|
|
| |
| The Contribution of Technological Innovations in enhancing Agro-processing Industry in Tanzania: A Case of Sunflower Oil Processing Technology in Dodoma City |
Seleman Shenkambi Hamza, Cosmas Timothy Maembe, Robert Askenaz Majula
|
Abstract:
There are dynamics in how technological innovations occur in one country after another, and more or less from one business enterprise to the next. This study was carried out to examine the contribution of technological innovations in the advancement of sunflower oil processing industry in Dodoma City. Data collection methods were triangulated, and both quantitative and qualitative designs were used in the cross-section research design modality, making the methodology pragmatic in nature. Using questionnaires, data was collected from 98 respondents, including 49 owners and 49 technicians from sunflower oil processing enterprises in Dodoma City's Kikuyu, Chamwino, and Majengo wards. The sample size of 98 respondents was determined through probability sampling, which included cluster sampling, stratified sampling, and simple random sampling. Non-probability sampling through purposive sampling was used to collect data from organizations such as Small Industries Development Organization (SIDO), United Nations Industrial Organization (UNIDO), Tanzania Food and Drugs Authority (TFDA), and local dealers supplying imported machines. One representative from each of these institutions was selected as a key informant. According to the findings of the study, there are no regular technological innovations in terms of process and product innovations in the enterprises surveyed, as well as in research and technology organizations (RTOs) such as SIDO, TIRDO, and CAMERTECH. This study's findings also show that technician employees gained technical knowledge primarily through learning by doing and reverse engineering processes, rather than through workshops and training at technical colleges. The findings of this study, obtained through various methods, including observation, show that all enterprises surveyed use imported machines and spare parts from China and India. According to the study, a number of arrangements should be made to make local technology intermediaries the source of technology transfer to sunflower oil processing enterprises, while making machine tools required by sunflower oil processing enterprises available, accessible, and preferred. (i) Identifying and policy articulating local public and private sector agencies and organizations that will be involved in the value chain of technological innovation. (ii) Consider activity separation when assigning roles to each actor to avoid duplication of activities and resource waste. (iii) Because local actors are interdependent, they should make decisions in concert. (iv) A local needs assessment must be carried out to ensure that resources are allocated and action is taken that reflects the perceived needs in terms of machine operating efficiency and the level of skill required by both local technology intermediaries and enterprises involved in sunflower processing activities in order for technological innovations to occur.
|
|
|
| | |