Browsing by Author "Mkunda, Josephine"

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Cold Chain Technology Adoption in Agriculture: Insights from the UTAUT Model on Vegetable Producers’ Willingness
(Journal of Technology Management & Innovation, 2025-04-23) Mkunda, Josephine
The UTAUT model has been extensively applied in fields like information technology and education, but its application in the agricultural sector, regarding cold chain technology adoption among vegetable producers, remains scarce. Despite its potential to reduce significant post-harvest losses and improve food security, the adoption of CCT remains limited in low-resource agricultural settings. Using data collected from 87 vegetable producers and analyzed through Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), the study examines the influence of performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions on behavioral intention. Data from 87 vegetable producers who used the technology was collected to test the hypothesized model. The model explained 58.9% of the variance in adoption intention, with performance expectancy (β = 0.491, p ≤ 0.000), social influence (β = 0.211, p ≤ 0.05), and facilitating conditions (β = 0.206, p ≤ 0.05) emerging as significant predictors. The Effort expectancy, while positively perceived, did not show a significant effect, suggesting that ease of use is secondary to perceived utility. The findings underscore the importance of performance-driven messaging, peer influence, and supportive infrastructure in scaling agro-technologies. In conclusion, Vegetable producers indicate willingness to accept, adopt and use the technology; it is recommended that the training on the operation of the technology should be taken into account. This research contributes to the technology adoption literature in agriculture and informs policy and practice aimed at enhancing food system resilience and achieving sustainable development outcomes.
Cold Chain Technology Adoption in Agriculture: Insights from the UTAUT Model on Vegetable Producers' Willingness
(Journal of Technology Management and Innovation | Innovation for Social and Sustainable Progress, 2025-07-19) Mkunda, Josephine
The UTAUT model has been extensively applied in fields like information technology and education, but its application in the agricultural sector, regarding cold chain technology adoption among vegetable producers, remains scarce. Despite its potential to reduce significant post-harvest losses and improve food security, the adoption of CCT remains limited in low-resource agricultural settings. Using data collected from 87 vegetable producers and analyzed through Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), the study examines the influence of performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions on behavioral intention. Data from 87 vegetable producers who used the technology was collected to test the hypothesized model. The model explained 58.9% of the variance in adoption intention, with performance expectancy (β = 0.491, p ≤ 0.000), social influence (β = 0.211, p ≤ 0.05), and facilitating conditions (β = 0.206, p ≤ 0.05) emerging as significant predictors. The Effort expectancy, while positively perceived, did not show a significant effect, suggesting that ease of use is secondary to perceived utility. The findings underscore the importance of performance-driven messaging, peer influence, and supportive infrastructure in scaling agro-technologies. In conclusion, Vegetable producers indicate willingness to accept, adopt and use the technology; it is recommended that the training on the operation of the technology should be taken into account. This research contributes to the technology adoption literature in agriculture and informs policy and practice aimed at enhancing food system resilience and achieving sustainable development outcomes.
A comprehensive life cycle assessment of sisal yarn production: Unveiling sustainability and resource optimization hotspots
(Elsevier, 2025-01-19) Kahigi, Nickson; Mkunda, Josephine; Mwema, Mwema; Machunda, Revocatus
This study presents a comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA) of sisal yarn production, covering key phases such as cultivation, transportation, decortication, brushing, baling, and yarn making to assess the environmental impacts associated with the production of 1 kg of sisal yarn. The results show that cultivation contributes the most to global warming potential (7.29 kg CO eq, 51% of total emissions) and terrestrial ecotoxicity (112.02 kg 14-DCB eq, 97.7%), driven largely by the excessive use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. Decortication contributes significantly to marine eutrophication (83.7% of total impacts) and global warming (5.52 kg CO eq, 40%). Although yarn making accounts for a smaller share of the global warming potential (0.97 kg CO eq, 6.8%), it has a notable impact on human toxicity (contributing 21.7% to non-carcinogenic toxicity) and fossil fuel depletion (305.8 g oil eq, 10% of the total). A sensitivity analysis indicates that reducing chemical inputs, improving energy efficiency, and optimizing water use can reduce environmental impacts by up to 30%, lowering global warming potential to 11.59 kg CO eq in the improvement scenario. These results align with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on responsible production (SDG 12), climate action (SDG 13), and life on land (SDG 15), positioning sisal yarn as a sustainable alternative to synthetic fibers. Future research should focus on incorporating renewable energy, expanding region-specific LCA inventories, and exploring social and economic sustainability to further enhance the sisal value chain’s sustainability.
