Tanzania Journal of Development Studies

Determinants of Customer Satisfaction for Ride-hailing Services in Tanzania

Ezekiel Eligius Shayo — 2025-03-06

While the emergence of ride-hailing services has become increasingly popular worldwide by promising to curb urban mobility challenges, the determinants of customer satisfaction in the context of developing countries are not clear. This paper assesses the determinants of customer satisfaction with ride-hailing services in Tanzania. Guided by the SERVIQUAL and Information System Success models, the study leading to this paper employed an explanatory survey design with a five-point Likert-scale questionnaire to 102 Uber and Bolt customers, through drop by a driver and pick later techniques. The data were analysed using a multiple regression analysis. The findings revealed that perceived cognitive control, information quality, and services quality positively and significantly influenced customer satisfaction. Also, they revealed that the quality of Uber/Bolt systems insignificantly influence customer satisfaction. Hence, ride-hailing service companies should keep perceived cognitive control up; while information quality needs to be kept high, responsive and reliable. Also, responsible bodies need to formulate favourable policies and regulations for smooth, affordable, and secure ride- hailing services.

Socio-demographic Determinants of Smallholder Farmers’ Adaptive Capacity to Climate Variability in Bukombe District, Tanzania

Jackson Raymond Sawe — 2025-03-06

This paper examines the socio-demographic determinants of smallholder farmers’ adaptive capacity to climate variability in Bukombe district. It employed a mixed approach, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative methods. A simple random sampling selected 175 farmers for the study. The data collection methods included household surveys, observations, focus group discussions (FGDs), in-depth interviews, and document reviews. We conducted both descriptive and inferential statistical analyses using SPSS and Excel software. Ordinal logistic regression was adopted to determine the influences of socio-demographic determinants on farmers’ adaptive capacity. Qualitative data were subjected to content analysis. Rainfall and temperature data were analysed by using Microsoft Excel. The results indicated most of the smallholder farmers have low adaptive capacity to climate change. Furthermore, the findings reveal that socio- demographic factors of households—including age, gender, education, income, household size, and marital status—significantly influence smallholder farmers’ ability to adapt to climate variability; whereas land size and tenure do not significantly influence this capacity. Therefore, we recommend improving farmers’ adaptive capacity through sensitization and strengthening of household farming subsidies. We also recommend improving adaptive capacity by creating a more conducive environment, such as access to information, finance, seeds, and fertilizers. However, all initiatives should consider the demographic characteristics of farmers, as their adaptive capacity is dependent on the level and status of their household’s demographic characteristics.

Perceived Influence of Digital Transformation on the Performance of Microfinance Institutions in Tanzania

Penina Waryoba — 2025-03-06

This study investigates the perceived influence of digital transformation (DT) on the performance of microfinance institutions (MFIs) in Tanzania; focusing on managerial, financial, and operational dimensions. Employing the resource-based view (RBV), the study demonstrates how digital transformation serves as a crucial asset that enhances organizational performance and provides a competitive edge. With the aid of self-administered questionnaires, the data were collected from 146 randomly sampled MFI owners/managers, and analysed using the partial least squares–structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) technique in SmartPLS 5. The findings reveal that DT positively and significantly influences the managerial, financial, and operational performance of MFIs. The paper emphasizes the contribution of RBV in showing how DT is an unique and valuable resource that drives performance and competitive advantage within the financial sector. To policymakers and practitioners, the findings inform targeted policies and initiatives that facilitate technology adoption and resource optimization. Furthermore, the findings encourage future research to explore the diverse economic sectors, methodological approaches, and contextual variables to deepen the understanding of the impact of digital transformation across various settings.

Growing Through Cities in Tanzania: The Implications on National Development

Kelvin Oswin Haule — 2025-03-06

This paper examines the role of towns or cities of different population sizes on a country’s growth. Also, it compares the role played by urban and rural regions on a country’s socio-economic development. It adopted a comparative-case study design with an objective database meta-analysis for urban development in Tanzania (1990– 2024). It further reviewed metadata through Our World in Data (OWID), Tanzania Urbanization Laboratory (TUlab), and the NBS migration and urbanization monograph. Furthermore, it used the Integrated Labour Force Survey (ILFS, 2020/2021) and Household Budget Survey (HBS, 2018) for urban and rural socioeconomic data. Interviews with 26 government and non-government officials undertaken in Dar es Salaam and Dodoma cities were used to complement the metaanalysis. The findings indicate that urbanization is fast in Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, Tanga, Mbeya, Arusha, Morogoro and Dodoma. Socially and economically, Tanzania is growing through cities despite identifying itself as a rural economic country. Also, although agriculture leads other sectors in employment, its GDP and per capita contribution is low. This provides further evidencesthat Tanzania is growing through towns and cities. The findings suggest that biased development policies have contributed to this trend. Consequently, there is a need for balanced regional development strategies and rural vitalization policies to redress the rural-urban divide.

