Department of Geography

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Population Dynamics and Its Implication on Development in Iringa Municipality, Tanzania
(University of Dar es salaam, 2020-12) Myeya, Helena E
This study investigates the implications of population dynamics on development in Iringa Municipality Tanzania. A total of 209 respondents were involved in this study. The study used both quantitative and qualitative techniques in collecting and analyzing data where household surveys, in-depth interviews, field observations, Focus Group Discussions and documentary review were used as data gathering techniques. Descriptive statistics and content analysis have been used in analyzing and presenting the collected data. The study findings reveal that Iringa Municipality is experiencing an increase in population has been triggered by in migration though increased birth rates and reduced mortality rates cannot be neglected. The study further revealed that population growth in the Municipality has positively resulted to increased income levels, market expansion, improvement of social services, increased savings and investments, increased skilled workforce as well as increased urbanization. However, negatively, population growth has triggered high commodity prices, increased rental bills, the spread of diseases, a high number of street children and increase of delinquency behaviours. The study concludes that there is an increase in population associated with in-migration in Iringa Municipality which has brought both positive and negative effects on economic development. It is recommended to use the existing opportunity of population growth for economic development meanwhile, finding out measures which are associated with negative effects of population growth to achieve sustainable development.
Opportunities and Challenges of Little Ruaha River to the Local Community’s Livelihoods in Iringa Municipal, Tanzania
(Institute of Sustainable Development, Environmental & Scientific Research (ISDESR), 2021-01) Myeya, Helena E
This paper examines opportunities and challenges of Little Ruaha River on people’s livelihoods in Iringa Municipal, Tanzania. A total of 105 respondents from Ruaha ward and 10 key informants were involved in this study. The study employed quantitative and qualitative approaches in collecting and analyzing data. Questionnaire survey, interviews, field observations and documentary review were used as data collection techniques. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics while qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis. The study findings reveal that Little Ruaha River is very potential to the adjacent community as it supports small scale agriculture, brick making, small scale industries, domestic uses and fishing. Though the river is very potential, full utilization of water resource is hindered by river fluctuation, improper human activities, water use restrictions, floods, existence of dangerous animals and lack of capital. The study concludes that, the river is very potential to the local community, thus recommending sustainable exploitation of water resource for improved livelihood and resource conservation.
Drivers, Livelihood Dynamics and Effects of Out-migration in Ileje District, Tanzania
(University of Warsaw, 2020-11) Myeya, Helena E
This paper attempts to examine the drivers, livelihood dynamics and impacts of migration in Ileje district, Tanzania. A total of 249 heads of households were involved in this study. The study used both quantita tive and qualitative techniques in collecting and analysing data where household questionnaire, in-depth interviews, field observations, focus group discussions and documentary review were used as data gathering techniques. Descriptive statistics and content analysis have been used as data analysis methods. Findings from this study indicate that, pover ty is a major cause of out-migration though, land shortage, poor soils and unfavourable climatic conditions also act as push factors. Moreover, results revealed that through out-migration, migrants have improved their livelihoods and that of their relatives. The study concludes that out-migration is highly attributed by poverty levels in Ileje district and through migration people have changed their life to better condition. It is recommended to provide support to the communities of migrants in Drivers, Livelihood Dynamics and Effects of Out-migration in their home place in order to improve their livelihoods strategies hence reduce poverty and out-migration as well.
