Sokoine University of Agriculture

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    Youth’s credit accessibility and employment creation in Tanzania: a case of Kilombero District, Morogoro

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    A Dissertation 2019This study was conducted to assess youth’s credit accessibility and employment creation in Kilombero District. Specifically, the study aimed at, identifying the proportion of youth with access to credit, identifying the challenges faced by the youth in their endeavor to acquire credit and determining the contribution of youth’s access to credit towards employment creation. The study adopted a cross -sectional design whereby data were collected once from 181 randomly selected youth. Data were collected through a questionnaire survey, focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Primary quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS whereby descriptive and inferential statistics were determined. Qualitative data collected through the focus group discussions and key informants interview were analyzed using a thematic analysis. Findings from the study show that only a few of the youth had access to credit. Lack of collateral was the major challenge the youth faced in accessing credit. The study observed that interest rate was another setback to youth’s access to credit. Lastly, the study findings show that most of the youth who had credit were able to create employment for others thus, contributing to the reduction of unemployment. Based on the findings the proportional of the youth accessing credit in Kilombero District is very small and this is mainly due to inadequate collateral. It is recommended that the issue of collateral needs to be looked at, so as to create positive conditions for the youth to access credit. Lending institutions should reduce their interest rates to enable youths to access credit. Also, training on financial management before and after the disbursement of credit should be done so as to get the most from the credit accessed by the youth

    Fatty acid profiles and lipid oxidation status of sun dried, deep fried, and smoked sardine (Rastrineobola argentea) from Lake Victoria, Tanzania

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    Journal of Aquatic Food Product Technology 2019, VOL. 28, NO. 2, pp. 165–176Freshwater fishes contain long chain omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) of highest nutritional value. PUFAs in fish are susceptible to oxidative damage during processing and subsequent storage. Sardines (Rastrineobola argentea) are an important fish species of Lake Victoria, constitut- ing 72.3% of the total landings by weight on the Tanzanian side of the lake. Fatty acid profiles and lipid oxidation status of sun-dried, deep-fried, and smoked sardines were investigated. Lipid oxidation was assessed by peroxide value, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and free fatty acids. Fatty acids were analyzed by gas chromatography with flame ionization detector. The three omega-3 PUFAs: docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6n-3), docosapentaenoic acid (C22:5n-3), and eicosapentaenoic acid (C20: 5n-3) contributed 57–60, 63, and 38% of PUFAs in sun-dried, smoked, and deep-fried sardines, respectively. Lipid oxidation reactions were more pronounced in sardines dried on sand and rocks, with TBARS values 97.87 and 84.18 μmolMDA/kg, respectively. The polyene index was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in deep-fried sardines, indicating lower retention of PUFAs in the product. Lake Victoria sardines are a rich source of omega-3 PUFAs. PUFAs in sun-dried sardines are prone to oxidative damage. Smoking resulted in relatively higher retention of omega-3 fatty acids in products

    The relationship between atmospheric circulation, boundary layer and near-surface turbulence in severe fog-haze pollution periods

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    ArticleWind, temperature, relative humidity and aerosol mass concentration were monitored simultaneously in Wuhan, China. Several observations were found after analyzing the physical fields of these data. It was obvious that weak pressure and saddle patterns occurred during fog-haze episodes. An inversion layer occurred before heavy fog haze events and became thicker during fog-haze events. The boundary layer structure index was relatively higher during fog-haze days and had a significant negative correlation with the planetary boundary layer height and turbulence parameters. Wind speeds were generally less than 5 m/s and rarely exceeded this speed on the selected polluted days. Turbulence variation characteristics had special representations, especially before fog haze events. Turbulence intensities always reached abnormal peak values before fog-haze processes, while the intensities remained steady before and during pollution processes with low relative humidity. Both the turbu lence kinetic energy and momentum flux decreased to near zero before heavy fog-haze processes. Momentum flux often presented abnormal disturbances before heavy fog-haze processes. These disturbances were often in an active phase before and during pollution processes with low relative humidity, a situation that is not similar to fog-haze events that maintained high relative humidity. There was a feedback mechanism between solar radi ation and aerosol mass concentration, and the occurrence of turbulence anomalies may be related to the regu lation of atmospheric circulation by wave-flow interaction. The results presented in this study suggest that the turbulence parameters, which display anomalies before the occurrence of heavy fog-haze processes under the background of inversion layers and stable atmospheric patterns, can serve as a means of predicting disastrous weather conditions such as fog-haze pollutio

