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Gender inequality is strongly linked with poor performance in science and mathematics for female students in secondary schools owing to socio-economic and cultural issues as well as learning strategies. According to the Certificate of Secondary Education Examination results of 2021 in Tanzania, the failure rate for female students was higher than that for male students, and such failure in chemistry was associated with inadequate knowledge about the tested concepts, failure to identify the requirements of the respective questions and lack of adequate mathematical skills. Real practical sessions are integral parts of chemistry to enhance the learning environments for both female and male students. However, the real laboratory practices especially for chemistry are challenged with the costs of the construction of physical laboratory infrastructure and reagents, and the time-consuming and physical demands on personnel during real practical sessions. Thus, this study explores gender-based effects of the chemistry virtual laboratory against a paper-based approach towards a real chemistry practical in Tanzanian secondary schools. The results indicate that the combined exposures of virtual laboratory and paper-based practicals improve real practical performance for both female and male students. Moreover, the performance of real practical practices progressively improved for female students when they were first exposed to the virtual laboratory and then the paper-based practical. Such improvements can be associated with the virtual laboratory providing interactive learning environments which support female students to connect and engage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Science subjects at pre-tertiary and tertiary education levels are important for socio-economic and industrial development of any country; however, they are difficult for students to construct their concepts. In Tanzania, insufficient or lack of practical experiments are major challenges for science subjects due to insufficient or lack of laboratories, apparatus, expertise or reagents. Thus, this research assesses the effectiveness of paper-based against virtual laboratory experiences towards improvement of real (hands-on) chemistry practical in Tanzanian secondary schools focusing in Dodoma region. Chemistry virtual laboratory was developed and being deployed at Dodoma Secondary School for students who were never done practical sessions before to avoid biasness towards the study. The students were divided into three groups, namely paper-based and real laboratory as control groups (CG) and virtual laboratory as the experiment group (EG). Each group was further divided into two groups for the rest approaches forming six (6) groups. For EG, students were taught based on instructional approach which was enriched by computer animations in the computer laboratory. Results indicate that students who firstly attended virtual laboratory performed better in real laboratory than those who firstly attended real laboratory. Furthermore, the best progressive learning and performance for real experiments appears when the virtual laboratory preceded paper-based practical experiments. Thus, virtual laboratory is a very useful tool for learning chemistry practical not only to schools without laboratories but also to those with laboratories; and it should be considered by all the pre-tertiary schools in Tanzania and other schools in similar situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the relationship between internal audit effectiveness, corporate governance attributes, and sustainable financial reporting quality within Tanzanian commercial banks. Grounded by agency cost theory to provide new insights into the determinants of financial reporting quality in a developing country context. A cross‐sectional and correlational research design was employed, utilizing a structured questionnaire distributed to 150 respondents across a representative sample of Tanzanian commercial banks. Data analysis was conducted using multiple linear regression techniques, with comprehensive diagnostic tests to ensure the robustness of the findings. The results indicate that larger board sizes and proactive board role performance significantly enhance financial reporting quality, reflecting the importance of strong governance structures. Board independence showed a significant impact on financial reporting quality, suggesting that board independence with active engagement contributes to financial reporting quality. Internal audit quality also emerged as a critical predictor of reliable financial reporting, underscoring the role of internal audit in promoting transparency and accountability. These findings contribute to the ongoing debate in corporate governance literature by providing evidence from a developing country perspective, highlighting the nuanced roles of governance and audit in shaping financial reporting quality. This study fills a key gap in the literature by focusing on the Tanzanian banking sector, offering practical recommendations for policymakers and practitioners aimed at enhancing the integrity of financial reporting. Policymakers should emphasize board independence and the active involvement of board members and strengthen internal audit functions to improve reporting transparency and accountability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With dramatic global expansion of secondary schooling there has been significant research interest in how education is related to future aspirations, with important calls to acknowledge connections within processes of aspiring to young people's social, economic and cultural circumstances. This paper presents findings from thematic analysis of interview, participant observation and classroom observation data from an ethnographic study in two secondary schools in Tanzania. It argues that an important, and often overlooked, aspect of this complex process is the way in which aspirations for the future are connected not only to present realities, but also aspirations in the present. Focusing on students' aspirations relating to 'being a "good" student' and being able to 'soma kwa bidii' or 'study hard', this paper uses the conceptual language of the capability approach to assert the importance of considering aspirations for 'being' in education in conjunction with future aspirations for 'becoming'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current approaches to the provision of shelter, largely driven by national governments and/or the commercial private sector, continue to fall short of what is needed to reduce housing deficits. The number of people without access to adequate housing continues to grow, especially in cities of the Global South. Increasing attention is being paid to alternative models for organizing land and housing delivery, such as those led by, or at least including, civil society. In this paper, we consider two national land and housing programs—the 20,000 Plots Project in Tanzania, and Basic Services for the Urban Poor (BSUP) in India—alongside community-led housing initiatives from each country. We explore the extent to which community participation in housing delivery can have social and environmental advantages when compared to 'business as usual' methods and find that, given appropriate state support, community-based, and civil society actors (including organizations of the urban poor) have significant potential to contribute to acquiring land, building homes and improving the quality of life of vulnerable segments of the population. This paper echoes calls for community-led housing to become a recognized part of formal housing policy whilst emphasizing the need for theoretical refinement of the process so as to prevent it from being captured by prevailing market-led narratives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital systems storing cadastral data in vector format are considered effective due to their ability of offering interactive services to citizens and other land-related systems. The adoption of such systems is ubiquitous, but when adopted, they create two non-compatible systems with paper-based cadastral systems whose information needs to be digitised. This study proposes a new approach that is fast and accurate for transforming paper-based cadastral data into digital systems. The proposed method involves deep-learning techniques of the LCNN and ResNet-50 for detecting cadastral parcels and their numbers, respectively, from the cadastral plans. It also contains four functions defined to speed up transformations and compilations of the cadastral plan's data in digital systems. The LCNN is trained and validated with 968 samples. The ResNet-50 is trained and validated with 106,000 samples. The Structural-Average-Precision ( sAP 10 ) achieved with the LCNN was 0.9057. The Precision, Recall and F1-Score achieved with the ResNet-50 were 0.9650, 0.9648 and 0.9649, respectively. These results confirmed that the new method is accurate enough for implementation, and we tested it with a huge set of data from Tanzania. Its performance from the experimented data shows that the proposed method could effectively transform paper-based cadastral data into digital systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the inquiry sought to investigate the relevant Public Relations (PR) strategies that Higher Learning Institutions (HLIs) in Tanzania deploy to illuminate their visibility. As competition among HLIs intensifies, institutions are increasingly turning to PR to distinguish themselves in the market. Effective Public Relations therefore, has become essential for the HLIs striving to attract key stakeholders who guarantee the survival of these institutions. These include students, lecturers, funders and other partners. The paper is based on in-depth interviews with PR professionals and Vice Chancellors from nine higher learning institutions in the country as well as documentary reviews of institutional reports such as the corporate strategic plans, PR materials and reports based on media coverage. Key findings reveal that HLIs in Tanzania primarily employ strategies centered on media engagement; it also identifies the strategic organization and coordination of public event and internationalization among others to boost their visibility. Thus, a multifaceted PR approach, integrating media engagement, event management and community relations, is crucial for illuminating the visibility of