Indigenous and Scientific Evidence on Climate Change Effects on Cereal Crops Production in Semi-arid Areas of Central Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2021-11) Myeya, Helena E
Changes in temperature and rainfall have been reported at both local and global level with negative influence on crop yields. This article attempts to investigate the effects of climate change on cereal crops in semi-arid areas of Dodoma region, Tanzania. To achieve the research objectives, mixed method research approach under cross-sectional design was used. A total of 366 heads of households and 36 key informants were involved in this study. The study further used archival data on rainfall, temperature and crop yields of maize, sorghum and bulrush millet for the past 27 years (1984 to 2011). Simple linear trend analysis and Mann-Kendall test were used to establish and test for rainfall, temperature and crop yield trends. Linear regression analysis was applied in establishing the relationship between climate variables and crop yields. Findings from this study reveal increased temperature and reduced rainfall and crop yields as perceived by smallholder farmers and verified by archival data. Results for both minimum and maximum temperature indicate significant increased trends (p=0.000, p=0.000) respectively. Conversely, non-significant decreasing trends for rainfall were noted for Bahi, Mpwapwa and Dodoma stations (p=0.505, p=0.911, p=0.474) respectively. The findings on correlation analysis indicate both positive and negative influence of temperature and rainfall on cereal crop yields. The study concludes that, climate change has impacted cereal crop yields in the study area calling for implementation of more viable adaptation strategies in order to reduce the adverse effects of the changing climate. The study recommends on the use of more drought tolerant crop varieties of cereal seeds that can suit the changing climate
Challenges encountered by smallholder farmers in adapting to adverse effects of climate change in semi-arid areas of Central Tanzania
(University of Warsaw, 2018-11) Myeya, Helena E
This article investigates adaptation measures and challenges facing smallholder farmers in adapting to climate change and variability effects in semiarid areas of Dodoma region, central Tanzania. Mixed method research approach under cross-sectional survey design was employed in data collection. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis have been used in analyzing and presenting the findings. The study results indicate that smallholder farmers have observed variations in rainfall and temperature trends that were linked to reduced cereal crop yields. The study noted that the farmers respond to reduced cereal crop yields by implementing various adaptive strategies. They include growing drought tolerant crop varieties, practicing intercropping, shifting the planting to earlier/later dates, increase farm sizes and out-migration. It was further found in this study that smallholder farmers encountered a number of challenges when they take adaptation measures to overcome declining crop yields. The challenges include inadequate capital, elevated agricultural equipment and input prices and absence of soft loans arrangements. Other challenges include low price for agricultural produce, poor weather information and agricultural extension services all of which rendered negative effects on cereal crop production and household food security. The impact of climate change and variability are conclusively evident in this study while effective smallholder farmer’s adaptation mechanisms are limited. To ensure household food security, purposeful institutional intervention plans and optimal support on extension services and provision of credit facilities are needed on viable adaptation strategies against impacts of climate change and variability in semiarid areas of Tanzania.
Vulnerability and Responses of Smallholder Farmers to Climate Change Effects in Semiarid Areas of Bahi and Kongwa Districts, Tanzania
(University of Dar salaam, 2021-11) Myeya, Helena E
This study examined the vulnerability and responses of smallholder farmers to climate change effects in Semiarid Areas of Bahi and Kongwa Districts. A total of 366 household heads were involved in this study. The study employed questionnaire, interviews and documentary review as data collection techniques. Archival data for temperature, rainfall and crop yields were collected for trend analysis. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse quantitative data, content analysis was employed to analyse qualitative data. Simple linear trend analysis and Mann Kendall were used to establish trends. The findings indicate that smallholder farmers in the study area have noted reduced rainfall, increased temperature and reduced production as indicators of climate change. Results from archival data indicate insignificant decline of rainfall, significant increase of temperature and insignificant decline of crop yields at 5% significance level. As a response to these changes, smallholder farmers reported to use improved crop varieties, change planting dates, use intercropping, out-migrating and change land use practices. Several challenges were reported to hinder effective adaptation including inadequate capital, limited soft loans, limited weather information and deficient extension services. It is concluded that the climate is changing in the study area calling for strengthening farmers’ adaptive capacity.
Recent Temperature and Rainfall Characteristics in Dodoma Region, Central Tanzania (1961 – 2013)
(University of Ghana, 2021-05) Myeya, Helena E
This paper presents the recent temperature and rainfall characteristics in Dodoma region, central Tanzania. The study used archival temperature and rainfall data for the past 53 years (1961 – 2013). Simple linear trend analysis and Mann-Kendall test were used to establish and test for rainfall and temperature trends through Microsoft Excel (2010) and Statistical Package for Social Sciences (version 20). Results for both minimum and maximum temperature indicate a significant increased trend (p=0.000, p=0.001) respectively at 0.05 significance level. Conversely, non-significant decreasing and increasing rainfall trends were noted for Bahi, Mpwapwa and Dodoma (p=0.532, p=0.473, p=0.629) respectively, at 0.05 significance level. Results further indicate that rainfall variability in the study area isinfluenced by local, regional and global variations. From the results, it is noted that temperature and rainfall have both significant and insignificant changes. It is recommended that the observed increased temperature and declined rainfall requires more adaptation strategies than usual to reduce adverse effects as climate variability is expected to further increase in the near future.
