NG Journal of Social Development https://www.ajol.info/index.php/ngjsd <p>The NG-Journal of Social Development is one of the open access International Journals, in the area of development studies, social studies, arts, humanities, social policy, education policy, history, anthropology, management since its foundation in 2003. It started first as a print journal before it started publishing online in 2014. It has published many seminal articles, academic debates, and well researched scholarly papers bordering on the scope. Priority is given to papers which are relevant to important current issues, cutting edge and stimulating research outputs both contextual, theory and analysis. The journal has made novel and significant contributions to the field of development studies.</p> <p><br />We invite articles that are interdisciplinary or focused on particular disciplines like public administration, political science, management, sociology, anthropology, geography education policy, fiscal policy, development studies and other related fields.</p> International Journals en-US NG Journal of Social Development 2814-1105 The Role of Community-Based Initiatives in Enhancing Water Quality and Livelihoods in Rural Tanzania: A Case Study of Mvomero Distric https://www.ajol.info/index.php/ngjsd/article/view/282593 <p>This study investigates the impact of community <br>initiatives on water quality and household <br>livelihoods in Mvomero District, Tanzania. With <br>a focus on the FuatiliaMaji project. The study<br>explores how these initiatives influence both <br>water quality and the socio-economic wellbeing of households. Using a cross-sectional <br>research design, data were collected from 130 <br>households through structured questionnaires. <br>The analysis revealed that community-based <br>monitoring, water conservation efforts, and the <br>protection of water sources positively contribute <br>to improved water quality. Moreover, these <br>initiatives were found to enhance household <br>income, health, and overall livelihood, although <br>challenges related to water cost and time spent <br>fetching water persist. The study highlights the <br>importance of affordable water solutions and <br>strengthened community participation in water <br>governance to foster sustainable water <br>management practices. The findings suggest <br>that increasing investments in water <br>infrastructure, scaling up community-based <br>monitoring systems, and reducing the economic <br>and time burdens of water collection are crucial <br>for improving both water quality and household <br>livelihoods in the region.</p> Rajab Mgonja Pascal Massawe Copyright (c) 2024 Rajab Mgonja, Pascal Massawe (PhD) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2024-11-11 2024-11-11 15 1 1 16 10.4314/ngjsd.v15i1.1 Effectiveness of Force Account on Implementation of Construction Projects in Health Sector in Tanzania: A Case of Mbeya Regional Hospita https://www.ajol.info/index.php/ngjsd/article/view/282592 <p>This study examines the effectiveness of the <br>force account method in implementing <br>construction projects within Tanzania's health <br>sector, specifically at Mbeya Regional Hospital <br>(MRH). Using a pragmatic research philosophy <br>and a mixed-methods approach, the study <br>employed a descriptive design with a sample of <br>144 respondents selected through stratified <br>random and purposive sampling. Primary data <br>were gathered via questionnaires and <br>interviews, while secondary data were collected <br>through document reviews. The findings <br>revealed strong agreement on the timely <br>completion of projects (mean = 3.7364), the <br>quality of work exceeding traditional methods <br>(mean = 4.4000), and more efficient resource <br>utilization (mean = 3.9455). The study <br>concludes that the force account method is <br>effective in enhancing project timelines, quality, <br>and resource efficiency in healthcare <br>construction. Recommendations include <br>training project teams, improving resource <br>allocation, establishing monitoring frameworks, <br>and engaging local communities to further <br>optimize the effectiveness of force account <br>implementation.