Sokoine University of Agriculture
Sokoine University of Agriculture Institutional RepositoryNot a member yet
3509 research outputs found
Sort by
Seroprevalence and associated risk factors of leptospirosis in slaughter pigs; a neglected public health risk, western Kenya
No full textResearch Article of BMC Veterinary ResearchBackground: Leptospirosis is a neglected zoonosis of public health importance transmitted through contact with
contaminated soil, water or urine of infected animals. In pigs the disease is characterized by abortion, still births and
weak piglets. A cross-sectional study was conducted in May to July 2018 to estimate the sero-prevalence of
leptospirosis and factors associated with seropositivity in slaughter pigs. A questionnaire was used to collect
information on animal demographics. Serum was tested for anti-leptospiral antibodies using
microscopic agglutination test (MAT) with a panel of 8 serovars. Sera were considered positive for sero-reactivity at
a MAT titre ≥1:40 against at least one serovar. Chi-square tests were used to measure the strength of association
between the MAT test result and exploratory variables.
Results: A total of 252 pig serum samples from seven slaughterhouses were tested for Leptospira antibodies by MAT.
Of the 252 pigs sampled, 88.8% (244/252) were indigenous breeds; 55.6% (140/252) were female and 88.7% (220/252)
were reared in extensive production systems. Eighty-three (32.9%; 83/252) sera samples tested positive on MAT against
at least one serovar. Of the 8 serovars, the highest prevalence was recorded for serovar Lora 21.4% followed by Kenya
5.2%, Sokoine 3.6% and Grippotyphosa at 3.2%. Risk factors for leptospirosis seropositivity in pigs were: originating from
farms with other types of livestock (OR 2.3; 95% CI 1.0–4.5) and mature pigs (OR 1.9; 95% CI 1.1–3.3).
Conclusion: This study demonstrates that there is a high prevalence of leptospirosis positive pigs at slaughter in a
small-holder livestock keeping region of the Lake Victoria basin. The potential for cross species transmission of
pathogenic serovars is highlighted as well as the potential for occupational exposure to slaughterhouse personnel.
Improvements in husbandry practices (confinement and rodent control) and public health education among
slaughterhouse workers and other high-risk groups is recommended
Economic contribution of village community banks in conserving forest resources: a case of Kazimzumbwi and Pugu forest reserves
No full textM.Sc. DissertationVillage Community Banks aimed to reduce extreme poverty among community group
members and enable members share knowledge on how to generate income which could
be alternative sources of income rather than depending on illegal exploitation of forest
resources for the economic purpose. This study aimed at assessing economic contribution
of VICOBA in conserving forest resources. Multistage sampling technique was used to
obtain 5 villages adjacent to both Kazimzumbwi and Pugu Forest Reserves. In the
selected villages 23 VICOBA was selected by using Probability Proportional to Size
(PPS), 230 respondents form selected VICOBA was sampled and 15 key informants were
purposively selected. Primary data was collected using questionnaires and key informants
interviews. Quantitative data were processed and analyzed using SPSS and Microsoft
excel, in addition a binary logistic regression analysis was done to determine factors
influencing VICOBA member decisions in exploit forest products. Results show that,
VICOBA programme enable its members to engage in small business activities as
alternative sources of income at 55% which reduce illegal exploitation of forest resources,
also binary logistic model results reveal significant factors that were negatively influence
VICOBA members decision in forest products consumption at P < 0.05 are alternative
sources of income, national conservation laws, access to credit, educational level and
cultural believes, 44% of VICOBA members were aware in forest conservation through
conservation education provided and engaged in conservation through reporting illegal
activities and participating in environmental clubs. Finally, this study recommends
promotion of community microfinance groups in societies which could be source of
alternative income generating activities to reduce overdependence and overconsumption
of forest resources
Environmental performance of smallholder organic and conventional cotton production systems in Meatu, Tanzania
No full textPhD ThesisCotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is among the most important export crops in Tanzania,
contributing directly to peoples‘ livelihood and economic development. Cotton is grown
under both conventional and organic farming systems and both farming systems are
characterised by low cotton yield. Low fertilizer input use and low fertility contributes to
such low yields. A quick solution to address the low cotton yield seems to be enhanced use
of fertilizer and pesticide, which is also challenging on how to simultaneously sustain
natural resources conservation and the supply of cotton fibre. Inappropriate use of fertilizer
is linked to increased greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions. One of these gases is nitrous
oxide (N 2 O), and nearly 2/3 of the anthropogenic N 2 O emission originates from
agricultural activities. However, there are limited studies involving in-situ measurement of
N 2 O in smllhoder farming systems in Sub-Saharan Africa. The use of organic and
synthetic fertilizers and pesticides can also change the soil environment and hence
microbial activity and soil quality. To address the problem of low cotton productivity,
adequate information on the soil status and its suitability for cotton production is
important. However, availability and acquisition of such information related to soil
qualities in the study area is limited.
