THE AFRICAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT JOURNAL

Trend and Impacts of Flood in Tanzania: Evidence from Open Sources Database

Bernard Baraka Komba — Tue, 12 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Climate change and climate variability have increased the frequency of flood events in many parts of Tanzania. Data related to flood events are limited at national, regional and district levels. In order to fill the gap on flood data at global to local level several open databases have been established in place such as International Disaster Database (EM DAT CRED), and UNDRR desInventar Sendai mentioning few of them. The study examines the trends of flood events and their associated impacts in Tanzania. The study purposively uses secondary data from EM DAT CRED online open database in studying the trend of flood in the united Republic of Tanzania. Data for 24 years have been considered as from 2000 to December 2024. The study relies on descriptive statistical analysis especially frequencies to express number of deaths, injuries, homeless and affected people. Study revealed that, 133 flood events have been recorded in the country. About 66% of all flood events within 24 years involved in this study documented to occur between 2014 and 2024. Morogoro (15%), Dar es Salaam (12%) and Arusha (8.2%) regions are far most leading in flood events. 21 flood events were experienced in 2018. Within the first quarter of 21st century, EM DAT CRED recorded 576 deaths, 547 injured people, 44 thousand homeless and 3.4 million people were affected by flood events. Although mortality and injury records are not consistently available, the existing data show an increasing trend. The study concludes that there is increasing trend of flood events and so does impacts (death, injury, homeless and total affected population). The study recommends that United Republic of Tanzania need to commit itself in developing disaster database that will enable determination of trend hence setting priorities for disaster management.

Impacts of Tourist Accommodation Facilities on Migratory Wildlife Species within Serengeti National Park, Northern Tanzania

Erick S. L. Kimario, Davina Stanford, Lucy Mccombes — Tue, 12 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Tourist accommodation facilities play an important role in facilitating tourism activities in many protected areas. Despite their significance, these facilities have several negative impacts on migratory wildlife species, particularly in Serengeti National Park (SNP). This study aimed to assess the effects of tourist accommodation on migratory wildlife species in the SNP, Northern Tanzania. Various methods were used for data collection, including field visits with Global Positioning System (GPS) technology to gather location points of tourist facilities in hotspot areas. Additionally, desktop research was conducted to compile visitor influx statistics from the park's visitor database, and the movement and duration of stay of GPS-collared migratory animals, such as wildebeests and zebras, were analyzed. The findings revealed that 64% of the tourist accommodation facilities were situated in Seronera Valley, which hosted 84% of all tourists visiting the SNP. Furthermore, migratory wildlife species (zebras and wildebeests) spent less time in areas with a high concentration of tourist accommodations in Seronera Valley compared to Ndutu/South and Kogatende/Mara in the north. To address these issues, it is recommended to reduce or control the number of tourist accommodation facilities from the core of SNP to its periphery, develop and adopt eco-friendly practices within these facilities, and effectively utilize existing policies and regulations to promote harmonious coexistence between migratory wildlife species and tourist accommodations in the SNP.

Assessing Local Community’s Attitudes towards Wildlife Conservation: A Case Study of Makao Wildlife Management Area in Tanzania

Emmanuel Lwankomezi — Tue, 12 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Coaching and Mentorship: A tool for Accelerating Tourism Development in Tanzania

Ladislaus Batinoluho — Tue, 12 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The tourism sector in Tanzania, largely composed of small and medium-sized enterprises, faces persistent challenges, including high business failure rates, limited managerial skills, inadequate access to finance, and low service quality. Despite the sector’s significant contribution to employment and economic growth, structured coaching and mentorship programs remain limited, restricting opportunities for skills development, innovation, and competitiveness. This study examines the role of coaching and mentorship in promoting tourism development in Tanzania, with objectives to assess awareness and experience, identify skills gaps, explore barriers and opportunities, and propose a context-appropriate framework. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining surveys, interviews, and document review to collect data from tourism business operators and key industry stakeholders. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. Findings reveal low awareness and limited participation in formal mentorship programs, pre-entry skill deficiencies among entrepreneurs, a shortage of professional mentors, fragmented coordination among stakeholders, and insufficient financial resources, yet there is strong willingness among youth- and women-led enterprises to engage in coaching initiatives. Based on these results, the study proposes a structured, inclusive coaching and mentorship framework emphasizing practical skill transfer, service quality, innovation, and alignment with industry standards. It recommends institutionalizing well-funded, coordinated mentorship programs to enhance managerial competence, workforce development, and enterprise competitiveness, thereby fostering inclusive, resilient, and sustainable tourism growth in Tanzania.

