EANSO East African Nature and Science Organization Journals
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Factors for Improving the Reliability of Inter-City Buses in Tanzania: The Case Study of Dar es Salaam
Get PDFFrequent inter-city bus breakdowns, delays, and safety concerns have become common issues, undermining passenger confidence and the system’s overall efficiency. The study aimed to identify the factors affecting the reliability of inter-city buses and to develop a maintenance management model to improve the reliability of inter-city buses in Tanzania, specifically in the case of Dar es Salaam. The methodology used in this research was a mixed-method approach, combining field surveys, observation, and questionnaires. The data were collected from 96 respondents, including bus owners, maintenance personnel, and drivers, while 36 buses were physically inspected. The data were analysed using statistical software. The results show that the variables linked to mechanical breakdowns, specifically suspension, engine, and transmission systems, were the most failure-prone components. In addition, management and maintenance factors, specifically maintenance planning, the age of buses, maintenance records, the budget for maintenance, and spare parts issues, indicated strong positive results. The maintenance management model and structure were developed and validated using empirical monthly bus data over 11 months. The validation employed a holdout method where the model’s predicted outputs were compared with the actual recorded reliability. The average actual value obtained was 91% and the average predicted reliability was 81%, showing a prediction accuracy gap of 10%. The closest alignment confirms the model’s reliability in reflecting the applicability in the real world. The study recommends adopting the developed maintenance management model to improve the reliability of inter-city buses
Development of a Maintenance Management Model to Improve the Availability Performance of Water Pumping Systems: A Case of Dodoma Urban Water Supply Authority
Get PDFThe Dodoma Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Authority (DUWASA) faces critical maintenance challenges in efficiently managing water pumping systems across the region, resulting in reactive maintenance decisions that reduce system availability to 65% compared to the industry standard of 95% (World Bank, 2023). This study developed a comprehensive maintenance management model to address optimal resource distribution and enhance water pumping system availability through evidence-based decision-making frameworks (Ahmad & Kamaruddin, 2012). The research employed a mixed-methods design utilising stratified random sampling of 65 pumping systems from 77 total systems across multiple operational zones. Comprehensive data collection involved questionnaires, structured interviews, data logger monitoring, and detailed system condition assessments focusing on seven critical parameters: ambient temperature variations, voltage fluctuations, equipment age, water mineral content (salinity), availability of spare parts, suspension system failures, and seasonal changes in water levels (Kiliç et al., 2017). Relative Importance Index (RII) analysis revealed ambient temperature variations as the most significant factor (RII = 0.874), followed by voltage fluctuations (RII = 0.846) and water mineral content (RII = 0.837). Multiple regression analysis generated a robust predictive model with strong statistical performance (R² = 0.699), indicating that the seven technical factors explain approximately 70% of system availability performance variance (Sharma & Srivastava, 2018). The resulting regression equation: Water Pumping System Availability = 0.990 - 0.220(Ambient Temperature) - 0.010(Voltage Fluctuations) - 0.410(Equipment Age) - 0.110(Water Mineral Content) + 0.210(Spare Parts Availability) + 0.670(Suspension System Management) + 0.080(Seasonal Water Level Management) provides a quantitative framework for maintenance decision-making. The developed Water Pumping System Maintenance Management Model (WPSMM) represents a computerised application featuring system inventory management, condition monitoring protocols, maintenance team coordination, and performance monitoring capabilities (Poór et al., 2020). System validation across 12 months of operational data demonstrated effective performance prediction with an overall accuracy of 89.48% compared to the actual availability of 90%, confirming the model's practical applicability. This research contributes a context-specific, resource-constraint-aware maintenance framework that enables evidence-based maintenance decisions, facilitating the transition from reactive to proactive maintenance practices while enhancing system availability, extending asset life, and providing a replicable model for similar water utilities in developing countries (Pathirana et al., 2021)
Effects of Co-sensitising Chlorophyll and Betanin dyes on Optical Absorption properties and Photovoltaic performance of titanium dioxide-based Dye-S