    Harvesting vegetables from the kitchen garden: an educative and sustainable approach to improve dietary practices and nutritional status among rural families in Tanzania

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    Proceedings of Scientific Conference, pp. 145-158Undernutrition continues to inflict significant social, health and economic consequences in developing countries, Tanzania inclusive. The aim of the present study was to implement, monitor and assess the impact of bag gardening and household nutrition education on dietary practices and nutritional status in rural villages in Tanzania. Nutrition education covered various gaps observed in a preceded nutrition survey (baseline). Bag gardening practical demonstrations and hand on implementation skills were carried out to the participating 120 households. McNemar and marginal homogeneity tests were conducted to compare the baseline to endline results for each section of the questionnaire. Results indicated that at baseline only 27% of households had a high Dietary Diversity Score as compared to 52% at endline. Daily and weekly consumption rates increased by 10-50% from baseline to endline periods.There were significant differences in knowledge aspects of factors influencing inclusion of vegetables in a meal, knowledge of bag and cultivation of vegetables in a bag garden, receiving nutrition education before, knowledge of foods that increase intake of fibre, knowledge of food groups and iron deficiency anaemia between the baseline and endline time points with p<0.05.The intervention increased consumption of green leafy vegetables, dietary diversity and nutrition knowledge of participants in the topics covered including general nutrition, nutrition requirements for specific groups, preparation and preservation of foods, improving nutrition through kitchen gardens and tips for improving health. We recommend progressing this type of intervention further by selecting foods containing high vitamin A amounts to be included in bag gardens

    Urban expansion and form changes across African cities with a global outlook: Spatiotemporal analysis of urban land densities

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    Africa has been experiencing rapid urbanization, yet limited studies have systematically investigated urban growth dynamics across African cities. Using 25 cities as cases, we quantified urban growth and form changes in Africa via spatiotemporal analysis of urban land densities in concentric rings over three time points (1990, 2000, and 2014). The results show that African cities have rapidly grown both in population and built-up areas, which increased by about 4% and more than 5% per annum, respectively. Urban land density (defined as the proportion of the built-up area to the buildable area) in each concentric ring decreases from the city center to the urban periphery with diverse patterns among cities. Comparatively, small cities have a lower urban land density and a more dispersed urban form than medium-sized and large cities in Africa. The international comparisons between cities with over one million population in Africa, Asia (e.g., China and India), Europe, and North America (i.e., the United States) reveal that African cities have a relatively less compact urban form. Implications of these findings for the future of African cities are further proffered

    Local communities’ perceptions on lantana camara and management responses in East Usambara, Tanzania

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    M.Sc. DissertationLantana camara is one of the alien invasive species introduced to East Usambara about 100 years ago. The species is locally increasing in abundance and spatially advancing to new areas threatening the livelihoods of local communities and biodiversity in nearby Amani Nature Reserve. This study assessed local communities‟ perceptions on Lantana camara focusing on its origin, pathways, socio-economic impacts and management responses in East Usambara. Data was collected through household survey where semi structured questionnaire was randomly administered to 130 household heads in seven villages. Results showed that about 97% of the respondents were very knowledgeable about invasion and pathways of L. camara but surprisingly, about 99% of respondent regardless of age categories perceived L. camara to be a native shrub. At an early stage of L. camara invasion, 20% of respondents perceived the species to be “bad” but the negative perception increased to 76.2% of respondents at the late stage of invasion. About 77% of the respondents argued that L. camara invasion has harmful effects on their livelihoods. Furthermore, 38% of respondents preferred the species to be controlled, 34% stated nothing should be done and 22% preferred prevention of L. camara invasion and only 7% of respondents proposed the species to be completely eradicated. study concludes despite considerably large proportion of respondents (33.8%) were comfortable with current L. camara cover and they had no intension of reducing the level of invasion but generally results indicate the need for more sustainable management measures that will see L. camara coverage not exceeding the current levels in less invaded areas while at the same time, reduce its cover in the heavily invaded areas. The study recommends that local communities should be empowered with knowledge on invasion pathway so that they can control L. camara invasion to reduce the negative impacts on livelihoods

