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Subjective financial literacy and financial management practices among Agri-SMEs in Tanzania
(Emerald Publishing, 2026-08-23) Mang’ana, Kulwa; Mbasa, Bonamax; Kanire, Ezekiel
Abstract
Purpose – The study investigates the influence of Subjective Financial Literacy on the adoption of financial management practices among small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) owner managers. Specifically, it examines how perceived financial competence impacts four key domains: Working Capital Management Practices, Financing Practices, Capital Budgeting Practices and Financial Reporting Practices. The objective is to assess whether subjective financial literacy acts as a meaningful factor associated with of financial behavior within entrepreneurial settings. Design/methodology/approach – A quantitative, cross-sectional research design was employed using data collected from SME owner managers. The analysis was conducted using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to evaluate the structural relationships between Subjective Financial Literacy and the four dependent constructs. Reliability, validity, multicollinearity and predictive relevance were assessed to ensure robustness of the model. Findings – The results revealed statistically significant positive relationships between Subjective FinancialLiteracy and all four financial management practices (β 5 0.282–0.375, p < 0.001), with the model explaining between 7.9% and 14.0% of variance across domains. The strongest effects were observed in Working Capital Management Practices and Financing Practices, suggesting that self-perceived financial competence plays a greater role in domains involving operational liquidity and funding decisions. The influence on Capital Budgeting and Financial Reporting Practices, though significant, was more moderate, indicating that formalized
or externally governed processes may dilute the behavioral impact of perceived literacy. Research limitations/implications – This study is based on cross-sectional data, which limits causal interpretation of the observed relationships. Longitudinal research is needed to assess whether improvements in
subjective financial literacy produce sustained changes in financial management behavior over time. Additionally, the study focused solely on SME owner-managers, which may constrain generalizability to larger firms or other sectors. Future research should investigate moderating variables such as firm size, digital financial tool adoption and access to finance to better understand the contextual boundaries within which subjective financial literacy influences financial practice adoption. Originality/value – This study contributes to the growing body of research on behavioral finance and SME capability by empirically validating the role of Subjective Financial Literacy as a domain sensitive predictor of financial practice adoption. It emphasizes the necessity of integrating psychological constructs such as perceived competence into financial literacy programs and policy interventions targeting SMEs.
Assessment of heavy metals and radionuclides pollution in an agro-mining river system: implications for environmental and human health
(NM-AIST, 2026-07) Kadala, Charles
This study assessed heavy metal (Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn and Cd) and radionuclide (²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th and ⁴⁰K) pollution and associated risks in the Likuyu River system, Tanzania. Surface water and sediments were collected from five sites along a 22.7 km river stretch, while soils and leafy vegetables were sampled from adjacent farms. Heavy metals were analysed by atomic absorption spectrometry and radionuclides by high-purity germanium gamma spectrometry. Risk assessment used contamination factor (CF), geoaccumulation index (Igeo), pollution load index (PLI), bioaccumulation factor (BAF), non-carcinogenic risk, carcinogenic risk (CR), annual effective dose (AED), radium equivalent activity (Raeq), annual ingestion dose (Ding) and excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR). Heavy metals in river water were below detection limits and complied with WHO drinking-water limits: The Zn, 3–5 mg L⁻¹; Cd, 0.003 mg L⁻¹; Ni, 0.07 mg L⁻¹; Cu, 2.0 mg L⁻¹; and Pb, 0.0135 mg L⁻¹. The Ni in sediments at Sites A and E reached 32.1 ± 26.90 and 35.97 ± 6.51 mg kg⁻¹, respectively, exceeding the threshold effect concentration of 22.7 mg kg⁻¹ but remaining below the probable effect concentration of 48.6 mg kg⁻¹. Pollution indices indicated generally low sediment contamination, with CF values mostly below 1, Igeo values from −5.49 to −0.40, and PLI values from 0.077 to 0.251, although slight Zn enrichment occurred at Site A (CF = 1.14). Soils were weakly polluted, with PLI values of 0.078–0.105; however, Site SOD showed localized Ni enrichment, with CF = 1.577 and Igeo = +0.07, reaching 107.2 ± 1.40 mg kg⁻¹, exceeding the TBS limit of 50 mg kg⁻¹. Bioaccumulation results showed strong Zn uptake in napa cabbage (BAF >12), cowpea (BAF ~8) and okra (BAF ~6), and Pb accumulation in okra (BAF ~6) and cowpea (BAF ~5), whereas Ni and Cd had BAF
Evaluating the phytoremediation potential of native plants for potentially toxic elements removal from contaminated soils around artisanal and small-scale gold minings in Tanzania
(NM-AIST, 2026-06) Girenga, Fredrick