Get PDFTo address the increasing energy demands, renewable energy technologies, such as Dye-Sensitised Solar Cells (DSSCs), are considered due to their low fabrication costs and environmental friendliness. However, to date, reduced optical absorption and low carrier collection are the primary reasons for the low Power Conversion Efficiency (PCE) of DSSCs. Previous studies have shown that natural dyes are potential sensitisers and co-sensitisers that enhance the performance of these solar cells. The present work focused on the application of natural dyes, betanin (Beta vulgaris) and chlorophyll (Spinacea oleracea), in DSSCs synthesised using titanium dioxide (TiO2) mesoporous films. The pigments were blended in a 1:1 volume ratio. The measurements of optical characteristics were performed using a UV-Vis spectrometer (400-800 nm), while an FT-IR spectrometer was used to determine functional groups. Chlorophyll had a broad absorption peak at 427 and 673 nm, whereas betanin showed a peak at 527 nm. The spectral interactions were confirmed by the shift of chlorophyll peaks to 440 and 671 nm, whereas betanin exhibited a bathochromic shift of 22 nm in the composite dye, respectively. FT-IR analysis revealed the presence of various functional groups, including O-H, C=O, C-H, and C-O, which are essential for light absorption and binding to TiO2. The co-sensitised DSSCs showed enhanced photovoltaic performance compared to the single-dye cells with a current density (JSC) of 1.22 mA/cm2, open-circuit voltage (VOC) of 0.63 V, and PCE of 0.56 %. These results demonstrate that natural dye co-sensitisation can be a practical approach for enhancing light trapping and efficiency in DSSCs, offering a sustainable alternative for solar energy application
Harnessing the Potentials of Free, Prior and Informed Consent in Tanzanian Legislation for Natural Resources Governance
Get PDFFree, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) is a necessary peace and harmony vessel in natural resource governance as it empowers communities to defend their resource rights in all resource-rich countries. Tanzania is a renowned, natural resource-rich country; hence, the exploitation of its natural resources is inevitable. The natural resource exploitation causes negative impacts on the lives of the people in which the resource exploitation projects are located. Embarking on FPIC in natural resource governance schemes is a dual gateway where communities safeguard their rights in respect of natural resources and investors get assured of a Social Licence to Operate (SLO). This paper examines the prevalence of FPIC rights internationally and whether internationally recognised FPIC can be ascertained and implemented in Tanzania to enable Project Affected People(s) (PAPs) to either “give” or “withhold” consent in pursuit of resource exploitation-associated rights. Doctrinal legal research methodology was employed to examine FPIC insights internationally and domestically, and to assess whether Tanzania can learn through the international FPIC platform in legislating for FPIC domestically. International and Tanzanian legal instruments were examined and pegged to determine the extent to which FPIC prevails in Tanzania. Content analysis and syllogism were used to analyse the contents. The results reveal that FPIC is internationally established and honoured. However, Tanzanian laws only gesture some FPIC principles; and the said FPIC gestures are not enshrined in any independent law. FPIC principles in Tanzania are just superficially and indirectly inferred in various law(s) related to natural resources. This paper recommends explicit legislated FPIC rights in Tanzania as they enhance good governance in the natural resource sector
Analysis of Electronic Land Title Deeds and the Issuance of the Electronic Documents in Tanzania Mainland
Get PDFThis study provides an analysis of electronic land title deeds and the issuance of electronic documents in Tanzania Mainland, focusing on the legal, procedural, and technological aspects of digitised land administration. Traditionally, land registration in Tanzania relied on manual, paper-based processes that were slow, susceptible to errors, and vulnerable to fraudulent practices. To address these challenges, the government introduced the Integrated Land Management Information System (ILMIS) to digitise land records, improve efficiency, enhance transparency, and reduce delays in the issuance of land titles. Despite this technological advancement, existing laws, including the Land Act [Cap. 113 R.E. 2025], Village Land Act [Cap. 114 R.E. 2024], Land Registration Act [Cap. 334 R.E. 2023], and Evidence Act [Cap. 6 R.E. 2022] continue to assume paper-based systems, creating gaps in procedural clarity, recognition of electronic documents, dispute resolution, and data security. Using a doctrinal approach, the study critically examines statutes, regulations, policies, and scholarly literature to analyse how electronic land title deeds are issued and the challenges arising from the current legal framework. The findings indicate that statutory recognition for electronic titles remains limited, definitions for digital processes are largely absent, institutional adoption is slow, cybersecurity risks are significant, and legal mechanisms for resolving disputes involving electronic documents are underdeveloped. These issues limit the full operational potential of ILMIS and create uncertainty for landowners, investors, and government institutions. The study highlights the need for legal and institutional reforms to strengthen the issuance of electronic land title deeds. Recommended measures include updating existing land laws to formally recognise electronic titles, incorporating digital procedures into the Registration of Documents Act, amending the Evidence Act to account for electronic records, establishing subsidiary regulations for e-titles, and integrating robust cybersecurity safeguards
Development of Maintenance Fund Allocation Prioritisation Model for District Road: A Case of Makete District – Njombe Region (TARURA)