This study was undertaken for two growing seasons in semi arid cotton growing areas in
Meatu, Simiyu region, Tanzania. This study aimed to generate soil information,
characterise and evaluate suitability of soils in these areas in terms of their qualities for
cotton cultivation; compare yield and economic performance of cotton in response to
different soil fertility and pest management practices under low input small holder
conventional and organic production systems; compare microbial activity as a proxy for soil quality and quantifying N 2 O emission from soil under different smallholder organic
and conventional cotton production practices.
To characterise the soils, four pedons were characterized namely Biore-P1 in Mwamishali
village, Ng'ho-P1 in Nghoboko village, IT-P1 in Sanga Itinje village and MWAB-P1 in
Mwabagalu village. Soil samples from the pedons' horizons were analyzed for physico-
chemical properties and were classified according to the USDA Soil Taxonomy and the
World Reference Base for Soil Resources. The soil suitability for cotton production was
evaluated by using most limiting criteria approach.
A field experiment was set to test performance indicators (yield, economic benefit
microbial activity and GHG emission) for fertility and pest management practice in organic
and conventional farming systems. For fertility management, the recommended and current
farming practices (30 kg N ha -1 and 3 Mg farm yard manura (FYM) ha -1 ) were tested
against high input scenario (60 kg N ha -1 and 5 Mg FYM ha -1 ) and alternative practices (30
kg N ha -1 + 3 Mg ha -1 FMY and 3 Mg ha -1 FMY + legume intercrop) for conventional and
organic cotton production, respectively. For pest management in conventional and organic
treatments, respectively, the current practice (3 sprays of synthetic pesticide and pyrthrum
spray as needed after scouting), higher rate (6 sprays of synthetic pesticide and pyrethrum
spray as needed after scouting) and alternative practice (3 sprays neem + cow urine and
spray of Neem + cow urine as needed after scouting) were tested.
Seed cotton yield, cost, revenue and gross margin for each treatment was measured to
estimate yield and economic performance. For GHG emission, in-situ measurement of N 2 O
emission from soil was done using static chambers technique and gas analysis by gas
chromatography (GC). For microbial activity, enzyme activity (arylsalfatase), potential nitrification, basal respiration and birch effect for plots under current practice,
recommended practice, high input scenario and alternative practices were tested against a
no fertilizer and no pesticide control treatment.
The results on soil site suitability show that soil moisture and temperature regimes in all
study areas were ustic and isohyperthermic respectively. Except for Mwabagalu, which
had very deep pedon (> 150 cm), all the other pedons had moderate deep and well drained
soils. For Mwamishali and Ng'hoboko CaCO 3 concretions were observed, which is a
characteristic of calcic horizon in subsoil. Soil texture was sandy clay throughout all
pedons with top soil pH ranging from neutral to strongly alkaline (pH 7.05 - 9.54). In all
areas pH increased with depth from topsoil to subsoil. The organic carbon content was low
to medium while total N concentrations were very low; CEC and exchangeable bases
ranged from low (19 and 10.1 cmol
(+)
kg -1 ) to medium (37 and 38.4 cmol
(+)
kg -1 )
repectively. According to the USDA Soil Taxonomy the soils at Mwamishali and
Ng'hoboko were classified as Pachic Calciustolls, while that of Sanga-Itinje and
Mwabagalu were Typic Rhodustalfs and Sodic Haplusterts, respectively. All the soils were
rated as marginally suitable for cotton production due to soil fertility limitations and
therfore, sustainable cotton production in these areas would need interventions for soil
fertility and soil moisture conservation improvement.
The results on yield and economic performance showed that, for the current farming
practice, organic and conventional farming practice had no significant difference in yield.