Ecological Impact in Northern Tanzania using Heckman AI Two-Step Selection Model
(Research in Ecology, 2025-07-02) Luoga, Ritha; Nyangarika, Anthony; Mkunda, Josephine
This study explores the determinants of impact on ecology in Northern Tanzania. By examining key socio-economic, institutional, and structural factors influencing engagement the study provides insights in strengthening agribusiness networks and improving livelihoods. Data was collected from 215 farmers and 320 traders through a multistage sampling procedure. Heckman AI sample selection model was used in data analysis whereby the findings showed key factors influencing farmers’ decisions on ecology were gender and years of formal education at p < 0.1, and access to finance and off-farm income at p < 0.05. The degree of farmers participation in social groups was influenced by age, household size, off-farm income and business network at p < 0.05, number of years in formal education and access to finance at p < 0.01, and distance to the market at p < 0.1. The decision of traders to impact on ecology was significantly influenced by age and trading experience at p < 0.1. Meanwhile, the degree of their involvement in social groups was strongly affected by gender, formal education, and trust at p < 0.01, as well as by access to finance and business networks at p < 0.05. The study concluded that natural ecology is influenced by socio economic and structural factors but trust among group members determine the degree of participation. The study recommends that strategies to improve agribusiness networks should understand underlying causes of impact on ecology and strengthen available social groups to improve performance of farmers and traders.
Economic Viability of Micro-Irrigation Technologies in Smallholder Horticultural Farming: A Comparative Study with Traditional Furrow Irrigation in Northern Tanzania
(Global Academic Journal of Economics and Business, 2025-03-21) Nyangarika, Anthony; Absanto, Gerald; Mkunda, Josephine
This study investigated the economic viability of Micro Irrigation Technologies (MITs) compared with traditional furrow irrigation in smallholder horticultural farming in northern Tanzania. Using a quasi-experimental cross- sectional design, data were collected from 540 farmers, divided into adopters and nonadopters of MITs. Economic metrics, including net present value (NPV), the benefit‒cost ratio (BCR), and the internal rate of return (IRR), were analysed over a five-year investment horizon through statistical methods in SPSS and Microsoft Excel. The results indicate that MITs, particularly drip and sprinkler systems, increase the productivity and profitability of high-value crops such as onions and tomatoes, yielding significantly higher NPVs than furrow irrigation does. Despite their high initial costs, these technologies demonstrated long-term economic benefits, including improved water efficiency and labour cost savings. Regression analysis further revealed that both crop type and irrigation technology significantly influence economic outcomes. Onions and tomatoes under MIT presented the highest financial returns, whereas peppers under furrow irrigation achieved better cost efficiency. This study underscores the transformative potential of MITs in enhancing horticultural productivity and sustainability in water-scarce regions. The study recommends targeted interventions, including subsidies, financial incentives, training programs, and policy support, to scale up the adoption of MITs.
Hydroxyapatite-activated seaweed biochar for enhanced remediation of fluoride contaminated soil at various pH ranges.
(Elsevier Ltd., 2022-12-10) Moirana, Ruth; Mkunda, Josephine; Machunda, Revocatus; Paradelo, Marcos; Mtei, Kelvin
This study investigated the defluoridation efficiency of hydroxyapatite-activated seaweed (Eucheuma Cottonii) biochar (HSB) at various soil pH ranges (3–11) while monitoring the impact of contact time (30 min - 2.5 h), adsorbent dosage (0.1–0.5 g) as well as the initial fluoride concentration and compare its performance to its respective seaweed biochar (SB). Activation of SB with the hydroxyapatite lead to a shift in its point-zero-charge (pHPZC) from 6 to 7.4 broadening its defluoridation pH range from a solitary 5 to amid 3 through 11. The fluoride adsorption mechanism was found to follow both Langmuir (R2 = 0.956) and Freundlich (R2 = 0.942) isotherm models with a maximum defluoridation capacity of 3.03 mg/g equivalent to the defluoridation efficiency of 79%. This is accounted to the existence of soil ions, SB active sites, and the attached hydroxyapatite, as fluoride adsorption sites each exhibiting a dissimilar fluoride removal mechanism. Therefore, the HSB could be a promising adsorbent for fluoride removal in the fluoride contaminated agricultural soils of inclusive pH ranges.