Forest Structure and Climate Change Mitigation Potential: A Case of Wilolesi and Ikonongo Forested Hills in Iringa Municipality, Tanzania
(2021-02) Fundisha, Evarist
Vegetation plays major roles in carbon storage and ecosystem functioning by modifying the rate of carbon fluxes thereby mitigating climate change. However, the focus of assessing the potentials for different vegetation on climate change mitigation has for so long been conducted outside cities, towns and municipalities. This study was conducted in Wilolesi and Ikonongo hills located in Iringa as representative of the Municipality forested hills in Tanzania to assess vegetation structure and their potential for climate change mitigation. Random sampling technique was employed to establish 20 rectangular plots of 20 m x 40 m (0.08 ha) in each hill to determine plant species composition, richness, diversity, vegetation structure and above ground carbon (AGC). R-statistical software was used to compute Shannon-Wiener diversity indices, species richness and the above ground carbon. Results indicated high species diversity ranging from 3.5 to 4.1 for Ikonongo and Willolesi hills, respectively based on Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H’). We recorded 255 plant species (114 tree species, 51 shrub species, 2 sedge species, 66 herb species, 15 grass species and 7 climbers) in 60 families. Based on Important Value Index (IVI), Brachystegia spiciformis Benth (10.435) and Julbernardia globiflora Benth (4.555) were important species in Wilolesi and Ikonongo forested hills. There was a significant difference on the AGC between Ikonongo (3.12 t/ha) and Wilolesi (8.33 t/ha) (t = 1.83, p = < 0.004). Results have an implication for dedicating more efforts on the management of forest landscapes for biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation and provision of other ecosystem services. It is recommended that there should be detailed study for all forested hills in Iringa Municipality for proper forest management initiatives.
Population Dynamics and Its Implication on Development in Iringa Municipality, Tanzania
(Dar es salaam Publishing Press, 2020-12) Mataro, Myeya and Kamangu
This study investigates the implications of population dynamics on development in Iringa Municipality Tanzania. A total of 209 respondents were involved in this study. The study used both quantitative and qualitative techniques in collecting and analyzing data where household surveys, in-depth interviews, field observations, Focus Group Discussions and documentary review were used as data gathering techniques. Descriptive statistics and content analysis have been used in analyzing and presenting the collected data. The study findings reveal that Iringa Municipality is experiencing an increase in population triggered by in-migration though increased birth rates and reduced mortality rates cannot be neglected. The study further revealed that population growth in the Municipality has positively resulted to increased income levels, market expansion, improvement of social services, increased savings and investments, increased skilled workforce as well as increased urbanization. However, negatively, population growth has triggered high commodity prices, increased rental bills, the spread of diseases, a high number of street children and increase of delinquency behaviours. The study concludes that there is an increase in population associated with in-migration in Iringa Municipality which has brought both positive and negative effects on economic development. It is recommended to use the existing opportunity of population growth for economic development meanwhile, finding out measures which are associated with negative effects of population growth to achieve sustainable development.
Opportunities and Challenges of Little Ruaha River to the Local Community’s Livelihoods In Iringa Municipal, Tanzania
(Institute of Sustainable Development, Environmental & Scientific Research (ISDESR)., 2021-01) Ndimbo, Myeya and Kassian
This paper examines opportunities and challenges of Little Ruaha River on people’s livelihoods in Iringa Municipal, Tanzania. A total of 105 respondents from Ruaha ward and 10 key informants were involved in this study. The study employed quantitative and qualitative approaches in collecting and analyzing data. Questionnaire survey, interviews, field observations and documentary review were used as data collection techniques. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics while qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis. The study findings reveal that Little Ruaha River is very potential to the adjacent community as it supports small scale agriculture, brick making, small scale industries, domestic uses and fishing. Though the river is very potential, full utilization of water resource is hindered by river fluctuation, improper human activities, water use restrictions, floods, existence of dangerous animals and lack of capital. The study concludes that, the river is very potential to the local community, thus recommending sustainable exploitation of water resource for improved livelihood and resource conservation.
Migrations in the contemporary world: A case of Africa
(Bernardinum, 2020-11) Myeya, Helena E; Maciej, Zabek
Nowadays, migrations have become one of the greatest phenomena of strategic importance due to their cultural, social and economic impact nearly all over the world. It also results from the mass nature of this phenomenon, i.e. the fact that more and more people are changing their place of residence in search of work, better life or asylum. History of the African continent, even in the pre-colonial times, was largely shaped by mass migrations. In East Africa, for centuries the mobility of people was dominated by migrations of pastoral and agricultural Nilotic people and agricultural Bantu people. Moreover, the slave trade had also a great impact on the forced displacement of people, especially in the 19th century. However, over the last three decades, migration patterns and trends in the whole Africa have significantly changed as a result of global flows of labour force, market and socio-political transformations. Climate perturbations, natural disasters, wars, political and economic crises have even further affected African countries in a destabilising way, generating also a significant number of refugees or generally speaking forced migrants within and outside the continent.
