The role of women in the development of nations has continued to gain its attention all over the world. That is why, issues concerning with gender disparities are often addressed. In Tanzania, gender inequality, especially the dominance of men is well reflected in leadership positions in higher learning institutions. This study, therefore, investigated factors contributing to gender disparities in leadership and managerial positions in the selected higher learning institutions in Tanzania. The study employed a mixed method and design utilizing both qualitative and quantitative techniques. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and interview. Quantitative data were analysed through descriptive statistics and qualitative data through thematic analysis. The study revealed that family commitment, patriarchy culture, motherhood and men tending to be decision makers contribute to gender disparity in leadership positions in higher learning institutions. The study is significant to women because it addresses the factors that are pushing them back from holding leadership positions and their solutions. Also it is significant to policy makers because it will direct them towards making policies that touch gender inclusion in all levels as well as institutions to improve their efforts towards woman empowerment at working place.

This study investigated on income and value chain activities in informal solid waste collection in Tandale, Dar es Salaam. The study involved the samples of 83 individuals using a non-probability purposive technique. Data was collected using a closed questionnaire and open ended interview guide. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics. The study established that the youth engaged in the informal solid waste collection without knowledge and skills on the use of personal protective equipment in executing the waste collection. Young people engaged in the informal solid waste collection regardless their gender age and education status. However, participation varied according to gender as males highly engaged compared to females. The decrease of number of waste collector was proportional to the increase of age. While primary education holders were leading in the informal solid waste collection, even university graduates participated. While the youth engaged in the informal solid collection were less respected by community members, they perceived source of income as a driving factor for engaging in solid waste collection. However, the amount generated was very minimal for sustainability especially in undertaking obligatory life requirements such as food, health care and personal servings. The study recommends that the government should set appropriate policies and strategies in running waste management so that it can attract all age groups as a source of employment.

This study sought to establish the informal fish vending and the livelihood implications among the urban-based women vendors in Dar es salaam City, Tanzania. The study adopted the qualitative approach with the phenomenological design. Convenient sampling was used to recruit 110 fish vendors who were willing to share their views on the topic of the study. Through questionnaire, the researcher asked a similar set of questions to all respondents with an exception of more probing to respondents who gave insufficient information. Data was analyzed descriptively. The study established that informal fish vending improved the livelihood of the urban-based women vendors in Dar es salaam City in various ways. Based on the conclusions, the study recommends that the government and other stakeholders need to establish small microfinances for providing and supporting soft loans to women fish vendors for them to increase their capital and expand their business which will facilitate better livelihood.

Purpose: The study intends to investigate the usage of ICT infrastructures in the provision of Business Development Services to SMEs in Tanzania. Specifically, the paper ascertains constraints to accessing ICT Business infrastructures by SMEs and proposes strategies for improving access. Design/Methodology/ Approach: The study used a mixed method approach, with purposive and simple random sampling, to recruit 28 entrepreneurs and two officials from TANTRADE and BRELA. To collect data, a Likert scale questionnaire with 32 statements was used, and the data was later analyzed using SPSS, where mean and standard deviation were obtained, as well as Cronbach Alpha for content validity. Findings: ICT has increased the value and nature of business operations by SMEs in Tanzania through an increase in the number of customers, increasing sales and reducing costs of operation among others. Also, factors limiting ICT usage have been identified to be, a lack of ICT skills by users, Lack of enough investment in ICT infrastructures by stakeholders and other reasons such as security concerns that entrepreneurs are not sure of their privacy and trust in the internet which was accompanied with high charges of the internet to users. Research Limitation: This study primarily focused on SMEs in Dar es Salaam's urban settings, specifically in the Ilala municipal council. Practical Implication: Improving SMEs' use of ICT will result in increased sales and profitability, as well as improved entrepreneur livelihoods and contributions to national development. Social Implication: The study recommends policy options for improving BDS-related constraints among SMEs, such as improving ICT infrastructure and improving ICT knowledge and skills among users, which will improve local and international business for SMEs. Originality / Value/ Novelty: Given that earlier studies on BDS did not offer comprehensive solutions for SMEs to access Business Development Services and Support, this study also contributes to more innovative and inclusive strategies for empowering urban SMEs. Despite the fact that some of these studies are quantitative, others have only focused on officially recognized businesses, leaving the vast majority of SMEs unattended.