HLIs in Tanzania. Furthermore, for the HLIs to effectively compete in the national and international education markets, they should consider adoption of more integrated PR strategies that align with the unique identity and goals of each institution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In contexts where schooling is delivered through a language of instruction (LoI) that is unfamiliar to learners, it has repeatedly been observed that students are reluctant to speak, passive, or even silent. This is commonly attributed to lack of understanding of the language in use in the classroom. Although this is, undoubtedly, an important part of the explanation, this paper presents findings from a thematic analysis of lesson observations, interviews, and ethnographic field-notes from two secondary schools in Tanzania to argue that we should also be paying much closer attention to the socio-emotional environment. Specifically, this paper demonstrates the prevalence of feelings of fear and shame in students' experiences of learning and how these emotions contributed to students' silence. However, it also shows that the impact of these emotions was not the same for all students. Informal classroom 'rules' were found to govern how different groups of students were expected to behave in response to questions from teachers, meaning that the risks of speaking English were greater for some students than others. As such, the prevalence of fear and shame is argued to compound existing inequalities amongst students, thus hindering progress towards equitable, inclusive and safe education for all. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Tanzania is rich in small hydropower (SHP) potentials. However, many of these potentials have yet to be fully used, and more than two-thirds of its rural population lacks access to electricity. The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of SHP stations in improving rural welfare in the southern highlands of Tanzania. It further explores the history, cost-effective analysis and threats to the sustainability of SHP as one of the renewable energy sources. Design/methodology/approach: The study uses a qualitative research design to explore respondents' views on the role of SHP stations in facilitating rural electrification and welfare improvement. Primary data were gathered using semi-structured interviews with the 27 key informants and beneficiaries of SHP stations from the Southern Highlands of Tanzania. In addition, the study used documentary research to complement the information from the field survey. Findings: The findings found that SHP stations enhance rural electrification and welfare by providing electricity in remote areas with sparse populations. They operate as standalone off-grids, often by church communities and individuals. However, the sustainability of SHP stations is hampered by challenges such as climate change impacts, high capital investment costs, heavy siltation of small reservoirs, skilled manpower shortages, limited local manufacturing capabilities and infrastructural issues. Originality/value: The study contributes to the ongoing debate on renewable energy supply and uses, focusing on how SHP stations could contribute to sustainable rural electrification and achieve the 2030 United Nations agenda for sustainable development, which, among other things, aims to safeguard access to sustainable and modern energy and alleviate energy poverty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the impact of Tanzania’s language policy on the promotion of the Chinese language within Tanzania. The objective is to delve into the evolution of Tanzania’s language policy across different eras, understand the factors influencing language policy in Tanzania, and analyze how the present Tanzanian language policy affects the dissemination of the Chinese language. The results reveal that Tanzania’s current language policy has both positive and negative effects on the promotion of the Chinese language within the country. Based on the research findings, the authors propose strategies to further enhance the teaching of the Chinese language in Tanzania. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the temporalities behind resource nationalism and the liquefied natural gas project (LNG) in Tanzania. At a cost of $42 billion, the LNG project would be one of the most capital-intensive projects in Africa and would allow for export of Tanzanian gas. Focusing on the LNG negotiations during the rule of John Pombe Magufuli, this paper uses interviews with key stakeholders involved in the negotiation and planning of the LNG project, both from the government and the hydrocarbon sector. It argues that competing imaginaries of the future of the gas sector in Tanzania has led to friction between actors and has resulted in slow progression for the project. Central to this has been competing short-, medium-, and long-term time horizons, contrasting market and electoral cycles, and differing imaginaries of what the future of LNG holds for the country. This paper's core argument is that competing perceptions of the future between different actors involved in the project, have allowed for friction between actors. At its core, this is through how the future was constructed for actors, be it through development strategies, price forecasts, or different imagined futures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite being subject to criticism, qualitative research methodology remains a unique and valuable approach in collecting rich and informative data. However, this may vary from one context to another and researchers understanding of the context. Grounded on the decolonization notion of qualitative research, this paper explains leeways and obstacles in conducting research, reflecting upon the procedural and practical aspects that represent the reality in Tanzania based on two cases. Our paper emphasizes that it is essential to understand and capture the real-world reflective of the voices of the population whom the study targets, which may be easier for local/native researchers. This is because the local/native researchers may be able to explain the research processes and findings in consideration of the socio-cultural settings and political environment. The paper acknowledges that qualitative research requires patience and time, which may have financial implications. It also acknowledges that some populations are facing research fatigue exacerbated by inadequate research dissemination plans. Understanding the context of the study area or topic and applying appropriate methodological approaches to overcome obstacles and gather required adequate and relevant information is thus of importance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Effective testing for malaria, including the detection of infections at very low densities, is vital for the successful elimination of the disease. Unfortunately, existing methods are either inexpensive but poorly sensitive or sensitive but costly. Recent studies have shown that mid-infrared spectroscopy coupled with machine learning (MIRs-ML) has potential for rapidly detecting malaria infections but requires further evaluation on diverse samples representative of natural infections in endemic areas. The aim of this study was, therefore, to demonstrate a simple AI-powered, reagent-free, and user-friendly approach that uses mid-infrared spectra from dried blood spots to accurately detect malaria infections across varying parasite densities and anaemic conditions. Methods: Plasmodium falciparum strains NF54 and FCR3 were cultured and mixed with blood from 70 malaria-free individuals to create various malaria parasitaemia and anaemic conditions. Blood dilutions produced three haematocrit ratios (50%, 25%, 12.5%) and five parasitaemia levels (6%, 0.1%, 0.002%, 0.00003%, 0%). Dried blood spots were prepared on Whatman™ filter papers and scanned using attenuated total reflection-Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) for machine-learning analysis. Three classifiers were trained on an 80%/20% split of 4655 spectra: (I) high contrast (6% parasitaemia vs. negative), (II) low contrast (0.00003% vs. negative) and (III) all concentrations (all positive levels vs. negative). The classifiers were validated with unseen datasets to detect malaria at various parasitaemia levels and anaemic conditions. Additionally, these classifiers were tested on samples from a population survey in malaria-endemic villages of southeastern Tanzania. Results: The AI classifiers attained over 90% accuracy in detecting malaria infections as low as one parasite per microlitre of blood, a sensitivity unattainable by conventional RDTs and microscopy. These laboratory-developed classifiers seamlessly transitioned to field applicability, achieving over 80% accuracy in predicting natural P. falciparum infections in blood samples collected during the field survey. Crucially, the performance remained unaffected by various levels of anaemia, a common complication in malaria patients. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the AI-driven mid-infrared spectroscopy approach holds promise as a simplified, sensitive and cost-effective method for malaria screening, consistently performing well despite variations in parasite densities and anaemic conditions. The technique simply involves scanning dried blood spots with a desktop mid-infrared scanner and analysing the spectra using pre-trained AI classifiers, making it readily adaptable to field conditions in low-resource settings. In this study, the approach was successfully adapted to field use, effectively predicting natural malaria infections in blood samples from a population-level survey in Tanzania. With additional field trials and validation, this technique could significantly enhance malaria surveillance and contribute to accelerating malaria elimination efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) is one of the fastest urbanising cities in sub-Saharan Africa, which has implications for its food security. Based on ethnographic research that focused on understanding how day-to-day agricultural practices are configured, we study the responses of farmers to a changing urban environment. We describe urban agriculture as an expression of active city-making; something which is uncommon since the agricultural sector is typically presented as passive and helpless in the face of urban growth. This paper shows that farmers, despite not being accounted for in urban narratives, co-shape what the city looks like and how it functions. By crafting networks of provision based on the informal access to land and water, they offer food, employment, and more for the improvement of their lives and the wider citizenry. In opposition to land pressure and water resource degradation, farmers adapt their agricultural strategies to benefit from what they can access while dealing with the uncertainties of changing realities. Based on our findings which reflect the characteristics of everyday urbanism, we discuss implications for theory and governance. With African cities risking to grow hungry, a better representation of urban farmers and their irrigated agricultural production in urban planning and governance reduces uncertainties and risks, both for farmers and the wider city. