Sokoine University of Agriculture
Sokoine University of Agriculture Institutional RepositoryNot a member yet
3509 research outputs found
Sort by
Boundary layer perspective assessment of air pollution status in Wuhan city from 2013 to 2017
No full textJournal articleThis study used daily air pollution data
(PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2, CO, and O3) from nine monitoring
stations inWuhan city to calculate the air quality
index (AQI) from 2013 to 2017. Together with this data,
L-band sounding data, ground meteorological data, and
air mass back trajectories were also used to describe the
dynamics of atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) during
pollution process. Analysis of the results shows that,
even though the city is still polluted, the number of
polluted days was decreasing. Ranking the years in
terms of pollution status shows that the year 2013 was
the most polluted year while the year 2017 was the
cleanest year. Average annual limit of PM10, PM2.5,
and NO2 during these 5 years were 1.3~1.8, 1.5~2.7,
and 1.2~1.5 times higher than the annual average acceptable
limit, respectively. The average ratio of PM2.5/
PM10 for 5 years was 0.67 which signifies that a
significant portion of PM2.5 accounted for the total mass
of PM10. Moreover, the condition of ABL during the
pollution process shows the dominance of strong
ground inversion and weak to calm winds. These conditions
are not favorable for horizontal and vertical
mixing of air pollutants and prevent dilution of pollutants
with clean air. Mean cluster analysis of air mass
back trajectory shows that pollutants of local origin were
more important than the trans-boundary movement of
air pollutants. This indicates that the observed pollution
in Wuhan was more of local origi
Land evaluation and suitability assessment for crops produced in Butuguri area, Butiama district in Mara region, Tanzania
No full textEducation programmes and curriculum reforms in Tanzania: a comparative review of education for Self Reliance and Poverty Reduction (PR) Programmes
No full textA focus on curriculum issues is central in the achievement of quality education and the overall nation’s education aim. In
Tanzania, curriculum reforms have gone through a series of distinct phases reflecting the dominant philosophy and education policies
at that period in question. This work is partly a historical review of major education programmes and how they focused on curriculum
improvement as requisite for education quality. Two historical phases of education as identified by Galabawa (2005); the Self Reliance
(ESR) (1967 to mid 1980s) and the Poverty Reduction (PR) (MKUKUTA) (Mid 1990s to 2005) were compared. The review found that,
while education programmes at PR period devoted much on quantitative expansion and input supply leaving aside curriculum and
teaching component, programmes during Self Reliance to some extent focused both on access and quality through a periodical focus on
curriculum reforms. Finally, the paper highlights some useful lessons that could be incorporated to improve the ongoing education
programmes. The paper suggests that an effective educational intervention should address curriculum reforms, access and quality
Health Literacy and its Associates in the Context of One Health Approach: A Research Agenda Towards an Industrial Economy in Tanzania
No full textTransformation of agriculture and natural resources for sustainable development towards industrial
economy in Tanzania, inter alia, relies on the quality of population. Health has always remained a very
essential determinant of quality of a population. Evidently, attaining optimal health calls for collaboration
between humans, animals and environmental health professionals plus understanding consequences of
humans, animals and environment interactions on health. Attaining good health faces numerous
challenges, health literacy (HL) inclusive. Despite, HL being a predictor of health outcomes, health care
costs and utilization, yet, it is not empirically known to which extent most countries, Tanzania inclusive,
have made efforts in terms of research and interventions in this important variable. A cross sectional study
was conducted in Morogoro urban and Mvomero districts in Morogoro, Tanzania to specifically (i) assess
HL, (ii) determine factors associated with HL, (iii) identify research efforts and interventions on HL in
Tanzania. . Data were collected through a structured questionnaire from 1440 respondents obtained using
multistage sampling procedure. HL was measured using One Health Literacy Assessment tool.
Quantitative data were analysed using IBM-SPSS (v20) and Gretl software. The results revealed that
36.3% of the respondents had inadequate HL, 30.8% with Marginal HL and Adequate HL standing at
32.9%. Pearson coefficient correlation revealed HL correlating to group of attitudes (r = 0.135, p = 0.01),
levels of engagement in health-related discussion (r = 0.609, p < 0.05), health behaviour categories (r = -
0.648, p = 0.05) and category of information seeking (r = 0.753, p = 0.05). Scanty empirical evidence
exists on having HL researched and documented adequately in Tanzania. Having observed low HL and
scanty research efforts and interventions on HL, efforts should be strengthened to promote HL under One
Health Approach, given its importance towards realization of optimal health for humans, animals and the
environment
Potential role of Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte Antigen 2 alpha in secretory activity of endocrine cells in mouse adenohyphphysis
No full textThe peptide hormones of the adenohypophysis are produced by proteolytic processing of their prohormone precursors.
Cathepsin L is known to function as a major proteolytic enzyme involved in the production of the peptide hormones.