The seed cotton yield in current organic practice was 1.4 and 0.64 Mg ha -1 compared to the
conventional practice with yield of 1.3 and 0.37 Mg ha -1 for season 1 and 2 respectively.
The current organic farming practice had higher gross margin of USD 527 and 137 ha -1
compared to the conventional practice with gross margin of USD 321.2 and -74.9 ha -1 for season 1 and 2 respectively. However, at higher input rate (fertilizer and pesticide)
conventional cotton had significantly higher yield of 1.8 and 0.51 Mg ha -1 ) than organic
practice with seed cotton yield of 1.4 and 0.39 Mg ha -1 for season 1 and 2, respectively.
The high input conventional cotton had relatively lower gross margin of USD 463 and -
85.9 ha -1 compared to the organic practice with gross margin of USD 477 and -81.3 ha -1
for season 1 and 2, respectively. For organic cotton practice the alternative practices
(intercropping cotton with green gram) had lower cotton yield of 1.3 Mg ha -1 in season 1
than the alternative conventional (1.7 Mg ha -1 ) but had higher gross margin (USD 616.2
ha -1 ) than conventional (USD 476 ha -1 ) as a result of additional revenue from green gram.
For conventional cotton the alternative practice of combining inorganic fertilizer and
manure outperformed the current practice by having both better yield and gross margin. In
the season with less rainfall (season 2) the control outperformed all other treatments in
terms of economic return indicating the rationale for farmers reluctance in investing on
inputs under such conditions.
The results on N 2 O emission show that the current organic and conventional cotton
farming practices had similar (p < 0.05) cumulative area-scaled N 2 O emission. However,
yield-scaled emissions were significantly higher in conventional than organic farming
systems. For the high input scenario conventional cotton had higher area-scaled and yield-
scaled N 2 O emission than organic cotton in season 1 which received higher rainfall (759
mm) but not in season 2 which had less rainfall (522 mm). A combination of manure and
inorganic fertilizer as alternative practice reduced yield-scale N 2 O emission by 17% from
inorganic fertilizer. In season 1, intercropping cotton with legumes reduced area-scaled
emission by 27%. The emission factor for both conventional and organic systems were <
1% of applied total N. Although the cummulative N 2 O emission varied between season 1
(0.24 and 0.31 kg N 2 O-N ha -1 ) and season 2 (0.52 and 0.60 kg N 2 O-N ha -1 ), results show that the current smallholder organic and conventional cotton farming practices had similar
soil N 2 O emission, which is very low compared to reported emissions from cotton fields in
high input farming system (0.78 - 10.6 kg N 2 O-N ha -1 ).
The results also revealed no significant (P<0.05) difference in microbial activity between
organic and conventional cotton production practices using the current levels of fertilizer
and pesticide. However, increasing N level as synthetic fertilizer or manure increased
microbial activity. Manure fertilizer combination as an integrated practice increased
arylsulfatase activity and potential nitrification but relatively reduced basal respiration in
conventional farming in both seasons. Intercropping green gram increased microbial
activity (arylsulfatase) but reduced potential nitrification and basal respiration and hence
had no clear trend on improving soil microbial activity. Pest management had no effect in
microbial activity in both organic and conventional farming practice and there was no
significant difference between organic and conventional.
The major conclusions drawn from this study are that, all the soils were rated as marginally
suitable for cotton production due to soil fertility limitations and hence sustainable cotton
production in these areas would need interventions for soil fertility improvement. For the
existing smallholder farming system in Meatu, Tanzania, organic and conventional cotton
system have similar agronomic and economic perfromance. Increasing input level in
conventional cotton would have higher yield with low economic return than organic.
Combining manure and inorganic fertilizer as well as intercropping cotton with grain
legumes has potential for increasing yields while reducing the risk of increased N 2 O
emission from cotton fields and improving microbial activity and hence soil quality.