Impact of microirrigation technologies on financial resilience of smallholder horticulture farmers: evidence from northern Tanzania
(Water Practice and Technology, 2025) Sumari, Gerald; Mkunda, Josephine; Nyangarika, Anthony
This study evaluates the impact of microirrigation technologies (MITs), primarily drip and microsprinkler systems, on financial resilience of smallholder horticultural farmers in northern Tanzania. A multistage sampling method was used to select 540 households, comprising 199 MITs adopters and 341 nonadopters. Data were collected through structured questionnaires cap-turing demographic, agroecological, and technical irrigation parameters, including emitter discharge rates (1.5–4.0 L/h), irrigation frequency two to three times per week, and water source quality (electrical conductivity, EC , 2 dS/m). To quantify MITs’ contribution to financial resilience, a Financial Resilience Index (FRI) was constructed using both objective and subjective indicators. Propensity score matching was employed to calculate the average treatment effect on the treated (ATT) and the average treatment effect (ATE). The results indicate that MITs adoption significantly enhances both financial and production out-comes. Adopters experienced an increase of 549,515 Tanzania Shillings on FRI compared to nonadopters (ATT, p , 0.01) and achieved a 1.06 log-point increase in yield (t ¼ 17.87). The ATE (0.6453) and ATT (0.7334) further confirmed MITs’ significant impact across the sample. Policies facilitating adoption of MITs, including subsidies, technical training, and enhanced access to capital, are crucial for amplifying MITs adoption.
The Influence of Fertilizers on the Behavior of Fluoride Fractions in the Alkaline Soil
(Elsevier, 2021-08-23) Moirana, Ruth; Mkunda, Josephine; Perez, Marcos; Machunda, Revocatus; Mtei, Kelvin
It has been established that fluoride bioavailability in the soil is defined by the form which it exists rather than the amount of total fluoride. In the soil, fluoride exist in different fractions such as water soluble (Ws-F), Exchangeable (Ex-F), bound to iron/manganese (Fe/Mn-F), organic matter bound (Or-F), and the residual (Res-F). All of these fractions are bioavailable however to different extents in an order Ws-F>Ex-F>Fe/Mn-F>Or-F>Res-F. Agricultural practices such as fertilizer application alters the behavior of these fractions which further affects fluoride bioavailability in the soil. This study investigated the influence of the three commonly used fertilizers (Di-ammonium Phosphate (DAP), Urea, and cow-manure) on the bioavailability of soil fluoride in an alkaline soil. The soil was mixed with either one of the fertilizers then incubated for a period of five months. All three fertilizers increased the amount of Ws-F by 7.8 ± 0.6, 4.1 ± 0.2, 9.6 ± 1.1 mg/kg and Fe/Mn-F by 2.24 ± 0.3, 0.44 ± 0.2, and 2.1 ± 0.2 mg/kg, for DAP, Urea, and manure amendments, respectively, but had no impact on the amount of Or-F. All three fertilizers were observed to enhance the bioavailability of fluoride in the soil by increasing the amount of Ws-F. The fertilizers could have increased the bioavailability of fluoride in the soil directly or indirectly through alteration of pH and the soil elemental composition. The three fertilizers might not be suitable for use in fluoride contaminated alkaline soils as they accelerate fluoride release and hence bioavailability in the soil.