The structure of the propeptide region of cathepsin L is identical to cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-2 alpha (CTLA-2α)
which is also shown to exhibit selective inhibitory activities against cathepsin L. However, the specific cell types
synthesizing CTLA-2α in mouse adenohypophysis and its functional implications as relevant in vivo have not been
demonstrated. In this study, CTLA-2α expression in the adenohypophysis was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. In
both male and female mice, strong immunoreactivity was specifically detected in folliculostellate (FS) cells surrounding
endocrine cells which were delineated by CTLA-2α. These findings suggest that the CTLA-2α may be involved in the
proteolytic processing and secretion of the hormones in the adenohypophysis through regulation of cathepsin L
Status of post harvesting regeneration of miombo woodlands in Kilosa, Tanzania
No full textThis study presents findings of post harvesting regeneration status of miombo woodlands of Kilosa,Tanzania specifically where sustainable charcoal project is implemented. The overall objective of the study was to undertake an assessment on the regeneration status of Miombo woodlands in harvested plots and kiln scars. A total of 67 circular plots with 15 m radius established in 2015 were identified for the purpose of making a follow-up study on regeneration. Forty four new circular plots with 5 m radius for the study of regeneration in kiln scars and 10 circular plots with 5 m radius for assessing effects of fire on soil physical and chemical properties were demarcated. It was observed that 87% of all stumps were regenerating through coppices, root suckers or both. About 42% stumps were found to develop coppices with an average of two (2) individuals per stump and with overall mean height of 254 ± 8.3 cm. Twenty three (23%) of the stumps were observed to have regenerated through root suckering with average of two (2) individual suckers per stump with an overall mean height of 252±7.9 cm.Twenty two (22%) stumps were observed to regenerate through both coppices and root suckers with an average of two individual coppices/suckers per stumps with an overall mean height of 251±6.3 cm. Only Thirteen (13%) stumps were not regenerating. Regeneration via seedlings were found to be lower if compared with sprouts. Student T tests and ANOVA were used to compare regeneration mechanisms, regeneration in kilns and effects of fire frequency and grazing intensity on regeneration (Tables in appendices). Signs of regeneration in kiln scars was noted as seedlings of B.boehemii and B.spiciformis were observed. Fire has effects on soil physical and chemical properties. It is concluded that regeneration has improved with reference to previously study; fire and grazing has direct beneficial and deleterious effects on tree regeneration. It is recommended that further monitoring in harvested plots is necessary
The contribution of little Ruaha River to the income of the adjacent households, Iringa, Tanzania
No full textA dissertation on Environmental and Natural Resources EconomicsThis research for assessing the contribution of Little Ruaha River to the income of the
adjacent households was conducted in four selected villages. The main focus was on
assessing how individuals, households and communities depend on the river for their
income. Specifically, the study aimed at examining the river regime changes for the past
47 years, assessing the main economic activities practiced by people in the elected
villages, determining the contribution of the river to the households’ income, evaluating
the perception of people regarding river flow change over time and its linkage to
household income. Both primary and secondary data were employed in answering these
specific objectives. Questionnaires were administered to 200 randomly selected
respondents in the four selected villages and supported by secondary data from Rufiji
Water Basin Office and Agriculture department in the District Council Office. Simple
linear regression model was used to examine the flow changes in little Ruaha river.
To assess economic activities conducted by households, descriptive statistics was used to
analyze data. Results show that, there is no significant changes in river flow for the period
of 47 years. Findings reveal that, paddy production in the area is the main economic
activity conducted by majority of the households. Results also indicate that, there is no
relationship between river flow change and household income. Despite the insignificant
changes in the river flow of Little Ruaha River, the household income tends to increase
over time, plausibly because of the agricultural technology introduced to the
communities. Increasing public knowledge on Little Ruaha River flow to the community
is important, along with exploration of other economic activities which do not jeopardize
the sustainability of the river. More research using robust methodologies to ascertain river
flow changes and the factors influencing the change is of paramount importance
Thinning compliance and effects on growth and yield of Tectona grandis at Mtibwa forest plantation, Morogoro, Tanzania
No full textA DissertationTectona grandis L.f., a valuable hardwood grown in plantations in about 70 tropical
countries. Teak long term market prospects are promising. This study assessed thinning
compliance and effects on growth and yield of Teak at Mtibwa forest plantation because
there is limited detailed information. Study results will be useful to TFS and other forestry
stakeholders with regard to tending operations. The plantation was stratified into 4 age
groups (6-10, 11-15, 16-20 and >20 years) capturing all age classes for thinning. Ninety
two circular plots of 9.78 m radius were laid out in 23 purposively selected
compartments. Compartment thinning history, heights for 3 fattest trees, Dbh and stem
quality of all trees in a plot were recorded. Results show 57% and 43% of thinned area is
overstocked and understocked respectively as opposed to the thinning schedule.