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper identifies industries in Tanzania that are critical for (i) upgrading and diversifying the economy, (ii) increasing export revenue and (iii) absorbing labour. First, a Product Space analysis identifies industrial niches, which Tanzania should promote to increase economic complexity and stimulate structural transformation. The identification of industries is based on a supply‐side network method following the literature on economic complexity. Second, we combine the complexity analysis with a gravity model, identifying industries with high, demand‐driven export potential. In combination, the supply‐and‐demand framework finds industries that are complex, feasible to target given Tanzania's existing know‐how and profitable to export given product‐specific trade resistance and geographically dispersed demand. Third, we construct an employment absorption index to identify industries with a high labour intensity. Our findings suggest a high export potential and scope for learning spillovers in complex sectors, such as machinery and chemicals. In contrast, less complex sectors, such as agro‐processing, metal and wood, are correlated with higher employment creation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A significant number of women experience labour without effective pain management and thus suffer from unbearable labour pain to the extent they term labour as the most agonizing event in their lives. Unresolved labour pain can lead to stress, fear, and confusion, which may compromise placental perfusion and lead to birth asphyxia. Although various pharmacological and non-pharmacological labour pain management methods exist, the use of non-pharmacological methods (NPMs) to manage labour pain has remained low in low-resource settings. This paper explored the barriers for using NPMs to manage labour pain by nurse-midwives in eastern Tanzania. Methods: We conducted an exploratory qualitative study with 18 nurse-midwives purposefully recruited from the labour wards of two selected district hospitals in eastern Tanzania. Qualitative content analysis guided the data analysis. Results: Two categories illustrating barriers to using NPMs were generated: individual-level and institutional-level barriers. Individual-level barriers include (i) limited competencies of nurse-midwives on the use of NPMs for managing labour pain, (ii) inadequate exposure to labour pain management practices, (iii) misconceptions about labour pain relief, and (iv) a lack of opportunities for knowledge acquisition. The institutional barriers include (i) a critical staff shortage amidst many clients and (ii) an unfavourable healthcare facility environment. Conclusion: The implementation of NPMs for labour pain management by nurse-midwives in eastern Tanzania faces several institutional and individual barriers. We recommend addressing both supply- and demand-side barriers. Strengthening nurse midwives' competencies in NPMs adoption and use and improving the facility environment to ensure privacy during labour can be a starting point for addressing supply-side issues. We recommend dispelling myths and misconceptions through health promotion education to address demand-side barriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sub-Saharan Africa bears the highest burden of sickle cell disease (SCD) globally with Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Uganda being the most affected countries. Uganda reports approximately 20,000 SCD births annually, constituting 6.67% of reported global SCD births. Despite this, there is a paucity of comprehensive data on SCD from the African continent. SCD registries offer a promising avenue for conducting prospective studies, elucidating disease severity patterns, and evaluating the intricate interplay of social, environmental, and genetic factors. This paper describes the establishment of the Sickle Pan Africa Research Consortium (SPARCo) Uganda registry, encompassing its design, development, data collection, and key insights learned, aligning with collaborative efforts in Nigeria, Tanzania, and Ghana SPARCo registries. Methods: The registry was created using pre-existing case report forms harmonized from the SPARCo data dictionary and ontology to fit Uganda clinical needs. The case report forms were developed with SCD data elements of interest including demographics, consent, baseline, clinical, laboratory and others. That data was then parsed into a customized REDCap database, configured to suit the optimized ontologies and support retrieval aggregations and analyses. Patients were enrolled from one national referral and three regional referral hospitals in Uganda. Results: A nationwide electronic patient-consented registry for SCD was established from four regional hospitals. A total of 5,655 patients were enrolled from Mulago National Referral Hospital (58%), Jinja Regional Referral (14.4%), Mbale Regional Referral (16.9%), and Lira Regional Referral (10.7%) hospitals between June 2022 and October 2023. Conclusion: Uganda has been able to develop a SCD registry consistent with data from Tanzania, Nigeria and Ghana. Our findings demonstrate that it's feasible to develop longitudinal SCD registries in sub-Saharan Africa. These registries will be crucial for facilitating a range of studies, including the analysis of SCD clinical phenotypes and patient outcomes, newborn screening, and evaluation of hydroxyurea use, among others. This initiative underscores the potential for developing comprehensive disease registries in resource-limited settings, fostering collaborative, data-driven research efforts aimed at addressing the multifaceted challenges of SCD in Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to unveil opportunities for promoting teacher ethics through quality school-based professional development (S-BPD) programmes to improve teachers' ethical conduct in Tanzanian primary schools. Design/methodology/approach: This qualitative study uses an institutional ethnography design. The data were collected through interviews, focus group discussion, observation and documentary review. Data analysis was guided by Braun and Clarke's (2006) framework of thematic analysis. Findings: Opportunities to promote teacher ethics drew on quality S-BPD programmes. These opportunities include interactions with morally committed teachers, introduction of the civic and moral subject, prevalence of teacher misconduct, ideal school leadership and development and access to affordable technology. Practical implications: The study provides useful insights into how to reshape teachers' ethical competences and to link theory and practice in teaching. Moreover, the study suggests school-based solutions to the problem of resource scarcity for teachers to retool their professional competences. Originality/value: The opportunities revealed are critical for promoting teacher ethics through quality S-BPD programmes in primary schools because teacher ethics is learned. The study offers insights into how to improve teacher ethics in primary schools. It concludes that internalising these opportunities as a whole is vital, as they have the potential to promote teacher ethics in Tanzanian public primary schools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper looks at the role of regime types and political leadership in influencing regional integration in the East African Community (EAC). Although the EAC is one of the most highly integrated Regional Economic Communities in Africa, and there are many instances where member states cooperate with decisions made at the EAC level to strengthen integration, in other instances members choose to defect from regional commitments. The study used secondary data sources to determine why this is so and employed game theory to understand the game of cooperation and defection among the players, who are the member states of the EAC. Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania were selected as case studies because they are the founding members of the EAC and are assumed to be most invested in deeper cooperation within the EAC. The study found that member states make conscious, calculated decisions to cooperate or defect on specific issues after gauging the costs and payouts associated with each action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores how using mobile money services affects food security and nutritional status of households in Tanzania. This study uses data obtained from three waves of the Tanzanian National Panel Surveys and the instrumental variable (IV) approach. The evidence from this paper shows that using mobile money services resulted in household's enhanced nutritional and food security status. Households' receipt of remittances is the main pathway in which using mobile money services influences the food security and nutritional outcomes among households in Tanzania. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marburg viral disease (MVD) is a highly infectious disease with a case fatality rate of up to 90%, particularly impacting resource-limited countries where implementing Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures is challenging. This paper shares the experience of how Tanzania has improved its capacity to prevent and control highly infectious diseases, and how this capacity was utilized during the outbreak of the MVD disease that occurred for the first time in the country in 2023. In 2016 and the subsequent years, Tanzania conducted self and external assessments that revealed limited IPC capacity in responding to highly infectious diseases. To address these gaps, initiatives were undertaken, including the enhancement of IPC readiness through the development and dissemination of guidelines, assessments of healthcare facilities, supportive supervision and mentorship, procurement of supplies, and the renovation or construction of environments to bolster IPC implementation. The official confirmation and declaration of MVD on March 21, 2023, came after five patients had already died of the disease. MVD primarily spreads through contact and presents with severe symptoms, which make patient care and prevention challenging, especially in resource-limited settings. However, with the use of a trained workforce; IPC rapid needs assessment was conducted, identifying specific gaps. Based on the results; mentorship programs were carried out, specific policies and guidelines were developed, security measures were enhanced, all burial activities in the area were supervised, and both patients and staff were monitored across all facilities. By the end of the outbreak response on June 1, 2023, a total of 212 contacts had been identified, with the addition of only three deaths. Invasive procedures like dialysis and Manual Vacuum Aspiration prevented some deaths in infected patients, procedures previously discouraged. In summary, this experience underscores the critical importance of strict adherence to IPC practices in controlling highly infectious diseases. Recommendations for low-income countries include motivating healthcare providers and improving working conditions to enhance commitment in challenging environments. This report offers valuable insights and practical interventions for preparing for and addressing highly infectious disease outbreaks through implementation of IPC measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Malaria transmission in Tanzania is driven by mosquitoes of the Anopheles gambiae complex and Anopheles funestus group. The latter includes An. funestus s.s., an anthropophilic vector, which is now strongly resistant to public health insecticides, and several sibling species, which remain largely understudied despite their potential as secondary vectors. This paper provides the initial results of a cross-country study of the species composition, distribution and malaria transmission potential of members of the Anopheles funestus group in Tanzania. Methods: Mosquitoes were collected inside homes in 12 regions across Tanzania between 2018 and 2022 using Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) light traps and Prokopack aspirators. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays targeting the noncoding internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) and 18S ribosomal DNA (18S rDNA) were used to identify sibling species in the An. funestus group and presence of Plasmodium infections, respectively. Where DNA fragments failed to amplify during PCR, we sequenced the ITS2 region to identify any polymorphisms. Results: The following sibling species of the An. funestus group were found across Tanzania: An. funestus s.s. (50.3%), An. parensis (11.4%), An. rivulorum (1.1%), An. leesoni (0.3%). Sequencing of the ITS2 region in the nonamplified samples showed that polymorphisms at the priming sites of standard species-specific primers obstructed PCR amplification, although the ITS2 sequences closely matched those of An. funestus s.s., barring these polymorphisms. Of the 914 samples tested for Plasmodium infections, 11 An. funestus s.s. (1.2%), and 2 An. parensis (0.2%) individuals were confirmed positive for P. falciparum. The highest malaria transmission intensities [entomological inoculation rate (EIR)] contributed by the Funestus group were in the north-western region [108.3 infectious bites/person/year (ib/p/y)] and the south-eastern region (72.2 ib/p/y). Conclusions: Whereas An. funestus s.s. is the dominant malaria vector in the Funestus group in Tanzania, this survey confirms the occurrence of Plasmodium-infected An. parensis, an observation previously made in at least two other occasions in the country. The findings indicate the need to better understand the ecology and vectorial capacity of this and other secondary malaria vectors in the region to improve malaria control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quality of teaching and learning in higher education is explained by the teaching and learning milieus through which academic staff and students interact. Subsequently, governments across the globe have been establishing standards that aim at improving the teaching and learning milieus in universities as part of the efforts to facilitate the provision of quality university education that address national and global needs and contexts simultaneously. This paper draws evidence from the quantitative data gauging the reflection and experiences of academic staff and students regarding the extent to which milieus for the provision of education in post-1995 universities reflect the goals of the standards established to govern the operation of universities in Tanzania. Overall, the study found dissatisfactions from both academic staff and students regarding the extent to which the teaching and learning milieus in post-1995 universities in Tanzania reflect the standards. This poor reflection may have negative impacts on the realisation of the goals the standards intend to achieve. The study therefore underscores the need for the government to plan, design and enforce the appropriate standards that would have notable impacts on the academic experiences of academic staff and students and subsequently provision of education for national and global needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the determinants and prospects of household lighting choices in rural Tanzania using a Multinomial Logit Regression Model. The analysis is based on data from 4671 households, focusing on three lighting options: electricity, solar energy, and candle lighting. The results reveal significant factors influencing these choices, including household head characteristics, household size, marital status, education, employment status, number of rooms, and income. Key findings indicate that the age of the household head negatively influences the likelihood of choosing grid-electricity, while having a male head of household significantly reduces the probability of opting for any lighting option. Larger household size is negatively associated with choosing electricity and candle lighting. Marital status shows that married households are more likely to use candle lighting. Employment status positively impacts the likelihood of adopting all three lighting options, with employed household heads being more likely to choose modern lighting solutions. Income levels are crucial, as higher income significantly increases the probability of selecting electricity and candle lighting, but not solar energy. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders aiming to enhance sustainable energy access in rural Tanzania. It highlights the importance of addressing socio-economic factors to promote the adoption of modern and sustainable lighting technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the potential economic benefit that can be realized, universities in developing countries continue to invest money in disposing of solid wastes. This is because they often view solid wastes as a burden and a problem, rather than as a potential resource. This paper presents the results of a study that examined the sources, composition, and volume of solid waste at the University of Dodoma, the largest campus in Tanzania, and explored its potential environmental and economic benefits. The study found that the university generates an annual average of 644.56 tonnes of solid waste, with paper and cardboard accounting for 35.81%, plastics for 43.73%, e‐waste for 2.38%, food waste for 9.24%, clothes for 5.72%, glass for 1%, and metals for 2.12%. In spite of the potential economic benefits of recycling and composting, the university currently disposes of most of its waste, and does not engage in sorting and separation of waste at the source. The study estimates that 90.76% of the recyclable waste generated at the university has an economic value of 142,301.20 USD annually, and could be sold to relevant recycling markets, while 9.24% of the waste is compostable and has the potential to be used for biogas generation and composting. The paper discusses the economic potential of each identified solid waste stream, and presents recommendations for profitability and sustainable environmental management on campus. The paper offers valuable insights for other universities with similar settings and aspirations for sustainable waste management practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aimed at examining the influence of political interference, investment guidelines and investment ethical guidelines on pensions investment decision in Tanzania. The structural equation modelling was employed to analyse primary data collected using five-point Likert scale structured questionnaires with closed-ended questions. The study reveals that political interference has a negative influence on investment decisions, indicating that increased political interference leads to a decrease in the quality of investment decisions. To ensure quality investment decisions, governance mechanisms should be strengthened, promoting independence and insulating investment managers from undue political pressures. The negative influence of political interference on investment decisions highlights the need for establishment of robust governance mechanisms to safeguard against undue political pressures. Conversely, investment guidelines demonstrate a positive influence, where following guidelines directives enhance investment decisions. This underscore the importance of well-defined and comprehensive investment guidelines that provide clear directions, criteria and restrictions. By establishing a framework for decision-making, investment guidelines can enhance the quality of investment decisions within pension funds. However, the study found no significant influence of ethical guidelines on investment decisions, suggesting that ethical guidelines do not play a significant role in shaping the investment decisions of pension funds in Tanzania. This finding raises questions about the effectiveness of ethical guidelines in ensuring quality pensions funds investment decisions. While ethical guidelines may not directly shape investment decisions, it is important for the funds to recognize the broader societal and reputational implications of their investment practices. Funds should consider incorporating ethical considerations into their investment frameworks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines trends and dynamics of the Mining sector of Tanzania over a time span of 100 years. To do so, econometrics analysis is used to estimate cointegration model for trends within the span of time from 1966 till 2023. Qualitative analysis is also undertaken and empirical findings confirm five distinct regimes of mining sector performance since 1898 namely; the gold boom from 1898 till 1950, diamond boom from 1950 up to 1966, drastic fall from 1966 till 1997, recovery from 1997 up to 2010 and gold boom from 2010 to date. Tracing from 2000 when Vision 2025 was adopted, paper estimates show that the mining sector performance has been extraordinary from 1 percent in 1997 to 10 percent share of GDP by 2023 and export contribution has increased from US dollar 26 million in 1997 to 2.9 billion by 2023. Legal, regulatory and institutional frameworks at sectoral and macro level substantially influence the observed performance. The paper shows that the error correction term is correctly signed and statistically significant and, the coefficient of minerals export is statistically significant such that a 1 percent increase in mineral export will lead to a 0. 