Local Community Perceptions on Causes of Climate Change in Dry Areas of Rombo District, Tanzania
(2019-09) Fundisha, Evarist
The study assessed community perceptions on the causes of climate change in the drought area of Rombo District in Tanzania. Corroboration of the research findings were made by employing different methods of gathering data including questionnaires, focus group discussions and interviews. While quantitative data were analysed by statistical package for social science software to generate descriptive statistics, qualitative data were analysed thematically. Data were mainly presented by using tables, figures and the participants’ narrations or voices. Results indicated varied perceptions on the causes of climate change that are shaped by levels of education, age, sex, marital status and possession of communication facilities. Despite the varied perceptions on the causes of climate change, the anthropogenic factors were frequently mentioned by the study participants. Thus, the study recommends on creating awareness among members of the studied community through education on the actual causes of climate change for effective intervention measures.
TRADITIONAL MITIGATION MEASURES AND PRACTICES TO CLIMATE CHANGE IN ROMBO DISTRICT, TANZANIA
(2020-07) Fundisha, Evarist
Mitigation to climate change has been treated as an issue in developed countries whereas adaptation is seen as a priority for the developing countries. The study assessed the effectiveness of traditional mitigation measures and practices to climate change in Rombo District, Tanzania. Data were collected by questionnaire, interview and focus group discussion. Results indicate that the majority of household heads had resorted to tree planting aimed at mitigating climate change. The study found that education, land size and funds were among the stumbling blocks toward effective traditional mitigation measures and practices to climate change. The study recommends involvement of local people in tree planting campaigns coupled with awareness creation on the sustainable climate change mitigation at local levels.
Concentrations of Heavy Metals (Zn, Cu, Pb and Cd) in the Selected Edible Fish Species along the Coast of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
(2008) Fundisha, Evarist
The concentrations of heavy metals in edible fish species were determined to assess their health hazards to fish consumers. Mean concentrations of Zinc (gg-1 dry wt) in liver, kidney, gills and muscles were 121.78, 72.87, 61.66 and 10.30 and 14.13, 8.36, 3.40 and 1.98 for Copper respectively. Cadmium and Lead were below the detection limit (0.01 ㎍ g-1) in muscles but for liver, kidney and gills, the mean values were 0.14, 0.10 and 0.01 gg-1 for Cadmium and 0.03, 0.04 and 0.06 gg-1 for Lead respectively. This indicates that the concentrations of metals in the fish were within permissible levels.
ASSESSMENT OF TRADITIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL KNOWLEDGE SYSTEMS APPLIED TO RAINFALL FORECASTING IN ROMBO DISTRICT, TANZANIA
(2016) Fundisha, Evarist
Accurate rainfall forecasting enables rural communities to make informed, timely and effective decisions on their farming activities presumably leading to increased productivity. As such, a more appropriate, accessible and user friendly rainfall forecasting methods and information is needed. This study was conducted to assess efficacy of the traditional environmental knowledge systems applied to rainfall forecasting in Rombo District, Tanzania for sustainable climate change adaptation. Triangulation of data collection methods were used to obtain diverse and detailed information. Out of 611 interviewees, 44.2% could forecast rainfall using environmental indicators (EIs) of whom 75.5% were unable to forecast beyond a week. It was somewhat difficult to judge the reliability of some EIs in forecasting rainfall because the same indicator was rated differently by different respondents, as very reliable, reliable, not reliable and no longer reliable. Although half of the respondents anticipated a decrease in rainfall, forecasting from Global Climate Models revealed the opposite. The study recommends a multidisciplinary approach and sharing of knowledge and information for effective rainfall forecasting.
Livestock Management Strategies in a Changing climate in Rombo District, Tanzania
(2017) Fundisha, Evarist
Livestock are important socio-economic assets essentially kept for food, manure, income, bride prize and prestige. This study was conducted in Rombo District to assess the effectiveness of livestock management strategies in a changing climate. Triangulation of the methods of data collection, analysis and presentation facilitated production of comprehensive research report. The study found that about 94 percent of the heads of household used different strategies to reduce the impact of climate change and variability on livestock. The devised strategies include fodder fetching, planted fodder, store fodder, keeping manageable livestock, and livestock keeping avoidance. The constraints to strategies used in livestock-keeping were risks associated with pasture fetching, lack of funds, denying farm supply of manure, and loss of households’ assets. The projected climate change and variability would have less effects on livestock keeping because about 66.7 percent of the heads of household had plans on it. For effective livestock management in a changing climate, appropriate strategies are recommended.
