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This study investigates the impact of rising fuel prices on the transportation of agricultural crops in Iringa District, Tanzania from 2021 to 2023. It examines how fuel price fluctuations have influenced transportation costs, market accessibility, and overall agricultural productivity. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from smallholder farmers, transporters, and market traders through surveys and interviews. The findings indicate that the continuous increase in fuel prices has significantly escalated transportation costs, limiting farmers’ access to distant markets and reducing their profit margins Additionally, higher transportation expenses have contributed to increased food prices, negatively affecting consumers and overall market efficiency. The study further highlights challenges such as supply chain disruptions, decreased competitiveness of local agricultural products, and financial constraints for transport service providers. To mitigate these impacts, policy recommendations include the introduction of targeted fuel subsidies, investment in alternative transportation solutions improvements in rural infrastructure, and strengthening agricultural market linkages. Implementing these measures could help stabilize transportation costs, enhance market access, and support the resilience of smallholder farmers in Iringa District, Tanzania.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) practices of privately owned mining companies have been argued to create benefits to communities’ wellbeing in areas of their operation. However, little is known on the CSR of partly owned government mining companies. Therefore, this paper ought to: examined the contribution of CSR practices of the North Mara Gold Mine in Tanzania to the wellbeing of communities living around the mine. Specifically, it examined and compared levels of household wellbeing before and after the implementation of CSR practices. The study used cross sectional research design and involved 358 households which were selected using systematic random sampling method. The wellbeing index was used to measure levels of wellbeing. Besides, the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test was used to compare wellbeing levels before and after the implementation of the CSR practices. The results revealed that the CSR practices of the North Mara Gold Mine company enabled people to own improved quality housing and valuable assets. Also, the household wellbeing index score was significantly higher after the implementation of the CSR practices. There was a significant difference in wellbeing levels (p<0.001) before and after the implementation of CSR practices. It is recommended that CSR plans to be integrated into company business operations and carefully monitored, evaluated and strictly audited regularly for effective community development.

The CSR practices of privately owned mining businesses have the capacity to foster the development of communities residing in proximity to the mining operations. Nevertheless, there is limited knowledge regarding the corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives undertaken by mining businesses in Tanzania that are partially owned by the government. The focus of this study was to analyze the corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives implemented by the North Mara Gold Mine in Tanzania, which is partially controlled by the government. The primary aims of this study were to assess the level of community awareness regarding Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and to analyze the CSR initiatives performed by North Mara Gold Mine among the surrounding regions. The research had a cross-sectional design and included a sample of 358 houses, which were chosen through the utilization of a systematic random selection method. The data collection process involved the utilization of many methods, including household surveys, key informant interviews, focus group talks, and documentary reviews. The data underwent examination through the utilization of descriptive statistics and content analysis techniques. The primary outcomes of the investigation indicated that a majority of the participants exhibited knowledge regarding corporate social responsibility (CSR), and demonstrated the ability to articulate and elucidate the CSR initiatives implemented by North Mara Gold Mine within their respective localities. The findings indicate that the key informants have the ability to articulate corporate social responsibility as the responsibilities of companies towards the local community residing in the vicinity of the mining operation, with the objective of enhancing the overall welfare of the community. Additionally, it was discovered that the North Mara Gold Mine has been actively engaging in the implementation of corporate social responsibility initiatives. These initiatives primarily involve providing support to the local populations residing in close proximity to the mine. The support encompasses several areas such as education, infrastructure development (including roads and sanitary facilities), healthcare, and employment opportunities. Hence, it is advisable for mining enterprises to include corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategies into their business operations and establish a dedicated CSR Foundation to oversee and manage CSR initiatives.

The study, using a comparative case study design, explored the attitude of local direct beneficiaries concerning the cessation of resources for two donor-funded agriculture-related projects in Tanzania from a Social Cognitive Theory perspective. Using a 5-point Likert Scale, data from 274 respondents were collected and analysed. Before data analysis, validity and reliability tests were performed and determined to be good. Descriptive statistics including percentages and frequencies were done. Additionally, a chi-square test was done to establish the association between variables. The findings show that local beneficiaries with higher self-efficacy and wider outcome expectancies had a positive attitude as opposed to their counterparts. Also, a positive significant relationship existed between self-efficacy and attitude (P<0.01) and between outcome expectancies and attitudes (P<0.05). Equipping local beneficiaries with the competencies needed to solve problems on their own and the continued functioning of VBAAs can aid local beneficiaries in maintaining a positive attitude post-project resources withdrawal. The study recommends that a transition phase is critical for project implementers to solidify benefits and benefit-enhancing behaviours. Also promoting community-based extension services by institutionalising VBAAs within the LGAs should be given a priority for enhancing sustainability.