On average, second and third thinnings have significantly higher (P<0.05) SPH deviations
of 39% and 26% respectively whereas, first thinnings have 13% (P>0.05) deviations
closer to the allowable 10%. Results show that 20% and 80% of first thinnings are
delayed for one and two years respectively. Second thinnings are well-timed by 25% but
delayed for one and two years by 37.5% each. Third thinnings are delayed for one and
two years by 50% each. Site class I results indicate inadequate thinning affects Dbh
growth by 6-10% but dominant height is unaffected. Stocking, basal area, and volume are
higher by 15-69%, 4-118% and 3-149% respectively. However, VMAI results are lower by
5-26%. Results indicate 73-80% of trees in compartments have stem quality 2.
The effect of thinning on stem quality is not established. Compliance to the thinning
schedule is recommended to attain the projected mean 40 cm Dbh at rotation age. Future
yield predictions for management planning must include relative correction factors
ranging from 0.57–2.18
The management strategies of pearl millet farmers to cope with seasonal rainfall variability in a semi-arid agroclimate
No full textRainfed agriculture constitutes around 80% of the world’s agricultural land, achieving
the lowest on-farm crop yields and greatest on-farm water losses. Much of this land is in
developing countries, including sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where hunger is chronic. The primary
constraint of rainfed agriculture—frequently experienced in SSA—is water scarcity, heightened by
the unpredictability of season onset, erratic rainfall, as well as the inability of farmers to provide
adequate soil and crop management. Farmers react differently to constraints, making a variety of
choices—including the timing of planting, type of land cultivation, fertilization, and scattered fields,
among many others. Limited information is available on the combined effects of these strategies
for improving crop yield and water use efficiency (WUE). An experiment was co-conducted with
farmers over four consecutive rainy seasons (2014–2018) in Tanzania, to evaluate these strategies
for single and joint effects in improving yield and WUE on rainfed pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum
(L.) R.Br.). The treatments used were flat cultivation both without and with microdosing, as well as
tied ridging without and with microdose interaction, with different planting dates depending on
farmers’ decisions. Results show that farmers react differently to the early, normal, or late onset of
the rainy season, and cumulative rainfall during its onset, which affects their decisions regarding
planting dates, yield, and WUE. Microdose fertilization increases both the yield and WUE of pearl
millet significantly, with greater effects obtained using tied ridging compared to flat cultivation.
For low-income smallholder farmers in a semi-arid agroclimate, using tied ridging with microdosing
during early planting is an effective response to spatiotemporal rainfall variability and poor soils
Adoption and impact of soil and water conservation on current food insecurity and vulnerability of farming households in Eastern Ethiopia
No full textA DissertationUnderstanding the livelihoods related impacts of soil and water conservation and decision
behaviours of smallholder farmers would be a significant step toward improving
environmental conditions, while ensuring sustainable and increased agricultural
production. Hence, the objectives of this study include: analysis of households‟ food
insecurity and vulnerability to food insecurity and its influencing factors; assessment of
factors affecting choice decision of soil and water conservation structure, and evaluation
of impact of soil and water conservation adoption on food insecurity and related
vulnerability outcomes of farming households. A multi-stage stratified sampling procedure
was used to identify a sample of 408 sample households (200 adopters and 208 non-
adopters) and also 790 plot-level observations from three districts in eastern Ethiopia. The
study used both primary and secondary data. To address the research objectives, the study
used descriptive statistics and various econometric models. The logit model results show
that food insecurity of farm households was significantly influenced by age of household
head, family size in adult equivalent, use of irrigation, adoption of soil and water
conservation, and coping strategies. The Three-step Feasible Generalized Least Squares
estimation results indicate that age of household head and family size were found to have a
negative and significant influence on expected food consumption expenditure.
Furthermore, using improved seed, total cultivated land, using soil and water conservation,
received credit were significant predictors with positive influence on expected food
consumption expenditure. Based on the intensity of their vulnerability, households were
grouped as chronic food insecure (24.27 %), transient food insecure (11.77 %), highly
vulnerable-food secure (18.38 %), and low vulnerable-food secure (45.59 %). Moreover,
the study indicated that 54.01 % of households are vulnerable to food insecurity, which is
by higher than the current incidence of food insecurity (36.02 %). The multivariate probit estimation results indicated that out of hypothesized explanatory variables education level,
family size income, contact with development agent and erosion problem, livestock
ownership, age and sex of household head, number of plots, off-farm activity and received
credit were significant factors for farm-level adoption of stone bund, soil bund and bench
terracing conservation technologies. Endogenous switching regressions and propensity
score matching result indicated that, adoption of soil and water conservation not only
positively impacts the per capita food consumption expenditure and net crop value, but
also significantly reduced the probability of farmers being food insecure, vulnerability to
food insecurity, as well as being transient and chronically food insecure