The Effect of Regulatory Requirements on the Effectiveness of Cross-Border Clearance of Goods: Lessons from Selected Border Posts in Tanzania

Goodluck Charles — 2025-03-06

This study examined the extent to which regulatory requirements affected the effectiveness of cross-border clearance of goods at six major border posts in Tanzania. Specifically, it assessed the effect of cross-border clearance procedures, the time spent by traders at borders, the ease of getting cross-border permits and tax clearances, as well as corruption on the perceived effectiveness of clearance of goods at border posts. A survey of 944 cross-border traders was done to generate the data used to test the study hypotheses. The results indicate that simplified cross- border procedures had a positive effect on the perceived effectiveness of cargo clearance. In contrast, time spent at the border, difficulties in obtaining permits, the complex process of obtaining tax clearance, and corruption: all had negative effects on the perceived effectiveness of cross-border clearance of goods. Furthermore, the positive influence of a simplified procedure on the perceived effectiveness of cross-border clearance of goods was lower for firms that experienced procedural delays than for those which did not experience this challenge. Accordingly, in the light of trade facilitation literature, we propose a collaborative approach of integrating border and behind-the-border processes to enhance the effectiveness of cross-border trade, and hence reduce its cost.

Impact of Socio-economic Changes on Community Compliance with Environmental Regulations at Mtera Dam, Tanzania

Salma Khatibu — 2025-03-06

This study investigates the impact of socio-economic changes on community compliance with environmental regulations at the Mtera Dam in Tanzania. Recognizing the critical role of sustainable natural resource management in socioeconomic transformation, the research highlights the complex interplay between local livelihoods and regulatory frameworks. The study employs a household survey of 309 respondents to assess community awareness, attitudes, and practices regarding environmental regulations, revealing significant gaps in knowledge and compliance. The study data were analysed by percentages and a multiple regression model. The key findings indicate that while awareness positively influences compliance, economic dependency on dam resources, cultural practices, and perceptions of enforcement present substantial barriers. The results underscore the necessity for targeted education campaigns, community engagement, and the integration of alternative livelihood programs to enhance compliance and promote sustainable resource management. By addressing these challenges, the study aims to inform policy-makers on developing adaptive governance strategies that align community needs with environmental conservation objectives, ultimately contributing to the long-term sustainability of the Mtera Dam.

Inflation Dynamics in Tanzania’s Post-reform Period

John M. Mtui — 2025-03-06

This paper investigates the effect of monetary, fiscal, external and structural factors on inflation in post-reform Tanzania. Using the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model, it analyses annual time-series data for the period 1980–2021, and finds inflation to be influenced by the demand side, supply side, and external factors. In the long-run, money supply, real GDP and trade openness significantly affect inflation as per theoretical predictions; whereas fiscal deficit shows an insignificant influence on inflation. In the short- run, real GDP growth, interest rate, nominal exchange rate and trade openness influence inflation negatively; thus the Romerhypothesis holds in the short-run. Also, a structural break has no significant influence on inflation. The error correction term suggests a stable long- run equilibrium, with a speed of adjustment of about 59% per annum towards its longrun state. These results imply that low and stable inflation is predicated on tightening monetary policy and maintaining economic growth and productivity, particularly in industry and agriculture. Additionally, while targeted interest rate levels should ensure a sufficient supply of money in the productive sectors, they should guard against the crowding-out effect. Also, Tanzania should consider a timely importation of goods in short supply to ease supply-side pressure.

The Interplay Between Formal Volunteering and Youth Employment in Tanzania: The Case of Selected Volunteer-involving Organizations

Christian Lunda Mwamanga — 2025-03-06

The study explores how formal volunteering impacts access to employment among the youth in Tanzania by focusing on skills development. A survey was conducted on 257 volunteer alumni from four volunteer-involving organizations. The analysis was conducted via a variance-based structural equation modelling, using Smart-PLS software. The findings revealed that volunteering positively influences the acquisition of professional, core competencies, and basic skills. However, while basic skills are crucial, they do not directly enhance access to employment. The study suggests that a multifaceted approach is critical in tackling employability challenges. Core competencies—like problem-solving and communication—are among the leading drivers in improving job prospects. However, it is strategies such as targeted skills development programs, career counselling, and professional certification that tend to enhance job market readiness when acquired through volunteer programs. Evidences from the four volunteer-involving organizations reveal the importance of integrating formal volunteering into educational curricula, and fostering cross-sector partnerships for mentorship and training. The study underscores the need for a holistic workforce development, tailored skill programs, and collaborative efforts to nurture a skilled and competitive workforce; ultimately boosting employment outcomes and productivity.