Pan-African Journal of Business Management

The Role of Maasai Culture in Tourism Industry Development in Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania

2024-08-26T12:21:03+00:00

The tourism industry is the world’s largest industry and is being utilized for economic development and rapid growth in many developing countries. In Tanzania the tourism industry is growing at an annual rate of almost 5% and contributes 17% to GDP. Tanzanian tourism is based on wildlife tourism which requires not only programs for the conservation and protection of flora, fauna and the environment but also for job and wealth creation for the indigenous population who often pay a cost in lost land usage for conservation and tourism. The analysis encompasses a comprehensive examination of the myriad ways in which the vibrant tapestry of Maasai culture is artfully woven into the fabric of tourism activities. From immersive cultural encounters to the vibrant portrayal of traditions, this article scrutinized the techniques through which Maasai culture has become an integral facet of the visitor experience. The manifold benefits that this cultural fusion bestows upon the local community, catalyzing positive economic and social change within the Maasai population. Balancing the imperative of safeguarding Maasai culture's integrity with the necessity of meeting the ever- evolving demands of the tourism market represents an intricate and continuous endeavor in the dynamic landscape of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Local Communities’ Awareness and Perceptions of Astrotourism in Tanzania: A Case of Mbozi Meteorite

2024-08-26T12:27:16+00:00

Tourism is one of the fastest growing economic sectors and the largest industries in the world. Among the many branches of tourism that this study considers is nature-based tourism, with a particular emphasis on a special interest tourism product referred to as astro- tourism. Astro-tourism focuses on activities related to observing night skies and celestial phenomena in natural spaces, as well as terrestrial meteorites relicts. Astronomical views such as rainbows, beautiful sunsets, sunrises, and astronomical phenomenon such as solar and lunar eclipses can attract many tourists all around the world. In Tanzania, the Mbozi Meteorite (kimondo) is emerging as an opportunity for tourism destination in the country. The main objective of this study was to assess local communities’ perceptions and awareness of Mbozi meteorite as one of the aspects of astro-tourism. A mixed research approach with questionnaires, in-depth interviews and observations was used to collect data from 110 respondents who were randomly selected for the study from local communities/villages in the neighbourhoods of Mbozi meteorite site. 15 key informants were purposefully selected from Songwe region including local community leaders/elders, tourism entrepreneurs (Agents, tour guides, shopkeepers, curio, art & crafts), and government officials. Both descriptive and thematic analyses were used to analyze quantitative and qualitative data. Findings revealed that the local community members are aware of the presence of kimondo, and they associate it with varied taboos and traditions. Further they noted that despite being there for decades, it is just of recent that kimondo has attracted attention and attracted a number of visitors and tourists. The number of tourists has increased in the locality hence bringing up new opportunities and threats. The study recommends for community education and involvement in tourism activities that will improve their livelihoods.

Analysis of Costs of Inputs for Sunflower Production at Mkalama District in Tanzania

2024-08-26T12:31:44+00:00

The paper analysed the input costs on the sunflower production at Mkalama district in Singida region using variables prices of fertilizer, plough, pesticide, land hired per acre, labour hired, hoe, improved seed (50kg) and Local seed (50kg). For this aim, descriptive statistics and an econometric analysis was conducted in 120 randomly selected sunflower farmers in Mkalama district. Descriptive statistics and OLS regression model were used to analyze the extent of input costs on the sunflower production by respondents. The results revealed that fertilizer, plough, labour hired and Local seed (50kg) inputs had the highest average total cost of inputs. The results of econometric model showed that fertilizers, ploughs, pesticides, land hired per acre, hoes and improved seed (50kg) were the most important inputs, significantly contributed to total production of sunflower seeds; While, the use of labour hired and Local seed (50kg) has negative relationship with output of sunflower. The paper found out that price per bag of fertilizer, price per plough, price per pesticide and price per acre of land hired are positive and statistically significant influence on the sunflower production (Beta= 0.535, 0.302, 0.502, 0.197, P>0.001). The paper concluded that major problems confronting sunflower production were found to be inputs cost which always affects the yield of sunflower. This paper recommended that the Government of Tanzania should enhance the productivity of the agricultural sector through the subsidies provision of the required inputs, which would minimize the total cost of production and speed up the productivity process of sunflower in Tanzania.