    Comparative growth and survival performance of sea cucumber (Holothuria scabra) in co-cultured pen system with commercial macroalgae

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    Mariculture has recently been adopted in many parts of coastal East Africa as a source of income and employment to many women and heartbroken fishermen who are the main victim of dwindling wild stock of aquatic resources. The sea cucumber (Holothuria scabra) has for long time been collected and sold as export marine product. Macroalgae (Eucheuma denticulatum and Kappaphycus alvarezii) are the common cultured seaweed species that provide hope for future increase in mariculture production. An experiment was conducted along the intertidal lagoon of Unguja Ukuu village in Zanzibar to assess the survival and growth performance of sea cucumber (H. scabra) in two separate pens under co-cultured systems with E. denticulatum and K. alvarezii. Juvenile sea cucumber H. scabra with mean weight (± se) of 67.18 ± 2.06 were integrated with the two common commercial seaweed in pen system for 10 weeks. The results revealed that the growth rate and survival of H. scabra, E. denticulatum and K. alvarezii were better under integration system. The growth of H. scabra was higher (1.038 g d-1) in pen systems co-cultured with K. alvarezii compared to 0.898 gd-1 in pen systems co-culture with E. denticulatum. Survival rate of H. scabra was higher (76%) in the pen systems co-cultured with E. denticulatum compared to that (70%) observed in pen systems co-cultured with K. alvarezii. The results suggest that the best integration of sea cucumber and macroalgae is between H. scabra and K. alvarezii. However, reliable source of H. scabra juvenile is essential for the future expansion of pen co-culture system

    The role of co-operatives in reducing Greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing sinks through land use, land-use change and forestry in Tanzania

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    A Thesis 2019This thesis contributes to the literature by exploring the role of co-operatives in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and enhancing sinks through land use, land use change and forestry (LULUCF) in agroforestry systems and miombo woodlands in Moshi and Urambo districts respectively. Specifically, the study sought to examine the drivers of land use and land use-change and their implications on GHG emissions and carbon sinks, to explore co-operatives‟ actions or lack thereof linked to greenhouse emissions and carbon removals through LULUCF, to estimate the contribution of co-operatives in enhancing carbon storage through community carbon enhancement activities in agroforestry and miombo woodlands ecosystems and to examine how the co-operative business model may apply to carbon trading with special emphasis on community carbon enhancement activities. A sample of 297 households was systematically selected in 16 villages from which data on land use and land-use change were collected using questionnaire survey and remote sensing. Land use change was analysed by interpretation of satellite images. Binary logistic regression analysis was undertaken to explore co-operatives‟ activities or lack thereof linked to carbon emissions and carbon sinks. The contribution of co-operatives in enhancing carbon storage was determined by comparing the proportion of carbon stocks in the land use systems with co-operatives‟ activities to total carbon stock. The study showed that intensive farming, establishment of woodlots, use of energy efficient stoves, agroforestry practices, tree planting, and conservation of natural forests were important drivers of land use and land use changes. Co-operative actions significantly linked to carbon emissions and carbon removals through LULUCF were marketing of agricultural products, supply of agricultural inputs, provision of agro-credits and extension services, promotion of agroforestry practices and supply of improved seeds. Quantitatively co-operatives‟ actions contributed significantly to 76% of the existing carbon stock per hectare in agroforestry systems and 31% of the total carbon stocks per hectare in the miombo woodlands. The results further indicated that farmers through co- operatives‟ activities generate tradable carbon credits, a commodity that can be traded through co-operatives. The study concludes that co-operatives‟ actions have apparently high potential to mitigate GHG emissions and enhance carbon sinks through LULUCF sector. The co-operatives business model offers a framework for smallholder famers to come together as a strong entity to gain collective bargaining power to achieve benefits in terms of creating avenues for marketing carbon credits generated through activities with co-operative actions. The study recommends that vigorous knowledge on co-operatives‟ agricultural practices that reduce emissions and enhance carbon stocks through training and environmental/climate change extension services by different stakeholders. Efforts to mitigate climate change through LULUCF sector should be built on co-operatives‟ activities. It further recommends that co-operatives need additional support to effectively engage in carbon trading in terms of technical expertise and calls for awareness creation for smallholder farmers to recognize new opportunities in carbon trade

