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Abstract
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Article Information:
The Efficacy of Group Work in Rural Development: The Case of Group-Owned Fish Ponds in Morogoro Region, Tanzania
Kitojo Wetengere and Viscal Kihongo
Corresponding Author: Kitojo Wetengere
Submitted: 2010 November, 04
Accepted: 2010 November, 26
Published: 2011 January, 25 |
Abstract:
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In an attempt to fight rural poverty in Morogoro, some farmers have adopted fish farming technology
and are operating fish ponds in groups. This study examined the efficacy of group-owned fish ponds in this part
of Tanzania. A survey design was employed and data were collected from 217 respondents, randomly sampled
from villages. Data were collected using questionnaire, participatory rural appraisal, researchers’ observations
and secondary information sources. A descriptive statistics method was used to report findings and data w ere
validated by mean percentages. The results revealed that 16% of the farmers owned ponds in groups which
constituted of 518 members in total; thus, they had significant impact on the prospects of aquaculture in the
area. The idea of forming group ponds came from farmers own initiative and/or were sometimes suggested by
the projects. The performance of most group-owned ponds was noted to be unsatisfactory in terms of the
commitment shown by the members and the objectives that the projects had sought to achieve. This study
recommends the following: First, working in groups should be encouraged for activities which are beyond
individual capability or which reduce cost of operation when done collectively. Second, group should be formed
on the basis of members’ needs and common objectives. Most important here is that gain from group
participation should outweigh costs in terms of self-sacrifice. Thirdly, forming groups of 5-15 members from
own initiative should be encouraged as such size has proved to perform better than bigger ones. Fourthly,
supportive services in form of training on leadership and business management, to improve group performance,
should be provided.
Key words: Fish ponds, group work, group organization, Tanzania, , ,
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Cite this Reference:
Kitojo Wetengere and Viscal Kihongo, . The Efficacy of Group Work in Rural Development: The Case of Group-Owned Fish Ponds in Morogoro Region, Tanzania. Current Research Journal of Social Sciences, (1): 8-16.
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ISSN (Online): 2041-3246
ISSN (Print): 2041-3238 |
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