43 percentage increase of total export in the long run, with 77 percent speed of convergence to equilibrium. In terms of contribution to GDP, the results show that 1 percent increase in minerals production lead to 0.16 percent increase of GDP. Further analysis of the paper demonstrates high intensity of the correlation, integration and linkages effects between mining sector with other sectors particularly manufacturing. Thus, mining sector generally has potential to maximize gains from economic and social development whereas discovery of huge deposits of rare earth elements in Tanzania and availability of wide range of industrial mineral in nearly all regions of Tanzania have a potential of becoming a new backbone of Tanzania and enable manufacturing contribution over 30 percent of GDP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper gives empirical evidence from Tanzania on the influence of financing decisions on the performance of non-financial firms listed in the Dar Es Salaam Stock Exchange (DSE). The study used secondary data from 2007 to 2021. EViews software was used to perform the analysis in which descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression analysis were performed. Two leverage ratios were used to measure financing decisions, short-term debt to total assets (STDTA) and total debt to total assets (TDTA), and three accounting-based measures, return on assets (ROA), return on equity (ROE) and gross profit margin (GPM) as a proxy of firm performance. At the same time, firm size (FS) and sales growth (GR) were used as control variables. The findings based on descriptive statistics revealed that non-financial firms depend mainly on shortterm debt for their investments. Also, the panel regression model results indicated that STDTA and TDTA negatively impact ROA. Similarly, TDTA was statistically significant with ROA. Moreover, STDTA and TDTA showed mixed results for ROE and GPM, with a significant negative and positive association with ROE, respectively. FS is reported to significantly impact firms' performance, while GR appears to impact ROA positively. The study concludes that the financing decisions of listed non-financial firms in Tanzania weakly influence the performance of firms. Researchers suggest that companies should make suitable financing decisions with attention to lower the cost of capital, enhancing financial stability, and maintaining firm performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The challenge of reduced dental treatment and education infrastructure in the Tanzanian highlands affects the oral health situation of both the general population and local healthcare workers. The aim of this study was to investigate the oral health status of healthcare workers at Ilembula Lutheran Hospital (ILH), Tanzania, during the COVID-19 pandemic. In total, 134 healthcare workers (62 women, 72 men; mean age 36.48 ± 9.56 years, range 19–59 years; median age 35.00 years) participated in this cross-sectional study, conducted from 12 February to 27 February. A dental examiner trained in oral health screening performed the oral health data collection. Data collection was performed by probability sampling using the Ilembula Data Collection Form—Oral Health (IDCF-Oral Health) questionnaire distributed in paper form. Ethical approval was obtained from the National Institute for Medical Research/Tanzania. The decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMF/T) index proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO) was used with the associated caries measurement method and the simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S). Details regarding edentulism, nutritional habits, and socio-economic factors were collected. Statistical analysis was performed using linear regression (α = 0.05). The average DMF-T index was 3.33 ± 0.82, with age, gender, meal frequency, and soft drink consumption significantly influencing the index. No evidence of dental plaque was detected in 43.3% of the participants. Of the participants, 32.8% required prosthetic treatment (Kennedy Class III), while 16.4% needed it for acute malocclusions. Oral hygiene products were used in 97% of cases. A total of 35.8% of the participants had an OHI-S score of up to 1.0, with (p < 0.001) age and (p < 0.001) sex having a significant influence on the index. The current oral health situation of healthcare workers at ILH shows a moderate need for restorative and prosthetic treatment in rural Tanzania. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, there was no change in the need for dental treatment, which may be explained by the generally restricted access to dental healthcare in the investigated region. The development of an interdisciplinary oral health prophylaxis system could help to reduce the need for future treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential of the environmental impact assessment (EIA) process to respond to climate change impacts of development projects can only be realized with the support of policies, regulations, and actors' engagement. While considering climate change in EIA has become partly mandatory through the EU revised Directive in Europe, African countries are still lagging. This paper assesses Tanzanian policies, laws, regulations, and EIA reports to uncover consideration of climate change impacts, adaptation, and mitigation measures, drawing from the transformational role of EIA. The methodology integrates content analysis, interpretive policy analysis, and discourse analysis. The analyses draw from environmental policy, three regulatory documents and three EIA reports in Tanzania using a multi-cases study design. The aim was to understand how considering Climate Change issues in EIA has played out in practice. Results reveal less consideration of climate change issues in EIA. The policy, laws, and regulations do not guide when and how the EIA process should consider climate change-related impacts mitigation and adaptation. The practice of EIA in the country is utterly procedural in line with regulations provisions. Consequently, environmental impact statements only profile the climatology of the study area without conducting a deeper analysis of the historical and future climate to enhance the resilience of proposed projects. The weakness exposed in the laws and regulations contributes to the challenges of responding to the impacts of climate change through the EIA process. It is possible to address climate change issues throughout the project life cycle, including design, approval, implementation, monitoring, and auditing, provided the policy and regulations guide how and when the EIA process should consider climate change issues. Additionally, increasing stakeholders' awareness and participation can enhance the EIA process's potential to respond to the impacts of climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This manuscript discusses the critical need for advancing genetic testing capabilities for neurological disorders (NDs) in Tanzania, emphasizing the importance, challenges, and strategies for implementation. Neurological disorders, often caused by a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors, disproportionately affect low and middle-income countries like Tanzania. Patients with neurogenetic diagnoses in Tanzania face substantial obstacles, including lack of trust in medical professionals, stigmatization, and limited access to proper care. The manuscript underscores the infancy of genetic testing implementation for NDs in Tanzania, citing challenges such as high costs, limited availability, and the absence of routine testing in diagnostic procedures. The paper recommends establishing well-characterized cohorts, conducting a nationwide emergency census survey, and enhancing diagnostic services and healthcare financing. The paper stresses on the importance of collaboration, research, public awareness, and advocacy to address the challenges posed by NDs in Tanzania. The manuscript proposes a comprehensive plan, including training and capacity building in molecular diagnosis and bioinformatics, to establish genetic testing capabilities and reduce the burden of NDs in the country. Overall, the manuscript calls for a collaborative effort involving government support, stakeholder engagement, and international partnerships to advance genetic testing and improve healthcare outcomes for individuals with neurological disorders in Tanzania. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interactions between people and large carnivores on shared landscapes can have harmful social and ecological consequences. Human–carnivore coexistence depends on an assemblage of sociological factors including effective management institutions that address the social costs of carnivore conservation and promote tolerance toward wildlife. In East Africa, large carnivores are particularly troublesome for herders who depend on livestock for subsistence and wellbeing. This paper provides an overview of human–hyena conflict in the Tarangire ecosystem of northern Tanzania. It presents descriptive results from a questionnaire survey (n = 1076) administered as part of an anthropological study (2019–2020; 2022; 2023) of human–wildlife interactions across twelve villages inhabited by Maasai agropastoralists. The survey instrument was designed through community-based participatory research methods to convey herder concerns about the impacts of spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta) on the livestock economy. Based on the perceptions and local ecological knowledge of Maasai interlocutors, the paper provides an overview of the spatial and temporal patterns of human–hyena interactions. Perceived frequencies of hyena attacks on kraaled livestock were unevenly distributed geographically, with those homesteads surrounding Manyara Ranch most heavily affected. Based on herder-reported livestock losses, the costs of depredation by spotted hyenas across the study area were estimated at approximately USD 904.84 per household per year. Most homesteads lacked fortified bomas and would benefit from the provision of lights and fencing materials to improve kraal structures. The paper's central finding is that spotted hyenas represent a pressing, everyday concern for local pastoralists. Unsurprisingly, herders despise hyenas and are intolerant of sharing landscapes with them. For carnivore conservation outside protected areas to thrive in Tanzania, conservationists and policy makers must engage more meaningfully with the lived experiences of local herders who bear the brunt of conservation costs on their livelihoods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increased demand for secondary materials, particularly scrap metals, in cities due to development activities in both emerging economies and developing countries has increased the demand for recycling materials. It accelerated the growth of the circular economy and climate-smart development. This paper investigated the synergy between sustainable solid waste management and the circular economy in Tanzanian cities by examining the scrap business's categories, quantity, market, and nature and the scrap business's environmental benefits in Arusha. The study found that iron steel, cast iron, and aluminum were the most common scrap metal recovered and traded in Arusha. Offices and institutions, households, and garages were the primary sources of scraps. Over 314 tonnes of scrap metal were traded monthly in the city. The scrap business helped the steel industries save 300 tons of iron ore, 164 tons of coal, and 64 tons of bauxite while lowering their monthly energy consumption by 56%. Scrap metal trade contributes significantly to recycling, climate-smart, circular economy, and improving livelihoods. As a result, we call for a synchronized sustainable development and solid waste management system that connects product design, development manufacturing, and end-of-life products to improve the circular economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to assess the legal and regulatory framework for mobile banking (M-banking) in Tanzania. The technological development in information and communication technologies has converted a mobile phone from a simple communication device to a very complex instrument that allows people to perform various digital transactions and extra operations such as web browsing and email reading. Such tremendous developments have brought in place the regime of M-banking. The birth of M-banking has brought legal and institutional challenges that were not anticipated before. It has complicated the traditional role of the telecommunication regulator and financial regulator in the business and caused legal gaps that need to be bridged. Design/methodology/approach: To disclose the legal gaps and bridge them, the study used doctrinal legal method and comparative study to learn the experience of international legal instruments and policies and laws of other jurisdictions. This paper has evaluated the contribution of international legal instruments and legal frameworks of foreign jurisdictions such as Kenya and the Philippines. Findings: It has been revealed that the prevailing laws regulating M-banking in Tanzania do not adequately address and bridge the existing legal gaps. There is a need to enact a specific law regulating M-banking and confer such powers to a specific institution to deal with regulatory issues. Originality/value: This paper stresses the importance of enacting new laws that will offer room for financial inclusion in the digital economy and protect consumers against financial risk. It also intends to act as a catalyst and change agent in policy and legislative development in the M-banking industry. It would also bring special attention to addressing consumer rights, security and risky issues surrounding the M-banking industry. Although several other authors in Tanzania have written in this area, they have not clearly focused on disclosing the existing legal gaps resulting from the convergence of the financial and communication sectors. This paper is therefore trying to offer an extensive discussion on the legislative development in the M-banking industry in Tanzania. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports on the findings of a systematic review in relation to the research management practices in Higher Learning Institutions through the use of Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies such as ChatGPT in Tanzania. AI technologies have gained significant popularity in recent times. However, their integration into academic settings raises concerns, especially in terms of potential ethical considerations. The systematic review at hand used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to retrieve English records in Google Scholar under the phrase "ChatGPT in research?. Eligibility criteria included the published research papers on ChatGPT and research practices. A total of 28 documents were retrieved. Only 20 documents met the inclusion criteria after full screening. The findings indicate that setting a code of ethics for using AI is paramount. Further research is needed in order to gain detailed insights into this new innovation and technology. It was concluded that ChatGPT in research has to be validated with other methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salinization is a process of increasing concentrations of salts in soil and water. Soil salinity is the most serious agricultural problem in irrigation agriculture in Tanzania. Severe salinity can cause significantly lower yields, food insecurity, and environmental degradation. If not properly addressed, soil salinization can accelerate and potentially expand to currently unaffected irrigated agricultural land. Despite the efforts made by the government and other stakeholders, rice production in irrigated rice fields in Tanzania is still experiencing low yields. Current rice yields are between 2.5 and 4 tons/ha, which is low compared to the average rice yields reported in other countries. Salinity problems are caused by the prevailing climate characterized by high evapotranspiration, geological and geographical characteristics of the area, quality of irrigation water, and inadequate land use practices. This paper aims to review available information on the causes and effects of soil salinity on irrigated rice fields in Tanzania and to provide information on management strategies to adjust soil salinity and improve soil fertility. References from books, papers, journals, online readings, and dissertation papers from different universities and institutions were used to get information for this paper review. In this review, the various reasons that cause soil salinity in irrigated fields in Tanzania have been identified, which are the nature of rocks, poor irrigation management, and non-compliance with established irrigation regulations. Also, the effects of soil salinity in Tanzania have resulted in a decrease in yields, an increase in costs of production, poor quality of products, and water shortages for irrigation. Lastly, some recommendations identified to solve the challenges of soil salinity include setting up a local drainage system on affected land, renovating some irrigation facilities, reclaiming the affected soil with gypsum and manure, and flushing all salt-affected water with non-salt water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Patient feedback system (PFS) forms an important entry point for the medical personnel and healthcare administrators to identify healthcare service delivery gaps and develop responsive interventions. This may foster patient trust consequently increasing healthcare-seeking, engagement in decision, continuity, and satisfaction. However, research on the PFS in rural primary healthcare settings appears limited. Objective: The paper examines the perceived role and effectiveness of PFS in improving therapeutic relationships building on the recent research on patient-provider relationships in rural Tanzania. Methods: The paper examines the findings of qualitative descriptive research conducted in the Shinyanga Region which employed a human-centred design (HCD) approach to co-create an intervention package for improving nurse-client relationships between January and September 2022. The study used semi-structured interviews in Swahili to first explore drivers of poor provider-patient relationships with purposefully selected providers, patients, and administrators. The findings guided the co-designing of an intervention package in subsequent HCD steps. Interviews were concurrently translated and transcribed, then systematically coded to facilitate the development of themes using a deductive thematic analysis approach. Results: PFS emerged as one of the key themes in the deductive analysis when examining factors shaping provider–client relationships. The PFS theme was characterized by three major subthemes, which included perceived benefits, availability and accessibility, and perceived effectiveness. The perceived benefits of PFS cited by most participants included: reducing patients' confusion around the complaints process, promoting patients' positivity towards providers and hospitals, and reducing tensions between patients and providers. Suggestion boxes (SBs) were the most frequently cited PFS, but there were widespread concerns and disagreements among participants about their accessibility and effectiveness. Despite the providers (nurses) and administrators describing SBs as widely available, they stated that they had not received feedback or complaints from patients for a very long time. In contrast, most patients stated that SBs were either unavailable or ineffective in many