East African Journal Of Science, Technology and Innovation
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Determinants of the Adoption of Charco Dam Rainwater Harvesting Technology by Pastoralists in Semi-Arid Areas of Monduli District in Tanzania
Full text linkThe use of water harvesting ponds in Tanzania known as charco dams in watering livestock have been developed to enhance livestock production in semi-arid areas. However, the adoption of charco dam has been very low. This paper examined the determinants of the adoption of charco dam by pastoralists in semi-arid areas of Monduli District in Tanzania. The study used a cross-sectional research design where data were collected at a single point in time. Quantitative data were collected by using pre-tested structured questionnaire from 367 respondents who were randomly selected from seven villages, namely Moita Kipok, Moita Kilorit, Kilimatinde, Moita Bwawani, Makuyuni, Mbuyuni and Naiti in Monduli District. The collected data was entered into SPSS.20 for analysis. Data was analysed using frequency, percentages, and a binary logistic regression model. The study results show that the intervening factors (perceived advantages and disadvantages of charco dam) have a slightly high influence on the adoption of charco dam with predictive power R2 ranging from 29.5 to 44.5 per cent as compared to independent variables with predictive power R2 ranging from 27 to 37 per cent at a 5 per cent level of significance. Furthermore, the study results indicate that the independent variables namely socio-economic factors specifically age (p=0.000), household size (p=0.002), off-farm income (p=0.025), livestock keeping experience (0.001), herd size (0.002) and institutional factors including access to extension services (p=0.030) and subsidies (p=0.005) have an influence on the adoption of charco dam. This study recommends policymakers to devote more weight to perceived advantages and disadvantages of charco dam technology while constructing charco dam rainwater harvesting projects in order to influence pastoralists to accept the technology and increase water access for livestock in semi-arid areas
Unlocking the economic potential of Hyphaene species known as mikoche in Tanzania
Full text linkHyphaene, commonly referred to as mkoche (Plural Mikoche) and in Swahili, is a species belonging to the Palmae (Arecaceae) family and is found in various parts of Africa, including Maputaland coastal plains in southern Mozambique, Turkana, Samburu, and Marsabit in Kenya, and the coastal regions of Tanzania and Kenya. Despite its widespread presence and resistance to climate change, the economic potential of mikoche in Tanzania has yet to be fully unlocked. Therefore, a comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify the various uses of the Hyphaene tree globally, which could further be fully exploited within Tanzania. The findings revealed that the fruit of the Hyphaene tree is a good source of fibre, antioxidants, B-complex vitamins, essential minerals, monosaccharides, essential oil, and flavonoids, which are important compounds for human nutrition and health. In addition, H. coriacea produces edible nuts and palm wine in Maputaland coastal plains in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, and H. coriacea is known to produce edible oil from its nuts. Furthermore, the tree is used as a construction material for shelter, and its leaves are used to make woven products such as baskets, mats, and hats due to their strength and fibre length. Therefore, with favourable conditions for mikoche growth in Tanzania, particularly in the coastal regions, mikoche can contribute to the economy by using its various parts to produce food and non-food products. However, further research is required to understand the diversity of uses, consumption constraints, and opportunities for mikoche as a natural resource in Tanzania
The effects of atoxigenic A. flavus co-applied with T. asperellum on the population dynamics of toxigenic A. flavus in the soil
Full text linkAspergillus flavus is an important aflatoxigenic fungal specie infecting crops from production to storage. Contamination of foods and their products by these mycotoxins has become a problem worldwide; in Tanzania, related deaths were reported in 2017. This study focused on assessing the effectiveness of atoxigenic Aspergillus flavus, Trichoderma asperellum and a co-inoculated atoxigenic A.flavus and T.asperellum on the population dynamic of toxigenic A.flavus in the soil. A pot experiment was set in the screen house where a known concentration of fungal inoculum was added to the sterile soil. Aspergillus spp. were isolated from soil samples by dilution plate techniques on Modified Dichloran Rose Bengal (MDRB) agar and sub-cultured on potato dextrose agar (PDA). Identification was made using morphological and microscopic characteristics of culture in PDA media. Total colony forming units (CFU g-1 of soil) and incidence percent were derived from colony count data recorded. R-statistical software version 4.0.4 was used to analyse the collected data. There was a significant difference between treatments on reducing the population (CFU/g) of toxigenic A.flavus in soil (p< 2.2×10-16). Co-inoculated T.asperellum and atoxigenic A.flavus significantly reduced the population (CFU g-1 of soil) of toxigenic A.flavus to 1.4×105 CFU g-1 of soil as compared to control treatment 4.5×105 CFU g-1 of soil. There was a strong positive correlation (p<0.001) between the incidence percent and population of toxigenic A.flavus in the soil under different biocontrol treatments. Co-inoculated T. asperellum and atoxigenic A. flavus had the lowest incidence of 36.3% to other treatments. The findings of this study demonstrate that co-inoculated atoxigenic A.flavus and T.asperellum was effective biocontrol treatment for reducing the population of Aspergillus flavus in the soil ecosystem
Effect of harvesting stage on postharvest quality of black pepper piper nigrum l. cultivars grown in Morogoro, Tanzania
Full text linkOptimal harvest maturity stage determines the on-shelf quality of black pepper (Piper nigrum L.). Small-scale farmers in Morogoro harvest black pepper before reaching full maturity to catch up with high market prices offered early in the season. Unfortunately, traders are complaining on the quality of black pepper from the area. This study evaluated the effect of harvesting stages on post-harvest quality of pepper cultivars grown in the Morogoro district. Pepper cultivars; Babu kati, