent communities. This article explores the socio-economic effects of a carbon trading project on the local community in two villages—Mongo wa Mono andYaeda Chini—in Mbulu District, Tanzania. The study was guided by the theory of change, which suggests that a project involves processes and outcomes for a local community throughout its lifecycle. The study employed a descriptive design, using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews (n=91), in-depth interviews (12 participants), 2 focus group discussions, documentary reviews, and field observation. The findings revealed several positive outcomes of the project, including financial benefits to local communities through cash payments that are used to improve the education infrastructure and healthcare facilities. The youth have also been employed as game scouts. As well, the project has improved natural resource conservation and environmental restoration. The article emphasizes the importance of collaborative environmental conservation in carbon trading initiatives to ensure sustainable and equitable benefits for local communities. It highlights multiple benefits of carbon trading projects, which are crucial for policymakers, environmental organizations, and future projects to achieve sustainable climate solutions.

The Effects of Climate Change and Non-Climatic Stressors on Crop Production in Bahi District.

Frida Michael Ilomo — 2025-06-25

This research paper examines the impacts of changing climate and non-climatic factors on crop production in Bahi District, Tanzania, to reveal the complexities of agricultural challenges in the district. The study used a mixed-method design, combining quantitative and qualitative approaches. Primary data was collected through 254 household interviews, three focus group discussions, and 30 key informant interviews. Secondary data was gathered through a literature review from published and unpublished sources. Quantitative data analysis was conducted using Excel 2010 to generate graphs and tables for descriptive data, while inferential data were analysed using chi-square in SPSS version 20 to explore the relationship between variables. The trends in crop production were assessed using the Man-Kendall analysis. The study highlights that climate change negatively affects crop production through reduced crop yields, increased pest and disease incidence, and stunted plant growth. Also, the study revealed non-climatic stressors affecting crop production, such as lack of capital, poor government support, water scarcity, and lack of practical knowledge. Climate change factors overshadow non-climatic factors in affecting crop production. Therefore, several adaptation strategies should be promoted to reduce the adverse effects of climate change and non-climatic stressors on crop production.

Coping Strategies to Climate Related Events Across the Gradient of Three Agro-ecological Zones of Same District, Tanzania

Aroni Bakari — 2025-06-25

This study assessed coping strategies used to climate related events across the gradient of three agro-ecological zones of Same District, Tanzania. Data was collected through household survey, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and review of documents. Quantitative data was analysed using SPSS and XLSTAT, while qualitative data was analysed using content analysis. A forty-year climatic trend analysis depicts changes in both temperature and precipitation, and there is a significant difference in drought occurrence (p=0.0000) among the study villages, with high frequencies of occurrence recorded in Bangalala and Jiungeni compared to Malindi. The year 1974 was affirmed as a difficult year ever experienced in the study area, characterized by prolonged drought. Jiungeni frequently experienced floods, while Bangalala and Malindi never experienced floods. Climate stress events affected the livelihood of the people including damaging crops which resulted in low crop yields,reduction in pastures for livestock, increased livestock diseases, reduction in water sources, increased crop pests and diseases, and reduction in crop varieties. The extent of the impact of local climate change was significantly felt in the lowland areas because floods and drought were predominant in these areas. To cope with climatic stress, different coping strategies are employed by local communities like eating of neglected and underutilized plant species like red amaranth and spiderwisp, moving livestock to Tanga and Kiteto, eating fewer meals per day, looking for food relief aid, and the selling of forest products.

Pre-Displacement Psychosocial Well-being Among Planned Displacement: The Perspectives of Msimbazi Basin Residents in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Ignasia Paskal Mbatta — 2025-06-25

Over the past few decades, development-induced displacements have become increasingly prevalent across developing countries, including Tanzania. However, the psychosocial impacts of these displacements remain under- explored in academic discourse. This article investigates the lived experiences of communities facing planned displacement in the Msimbazi River Basin, employing Cernea’s impoverishment risks and reconstruction (IRR) model as a theoretical framework. Data was collected in October 2023 through an exploratory qualitative design, incorporating in-depth individual interviews with key informants, focus group discussions, documentary reviews, and field observations. The findings reveal that, in the absence of a comprehensive resettlement plan and adequate compensation, planned forced displacement significantly undermines the psychosocial well-being of the affected. It dismantles traditional modes of production, fractures social networks, erodes cultural identity; and compromises livelihoods, homes, and environments attuned to residents’ skills and practices. These disruptions foster a profound sense of loss and dislocation, heightening the risk of mental health challenges and deepening impoverishment among displaced populations. The article concludes by emphasizing the critical need for inclusive planning processes in development projects. Ensuring community participation, fair compensation, structured resettlement, and accessible psychosocial support are imperative to mitigate the long-term adverse effects of displacement, and to uphold human dignity.

Assessment of Digital Literacy Skills, Acquisition Methods, and Gender Influence among Librarians in University Libraries in Tanzania

Elizabeth Michael Mbago — 2025-06-25

This study examines digital literacy skills among librarians in university libraries in Tanzania, focusing on skill levels, acquisition methods, and gender influence. A descriptive research design, integrating qualitative and quantitative research approaches, was employed. A sample of 212 librarians was selected through simple random sampling, while five library directors were chosen purposively. Data collection involved questionnaires, interviews, and observations; and the data were analysed using SPSS, (version 20). The findings indicate that most librarians demonstrate moderate competence in online searching, library management systems, and word processing; but struggle with video conferencing. Formal training, including structured programmes, workshops, and seminars, are the primary method of skill acquisition; with self-learning playing a supplementary role. Gender does not significantly influence digital skills acquisition, as shown by a correlation coefficient of r=0.007 and a significance level of p=0.923. To bridge the gaps, the study recommends targeted training on video conferencing tools, and expanding structured training through collaboration with professional bodies like the COTUL. Moreover, ensuring equal access to digital literacy programmes and overcoming structural and financial challenges are crucial for sustained digital literacy development in university libraries.