</p> Aggrey Chungu Kennedy Arthur Copyright (c) 2024 Aggrey Chungu, Kennedy Arthur Wainyaragania https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2024-11-11 2024-11-11 15 1 17 29 10.4314/ngjsd.v15i1.2 Determinants of Financial Sustainability for Local Non-Governmental Organisations in Arusha, Tanzania https://www.ajol.info/index.php/ngjsd/article/view/282596 <p>This study explores the factors influencing the <br>financial sustainability of local NonGovernmental Organizations (NGOs) in <br>Arusha, Tanzania. The research used <br>descriptive survey design, collecting data from <br>262 respondents working in local NGOs, <br>utilizing both questionnaires and interviews. <br>The findings reveal that external donors are the <br>dominant source of funding, contributing <br>significantly to the financial sustainability of <br>NGOs, while other sources such as <br>crowdfunding and self-generated income play <br>supporting roles. Despite this, many NGOs <br>struggle to maintain long-term donor <br>relationships, and a heavy reliance on restricted <br>funding hinders their flexibility to respond to <br>emerging issues. The study also found that a <br>limited percentage of NGOs have access to <br>unrestricted funding, which further impacts <br>their ability to adapt to changing circumstances. <br>The study concludes that diversifying funding <br>sources, strengthening donor relationships, and <br>improving financial management practices are <br>essential for enhancing the financial <br>sustainability of NGOs in Tanzania. The study <br>provides recommendations for NGOs to create <br>a more resilient and financially sustainable <br>NGO sector, emphasizing the need for a <br>supportive policy framework and capacitybuilding initiativ</p> Kereri Ezekie Pascal Massawe Copyright (c) 2024 Kereri Ezekiel, Pascal Massawe (PhD) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2024-11-11 2024-11-11 15 1 30 45 10.4314/ngjsd.v15i1.3 Effect of Financial Management Skills on the Effectiveness of Donor Fund Utilization in Health Projects in Tanzania https://www.ajol.info/index.php/ngjsd/article/view/283021 <p>This study examines effect of financial reporting <br>skills on the effectiveness of donor fund utilization in <br>health projects, focusing on the Ministry of Health <br>in Dodoma, Tanzania. The study utilizes a mixedmethods approach, combining both quantitative and <br>qualitative data collection techniques. A sample of <br>129 respondents, including project managers, <br>accounting officers, procurement officers, and other <br>key personnel, was surveyed to assess their financial <br>reporting practices and perceptions of donor fund <br>utilization. The study revealed that financial <br>reporting skills, including accuracy, timeliness, and <br>adherence to reporting standards, significantly <br>enhance the effective use of donor funds. Strong <br>leadership commitment, clear financial reporting <br>guidelines, consistent monitoring, and timely <br>submission of reports were identified as key factors <br>contributing to successful fund utilization. The <br>findings suggest that improving financial reporting <br>skills is essential for optimizing the impact of donorfunded health projects, ensuring accountability, and <br>aligning project outcomes with donor expectations. <br>Based on these findings, the study recommends <br>targeted training programs for project staff, the <br>development of robust reporting guidelines, and the <br>implementation of regular monitoring and <br>evaluation systems to improve financial <br>management in health projects. This research <br>contributes valuable insights into the role of <br>financial reporting in managing donor funds <br>effectively in the health sector, particularly in lowand middle-income countrie</p> Suzana Mankambila Janeth Marwa Copyright (c) 2024 Suzana D. Mankambila, Janeth J. Marwa (PhD) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2024-11-11 2024-11-11 15 1 46 58 10.4314/ngjsd.v15i1.4 Entrepreneur Satisfaction and Challenges in the Machinga Complex Project in Dodoma City, Tanzania https://www.ajol.info/index.php/ngjsd/article/view/283023 <p>This study investigates the importance of small <br>business entrepreneur satisfaction in ensuring the <br>success of the Machinga Complex project. Despite <br>the increasing implementation of development <br>projects, there is limited understanding of the <br>factors that influence small entrepreneurs' <br>satisfaction with these projects. The study addresses<br>this gap by examining the factors that impact the <br>satisfaction of small business entrepreneurs, <br>specifically within the Machinga Complex in <br>Dodoma City. A cross-sectional research design <br>was utilized, with a sample size of 150 respondents <br>obtained through a probability sampling method. <br>Descriptive and probit regression analyses were <br>employed, with the dependent variable measured on <br>a dichotomous scale. The findings revealed that age, <br>income level, participation in project consultation <br>and initiation, education level, and project <br>accessibility were statistically significant factors <br>influencing entrepreneur satisfaction. The study <br>also analyzed various challenges faced by these <br>entrepreneurs at Machinga Complex. The results <br>showed that competition from informal sectors, lack <br>of loan accessibility, and insufficient infrastructure <br>were the main challenges affecting the <br>entrepreneurs. In conclusion, the study advocates <br>for several policy recommendations, including the <br>need to facilitate training programs specifically for <br>Machinga entrepreneurs. It also emphasizes the <br>importance of improving public participation in <br>future projects and enhancing infrastructure quality <br>to foster greater satisfaction among entrepreneurs. <br>These efforts should be coordinated by both the<br>government and the private sector.