Under the prevailing semi-arid conditions, smallholder farmers are rational on limited use
of fertilizer and pesticide Based on these conclusions it is recommended that alternative practice of cotton-legume
intercrop, fertilizer-manure combination and pest control by neem and cow urine mixture
are viable farming practices for smallholder cotton farmers. Further studies on the effect of
cotton-legume intercrop on soil microbial activity that include other legume species are
recommended. Further studies that include higher input levels and higher sampling
frequencies for GHG are also recommended
The contribution of little Ruaha River to the income of the adjacent households, Iringa, Tanzania
No full textA dissertation, 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
Effect of Sprouting on Chemical Composition and Performances of Improved Chickens Fed with Hydroponic Sorghum Fodder (HSF)
No full textDissertationRaising chickens is rapidly gaining popularity in the developing world. However, high feed
costs associated with intensive poultry rearing as well as increased competition between
humans and animals/chicken on feed demand have necessitated the need for exploring new
options in chicken feeding. Furthermore, chickens have a limited foraging range a factor
that translates in a very narrow array of feeds they can access. Sorghum is one such
feedstuff which is widely grown in Tanzania and has nutritional value almost similar to
maize and also drought-resistant crop. Given this, two studies were conducted to determine
the effect of sprouting sorghum grain on the chemical composition of sprouted sorghum
and bird performance fed on the HSF based diet. In the first study, sorghum grain was
sprouted in a hydroponic system for 168 hours and sampled for proximate analysis,
minerals, anti-nutritional factors and amino acids. The sprouted sorghum seeds were
subjected to proximate analysis in duplicate samples at 0, 24, 72, 120 and 168 hours.
Whereas, in the second study the aim was to assess the effect of sprouted sorghum
hydroponic fodder-based diets on growth performance, feed intake, feed conversion ratio,
carcass yield and digestibility using Sasso chickens.
In the second study one hundred and forty-four, growers were allocated randomly to four
dietary treatments with three replications for each diet. Each replicate had 12 chickens. The
treatment diets were designated as T1: Control; formulated ration with no fodder, T2: 25%
HSF: 75% formulated ration, T3: 50% HSF: 50% formulated ration and T4: 75% HSF:
25% formulated ration. The HSF used in this experiment was that which was sampled for
168 hours. The formulated diets were based on locally available low-cost ingredients. Data
collected were body weight, feed intake, digestibility and mortality rate. The digestibility
trial was conducted at the end of the feeding trial. Three randomly sampled birds were
iii
slaughtered from each treatment at the end of 13th weeks and evaluated for dressing
percent, weights of components (breast, thigh, and drumstick), the weight of non-carcass
components and carcass weight.
The results in the first study revealed an increase in CP CF, Ash, EE and decrease in NFE
from 12.47 to 17.43%; 2.42 to 5.57%; 1.8 to 2.2%; 2.03 to 2.44% and 71 to 60.77%
respectively with an increase in sprouting time. However, the DM content declined from
90.56 to 88.09 % with increased sprouting time. There was a decreasing trend for mineral
elements with increase sprouting time. Similarly, there was a corresponding decline for
anti-nutritional factors with increased sprouting time. The decline ranged from 4.26 to 1.77
g/100g; 4.94 to1.64 mg/Kg; 6.19 to 1.17 µg/100g and 26.46 to 1.07 g/100g for tannin,
cyanide, phytic acid and phenols respectively at 168 hours. The maximum reduction of
tannin, phytic acid, total phenol and cyanide was achieved between 72 and 120 hours. The
results further showed a corresponding increase in the percentage of amino acid, the
percent increase of methionine, lysine, and tryptophan ranged from 0.12 to 0.59, 0.22 to
0.79 and 0.08 to 0.16 respectively with sprouting time.
Results in the second experiment showed significant treatment effects on all measured
variables. Further increase in HSF inclusion resulted in a declined in body weight gain.