facilities, with concerns about non-user friendliness and lack of responsiveness as the main issues when discussing effectiveness. Conclusion: Despite the many benefits of PFS in improving healthcare service quality, their availability, user-friendliness, and responsiveness still pose challenges. A call is made to providers, health administrators and researchers to prioritize the PFS as both a useful entry point to reducing tensions in therapeutic relationships and, a tool for improving patient service uptake, continuity of care and satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Stakeholder engagement is essential to the design, implementation and evaluation of complex mental health interventions like peer support. Theory of Change (ToC) is commonly used in global health research to help structure and promote stakeholder engagement throughout the project cycle. Stakeholder insights are especially important in the context of a multi-site trial, in which an intervention may need to be adapted for implementation across very different settings while maintaining fidelity to a core model. This paper describes the development of a ToC for a peer support intervention to be delivered to people with severe mental health conditions in five countries as part of the UPSIDES trial. Methods: One hundred thirty-four stakeholders from diverse backgrounds participated in a total of 17 workshops carried out at six UPSIDES implementing sites across high-, middle- and low-income settings (one site each in India, Israel, Uganda and Tanzania; two sites in Germany). The initial ToC maps created by stakeholders at each site were integrated into a cross-site ToC map, which was then revised to incorporate additional insights from the academic literature and updated iteratively through multiple rounds of feedback provided by the implementers. Results: The final ToC map divides the implementation of the UPSIDES peer support intervention into three main stages: preparation, implementation, and sustainability. The map also identifies three levels of actors involved in peer support: individuals (service users and peer support workers), organisations (and their staff members), and the public. In the UPSIDES trial, the ToC map proved especially helpful in characterising and distinguishing between (a) common features of peer support, (b) shared approaches to implementation and (c) informing adaptations to peer support or implementation to account for contextual differences. Conclusions: UPSIDES is the first project to develop a multi-national ToC for a mental health peer support intervention. Stakeholder engagement in the ToC process helped to improve the cultural and contextual appropriateness of a complex intervention and ensure equivalence across sites for the purposes of a multi-site trial. It may serve as a blueprint for implementing similar interventions with a focus on recovery and social inclusion among people with mental ill-health across diverse settings. Trial registration: ISRCTN26008944 (Registration Date: 30/10/2019). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A laboratory-based lateral flow (LF) test that utilizes up-converting reporter particles (UCP) for ultrasensitive quantification of Schistosoma circulating anodic antigen (CAA) in urine is a well-accepted test to identify active infection. However, this UCP-LF CAA test requires sample pre-treatment steps not compatible with field applications. Flow, a new low-cost disposable, allows integration of large-volume pre-concentration of urine analytes and LF detection into a single field-deployable device. We assessed a prototype Flow-Schistosoma (Flow-S) device with an integrated UCP-LF CAA test strip, omitting all laboratory-based steps, to enable diagnosis of active Schistosoma infection in the field using urine. Flow-S is designed for large-volume (5–20 mL) urine, applying passive paper-based filtration and antibody-based CAA concentration. Samples tested for schistosome infection were collected from women of reproductive age living in a Tanzania region where S. haematobium infection is endemic. Fifteen negative and fifteen positive urine samples, selected based on CAA levels quantified in paired serum, were analyzed with the prototype Flow-S. The current Flow-S prototype, with an analytical lower detection limit of 1 pg CAA/mL, produced results correlated with the laboratory-based UCP-LF CAA test. Urine precipitates occurred in frozen banked samples and affected accurate quantification; however, this should not occur in fresh urine. Based on the findings of this study, Flow-S appears suitable to replace the urine pre-treatment required for the laboratory-based UCP-LF CAA test, thus allowing true field-based applications with fresh urine samples. The urine precipitates observed with frozen samples, though less important given the goal of testing fresh urines, warrant additional investigation to evaluate methods for mitigation. Flow-S devices permit testing of pooled urine samples with applications for population stratified testing. A field test with fresh urine samples, a further optimized Flow-S device, and larger statistical power has been scheduled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tanzania is currently implementing therapeutic efficacy studies (TES) in areas of varying malaria transmission intensities as per the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations. In TES, distinguishing reinfection from recrudescence is critical for the determination of anti-malarial efficacy. Recently, the WHO recommended genotyping polymorphic coding genes, merozoite surface proteins 1 and 2 (msp1 and msp2), and replacing the glutamate-rich protein (glurp) gene with one of the highly polymorphic microsatellites in Plasmodium falciparum to adjust the efficacy of antimalarials in TES. This study assessed the polymorphisms of six neutral microsatellite markers and their potential use in TES, which is routinely performed in Tanzania. Methods: Plasmodium falciparum samples were obtained from four TES sentinel sites, Kibaha (Pwani), Mkuzi (Tanga), Mlimba (Morogoro) and Ujiji (Kigoma), between April and September 2016. Parasite genomic DNA was extracted from dried blood spots on filter papers using commercial kits. Genotyping was done using six microsatellites (Poly-α, PfPK2, TA1, C3M69, C2M34 and M2490) by capillary method, and the data were analysed to determine the extent of their polymorphisms and genetic diversity at the four sites. Results: Overall, 83 (88.3%) of the 94 samples were successfully genotyped (with positive results for ≥ 50.0% of the markers), and > 50.0% of the samples (range = 47.6–59.1%) were polyclonal, with a mean multiplicity of infection (MOI) ranging from 1.68 to 1.88 among the four sites. There was high genetic diversity but limited variability among the four sites based on mean allelic richness (RS = 7.48, range = 7.27–8.03, for an adjusted minimum sample size of 18 per site) and mean expected heterozygosity (He = 0.83, range = 0.80–0.85). Cluster analysis of haplotypes using STRUCTURE, principal component analysis, and pairwise genetic differentiation (FST) did not reveal population structure or clustering of parasites according to geographic origin. Of the six markers, Poly-α was the most polymorphic, followed by C2M34, TA1 and C3M69, while M2490 was the least polymorphic. Conclusion: Microsatellite genotyping revealed high polyclonality and genetic diversity but no significant population structure. Poly-α, C2M34, TA1 and C3M69 were the most polymorphic markers, and Poly-α alone or with any of the other three markers could be adopted for use in TES in Tanzania. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Purpose: Smallholder farmers in Tanzania were investigated in this paper to determine the dimensions and influence of psychological contracts on smallholder farmers' decisions to participate in the market. Design/methodology/approach: Data were collected through structured questionnaires, of which a cross-sectional design was conducted in central Tanzania, the Dodoma region in which 467 smallholder farmers were surveyed. First, a preliminary Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was conducted by involving psychological contracts and market participation items derived from previous studies. This was followed by the Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) to verify the items obtained in the EFA. The regression analysis was then performed to test the causal effects of psychological contracts on market participation among smallholder farmers. Findings: The path analysis revealed that transactional, relational, and ideological contracts have a positive and statistically significant impact on the participation of smallholder farmers in the market. Therefore, smallholder farmers have own set of expectations for participating in the marketplace. As a result, smallholder farmers' relationships with market participation decisions can be strengthened. Research limitations/implications: This study covered only smallholder farmers. However, future studies can include large-scale farmers, because psychological contracts and market participation difficulties also apply to them. This may increase the generalizability of the findings. Originality/value: Past studies have not extensively covered the psychological contracts in smallholder farming, especially in market participation. Based on prior empirical and theoretical research from other disciplines, the findings of this study contribute to a better understanding of the psychological contract framework and the significance of multiple psychological obligations between smallholder farmers and market management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper examines the career progression of women auditors working in auditing firms in Tanzania and the strategies employed by women auditors to cope with the masculine nature of audit firms. Design/methodology/approach: Data were collected through semi-structured, in-depth interviews with current and former female and male auditors in two auditing firms. A thematic approach to the analysis is adopted. Findings: The study reveals that career progression of women auditors studied is constrained by gender-related barriers such as motherhood, pregnancy, maternity leave and limited coaching and networking, as well as household and caring responsibilities. These barriers are facilitated by the patriarchal system, which regards women as wives and mothers rather than professional workers. As a