THE DarTU JOURNAL OF HUMANITIES AND EDUCATION

The Role of Improved Production Technologies on Performance of Poultry Farmers at Kitunda Ward, Dar Es Salaam - Tanzania

2026-05-13T07:10:26+00:00

This study examined the influence of improved production technologies on the performance of poultry farmers in Kitunda Ward, Dar es Salaam, guided by the Resource-Based View (RBV). A quantitative research design was employed, targeting 127 registered poultry farmers, with data collected through structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were used to analyze the data. The findings indicate that the adoption of Improved Production Technologies, Nutrition Practices and Disease Control Technologies positively and significantly enhances farm performance. The study contributes to theory by extending RBV application to smallholder poultry farming, highlighting how technological resources can generate competitive advantage. Practically, the results suggest that policymakers and agricultural stakeholders should strengthen extension services, provide targeted training on modern poultry technologies, and improve access to affordable feeds and vaccines. Promoting innovation-driven practices among smallholder poultry farmers can substantially increase productivity, profitability, and resilience within the sector.

Access and Use of Postgraduate Research in TanzaniaUniversities

2026-05-13T07:17:12+00:00

This study assessed access and use of postgraduate research in Tanzania universities. The study was conducted at the University of Dar es Salaam and Mzumbe University Dar es Salaam Campus College. It adopted a mixed research approach, where both qualitative and quantitative approaches were used. Questionnaires and interviews were used for data collection. Academic staff from the University of Dar es Salaam and Mzumbe University provided their insights through questionnaires while library staff were interviewed. The findings reveal that most respondents are aware of the research produced by postgraduate students, and have access either frequently or very frequently while some of them use postgraduate research either rarely or very rarely. In terms of purpose of usage, findings indicate that academicians use postgraduate research for professional development while others use them for personal interest. However, challenges such as unpublished/gray literature, limited access to relevant publications, outdated information, diverse terminology, and poor quality of research, inadequate methodology & analysis were mentioned. The study recommends the enhancement of access to the researches through improved dissemination strategies, regular communication to all important stakeholders, increased availability on accessible platforms, and enhancement of metadata and descriptive information to the research.

Education, Equity and Equality in Tanzania: The Role of Mathematics Education

2026-05-13T07:21:35+00:00

The three words of education, equity and equality are different constructs and borrow from each other for one cannot apply the concepts of one without the involvement of the other. Education embraces equity and equality but also equity and equality cannot stand alone without education and therefore these concepts are interwovenly linked. This paper will focus on equity, equality and sparingly on Mathematics education enhancing equity with notion also of Mathematics augmenting equality. Providing every child with a pencil for use in the classroom is an example of promoting equality between students. This paper will provide a conceptual entity for discussion that will stimulate future deliberations on the subject matter. Indeed, the objectives of this inquiry are to: 1) differentiate inter alia what is equity and equality in education 2) explore on what studies on equity for in a few countries in Africa and 3) delve into Mathematics education issues of equity and equality towards making the sense of the education systems. The methodology for the inquiry is documentary analysis. The outcome of the probe will throw heuristic light into ways of raising quality education, developing the full potential of the child and with each student getting the same resources and opportunities. The paper will come out with findings, conclusions and recommendations.

Leveraging Customer Insights in Social Media as a Catalyst for Enhancing the Marketing Performance of Airbnb Tourist Homes

2026-05-13T07:26:10+00:00

Customer information constitutes a critical resource for businesses in designing, refining, and delivering products and services that align with market demands. In contemporary digital environments, social media platforms have emerged as rich repositories of customer-generated data, offering valuable insights into consumer preferences, behaviors, and perceptions. This study aimed to examine the influence of customer insights derived from social media on the marketing performance of Airbnb tourist homes. Specifically, the research assessed the effects of three dimensions of customer insights which are knowledge-enhancement, action-oriented, and symbolic customer insight on marketing performance. Data were collected through self-administered questionnaires distributed via mail survey during the month of June and July 2025. Data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The results revealed that all three dimensions of customer insight have a positive and significant influence on the marketing performance of Airbnb tourist homes. In practice, the findings suggest that leveraging customer insights can equip Airbnb operators with strategic tools to refine services offered and enhance customer engagement, while strengthening their competitive position in a dynamic, sensitive, and highly information-based sector.

Effectiveness of Library Orientation Programmes on Information Searching Skills of Postgraduate Students: A Case of The Open University of Tanzania

2026-05-13T07:31:49+00:00

The study assessed the effectiveness of library orientation programmes on information searching skills of postgraduate students with reference to the Open University of Tanzania. It employed a descriptive research design; a simple random sampling technique was used to select 150 postgraduate students. A questionnaire was used to collect data and analysed using descriptive statistics techniques through SPSS version 29. The findings indicated that despite the library orientation sessions being conducted to provide students with awareness of library resources and services, their effectiveness in improving information searching skills was inadequate. The majority of respondents reported that they received inadequate training on the use of online databases, referencing and citation and information searching strategies. Additionally, most of the respondents encountered challenges such as limited skills to search for information independently, difficulty in evaluating information sources and poor internet connectivity, short training duration and poor referencing and citation practices. The study concluded that orientation sessions at the Open University of Tanzania are ineffective in developing information literacy skills to postgraduate students. The study therefore recommends integration of information literacy into postgraduate curriculum, enhanced ICT infrastructure and continuous information literacy training to postgraduate students.