Challenges Facing Small-Scale Furniture Industries in Dar es Salaam Region, Tanzania

2024-08-26T12:50:32+00:00

The study evaluated the challenges Tanzania's small-scale furniture industry faced. The resource-based view and resource dependency theory were used as the study's guiding concepts. From the nation's commercial centre of Dar es Salaam, 154 furniture carpenters were chosen at random. The information was gathered via the questionnaire. The collected data was examined using a descriptive analysis. According to the findings, carpenters faced several difficulties, including a shortage of modern machine tools, inadequate working capital, low labour skills, a lack of formal workspaces, and fierce competition from imported furniture. The lack of modern machine tools prevented small and medium enterprises from producing goods of the kind needed to enter growing markets. To boost productivity, furniture production must make use of current machinery. Insufficient availability of suitable financial services had led to insufficient operating capital for investments in furniture manufacturing. The study concludes that the furniture business has a significant role in generating income and jobs. The study recommends that Governments should promote a business-friendly environment in addition to creating financial and non-financial services as well as supportive institutional infrastructure.

Influence of Trust on Customer Loyalty in The Small and Medium Enterprises Sector in Tanzania

2024-08-26T14:10:32+00:00

This paper examined the influence of trust on customer loyalty in SMEs in Tanzania. The study used trust-commitment theory, behaviourist theory, and cognitive theory to determine the influence of trust on customer loyalty in SMEs in Tanzania. Customers from bars, hair salons, and kiosks in Dodoma Urban City participated in the survey. Convenience sampling was used to obtain the sample size of 288 respondents. The study data was obtained from customers using questionnaires. The questionnaires were self-administered to customers of bars, hair salons, and kiosks to gather data. Descriptive statistics was used to summarize data and show meaningful patterns while inferential statistics which included correlation analysis and regression analysis was employed to test the study hypotheses. The findings showed that trust significantly influenced customer loyalty. The study therefore concludes that the application of trust improves customer loyalty in SMEs in Tanzania.

Assessment of the Factors Affecting the Intention to Adopt Mobile Marketing Among the Aging Population in Zanzibar

2024-08-26T13:20:42+00:00

The popularity of mobile phones has led to the explosion of mobile service provision in different sectors such as; marketing, health, and sports. Studies evidenced that the use of the mobile service is generally associated with the younger generation while ignoring the aging population. The purpose of this paper was to investigate factors affecting the intention to adopt mobile marketing among the aging population in Zanzibar. This study was guided by an extension of the Technology Acceptance Model. The study utilized the quantitative method whereby 382 questionnaires were distributed to pensioners using a stratified sampling design. Structural equation modelin was employed to analyze the collected data. The analysis was aided by SEMAMOS version 25. The study found out that perceived ease of use and technology anxiety strongly influenced the consumers’ intention to adopt mobile marketing. Furthermore, it was also revealed that attitude had partial mediation on the relationship between consumers’ perception and behavioral intention. This finding implied that mobile business vendors should design mobile marketing apps withuser-friendly interfaces with a clear view of products and services for aging consumers. The finding of this study is vital to aging consumers because will improve the standard of living in the current mobile phone era.

Enhancing the Effectiveness of Public Sector Monitoring and Evaluation Systems in Zanzibar Through Stakeholders’ Engagement

2024-08-26T13:40:04+00:00

The Zanzibar public sector's monitoring and evaluation system engaged numerous stakeholders from diverse organizations. The paper assessed the effect of stakeholder Engagement on the effectiveness of the M&E system in the Zanzibar public sector. The study adopted a positivist philosophy and a quantitative approach. Data were collected through a questionnaire constructed with a points Likert scale from 170 implementers of the Zanzibar Strategy for Economic Growth and Poverty Reduction III (ZSSGRP III). Stratified and simple random samplings were used in sample selection. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were applied for data analysis. The results established that stakeholder engagement had a positive and significant effect on the effectiveness of the M&E system. The findings underscored the importance of engaging stakeholders in all stages of M&E including designing, implementation, and reporting. The study suggested the need for the Zanzibar M&E lead agency to enhance fully stakeholders’ engagement throughout the monitoring and evaluation process to nurture their skill mix potential to improve the overall effectiveness of M&E systems in the Zanzibar public sector.