Modern Versus Traditional Irrigation Systems: Implications for Technical Efficiency and Input-Output Relationship in Northern Tanzania’s Horticulture Sector
(GAJEB, 2025-02-10) Absanto, Gerald; Mkunda, Josephine; Nyangarika, Anthony
This study evaluates the technical efficiency (TE) of modern and traditional irrigation methods and their subsequent impact on farm productivity, profitability, and sustainability. The research uses a sample of 540 smallholder farmers from water stress region of northern Tanzania. The study reveals significant differences between adopters of modern irrigation techniques (MITs) and non-adopters using furrow irrigation: tomato yield was 732.94 kg vs. 387.35 kg, onion yield was 2952.57 kg vs. 395.53 kg, and pepper yield was 552.34 kg vs. 505.02 kg; input usage also varied, with adopters using 1.58 vs. 1.38 acres (tomatoes), 1.30 vs. 1.50 acres (onions), and 1.56 vs. 1.18 acres (peppers), as well as differences in seed, fertilizer, and agrochemical quantities. Using Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA), this study estimated the technical efficiency scores for farmers, the findings reveal that land cultivated (β1=0.537, p=0.000) and fertilizer use (β3=0.353, p=0.000) were significant drivers of productivity, indicating that increasing these inputs substantially boosts agricultural output. In contrast, herbicide use negatively impacts productivity (β6=−0.268, p=0.005), suggesting a need for more efficient or reduced usage of herbicides. The inefficiency effects model highlights that farming experience (δ2=10.53, p=0.012) positively influences technical efficiency, underscoring the value of practical expertise in optimizing resource use. The technical efficiency of the farmers varies widely, with a mean of 88.43%, a minimum of 45.28%, and a maximum of nearly 100%, suggesting room for improvement in less efficient operations. The analysis of technical efficiency across irrigation methods shows a significant advantage for modern irrigation techniques over furrow irrigation. For onions, sprinkler irrigation achieved a mean technical efficiency of 0.928 (p=0.000) compared to 0.589 under furrow irrigation. Similarly, for tomatoes, drip irrigation resulted in a mean efficiency of 0.850, substantially higher than 0.430 for furrow irrigation (p=0.000). For peppers, drip irrigation also outperformed furrow irrigation with mean efficiencies of 0.813 and 0.338, respectively (p=0.000). The study also revealed that while traditional irrigation methods had lower efficiency scores, proper management of resources such as fertilizers and pest control was crucial in mitigating inefficiency. The results highlight the importance of efficient farm management practices, including the use of appropriate technologies and optimized resource allocation, in achieving higher technical efficiency. The study recommends targeted subsidies, capacity-building programs, improved infrastructure, and public-private partnerships to promote the adoption of modern irrigation technologies among smallholder farmers.
Remediation of Soils Contaminated by Fluoride Using a Fermentation Product of Seaweed (Eucheuma cottonii)
(Hindawi, 2022-10-03) Moirana, Ruth; Mkunda, Josephine; Paradelo, Marcos; Machunda, Revocatus; Mtei, Kelvin
is study investigated the e cacy of fermented seaweed (Eucheuma cottonii) on the remediation of uoride-contaminated soil. e soil was amended with either 1.25, 3.0, or 5.0% (w/w) fermented seaweed (FSW), parallel with the controls (0%). e amendment improved the physicochemical properties of the soil particularly pH regulated from strong alkaline (9.3) to neutral (7.0) which is essential for germination, crop growth, and yield. e amount of water soluble- uoride (Ws-F) dropped from 81.7 ± 3.1 mg/kg to 42.7 ± 2.4, 33.7 ± 1.2, 19.6 ± 0.9, and 12 ± 1.3 mg/kg following 0, 1.25, 3, and 5% amendment dosage, re spectively. Most of the Ws-F was converted into exchangeable uoride (Ex-F) and to uoride-bound to iron and manganese (Fe/ Mn-F). Furthermore, the amendment also enhanced microbial mass and diversity in the soil. e FSW contains organic acids which participate in ionic bonding with the multivalent cations in the soil. e formed compound participates in ion exchange with clay or with anionic adsorption to positively charged clay sites at the edges. is interaction is further essential for enhancing the uoride holding capacity of the soil. e use of seaweed reduced the bioavailability of uoride in the agricultural soils and had positive e ects on promoting soil fertility. However, further studies to observe its e ects on crop performance is of signi cance.