Get PDFRoad infrastructure is critical for socio-economic development in rural Tanzania, yet the Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA) faces severe funding constraints, with annual budgets covering only 30% of required maintenance needs. In Makete District, TARURA manages 700km of district roads with funding of 1.2-2.8 billion Tanzanian Shillings, far below the 5.5 billion required for optimal maintenance. The current allocation system lacks systematic prioritisation, relying on subjective decisions that fail to optimise limited resources in this challenging mountainous terrain. This study developed a maintenance fund allocation prioritisation model for district roads in Makete District. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 80 stakeholders through structured questionnaires and field observations. Relative Importance Index (RII) analysis identified seven critical factors: Traffic Volume (0.913), Road Physical Condition (0.905), Connectivity to Essential Services (0.905), Maintenance Cost-Effectiveness (0.903), Geographical Challenges (0.903), Economic Importance (0.900), and Rainfall and Drainage Requirements (0.898). A multiple linear regression model was developed with strong statistical validity (R² = 0.782, p < 0.001): Y = 0.11 + 0.12(RC) + 0.21(TV) + 0.12(CES) + 0.13(MCE) + 0.14(GC) + 0.24(EI) + 0.13(RDR). Model validation across six road segments demonstrated consistent, rational prioritisation rankings aligned with infrastructure needs. The study successfully transformed subjective maintenance fund allocation into an objective, data-driven process that balances technical, economic, social, and environmental considerations. This research provides TARURA with a practical decision-support tool for efficient resource allocation and offers a methodology adaptable to other rural districts facing similar infrastructure management challenge
Analysis of Climate Variability Trends and Local Perceptions in Kieni West Sub-County, Kenya
Get PDFIt is indisputable today that climate variability has taken place all over the world having huge impacts on ecosystems. Precipitation and rainfall are among the most notable changes of climate variability, majorly as a result of natural phenomena or anthropogenic activities contributing to global climatic extremes such as heatwaves, snow, droughts, and flooding. The aim of this study was to analyze trends of climate variability and local perceptions in Kieni West sub-county, Kenya. A mixed methods research design was employed where both quantitative and qualitative data were used. Gridded rainfall and temperature data was obtained from the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) for the period between 1988 and 2018. Mann-Kendall (MK) test statistic was used to detect climate trends in time series data and their statistical significance. Coefficient of Variation (CV) was employed to detect variations in seasonal rainfall both in short and long rain seasons. Pearson Coefficient of Correlation (r) was used to establish the relationship between rainfall and temperatures for the period 1988-2018. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics whereas qualitative data was analyzed by establishing themes and patterns. Data presentation was done by use of figures, tables as well as narratives. The findings revealed that annual rainfall had been decreasing by 6.294mm/year (p > .05) while annual temperatures had been increasing significantly at 0.021oC/year (p < .05). Correlation analysis between annual rainfall and mean annual maximum temperatures revealed a weak negative correlation (r (29) = .23, p =.213) whereas there was an insignificant weak positive linear relationship between annual rainfall and mean annual minimum temperatures (r (29) = .08, p = .688). Additionally, Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed a non-significant small positive relationship between mean monthly rainfall and mean monthly maximum temperatures (r (10) = .27, p = .391) and a significant large positive correlation between mean monthly rainfall and mean monthly minimum temperatures (r (10) = .79, p =.002). The majority of respondents observed decreased rainfall (83%) and increased temperatures (71%) in the area. The study concludes that climate variability is taking place in Kieni West sub-county, Keny
Urban Wetland Restoration and Its Impact on the Ecological and Socioeconomic Benefits. A Case Study of Nyandungu Eco-Tourism Park in Rwanda (2016-2024)
Get PDFA wetland is a vital ecosystem characterised by its water-saturated conditions, either permanently or seasonally. It includes areas such as swamps, marshes, and bogs, which support diverse plant and animal life that has adapted to these unique conditions. This study examined "Urban Wetland Restoration and Its Impact on the Ecological and Socioeconomic Benefits: A Case Study of Nyandungu Eco-Tourism Park in Rwanda (2016-2024)." The study employed a mixed-methods approach to assess the ecological and socioeconomic impacts of Nyandungu Eco-Tourism Park’s wetland restoration (2016–2024). Quantitative surveys captured visitor experiences, spending patterns, and environmental awareness, alongside local community perceptions of benefits, enabling analysis of social and economic outcomes. Semi-structured interviews with stakeholders (park managers, officials, experts, and community leaders) provided qualitative insights into management challenges, conservation strategies, and plans. Secondary data, academic literature, government reports, and environmental studies contextualised the findings, while remote sensing (2016 vs. 2024 orthophotos) quantified ecological changes. This triangulation of primary and secondary sources ensured a holistic evaluation of restoration impacts. The results demonstrated that the Nyandungu wetland restoration project successfully transformed a degraded area into a thriving ecosystem. Key statistics highlight this transformation: the reintroduction of 62 native plant species, the planting of 17,000 indigenous trees, and the establishment of habitats for over 100 bird species. Furthermore, the project created approximately 4,000 green jobs, with 50% of the local population perceiving improvements. Correlation analysis reveals strong positive relationships between restoration efforts and ecological (r=0.87-0.95), economic (r=0.76-0.82), and social dimensions (r=0.72-0.79), all with statistical significance (p≤0.05). The findings offer critical insights into the multidimensional impacts of urban wetland restoration, demonstrating the potential of such interventions to simultaneously address community development objectives. By focusing on the Nyandungu Eco-Tourism Park, this study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on sustainable urban ecosystem management and provides valuable recommendations for future wetland restoration efforts in Rwanda and similar contexts