result, women auditors balanced work and family responsibilities by employing various coping strategies including establishing informal network organization, hiring nannies, living with family members, enrolling children to boarding schools and lobbying in the allocation of audit assignments. Despite employing these strategies, very few women reach top positions in audit firms in Tanzania. Practical implications: The findings reveal a need for wider engagement on the role of women and men in society, particularly to address the gender-related barriers faced by women in the accountancy profession. Originality/value: Most previous studies of gender in the accountancy profession have focused on Western contexts. This is one of few to examine the phenomenon in an African context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy rainfall in eastern Africa between late 2019 and mid 2020 caused devastating floods and landslides throughout the region. These rains drove the levels of Lake Victoria to a record-breaking maximum in the second half of May 2020. The combination of high lake levels, consequent shoreline flooding, and flooding of tributary rivers caused hundreds of casualties and damage to housing, agriculture, and infrastructure in the riparian countries of Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. Media and government reports linked the heavy precipitation and floods to anthropogenic climate change, but a formal scientific attribution study has not been carried out so far. In this study, we characterize the spatial extent and impacts of the floods in the Lake Victoria basin and then investigate to what extent human-induced climate change influenced the probability and magnitude of the record-breaking lake levels and associated flooding by applying a multi-model extreme event attribution methodology. Using remote-sensing-based flood mapping tools, we find that more than 29 000 people living within a 50 km radius of the lake shorelines were affected by floods between April and July 2020. Precipitation in the basin was the highest recorded in at least 3 decades, causing lake levels to rise by 1.21 m between late 2019 and mid 2020. The flood, defined as a 6-month rise in lake levels as extreme as that observed in the lead-up to May 2020, is estimated to be a 63-year event in the current climate. Based on observations and climate model simulations, the best estimate is that the event has become more likely by a factor of 1.8 in the current climate compared to a pre-industrial climate and that in the absence of anthropogenic climate change an event with the same return period would have led lake levels to rise by 7 cm less than observed. Nonetheless, uncertainties in the attribution statement are relatively large due to large natural variability and include the possibility of no observed attributable change in the probability of the event (probability ratio, 95 % confidence interval 0.8–15.8) or in the magnitude of lake level rise during an event with the same return period (magnitude change, 95 % confidence interval 0–14 cm). In addition to anthropogenic climate change, other possible drivers of the floods and their impacts include human land and water management, the exposure and vulnerability of settlements and economic activities located in flood-prone areas, and modes of climate variability that modulate seasonal precipitation. The attribution statement could be strengthened by using a larger number of climate model simulations, as well as by quantitatively accounting for non-meteorological drivers of the flood and potential unforced modes of climate variability. By disentangling the role of anthropogenic climate change and natural variability in the high-impact 2020 floods in the Lake Victoria basin, this paper contributes to a better understanding of changing hydrometeorological extremes in eastern Africa and the African Great Lakes region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The projected population increase and drastic climate changes are a great setback to food security through sustainable agriculture. However, governments need to play key roles in supporting the agriculture sector, which creates considerable employment and contributions to most countries' Gross Domestic Product (GDP) outcomes. In many countries, the governments already support the agriculture sector with services based on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to reach many stakeholders, including smallholder farmers. This paper investigated the status of e-Government services in the agriculture sector for farmers in order to understand the functions and scope of e-services, the challenges faced by farmers, both addressed and unaddressed, and the challenges of ICT-based services for farmers and other stakeholders in Tanzania. We used a qualitative research approach to interview the Ministry of Agriculture, farmers, extension workers, and agriculture processing industries. The main finding reveals that e-government services play a major role in the agriculture sector in Tanzania. Our results show that the pre-existing ICT services identified for farmers cannot meet the needs of farmers in a complete farming cycle. Moreover, lack of awareness, digital illiteracy, and poor infrastructure are the major challenges faced by farmers and other stakeholders when it comes to ICT-based services. These results justify the need for a comprehensive digital platform, particularly the proposed Farmers Digital Information System (FDIS) to enable farmers and other stakeholders to access essential services in a complete farming cycle for a more sustainable agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Land conflicts remain the major character of informal settlements in urban areas. Goal and Objectives This paper explores the nature and characteristics of land conflicts in areas with informal settlements as experienced from regularization projects in Tanzania. Methodology The study used field observations to collect data on boundary conflicts and household interviews to collect data on border conflicts, land use conflicts, and ownership conflicts. The data was collected through a combination of primary and secondary methods. The focus discussion was conducted with members of the Mtaa Regularisation Committee for different sub-wards. Results The study discovered that the major types of land conflicts in informal settlements include boundary conflicts, land use conflicts, inheritance conflicts, accessibility conflicts, sales, and transfer of ownership. Boundary conflicts remain the main form of conflict appearing in informal settlements. Regularization of informal settlements is now seen as a tool to address the problem of informal settlement conflicts in urban areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When seeking to increase their tax revenues, policy makers face a likely tradeoff between decreasing personal income tax rates (making formalizing more attractive and potentially contributing to revenue) and alternatively raising tax rates (potentially slowing down the formalization of the economy if people prefer informal employment). Evidence on formal versus informal earnings and job characteristics in different sectors is limited in African countries, and in particular very little is known about the impact of tax changes on the extent of informality. This paper therefore estimates the personal income tax responsiveness of the extensive margin of formality, i.e. the propensity to be a formal as opposed to an informal worker, for Ghana, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda, using repeated cross-sections of household data and applying grouping estimator techniques. Perhaps because of labour demand constraints and other frictions, the paper finds non-significant relations between the formal employment share and the formal-informal earnings differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nature‐based tourism provides an outlet for people to experience non‐material nature's contributions to people (NCP) and can even promote care for nature. Yet, the literature on NCP is still dominated by studies on regulating and material NCP, with limited research on non‐material contributions.Semi‐structured interviews and photo‐elicitation methods were conducted online with 38 former tourists who have hiked Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, to investigate NCP experiences during their hiking journey. Drawing on the guiding principles of the Intergovernmental Panel on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), an interwoven approach was used to link context‐specific NCP expressed by tourists to the generalizing perspective.Ten context‐specific non‐material NCP emerged including Aesthetic experiences; Learning and life‐changing perspectives; New and unique experiences; and Social cohesion and bonding. All context‐specific NCP were linked back to the generalizing perspective, with most NCP falling under the generalizing category of Physical and psychological experiences.This paper reveals the unique and diverse ways that nature contributes to people's lives, promoting the visibility of multiple perspectives and their incorporation into biodiversity conservation and sustainable management strategies. Through an interwoven approach, NCP can be compared on a universal scale while respecting the context‐specificity of human–nature interactions across different social‐ecological contexts. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper deals with gender politics in Tanzania through a social, historical and literary perspective. This analysis is the result of a two months fieldwork based in the rural area of the Iringa region, where I collected data related to genderbased issues expressed by women and girls of several ages and generations thanks to the collaboration with two NGO's that operate in the area, namely the Tanzanian PSBF and the Italian CEFA. Through a historical analysis, this paper sheds the light on the women's active participation in the liberation movements since pre-colonial time in Tanganyika and then Tanzania, presenting the path of several women's struggles that contributed to the ideation of the gender politics of today. Nowadays, patriarchal oppression is strictly bounded to globalization and cashbased economy. These topics are analysed in the Swahili literal repertoire and discussed by the contemporary African feminist movements that will be presented above. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]