Interaction Effect Between Loan Officers’ Characteristics and Loan Default Rate on Crowdfunding Approval

2024-08-26T13:51:08+00:00

MicroFinance Institution (MFI) officers screen loans for a prosocial crowdfunding campaign in developing economies. However, loan officers’ screening decision is influenced by loan officers’ default rate, hence the loan officers are likely to focus on the better borrowers. However, crowdfunding emerged to provide finance to entrepreneurs who are less likely to meet the loan screening requirements. Thus, this study examined the interaction effect between loan officers’ characteristics and loan defaults on crowdfunding approval. We usedordered logistic regression to primary data collected from loan officers in microfinance institutions that are registered by the largest prosocial crowdfunding platform Kiva asfield partners. The study found a significant interaction effect of loan officers’ default rate and gender, experience and crowdfunding awareness. Thus, the results implied that, the demographic characteristics of the loan officers are interacted by the loan officers’ default rate when deciding to approve a loan for a crowdfunding campaign. Therefore, the findings recommended imparting loan officers with techniques that will help them keep a low default rate and those loan officers with a low default rate should work on crowdfunding approval

Empowerment Setbacks and Coping Strategies in the COVID-19 Crisis of Female Food Vendors in Tanzania

2024-08-26T13:58:43+00:00

The Government of Tanzania has established a conducive environment for gender equity, as reflected in the Millennium Development Goals(MDGs). Female food vendors operating in Tanzania's urban settings face multifaceted socio-economic and cultural challenges, with these factors significantly influencing how they are perceived and treated within their communities. This, in turn, can impact their ability to negotiate and make decisions in business settings, particularly during epidemics. However, the Covid-19 pandemic exacerbated the challenges. This study delved into the effects of COVID-19 on food vending businesses and coping mechanisms amidst its raging consequences. The study sequentially employed qualitative and quantitative approaches to gather data from female food vendors using in-depth interviews and questionnaires. Of all the collected questionnaires, 304 were sufficient for descriptive and paired t-test analyses. Thematic analysis was applied to qualitative data. The findings underscore the significant adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the business performance of female food vendors. Indicators such as the number of employees, average daily sales, average daily profit, and daily working capital exhibited statistically significant declines during the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic levels. Coping strategies employed by female food vendors included strict adherence to COVID-19 protocols, workforce reductions, trimming daily allowances for assistants, cutting down on working capital, streamlining food items on the menu, and avoiding expensive menu options. The study highlights the negative impact of the pandemic on business performance, emphasizing the need for government intervention through subsidies, especially during pandemics. Additionally, the study recommends business formalisation to access subsidies and microcredits better. Following the analysis, the study offered detailed policy recommendations to address specific issues identified during the research. Additionally, suggestions for further studies are presented, indicating potential avenues for future research to deepen the understanding of the subject matter.

College Managerial Practices for Promoting English Language Teaching and Learning in Tanzania: A Case Study of Grade ‘A’ Public Teachers’ Training Colleges

2024-08-26T14:05:27+00:00

This study examined the college management practices for promoting English language teaching and learning in public teachers’ colleges using a case of Grade ‘A’ central zone training institutions. The objective of the study was to identify college management practices for promoting English language teaching and learning. The qualitative study employed a case study design, and interviews and focus group discussions to generate data from 20 conveniently and purposively sampled respondents comprising English language teachers, academic deans, principals and students. The study found out that teachers’ training colleges used performance rewards, close monitoring and evaluation of teachers, debating and other English clubs, staff professional development, and providing supportive teaching and learning environment to enhance English language teaching and learning. Additionally, the teachers’ college management need regular monitoring to ensure that English language promotion plans it was are properly executed instead of remaining only good on paper.