</p> Mpfubhusa Laurent Benard Mushi Copyright (c) 2024 Mpfubhusa Fitina Laurent, Benard Mushi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2024-11-11 2024-11-11 15 1 58 71 10.4314/ngjsd.v15i1.5 Drivers of Rural Women Participation in Income Generating Activities in Mufindi District-Iringa https://www.ajol.info/index.php/ngjsd/article/view/283024 <p>This study aims to examine the determinants of <br>women's participation in income-generating <br>activities, specifically focusing on the types of <br>activities they engage in, the extent of their <br>participation, the socio-economic factors <br>influencing their involvement, and the challenges <br>they face. The study used the experiences of rural <br>women in Mufindi district as practical evidence. <br>Primary data were collected through random <br>sampling of 150 respondents from the district. <br>Descriptive statistics and double hurdle models <br>were used in the analysis. Most women in Mufindi <br>district do not participate in large-scale incomegenerating activities. They are generally viewed as <br>housewives, with local customs and traditions <br>expecting only husbands to participate in larger <br>economic ventures. As a result, women primarily <br>engage in smaller income-generating activities, <br>such as selling vegetables and fruit, livestock <br>products, hairdressing, wage labor, and tailoring. <br>The most common income-generating activities in <br>the study area were small businesses and <br>agriculture, although many women participated in <br>agriculture primarily for home consumption. This <br>paper reviews the literature on women's <br>participation, challenges, and the extent of <br>involvement in income-generating activities, with a <br>focus on rural women's perspectives. It also <br>provides a foundation for further research on the <br>challenges hindering women's participation in highincome-generating activities, especially in <br>developing countries. The study recommends that <br>women entrepreneurs in Mufindi district be <br>organized into groups for training in other incomegenerating activitie</p> Mpfubhusa Laurent Benard Mushi Copyright (c) 2024 Mpfubhusa Fitina Laurent, Benard Mushi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2024-11-11 2024-11-11 15 1 72 86 10.4314/ngjsd.v15i1.6 Enhancing Governance in Local Government Authorities in Tanzania: An Exploration of Effective Strategic Management Practices https://www.ajol.info/index.php/ngjsd/article/view/283376 <p>This study examines the impact of strategic <br>management practices on governance in local <br>government authorities, focusing on Mufindi <br>District Council in Tanzania. A mixed-methods <br>approach was used, combining content analysis <br>and non-parametric analysis to assess changes <br>in accountability and transparency between <br>2015 and 2020. The study found significant <br>improvements in both accountability and <br>transparency during the 2015-2020 <br>implementation of strategic plans. The study <br>measured governance by assessing eight key <br>indicators and found that training, <br>implementation, follow-up, and efficient <br>working practices resulted in effective strategic <br>management practices and achievement of the <br>council's overall goals. The study recommends <br>that a written strategic plan should be <br>referenced by staff to ensure implementation of <br>assigned duties and achievement of stated <br>objectives. The study contributes to the existing <br>literature on strategic management practices <br>and governance in local government <br>authorities, highlighting the importance of <br>effective strategic planning and implementation <br>in achieving good governance and service <br>delivery. The findings are relevant to <br>practitioners, policymakers, and leaders <br>seeking to improve governance and service <br>delivery in local government authorities</p> Haghai Pandisha Wilbard Kombe Kim Kayunze Copyright (c) 2024 Haghai Pandisha, Wilbard Kombe, Kim Abel Kayunze https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2024-11-11 2024-11-11 15 1 87 112 10.4314/ngjsd.v15i1.7