The decline ranged from 1970 to 1113.96 g, 6847.39 to 6153.67g, and 3.69 to 6.83 for
weight gain, total feed intake, and feed conversion ratio respectively. There was a
significant difference (p< 0.005) between treatments on live weight and carcass
components. Apparent digestibility of sprouted sorghum decreased from 76.08% to
64.24%, while true digestibility decreased from 72.81% to 64.1%. This study concludes
that sprouting increases the nutritive value of HSF and led to a significant reduction of
anti-nutritional factors. However, the performance of chickens was depressed when the
iv
quantity of HSF was increased beyond 25%, due to the lowering of the energy: protein
ratio. Thus, the use of HSF should, therefore, be limited but where maize grain availability
is limited then, sprouted sorghum can be included at a rate not exceeding 25% as energy
sources
On – farm evaluation of performance of Sukuma and Malya goats and their crosses in Maswa District, Tanzania
No full textDissertation in Tropical Animal Production 2019Goat production is an integral component of small holder agriculture in Tanzania but
farmers have been keeping indigenous goats which have poor genetic potential for growth
and have small mature body size. Goat keepers can improve mature body size by crossing
with improved breeds. However, in Tanzania there is paucity of information on
performance of crossbreds in comparison to their parents. The effects of breed, sex, birth
type, season of birth, year of birth and dam weight class on growth performance of kids
born, twinning rate of dams, genetic parameters and finally farmers’ preference on
crossbreds and indigenous Sukuma goats were investigated. Sixty participating farmers
were trained on basic meat goat management. Does of either breed i.e. Sukuma or Malya
goats to be used in breeding program were dewormed and unwanted bucks in the herds
were castrated. Breeding bucks were kept separately by chosen farmers. Dams were
initially weighed then were mated to bucks in a such a way that Malya bucks were
allowed to mate with Malya does and Sukuma does while Sukuma bucks were allowed to
mate with Sukuma does only. Goats were allowed to free graze on natural vegetation
within each household’s farmland without supplementing them. Kids born of pure Malya,
Sukuma and crossbred (Malya x Sukuma) goats were monitored for over two years. Data
on growth traits from birth to one year and some reproduction traits were recorded. The
results showed that all growth traits of Malya kids were highest, which were 2.37±0.03 kg
for birth weight, 11.08±0.19 kg for weaning weight, 13.04±0.22 kg for 32 weeks’ weight,
25.91±0.41 kg for yearling weight, 75.67±2.63 g/day for pre-weaning growth rate,
57.79±2.56 g/day for post-weaning growth rate and 63.29±1.70 g/day for birth to yearling
growth rate followed by crossbred kids which had 2.18±0.05 kg, 7.22±0.26 kg, 9.60±0.30
kg, 21.99±0.55 kg, 47.90±2.94 g/day, 55.60±2.86 g/day and 53.23±1.90 g/day of
corresponding growth traits. Sukuma kids were the least with 1.66±0.06 kg for birth
weight, 5.13±0.34 kg for weaning weight, 7.53±0.38 kg for 32 weeks’ weight, 14.22±0.71
kg for yearling weight, 30.19±3.81 g/day for pre-weaning growth rate, 35.45±3.70 g/day
for post-weaning growth rate and 33.83±2.45 g/day for birth to yearling growth rate. Sex
of the kids affected all weights at different ages at P<0.001 for birth weights, 32 weeks
weight and yearling weight and at P<0.01 for weaning weight. Birth type statistically
influenced birth weights, weaning weights, 32 weeks weight and pre-weaning growth rate.
Single born kids (birth weights of 2.15±0.03 kg, weaning weights of 8.25±0.17 kg, 32
weeks weight of 10.54±0.20 kg and pre-weaning growth rate of 55.37±1.91 g/day)
performed better than twin born kids with 1.99±0.04 kg, 7.37±0.22 kg, 9.58±0.25 kg and
47.14±2.28 g/day for corresponding growth traits, respectively. Weaning weights
(8.81±0.23 kg), 32 weeks weights (10.62±0.26 kg), yearling weights (21.46±0.48 kg) and
pre-weaning growth rate (59.79±2.32 kg) for kids born in year 2010 were higher
compared to 6.81±0.19 kg, 9.50±0.21 kg, 19.96±0.39 kg and 42.71±1.98 g/day for kids
born in year 2011 for respective growth traits. Pre-weaning growth rate was affected by
sex of kids (P<0.05), birth type (P<0.01) and year of birth (P<0.01) but not season of birth
(P>0.05). Overall twinning rate of does that kidded was 34.47% and was significantly
influenced by breed in which Malya does had higher (46.48%) twinning rate than that of
Sukuma does (20.49%). Genetic parameters were computed based on Malya sires.
