http://41.59.91.195:9090/handle/123456789/105 Mon, 22 Jun 2026 22:28:14 GMT 2026-06-22T22:28:14Z http://41.59.91.195:9090/handle/123456789/264 The Contribution of Customary Land Titles to Rural Women’s Economic Empowerment in Tanzania: A Case Study of Mbozi District, Songwe Region. HASUNGA, Flora This study examines the contribution of Customary Land Titles (CLTs) to the economic empowerment of rural women. Specifically, the study aimed to analyse the policy environment surrounding women’s access to CLTs in Tanzania; examine the extent to which women in Mbozi District access CLTs for economic empowerment; investigate the challenges women face in obtaining CLTs; and determine the benefits of CLTs for women’s economic empowerment in the district. Guided by the Sustainable Livelihood Framework, and Liberal and Radical Feminist theories, the research adopts a pragmatist philosophy, employing mixed methods research approach for data triangulation. A cross-sectional survey research design was conducted with 145 women holding CLTs, selected through purposive and snowball sampling from eight wards and villages. Data were gathered via questionnaires, focus group discussions (FGDs), in-depth interviews, and secondary sources. Qualitative data were analysed using content analysis, while quantitative data were processed using SPSS. The findings revealed that 71.7% of respondents were aware of Tanzania’s Land Policy and customary land ownership. However, 85.5% of the women cited challenges, with patriarchal domination being the most significant barrier for their access to CLTs. Despite these challenges, access to CLTs greatly enhanced rural women’s household economies, enabling 90.3% to use their land titles as collateral for loans. CLTs also contributed to gender equality, improved food security, and poverty reduction. The study concludes that increased awareness of land policies has improved women's access to CLTs, strengthening their decision-making power, income, and access to social services. Nevertheless, patriarchal practices, traditional inheritance systems, and socio-economic barriers continue to limit women’s full access to CLTs. The study recommends that the government and policymakers review land policies, promote educational campaigns to raise awareness of CLT rights, and work to eliminate patriarchal and traditional practices that obstruct women’s economic empowerment through land ownership. THESES Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT http://41.59.91.195:9090/handle/123456789/264 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z http://41.59.91.195:9090/handle/123456789/252 Gender Dynamics and Women’s Empowerment: A Case of Small Scale Fish Business in Mwanza Region, Tanzania Gibe, Advera Mang’are Women play important roles in fisheries, fishing and fish trading. However, they are a disadvantaged group in the fishing sub-sector; as a result, their levels of empowerment and business development have remained low. This is probably due to the fact that the small scale fish business sub-sector carries the image of men than women, which leads to women working in the sub-sector tending to experience inequality. Therefore, this study was undertaken to: (i) Analyse gender dynamics within the small-scale fish business, (ii) Assess gender related factors influencing small-scale fish business growth, (iii) Determine the contribution of small-scale fish business to women empowerment, and (iv) Examine impact of climate variability on gender dynamics in the study area. The study was conducted in Ilemela and Nyamagana Districts, in Mwanza region Tanzania where a cross-sectional research design was used. Purposive sampling was employed to select Ilemela and Nyamagana Districts, wards and six major fish markets were selected namely Busweru Market, Igoma Market, Pasiansi Market, Sabasaba Market, Mwaloni Market and Kamanga Ferry Market. The sample size was calculated using the proportion allocation formula that was adjusted for an infinite population (Kothari, 2004). A combination of minimum probability sampling, and simple and proportionate stratified sampling was used to select 309 respondents involved in small-scale fish business, including both women and men. Qualitative data were collected through Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and Key Informants Interviews (KIIs); a questionnaire with both closed and open ended questions was used to collect quantitative data. The analysis of qualitative data was conducted with the aid of ATLAS.ti computer software. Descriptive statistical analysis techniques were employed, including the construction of index scales and the Women Empowerment Index (WEI). Quantitative data analysis involved the use of inferential analysis: linear regression models, independent sample t-tests, chi square tests, and ordinal logistic regression. The study found that ii gender inequalities exists in all aspects of gender roles, access to and control over resources, and gender relation within Small-scale fish business as well as at the household level. These inequalities, affects women’s participation in the business, women’s financial freedom and access to quality fish products increases not only the burden to women but also marital conflicts resulting into marriage breaks. Results from regression analysis revealed that marital status, SSFB experience, daily capital in SSFB, type of customers, storage facilities and SSFB self-help groups were important predictors (p<0.05) influencing small-scale fish business growth in terms of amount of profit obtained per day. Women’s capital invested and obtained profit were low as compared to their male counterparts (p<0.097). The findings from Ordinal regression show that type of marriage, contributing to family income and accesses to resources were important predictors for women empowerment (p < 0.05). The study found that, men have more comparative advantage and capacity to overcome all risk factors affecting business growth when compared with women. Women’s business growth is constrained by factors such as low capital invested, lack of business skills and lack of business networks. Small-scale fish business contributes to medium levels of empowerment whereby women were found to have average power control over permanent assets, able to contribute on household income and have ability to vote and be elected in political sphere while higher levels of empowerment were evident in the aspects of women participation in household decision making and freedom of movement. The study found the disproportionate burden faced by women in small-scale fish businesses in Mwanza due to climate variability. It is concluded that, gender inequalities embedded in all gender dynamics existing within small-scale fish business negatively affect women's active participation in the business as well as their business growth prospects. Men have a greater comparative advantage to enjoy their participation and benefits obtained from small-scale fish business and they have the capacity to overcome all risk factors affecting SSFB growth when compared to women. Increased education on iii gender equality among policy makers and stakeholders will improve women participation in the Small-scale fish business in order to achieve holistic women’s empowerment. Climate variability has a significant impact on gender dynamics in small-scale fish businesses as it exacerbates adaptive capacity of women in the sector. The study recommends to the government and gender activists to develop a more systematic and rigorous gender responsive strategies to gender equality and equitable participation in all socio economic activities. The study recommends the policy makers to design programmes such as establishment of small-scale fish business groups that will serve as platform for them to share business experiences to stimulate women’s business growth such. To enhance women's empowerment in SSFB policymakers and stakeholders should provide education that address gender norms which perpetuate patriarchy practices, promote women's economic empowerment by supporting access to credit and improving land ownership, and strengthen women's political participation. The study recommends collaboration between government agencies; development organizations and local communities to provide training, support, and market access for women in order to build sustainable practices and climate-resilient technologies in the small scale fish business. PHD THESIS Thu, 01 Feb 2024 00:00:00 GMT http://41.59.91.195:9090/handle/123456789/252 2024-02-01T00:00:00Z