Assessment of the Causes and Effects of Deforestation in Lakes State of South Sudan
Get PDFDeforestation is a serious global challenge which adversely affects the environment, human well-being and climate stability, especially in fragile ecosystems and threatens environmental resilience worldwide. Trees are important for the provision of forest products such as food and medicines and the regulation of temperatures, as well as preventing soil erosion and water loss in Lakes State. The objective of this study is to assess the causes and effects of deforestation in Lakes State of South Sudan, as well as the effectiveness of existing laws and policies in the governance of forest resources. This study employed a descriptive research design and purposive sampling was used to select 80 key informants who included forest officers, local farmers and community leaders. Data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires and analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Findings from the study reveal that the main causes of deforestation include cutting down trees for economic activities such as logging, expansion of subsistence agriculture, demand for fuel wood, urban expansion and recurrent wildfires. The effects include declining agricultural productivity, biodiversity loss, such as teak and mahogany, increased soil erosion and increased vulnerability of the community to the impacts of climate change. Even though there is the existence of forest laws and policies, their enforcement is weak due to inadequate public awareness and institutional capacity. Deforestation is occurring at an alarming rate and, if unaddressed, will adversely affect the environment and livelihoods. The study recommends that the government and relevant stakeholders implement alternative energy programs and stringent enforcement of forest conservation laws and policies. Promotion of the use of alternative energy, such as hydroelectric, solar and wind energy, could reduce reliance on wood-based energy sources, thus mitigating the effects of deforestation and climate change in Lakes State
Combined Effects of Climate Variability, Socioeconomic Factors, and Indigenous Agroforestry on Agricultural Productivity and Livelihood Resilience in Wayu Tuka and Guto Gida Woredas, Ethiopia
Get PDFThis study explores the combined impacts of climate variability, socioeconomic factors, and indigenous agroforestry practices on agricultural productivity and livelihood resilience among 400 smallholder farmers in Wayu Tuka and Guto Gida Woredas, Oromia, Ethiopia. Climate variability, marked by a 10–20% decline in rainfall and a 1.85°C temperature increase over the period from 1955 to 2023, poses significant challenges to rain-fed agricultural systems, leading to reduced crop yields, degraded soil fertility, and diminished water retention capacity. These changes threaten the livelihoods of smallholder farmers who depend on crops such as maize, teff, and sorghum, as well as livestock rearing, for their sustenance and income. The research integrates quantitative and qualitative methods, utilising household surveys, climate data spanning 1998 to 2022, and key informant interviews to assess how these factors interact. Analytical tools, including multiple linear regression, random forest regression, and ANCOVA, were applied using R software with packages such as stats, randomForest, ggplot2, and corrplot to model relationships between variables. Findings reveal that socioeconomic factors, particularly education and larger family sizes, significantly enhance farmers’ adaptive capacity, enabling better adoption of resilience strategies. However, gender disparities limit women’s engagement in agroforestry, with male farmers showing higher adoption rates due to greater access to land and resources. Indigenous agroforestry systems, incorporating tree species like Eucalyptus globulus, Faidherbia albida, and Acacia decurrens, contribute substantially to household income, accounting for 34.35% through timber, fodder, and ecosystem services such as soil fertility enhancement and water retention. Agroforestry ranks as the third most effective adaptation strategy, following new crop varieties and livestock diversification, as evidenced by correlation matrices and income diversification charts. These systems stabilise agricultural productivity during climate shocks, particularly droughts, which affect 78.8% of farmers. The study emphasises the need for gender-inclusive policies to address disparities in agroforestry adoption, alongside increased investment in education to bolster adaptive capacity. Recommendations include scaling up agroforestry extension services, particularly for nitrogen-fixing species, and aligning interventions with Ethiopia’s Climate-Resilient Green Economy strategy to promote sustainable livelihoods. By integrating climate-smart agroforestry with socioeconomic empowerment, this research highlights pathways to enhance resilience in climate-vulnerable rural communities, contributing to sustainable development goals related to food security, climate action, and ecosystem restoration