Verbal Persuasion as a Correlate of Adolescents’ Self-efficacy in Utilizing Sexual and Reproductive Health Services in Tanzania

Chris Mauki — 2025-06-25

The study investigated verbal persuasion as a correlate of adolescents’ self-efficacy in utilizing sexual and reproductive health services in secondary schools, in Tanzania. Specifically, it sought to determine the relationship between adolescents’ verbal persuasion and the utilization of sexual and reproductive health services. The study employed a quantitative research approach and a correlational research design. Using stratified and simple random sampling, the it drew a sample of 552 secondary school adolescents from Katavi and Njombe regions. The study used questionnaires to collect data; and then used the SPSS, version 25, to analyse it. Descriptive analyses were performed across four demographic characteristics, namely, gender, age, class level, and type of school. Additionally, inferential statistics, including Spearman’s correlation coefficient, helped determine the relationship between verbal persuasion and the utilization of SRHS in terms of condom use and HIV testing and counselling among secondary schools students. The results revealed a weak, positive and significant relationship between verbal persuasion and adolescents’ condom use (r = .266, p-value <.001). There was also a weak positive and significant relationship between verbal persuasion and adolescents’ HIV testing and counselling (r = .131, p-value .002). Consequently, the more verbally persuaded the adolescents were, the more they enhanced their self- efficacy on condom use and the utilization of HIV testing and counselling services. Based on these findings, the study recommends that the national policy be reviewed to integrate self-efficacy sources to enhance its role in life-skills education, thereby empowering adolescents in Tanzania’s secondary schools to make better use of HIV testing and counselling services, as well as condoms, more effectively.

The Mediation Effect of Work Motivation on the Relationship Between Training Opportunities and Job Performance: A Lesson from Employees in Manufacturing Firms in Tanzania

Julian Lucas Kimario — 2025-06-25

In any organization, the quality of its human resources (employees) and the effectiveness of its training programmes in upgrading skills and knowledge of human resources are key to performance. Increased business competition has resulted in consumers demanding quality products and services. This has forced organizations to focus on the competence of their employees to meet customer demand to improve business performance. The objective of this study is to examine the mediation effect of work motivation in training opportunities and employee job performance relationship. The survey used a sample size of 139 employees from a manufacturing company in Tanzania to study this relationship. SmartPLS4 was used to analyse the data collected. The finding of the main effect indicates that training opportunities significantly influences employee job performance. The findings on the mediation effect show that work motivation fully mediates the nexus of training opportunities and job performance. Theoretically, the findings provide additional evidence that work motivation mediates the nexus between perceived training opportunity and job performance; while practically, an effective training programme improves employees’ working skills, knowledge, experience, and attitude for better job performance. Thus, employee work motivation largely leads to positive outcomes on employee job performance.

The Influence of Parenting on Adolescent Girls’ Cross-generational Sex Motivation and Potential Risks: The Case of Kinondoni District, Tanzania

Neema Rugaimukamu — 2025-06-25

This study examines the influence of parenting on the relationship between emotional cross-generational sex motivation and potential risks among adolescent girls in Tanzanian secondary schools. It explores how parenting styles and practices impact emotional cross-generational sex motivation, and help manage the associated risks. A mixed-methods approach was used, combining in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. A sample of 385 adolescent girls was selected through cluster random sampling. Quantitative data was collected via interviewer- administered questionnaires, and analysed using SPSS, while qualitative data was processed with NVivo 12. The findings revealed that parenting practices play a significant role in moderating emotional cross-generational sex motivation and reducing the associated risks. Parental involvement is essential in preventing risky sexual behaviours. Thus, it is recommended that community-based parenting education programmes be implemented to train parents in authoritative strategies; emphasizing communication, risk awareness, and supportive monitoring. Integrating cross-generational sex (CGS) risk education into the school curricula, fostering strong parent-teacher partnerships, and engaging local leaders and NGOs to challenge socio-cultural norms that normalize age-disparate relationships: all these are essential in addressing the problem. Likewise policy efforts should prioritize parental support within adolescent health and education frameworks so as to leverage Tanzania’s existing child protection systems.

The Role of Waste Pickers in Enhancing Recycling Initiatives and Promoting Sustainable Urban Landfills

Suma Fahamu Kibonde — 2025-06-25

Waste management is a major problem especially in the Global South. Examining the role of waste pickers in Tanga City, Tanzania, this study focuses on how these individuals affect livelihood, landfill sustainability, and environmental sanitation. Convenience sampling was deployed to obtain 20 landfill waste scavengers, and 15 street waste pickers; while a purposive sampling technique was used to select 4 key informants. Data was gathered through field observation, in-depth interviews, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions. The findings reveal that informal waste pickers are essential to recycling initiatives, landfill sustainability, and environmental sanitation because they help divert waste from landfills, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and minimize soil and water contamination. However, the dominance of formal waste collectors restricts the access by informal waste pickers to valuable recyclables, thereby limiting their contributions. Further, waste pickers confront a number of issues, such as economic vulnerability, dangerous working conditions, and social stigma. Notably, waste picking is a survival tactic used by marginalized urban populations in Tanga City. The study underscores the necessity of formal acknowledgement and policy integration of the waste pickers. The study further suggests that local governments should incorporate waste pickers into formal waste management systems through financial assistance, organizing waste picker unions, and legal recognition to increase their contribution and improve their standard of living. Additionally, capacity-building initiatives centred on recycling, composting, waste sorting, and biogas generation should be provided by the government.