Heritability estimates for 32 weeks weight, yearling weight, pre-weaning growth rate,
post-weaning growth rate and birth to yearling growth rate were low ranging from
0.11±0.02 to 0.18±0.02. However, moderately high heritability estimates were found for
birth weight (0.43±0.04) and slightly lower for weaning weight (0.23±0.03). Genetic
correlations between weights at different ages were positive and ranged from 0.17
between weaning weight and yearling weight to 0.49 between weaning weight and 32
weeks weight. Phenotypic correlations were low to moderate. Genetic correlations
between growth rates at different stages were positive and negative ranging from -0.39
between pre-weaning gain and post-weaning gain to 0.90 between post-weaning weight
gain and birth to yearling weight gain. Corresponding phenotypic correlations ranged
from -0.38 between pre-weaning and post-weaning growth rate to 0.89 between post-
weaning and birth to yearling growth rate. Heterosis from crossbred (Malya x Sukuma)
goats were positive for birth weight (8.19%), yearling weight (9.59%), post-weaning
weight gain (19.26%) and birth to yearling weight gain (9.62%). However, heterosis for
weaning weight, 32 weeks weight and pre-weaning gain were negative. Farmers preferred
crossbred goats as they performed better with many more good attributes (large body size,
94%; premium price, 92%; high growth rates, 80%) than bad attributes (prone to diseases,
16%; perform poorly in drought conditions, 8%) and they had superior body
measurements (body length, 60.58±0.46 cm; heart girth, 77.59±0.58 cm; height at withers,
66.35±0.42 cm and body weight, 35.07±0.52 kg) compared to body measurements of
Sukuma goats (body length, 49.58±0.42 cm; heart girth, 65.07±0.54 cm; height at withers,
56.74±0.39 cm and body weight, 21.56±0.48 kg). From the study, it was concluded that
mature body size of Sukuma can be improved by crossing them with Malya goats under
farm condition with extensive system of management. Pre-weaning weight gains are
influenced by maternal environment. Moderate heritability for birth and weaning weight
suggest that selection based on these traits will improve genetic progress. Most of growth
traits are moderately correlated, so indirect selection can result into moderate correlated
response. And lastly is that farmers appreciated the crossbreeding program
A critical discourse analysis of project planning in Maasai community in Mvomero District, Tanzania
No full textA Dissertation of Arts in Project Management and EvaluationThis study employed a Fairclough framework of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) to uncover the way socio-cultural practices within Maasai community are constructed by the used discourses in project planning. Three sets of research questions guided the study: (i) What are the leading discourses used in the documents related to project implemented in the Maasai community?; (ii) How ideas and discourses related to pastoralists are produced, by whom and under who interest and in what context?; and (iii) what are the effects of discursive representation of pastoralists in a wider socio-cultural context? The study used qualitative research approach that employed CDA as an underlying methodology in an analysis of the eight project documents for the projects implemented in Maasai community in Mvomero District. In this study, CDA provided a sociological explanation of language used in the project documents with particular interest in “ideology, social relations and the relationship between text and context”. This study found that leading discourses within the analyzed documents were grounded within three broad themes: pastoralism as a problematic livelihood; nomadic lifestyle and culture; and pastoralist’s relationship with other social groups. In all of these themes, the study revealed an overwhelmed negative representation of the Maasai community. This study revealed further that the discourses used in interventions developed as a means to respond to Maasai community challenges are produced, distributed and consumed in the way that responds more to the interests of project staff and funding agencies rather than Maasai community. Further analysis found three categories of constructive effects that are attributable to the discourses used in project planning in Maasai community: identity constructive effects; social relation construction effects; and ideational function effects. The identified constructive effects were also dominated by misconceptions and negative perceptions of pastoralists that continue to marginalize them and their livelihood. The study concludes that this kind of representation iii can be regarded as misleading on Maasai community socio-cultural context which further may undermine efforts aimed at addressing different challenges associated with Maasai peoples’ welfare. Therefore, this study suggests a critical review of any development model on its relevancy on the particular environment before its adoption in development actions in the Maasai community. In addition, there should be an effective public information campaigns to help people understand and changing people’s mindset on the past longstanding drawn misconceptions in the Maasai community. Furthermore, this study suggests a full analysis on cultural, socio-economic benefits as well as political implications of the designed plans in Maasai community instead of relying only on economic aspects. Also the Maasai should be centered in local and national discourses that relate to their economic and socio-cultural contexts
Value chain analysis of the tropically adapted improved chicken in Lindi rural and Masasi Districts, Tanzania
No full textM. Sc. DissertationProviding agro- ecologically adaptive, low-inputs and high productive chickens in terms
of eggs and meat remain critical to transform smallholder chicken farmers in developing
countries from subsistence to commercial production. The provision of such chickens will
ultimately bring diverse benefits such as increased income and improved nutrition to the
society. This study was aimed at analysing the value chain for agro-ecologically adaptive,
low inputs and productive chicken in Lindi Rural and Masasi Districts. The
aforementioned districts are amongst the districts provided with the tropically adapted
improved chicken in Tanzania. Specifically, this study intended to map and characterise
actors in the tropically adapted improved chicken value chain, to determine gross margin
of different actors along the chicken value chain and to analyse factors influencing gross
margin at farm level. Data were solicited from 140 chicken value chain actors using a
structured questionnaire and checklist. Subsector mapping analysis was used to map actors
along the chicken value chain and the main actors were smallholder chicken farmers,
retailers largely small shops, chick and feed suppliers and service providers such as credit
and veterinary services. Further, gross margin analysis was used to determine profitability
of actors in the chicken value chain in which the average gross margin of smallholder
farmers was 308.8TZS per egg and for retailers it was 108.7TZS per egg. Multiple linear
regression model was used to determine factors influencing gross margin of smallholder
farmers in the study area, in which three factors viz., education level, access to market
information and number of laying hen were found to be statistically significant . Further ,
there were numbers of challenges including limited value addition, weak vertical and
horizontal coordination and diseases that inhibit the sustainability of chicken value chain.
