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Recent Submissions
Synergy or Conflict? Political-Administrative Interactions in Local Governance at Kibaha Town Council, Tanzania
(2025-02-10) Kasanga, Philomena; Massoi, Lucy Willy
This study examines the impact of political-administrative interactions on local governance in Tanzania, using Kibaha Town
Council as a case study. Drawing on the Political-Administrative Dichotomy (PAD) and the Classical Model of Public
Administration, the study explores how these interactions influence decision-making, policy implementation, and service delivery at
the local level. Using a case study design and a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 52 respondents, including
elected officials (Members of Parliament, Councilors, and Town Chairpersons) and appointed officials (District Commissioner and
Town Director). A total of 52 respondents were selected using purposive and simple random sampling techniques from a population
size of 91 employee of Kibaha Town Council. Qualitative data from interviews were analyzed thematically, while quantitative data
were processed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Findings reveal that 91.2% of respondents perceive political
administrative interactions as positively impacting governance, particularly in policy formulation, law-making, and development
administration. However, challenges such as role ambiguity and conflicts between politicians and administrators remain significant
obstacles to effective governance. This study concludes that addressing these challenges through clearer role definitions, improved
communication channels, and enhanced monitoring and evaluation (M&E) mechanisms can strengthen governance structures.
While the study focuses on Kibaha Town Council, its findings contribute to the broader understanding of political- administrative
interactions in Tanzania’s local governance system. This research recommends the establishment of a well-defined legislative
framework to streamline governance operations, ensuring that political and administrative roles complement rather than conflict
with each other. Furthermore, standardized guidelines across local government authorities (LGAs) would promote consistency,
collaboration and institutional efficiency.
Testing brand equity dimensions of bank brands, consumer behaviour and firm financial performance
(Mzumbe University, 2020) Masunu, Mwasi Raiya
Over the years the concept of brand equity has been studied extensively. The concept has been applied to study how customers respond to a brand offering. These studies have been carried out in varying industries and in relation to a number of other concepts. Brand equity and firm financial performance are such an example. These studies are few. And, furthermore, few of such studies have been carried out on the banking industry and even fewer in the African context. This study looks at consumer-based brand equity from two perspectives. Cognitive behavioral perspective and information economic perspective. These brand equity perspectives are tested in relation to firm financial performance. The study found some significance in the relationship between consumer-based brand equity and firm financial peformance. Cognitive behavioural perspective consumer-brand equity dimensions showed more significance in relation to firm financial performance than information economic perspective consumer-based brand dimensions. In addition, the results imply high levels of brand equity significance does not connote high firm financial performance
The dynamics and power of micro enterprises at the household level: The experience of pride customers in Morogoro - Tanzania
(Mzumbe University and Agder University Collage, 2002) Itika, Josephat Stephen
This work is a result of a case study conducted in Morogoro Municipality in Tanzania from July 1999 to November 2001. The objective was to find out the dynamics and power of PRIDE financed micro enterprises at the household level.
A structured self-administered questionnaire was used to solicit opinion from 146 PRIDE customers, the majority being women. Semi structured interviews, focus groups discussions, observations and documentary review were used to explore the nature and dynamics of the enterprise's empowerment processes. Simple Statistics were complemented by qualitative content analysis. PRIDE credit scheme, which is a replica of Grameen- Bank micro finance model, does empower households though the nature and characteristics of such enterprises cannot form the basis for economic growth without macroeconomic policies that promote substantial investment for employment creation.
Tanzania-Russia bilateral relations: Economic diplomacy, educational reforms, and strategic partnerships (State Visit 2026)
(Tanzania Local Newspapers, 2026-06) Tanzania Local Newspapers
During her historic three-day state visit to Russia from June 3 to 5, 2026, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan significantly elevated the nation's global footprint through targeted economic pragmatism and strategic outreach. A cornerstone of the visit was her conferment of an honorary doctorate degree (Doctor honoris causa) by the Patrice Lumumba Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN) in Moscow, recognizing her transformative contributions to national education reforms, reconciliation, human capital development, and international diplomacy. Addressing international academics and students, President Samia delivered a powerful message urging that global education must transcend mere technical certifications to focus on deep wisdom, character, discipline, and a core commitment to public service. Furthermore, she highlighted the deeply rooted academic ties between the two regions, noting that over 5,000 Tanzanians have historically graduated from Russian institutions to reinforce vital national sectors.
Simultaneously, the state visit served as an aggressive platform for expanding economic bilateralism via the Tanzania-Russia Business and Investment Forum and the 29th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF 2026). Challenging business leaders to transition "from rhetoric to action," President Samia actively courted Russian investments across critical high-yield sectors, including mining (such as the Mkuju uranium project), agriculture, green energy, logistics, and pharmaceutical manufacturing. Landmark developments announced to facilitate this cooperation include a planned factory for rapid disease-testing kits in Tanzania, a new maritime container shipping line, and the impending launch of direct Air Tanzania flights linking Dar es Salaam, Moscow, and Zanzibar in July 2026. Analysts and officials emphasized that the visit epitomizes Tanzania’s enduring, non-aligned foreign policy tradition of "friendship with all and alignment to none"—demonstrating strategic autonomy by diversifying economic partnerships in an increasingly multipolar world while preserving its strong traditional ties with Western allies.
Understanding pre-service teachers' mental health problems and resilience mechanisms during teaching practice at Mzumbe University.
(Journal of Adult Education in Tanzania ( JAET), 2025-06) Kihwele, Jimmy E.; Mmbando, Gladness; Mwego, Caleb
The world is experiencing the proliferation of mental health problem that affects productivity in many aspects. Pre-service teachers also experience mental health problems due to various contextual and work environments. Using Bowlby's attachment theory, the study explored pre-service teachers' resilience to mental health problems during teaching practices. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey design with a sample size of 96 respondents who were randomly selected from pre-service teachers studying at Mzumbe University. The data collection method used a questionnaire. The findings reveal that pre-service teachers experienced mental health problems during teaching practice caused by a lack of mental health literacy (60%) and anxiety about evaluations (65%). However, RII (0.579) indicates that most factors moderately caused mental health problems. Mental health problems affect pre-service teachers, as 61% contemplated leaving the teaching profession and 61% faced challenges in engagement with students in teaching practices, and the RII (0.4873) indicates a low importance level. Further, findings show that pre-service teachers devised resilience mechanisms, such as 75% used stress-relief techniques like exercise and being calm and 73% made self-reflection and adjustment, where the RII (0.0.7451) indicates these mechanisms provided moderate support in coping with causes of mental health problems. Findings imply the need to devise mental health support systems for pre-service teachers to ensure their well-being and career success. The study recommends that teacher training institutions integrate mental health training into curricula and devise mentorship programs to equip pre-service teachers with the knowledge and skills to identify and manage mental health problems in their work environment