Abstract: Public procuring entities in Tanzania now evaluate bids through the National e-Procurement System of Tanzania (NeST), yet the benefits of electronic evaluation depend on whether evaluators find the system easy to use. This study examined the influence of effort expectancy of e-evaluation on procurement performance at Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) headquarters. Guided by the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology, the study adopted a positivist philosophy, a quantitative approach and an explanatory cross-sectional design. A sample of 109 employees was drawn from a population of 150 using Yamane's formula and selected through proportionate stratified sampling, and all 109 questionnaires were returned. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation and simple linear regression. Effort expectancy of e-evaluation was rated high (mean = 4.11), with minimal mental effort rated highest (4.29) and clarity of procedures lowest (3.94). Effort expectancy had a strong positive correlation with procurement performance (r = 0.712, p < 0.01) and a positive and significant influence on it (β = 0.712, t = 10.49, p < 0.001), explaining 50.7% of the variation in procurement performance (R² = 0.507). The study concludes that the ease of using e-evaluation is a key driver of procurement performance at TPA. It recommends clearer evaluation guidelines and user manuals, continuous hands-on training for evaluation committees and continued improvement of the usability of the NeST evaluation module.

Keywords: Effort expectancy; e-evaluation; e-procurement; procurement performance; Tanzania Ports Authority.

Title: Influence of Effort Expectancy of E-Evaluation on Procurement Performance in Tanzania Public Port Authorities: Evidence from Tanzania Ports Authority Headquarters

Author: Rashid Pendeza Rashid, Davidi Stephano

International Journal of Novel Research in Humanity and Social Sciences

ISSN 2394-9694

Vol. 13, Issue 6, November 2026 - December 2026

Page No: 7-15

Novelty Journals

Website: www.noveltyjournals.com

Published Date: 05-November-2026

Abstract: Postharvest losses can reduce the income earned from avocado production even when fruit is harvested in marketable condition. This article examines handling, storage and transportation challenges in the avocado value chain in Makambako Town Council, Tanzania. It draws on a quantitative cross-sectional survey using purposive sampling. Of 100 questionnaires distributed to value-chain stakeholders, 81 were returned, giving an 81% response rate. Respondents identified poor road conditions (90.1%), market-related delays (87.7%), weather-related delays (72.8%) and vehicle breakdowns (44.4%) as challenges affecting transportation. These findings describe reported difficulties rather than measured quantities of fruit lost. The results suggest that more dependable collection arrangements, careful loading, suitable packaging and improved temporary storage deserve attention alongside road and vehicle conditions. The study was limited to one council and relied on non-probability sampling and self-reported responses. The available field measures were also insufficient to estimate the separate contribution of handling, storage and transportation to postharvest losses. Future work should follow individual consignments through the value chain, record physical and economic losses, and compare findings across routes and seasons. Such evidence would help identify interventions that are both effective and affordable.

Keywords: Avocado; Postharvest Losses; Postharvest Handling Practices; Storage Conditions; Transportation Conditions.

Title: Factors Influencing Postharvest Losses in the Avocado Value Chain: A Case of Makambako Town Council, Tanzania

Author: Hamis Seleman Mohamed, John P. John, Angela Runyoro

International Journal of Novel Research in Humanity and Social Sciences

ISSN 2394-9694

Vol. 13, Issue 6, November 2026 - December 2026

Page No: 1-6

Novelty Journals

Website: www.noveltyjournals.com

Published Date: 05-November-2026