The study recommended measures to solve these challenges in order to establish a
sustainable chicken subsector
Potential for destocking and commercialization of pastoral and agro-pastoral farming systems in Kilosa district Morogoro region, Tanzania
No full textDissertationKeeping agro-ecologically highly productive cattle breeds remains critical to the transformation of pastoralists and agro-pastoralists in developing countries from subsistence to commercial cattle production. A study was conducted to investigate the probability and potential for destocking, cattle commercialization and livelihood diversification in Kilosa district, Tanzania. Data were gathered from 132 households randomly selected from pastoral and agro-pastoral communities. Likert scale and descriptive statistics were used to evaluate the perception of smallholder farmers towards destocking larger herds of local cattle breeds. The results revealed that both pastoralists and agro-pastoralists perceived destocking of local cattle and keeping of improved cattle breeds as a viable alternative. Further, a Multiple Linear Regression Model was used to analyse factors influencing commercialization. The number of cattle owned, land for grazing and age of household head were found to be statistically significant in influencing input commercialization at (P < 0.05). For output commercialization, the number of cattle owned, age of household head at (P < 0.05) and experience in cattle keeping at (P < 0.01) were found to be statistically significant. In addition, CBA approach was used to compare profitability of keeping improved and local cattle breeds. Keeping of improved cattle breeds for beef and milk was found to be more economically viable (with BCR of 1.60 and NPV of TZS 32 143 948.24) and average milk yield of 7.7 litres per cow per day than both keeping local cattle breeds, such as Boran (with BCR of 1.43 and NPV of TZS 23 705 381.59) and TSZ (with BCR of 1.35 and NPV of 18 741 230.18 TZS) with average milk yield of 1.9 litres per cow per day. The uptake and keeping of improved cattle breeds for sustainable and improved household income, food security and livelihoods of pastoral and agro-pastoral communities is highly recommended
A Geospatial Approach to Sustainable Urban Planning: Lessons for Morogoro Municipal Council, Tanzania
No full textSustainable urban planning is essential in mediating the natural and built environments
globally, yet, there is little progress as regards its attainment in developing countries. Rapid and unplanned urbanization continue to threaten the sustainability of many cities in Africa. By selecting Morogoro Municipal Council (MMC) in Tanzania as an example, this study applied well-known remote sensing techniques to understand the dynamics of urban growth and the implications for sustainable urban planning. The study analyzes spatio-temporal characteristics for eighteen years (2000–2018) based on urban land density using gradient and grid-based analysis to further examine land use and urban land density nexus. The results indicate declining urban land densities with distance to the city center, indicating a less compact and fragmented development at the urban fringes; and northward development with limited development to the south of MCC. The knowledge and understanding of the patterns of spatio-temporal conditions, land use planning, and management interventions in MMC are necessary for addressing the inadequacies associated with rapid urbanization within the study area. On this basis, we propose a shift from the modernist to the communicative planning strategy that strongly integrates the urban social, economic, and environmental imperatives, while being adaptable to evolving realities. This plan should also aim to curtail urban sprawl and create a viable city system and economically prosperous city structure for MMC