    Spatial distribution of heavy metals in soil with distance from Tazama pipeline through the Mikumi National Park, Tanzania

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    Journal of Soil Science and Environmental Management, Vol. 10(5), pp. 75-81, July 2019A total concentration of six studied heavy metals Arsenic (As), Lead (Pb), Chromium(Cr), Mercury (Hg) Cadmium (Cd) and Copper (Cu) were measured in soil across distances from TAZAMA pipeline in transects which have incidences of oil spillage and those which have no history of oil spillage. All studied heavy metals were detected in the study area. As, Pb and Cr were detected in both transects, that is, with oils spills and those with no history of oil spillage to a distance of 0-35 m from the edge of the pipeline, with higher mean concentration in transects with oil spillage compared to those with none. From 50-200 m away from the pipeline these four metals were detected in transects with oil spillage only. Hg and Cd were detected in transects with history of oil spillage only. Cu was detected in all transects and at all ranges of distance. Concentration of studied heavy metals decreased with increased distance from the edge of the pipeline in both transects to all directions. The decrease was statistically significant in transects with oil spillage and insignificant with transects of no history of oil spillage

    Salmonella enterica in raw and boiled eggs: call for comprehensive preventive measures throughout the production and processing chain

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    Tanzania Veterinary Journal, 2019; 34 (2): 13-22Eggs are good source of proteins to human. However, consumption of contaminated eggs may lead to ill-health. Salmonella enterica typifies one of such pathogens causing food poisoning in humans. The present study aimed at assessing the bacteriological quality of eggs from chicken in respect to Salmonella enterica. A total of 570 chicken eggs were collected and examined from November 2015 to May 2016 in Morogoro municipality. Salmonella was isolated from egg content and eggshell samples by conventional culture and biochemical methods. Salmonella enterica were confirmed to genus level by PCR targeting invA gene. Salmonella enterica were tested for resistance against common antimicrobial agents. Salmonella enterica was recovered from 11 out 30 sample pools, of which 6 (20.0%) from egg contents and 5 (16.7%) from eggshell surfaces. Eggs from local chicken breeds were highly contaminated (20.0%) than eggs from exotic chicken breeds (16.7%) whereas raw eggs were highly contaminated (26.7%) than boiled eggs (10%). Clean eggs were highly contaminated (20.0%) than faecal socked (13.3%) and cracked eggs (3.4%). Salmonella enterica were susceptible to Ciprofloxacin, Chloramphenicol, Gentamicin, Tetracycline, Sulfamethaxole-Trimethoprim, Imepenem, Cefotaxime, Ceftriaxone and Caftazidime, and resistant to Kanamycin. Presence of pathogenic Salmonellae in different forms of chicken eggs indicates that eggs are unwholesome for human consumption and control measures should be implemented throughout egg production chain to prevent human and animal salmonellosis

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