Assessment of Traditional Environmental Knowledge Systems Applied to Climate Change and Variability Adaptation in Rombo District, Tanzania
(2019) Fundisha, Evarist
This study was done to assess the efficacy of traditional environmental knowledge systems (TEKS) applied to climate change and variability adaptation in Rombo District, Tanzania. Different methods of data collection, analysis and presentation were employed for sensible report. Results indicate the study community have, to some extent, managed to withstand the effects of climate change and variability and other stressors by employing TEKS. The devised adaptation strategies to crop failure resulted from climate change and variability can be related to agronomic techniques, social coherence and livelihood diversification. The efficacy of the devised adaptation strategies were hindered by small land sizes, location, insolvency, technical knowhow, and climate change and variability. For effective adaptation to climate change and variability, multidisciplinary approaches that consider location and socio-economic characteristics of individuals are recommended.
The Socio-Economic Factors Influencing Variations on Household Food Status in Bahi District, Tanzania
(IISTE Journals, 2016) Myeya, Helena E; Kamangu, Abdallah A
Abstract This paper is an attempt to examine the socio-economic factors influencing variations on household food status in Ibugule and Kigwe villages, Bahi district, Tanzania. A mixed method approach through cross sectional research design was employed to 130 household heads aged 18 years and above. Interviews, focus group discussion, documentary review and field observation techniques were used in data collection. Descriptive statistics including frequencies and percentages were used to analyze quantitative data while content analysis has been used to analyze qualitative data. The relationship between demographic characteristics and the status of household food security was tested through Pearson Chi-square Tests at 5% significant level. The main socioeconomic factors identified as influencing variations on household food status were demographic variables such as sex, age, marital status, household sizes and household heads’ occupations. Other factors include labour variations, variations on the use of agricultural inputs and equipments as well as improper usage of household grains. The correlation results indicate significant influence of sex, marital status, education level, household size and occupation on household food status variations while age had insignificant influence. It is concluded that, variations on household food status in Bahi district is aggravated by socio-economic characteristics though the amount of grain harvested is mainly controlled by climatic factors. Therefore, in addition to providing food aid at times of dire food shortages caused by recurring droughts, other measures such as education on post-harvest loses, proper use of the harvested grains, availability of soft loans and provision of agricultural education on good farming techniques ought to be effected in order to improve crop production and supply consequently, reduce transitory households food insecurity.
Assessment on the State of Household Food Security in Bahi District, Tanzania
(Modern Scientific Press, 2016) Myeya, Helena E; Kamangu, Abdallah A
Abstract: This paper is an attempt to assess the variations on the state of household food security in Bahi district, Tanzania. A cross sectional research design with quantitative and qualitative methods was employed to 130 household heads. Interviews, focus group discussions, documentary review and field observations were used in data collection. Descriptive statistics including frequencies and percentages were used to analyze quantitative data while content analysis has been used to analyze qualitative data. Findings indicate that the total actual grain available during the time of survey was 740 bags, meeting only 61.1% of the total requirements of 1210 bags. Analysis on the number of meals eaten per day during the time of this study affirmed that only 20.8% of the sampled households could afford the normal three meals a day. The study concludes that, transitory household food insecurity is real in the study area calling for viable measures to be taken including improvement in food production, availability, proper storage, supply, proper use of the harvested crops and improvement of peoples’ livelihoods are inevitable. This can be done through provision of soft credit, agricultural inputs, farming and storage education and improvement of transport systems to ensure timely supply and distribution of food in times of critical food shortage.
Survival strategies and livelihood diversification of Ileje Migrants in Mbozi District, Southern Tanzania
(Academic Journals, 2018-05) Mulungu and Myeya
This paper attempts to examine survival strategies and livelihood diversification of migrants in Mbozi district, southern Tanzania. A total of 551 heads of households were involved in this study. The study used both quantitative and qualitative techniques in collecting and analysing data where household questionnaire, in-depth interviews, field observations, focus group discussions and documentary review were used as data gathering techniques. Descriptive statistics and content analysis have been used as data analysis methods. The study results indicate that, Ileje migrants adopted a number of survival strategies such as intensification of non-traditional cash crops such as maize, rice, millet and bananas, out-migration, establishment of petty businesses in major trading centres and involvement in casual labour. The study concludes that the adopted survival strategies were seen to be useful in improving the livelihoods of migrants in the place of destination. However, none of the strategy deemed to be sustainable; rather migrants used them interchangeably. It is recommended to provide support, particularly existence of reliable markets for agricultural products, provision of loans with low interest rates and provision of training on business skills in order to help them strengthen their small business and agriculture that seems to act as their major survival strategy.

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