Toward an Ideal Framework for Assessing Economic Viability of Micro-Irrigation Technologies: A Systematic Review
(2025-02-10) Absanto, Gerald; Mkunda, Josephine; Nyangarika, Anthony
Micro irrigation technologies (MITs), such as drip and sprinkler systems, have been recognized as transformative solutions for enhancing agricultural productivity, optimizing water use, and promoting environmental sustainability. However, their adoption among smallholder farmers remains limited due to a complex interplay of economic, social, technical and environmental constraints. Traditional frameworks for assessing economic viability of these technologies often focus narrowly on financial metrics, neglecting critical factors such as water availability, market dynamics, and the technical and socioeconomic contexts. A systematic review of the literature from 2014 to 2024 was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Articles were sourced from major databases, including Scopus, Taylor and Francis, IEEE Xplore, and Web of Science, yielding a final dataset of 69 relevant studies from an initial pool of 719 articles. The analysis of selected studies highlights key trends, including a growing focus on economic and water management aspects and the role of institutional and policy support in MIT adoption. A novel framework is proposed that integrates dimensions such as water availability and management, market dynamics, socioeconomic factors, and environmental sustainability. This comprehensive approach addresses limitations in traditional financial metric-based evaluations, offering actionable insights to policymakers and stakeholders. The findings aim to advance the adoption of MITs by aligning technical and market strategies with the needs of smallholder farmers, contributing to global food security and environmental goals. Keywords: Micro irrigation technologies, Economic viability model, Smallholder farmers, Conceptual framework, Systematic review
Transforming Smallholder Agriculture Amid Water Scarcity: A Systematic Review of the Socio-Economic Benefits of Micro-Irrigation Technologies
(GAJHSS, 2025-02-06) Absanto, Gerald; Mkunda, Josephine; Nyangarika, Anthony
The review focuses on the socio-economic benefits of micro-irrigation technologies (MITs) for smallholder farmers, highlighting their potential to transform agricultural practices and enhance sustainability. The review synthesizes empirical evidence from Africa and Asia, providing a comprehensive overview of how MITs can positively impact smallholder agriculture. Findings reveal that the adoption of MITs leads to significant improvements in agricultural productivity and enhanced water use efficiency, which contributes to reduced operational costs. Additionally, the financial resilience of smallholder farmers improves as they become better equipped to navigate market fluctuations and economic challenges. These benefits not only bolster individual livelihoods but also promote broader economic stability within rural communities. The review recommends several strategies for effective implementation. These include promoting awareness and adoption among farmers, enhancing access to finance, building technical capacity, supporting research and innovation, enacting supportive policies, and establishing models to assess the economic viability of MITs.
Trends towards Effective Analysis of Fluorinated Compounds Using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)
(Hindawi, 2021-02-03) Moirana, Ruth; Kivevele, Thomas; Mkunda, Josephine; Mtei, Kelvin; Machunda, Revocatus
Increased demand for monitoring and identification of novel and unknown fluorinated compounds (FCs) has demonstrated the need of sensitive fluorine-specific detectors for unknown FCs in both biological and environmental matrices. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is a promising technique for analysis of FCs and has been rated as the most powerful tool in analytical chemistry. However, direct determination of fluorine using this technique is challenged by high ionization potential of fluorine together with spectral and nonspectral interferences which affect the quality of results. To enhance the quality of results, several studies have reported modifications of a conventional ICP-MS analysis procedure on sample preparation, introduction, analysis, and instrument optimization. Therefore, the focus of this study is to discuss different ICP-MS optimizations and future trends towards the effective analysis of FCs using ICP-MS.
Unraveling the potential of sisal fiber in sustainable innovation: A bibliometric perspective
(Taylor and Fransis, 2025) Kahigi, Nickson; Mkunda, Josephine; Mwema, Mwema; Machunda, Revocatus
Sisal fiber has increasingly attracted attention as a sustainable bio-based material due to its biodegradability, availability, and relevance to circular economy initiatives. Given its underutilization in high-impact applications and the limited integration of East African contributions, there is a growing need to assess the global research dynamics surrounding sisal fiber. This study hypothesizes that a bibliometric approach can reveal critical patterns, emerging themes, and collaboration gaps in sisal fiber research over the past decade. Using 59 curated articles from the Dimensions database (2012–2024), the study employed VOSviewer and Excel to analyze thematic evolution, citation patterns, and co-authorship networks. Findings show a rapid growth in publications from 2021 to 2024 (67.8%), led by Brazil and India, with emerging focus areas including waste valorization, biocomposites, and LCA-based sustainability assessments. The study concludes that targeted research investment, policy support, and international collaboration are essen-tial to enhancing sisal fiber’s role in global sustainability transitions.