Student Teachers’ Experiences of Blended Learning Delivery in Higher Education: A Case of a Selected University in Dar es Salaam

2026-05-13T07:35:55+00:00

The main objective of this study was to examine student teachers’ experience of blended learning delivery mode in pursuing a course on Contemporary Issue in Education (EDU 322) during second semester of 2024/2025 in higher education considering a case of Dar es Salaam Tumaini University. The study used mixed-methods approach to collect data from a total of 97 comprising of 58 females and 38 males in their third year of study pursuing Bachelor of Arts with Education (BAED) drawn using random sampling technique. Both quantitative and qualitative data collected using structured google form and focused group discussion guide were then analyzed using SPSS (ver. 26) and data reduction techniques respectively. The findings of the study have revealed that student teachers found blended learning interesting but with limited opportunity to engage with fellow students or course lecturer during the course. From student teachers’ perspective, blended learning enhanced learning flexibility and access to reading resources during the course, development of self-paced learning skills and digital skills. However, student teachers faced challenges including unstable internet speed, lack of digital gadgets, insufficient preparedness to use blended learning technologies, and inadequate interaction in the DarTU learning management system. The study concludes that blended learning is effective in promoting student teachers’ positive experience, flexibility, exposure and autonomy in learning in higher education. The study recommends that the DarTU management should consider re-viewing its traditional programmes to accommodate blended learning delivery mode to enhance flexible learning not only on-campus but also remotely. This should also include formulation of robust blended learning policy and guidelines and provision of regular continuous professional development for academic staff on blended learning pedagogies.

The Archiving of Traditional Songs and Dances Among the Gogo Ethnic Group of Central Tanzania for African Indigenous Knowledge

2026-05-13T07:42:45+00:00

The study explored the archiving of traditional songs and dances among the Gogo ethnic group of central Tanzania for African indigenous knowledge. Across the globe and Tanzania in particular, the modes of transformations in traditional songs and dances among communities need to be embedded in understanding through holistic manner of the archival practice that allow for co-existence and recognition of multiple experiences between the past, present and future generations. The study employed descriptive survey research design in collection and compilation of audio–visual materials, in-depth oral interviews with local elders and local traditional group singers from selected five traditional cultural groups case studies of Kongwa District in Dodoma Region and Manyoni District in Singida Region in which a sample of sixty respondents was involved. Surveys were conducted in each site to specifically identify and contact the Gogo traditional practitioners, particularly singers and dancing groups for the purpose of recording and observing live performances. Both audio-visual documentation of musicians and dancers from identified groups as well as oral interviews from Gogo cultural bearers was done to reflect the study objectives. In addition, the researcher used archival data from Tanzania National Archives (TNA). The findings revealed that songs and dances such as Muheme, Nindo, Msunyunto, Chipande and Makumbigawadala among the Gogo community defined broadly their socio-cultural, religious, economic and technological conditions. Music and dances like Makumbigawadala reflected an initiation ritual (rite of passage among the Gogo girls). The Muheme music tradition, which is associated with girls’ initiation ceremonies and serves multiple social functions, including entertainment, education, and consolation. The findings further highlight that traditional songs and dances enhances community moral values and dignity. They facilitate cultural continuity and promote social inclusion. However, emerging intra-cultural diversity and transformations related to community set-up, environment, and general global culture influence bound to specific age group-particularly the younger generation who seems to lose interest on traditional music and dances underscores the need for archiving and preservation. The study calls broader community development strategies, emphasizing policy support and sustainable funding for long-term impact. By bridging the archiving of traditional knowledge, particularly in music and dance, this work contributes meaningfully to the broader discourse on cultural heritage preservation and participatory community development.

Availability and Effectiveness of Virtual Learning Platforms (VLP) for Instructional Delivery in Secondary Schools in Abuja Municipal Area Council

2026-05-13T07:51:00+00:00

The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a rapid transition from traditional classroom teaching to virtual learning, exposing critical gaps in infrastructure, access and digital literacy within Nigeria’s secondary education system. This paper examined the availability and utilization of Virtual Learning Platforms (VLPs) in secondary schools in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC). It was hypothesized that there is no significant relationship between the availability of VLPs and their effective utilization for instructional delivery. A descriptive survey design was employed drawing on a stratified random sample of 120 teachers from 10 public and private schools. Data were collected through a validated Virtual Learning Assessment Questionnaire (VLAQ). Descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) were used to summarize availability and utilization levels, while an independent-samples t-test was applied to test the stated hypothesis. Findings revealed that VLPs are moderately available but remain underutilized, with significant challenges including infrastructural deficiencies, insufficient ICT training for teachers, limited access to devices and internet connectivity, and weak policy implementation. The hypothesis test indicated a moderately strong positive relationship between availability and utilization, suggesting that improving access directly influences the effectiveness of virtual learning adoption. The paper concludes that sustained investment in digital infrastructure, teacher professional development, provision of affordable devices and internet, and stronger policy enforcement are essential for advancing the integration of virtual learning platforms in Nigeria’s secondary schools. These findings provide evidence-based insights for policymakers and educators seeking to bridge digital divides in post-pandemic education.