Although Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) is a vital economic driver in Tanzania, supporting more than 1.5 million livelihoods, it significantly contributes to Potentially Toxic elements (PTEs) contamination, threatening soil health and public safety. This study assessed the phytoremediation potential of indigenous plant species within the Lupa Goldfield (Chunya District, Mbeya). Analysis of 50 soil samples and 19 plant species collected from five mining sites (Chokaa, Makongolosi, Itumbi, Matundasi, and Mbugani) was conducted at distances ranging from the source to 200 meters. Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) was used to quantify Pb, Hg, Cd, As, and Zn concentrations in both soil and plant samples and compared to WHO/FAO (2008) benchmarks. Findings revealed significant point-source pollution: mean soil concentrations near tailings were 40.73 ± 0.5 mg kg-1 (Pb), 3.17 ± 0.14 mg kg-1 (Hg), 4.36 ± 0.25 mg kg-1 (Cd), 1.69 ± 0.02 mg kg-1 (As), and 24.9 ± 0.54 mg kg-1 (Zn). These levels declined sharply at the 200 m mark (p < 0.05), with Pb dropping to 17.48 ± 0.64 mg kg-1, Cd to 0.16 ± 0.05 mg kg⁻1 As to 0.27±0.01 mg kg-1 and Zn to 5.99±0.54 mg kg-1 (Zn) at 200 m (p < 0.05). Voucher specimens have been deposited at the NM-AIST Herbarium for reference. On phytoremediation potential, the results recorded Urochloa mutica (BAF=3.0), Bauhinia petersiana (BAF=1.7), Cyperus rotundus (BAF=1.3), and Cariniana estrellensis (BAF=1.1) as good candidates for phytoremediation of As. Furthermore, the study identified Bauhinia petersiana (BAF=1.3) and Terminalia sambesiaca (BAF=1.4) as effective candidates for cadmium (Cd) phytoremediation, while Schoenoplectus corymbosus (BAF=1.3) demonstrated significant potential for mercury (Hg) remediation. These results establish a quantitative framework for using these native species in cost-effective ecological restoration programs in the ASGM-affected regions of the Lupa Goldfield.
Assessment of fluoride contamination and pollution in cultivated and uncultivated soils along the slopes of mount Meru
(NM-AIST, 2026-01) Edward, Erick
Excessive fluoride in drinking water and food can harm humans, animals and plants, with soil contamination posing significant health risks. This study investigates water-soluble fluoride (WSF) levels in cultivated and uncultivated soils along the slopes of Mount Meru in Tanzania. The objective was to evaluate WSF contamination in topsoil (0-20 cm surface layer) and subsoil (20-40 cm surface layer) of both soil types and along the soil profile at varying depths (0-20 cm, 20-40 cm, 40-60 cm and 60-100 cm). A total of 240 soil samples from topsoil and subsoil and 80 samples from different depths, were collected from high altitudes (≥1600 m) and lower altitudes (<1599 m) . The Ion-Selective Electrode (ISE) method analyzed these samples for pH and WSF. Results revealed WSF levels in cultivated soils ranged from 11.9 to 366 mg/kg, while uncultivated soils ranged from 3.11 to 119.33 mg/kg. Notably, 93.33% of topsoil samples from cultivated areas exceeded the FAO limit (16.4 mg/kg), compared to 6.67% in uncultivated areas. In subsoils, 96.67% of cultivated samples exceeded the limit, compared to 25% in uncultivated samples. Along the soil matrix, only 27.5% of uncultivated samples were below the FAO limit, while none of the cultivated samples met the limit. The findings indicated significantly higher WSF contamination in cultivated soils, increasing with soil depth. High WSF levels pose serious risks to crops, reducing yields and endangering public health by increasing the risk of fluoride entering the food chain. The study recommends good farming practices (proper use of fertilizers), community education and remediation techniques.
An investigation of dust composition, exposure level, and geoaccumulation index resulting from artisanal and small-scale mining operations
(NM-AIST, 2025-12) Joseph, Edward
Artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) operations pose significant occupational and environmental health risks to miners and nearby communities, due to contaminated dust exposure. Despite the well-documented hazards associated with ASM, there is a limited understanding of the contribution of contaminated dust exposure to miner’s health degradation. This study aimed to investigate dust composition, exposure levels and Geoaccumulation index resulting from artisanal and small-scale mining operations in Mererani, Tanzania, to generate evidence for informed decision- and policymaking. Dust was collected using Analytical Air Monitoring System (AMS), and analysis was conducted gravimetrically. Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy, and Continuous Flow Analyzer was used to analyze dust composition. The results showed significant variation in dust exposure levels across mining zones, with miners inhaling up to 1859 mg of dust over an 8-hour period in drilling zones (DZ), 797 mg in loading zones (LZ) and 382 mg in resting zones (RZ). The mean value of dust exposure between mining zones was significantly different, with a p-value of ˂0.05. Toxic elements (As, Se, Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb and Co), abundant metals (Fe and Mn), inorganic ions (nitrate and chloride) and major mineral components such as SiO₂ was identified and quantified. Cumulative dust exposure over time is linked to long-term respiratory impairment and serious health conditions such as lung cancer, requiring intervention. Future research should explore innovative, cost-effective dust control measures, including water misting, improved ventilation, and biodegradable dust suppressants, while assessing the effectiveness of personal protective equipment (PPE) in reducing exposure risks.