Environmental and Socio-Economic Impact Assessment of Tourism Operations in Tanga District, Tanzania

Charles Michael, Ladislaus Batinoluho — Tue, 12 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

There is limited understanding of the impact of environmental and socio-economic aspects along beaches in Tanzania especially in Tanga District. The coastal beaches of Tanga District are experiencing an increase in tourism activities, which has generated both environmental challenges and socio-economic opportunities. Through mixed research methods, this paper revealed that, the primary tourism activities along the beaches of Tanga District are accommodation operations, snorkeling and scuba diving, sport fishing, boat trips, paddle boarding, beach camping, cultural beach walks, windsurfing, and swimming. These activities contribute to employment creation and revenue generation but also pose environmental risks, including increased solid waste, marine ecosystem disturbances, coral reef degradation, marine pollution, coastal erosion, and degradation of mangrove ecosystems. Social consequences experienced include cultural shifts, land-use conflicts, marginalization of local communities, increased risk of social vices, pressure on local culture and lifestyle, displacement and loss of land, seasonal income instability, and rising living costs. Although stakeholders recognized both positive and negative outcomes, few key strategies such as regular beach clean-ups, environmental education, coral reef protection, improved waste management and pollution control, and stronger community participation were identified as essential, yet their implementation remains not effective. The study concludes that sustainable beach tourism in Tanga District beaches require stronger community participation, improved waste and ecosystem management, including planning processes, and wider adoption of ecotourism practices.

Land Re-Classification and Conflicts Proliferation in Selected Villages of Kasulu District Kigoma Tanzania

Elieza Yusufu Musana — Tue, 12 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study examined how land re-classification following the de-gazettement of Makere South Forest Reserve has shaped land governance failures and the proliferation of land-use conflicts in Kagerankanda Ward, Kasulu District. Guided by a political ecology framework, the study sought to: analyze how allocation procedures influence community perceptions and conflicts; assess the contribution of boundary ambiguities to land disputes; and examine how unmet livelihood benefits fuel grievances and mistrust toward authorities. A mixed-methods case study design was employed, drawing on household surveys (n=120), key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and documentary reviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative evidence underwent thematic analysis and triangulation. Results indicate that opaque land allocation procedures, elite capture, and inconsistent implementation of the presidential directive intensified mistrust and competing claims between communities and state agencies. Boundary ambiguities, contradictory maps, and coercive enforcement further escalated tensions, while unmet livelihood expectations particularly employment opportunities deepened perceptions of exclusion. The study concludes that land-use conflicts in the area stem from structural governance failures. It recommends harmonization of boundaries, transparent allocation processes, strengthened accountability mechanisms, participatory planning, and inclusive benefit-sharing frameworks to rebuild trust and enhance equitable land governance.

Impact of Micro-Credit on the Productivity of Small-Scale Farmers in Bagamoyo District, Tanzania

Evod J. Rimisho, Abdul Kilima — Tue, 12 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigates the impact of micro-credit on the productivity of small-scale farmers in Bagamoyo District, Tanzania. While micro-credit programs have expanded in rural areas to improve financial inclusion, their contribution to agricultural productivity remains poorly understood at the local level. A cross-sectional research design was employed, collecting data from 120 smallholder farmers selected through a multistage sampling technique. Both quantitative and qualitative data were obtained using structured questionnaires, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions. Descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis were applied to examine the relationship between access to micro-credit, input adoption, and crop yields. The findings revealed that 62% of farmers accessed credit in the past three years, primarily from VICOBA and SACCOS. Credit users reported significantly higher adoption of improved seeds (78%), chemical fertilizers (64%), and hired labor (70%) compared to non-users. Consequently, crop yields were higher among credit users, with maize, cassava, and vegetables showing 35%, 20%, and 38% increases, respectively. Regression results confirmed that micro-credit had a statistically significant positive effect on productivity (p < 0.05). Despite these benefits, farmers faced challenges such as high interest rates, delayed loan disbursement, small loan sizes, and limited financial literacy, which constrained the full potential of micro-credit programs. The study concludes that micro-credit contributes positively to smallholder productivity but requires institutional and operational improvements. Recommendations include expanding affordable credit schemes, providing financial literacy training, aligning loan disbursement with cropping seasons, strengthening collaboration with extension services, and developing flexible credit products tailored to smallholder needs.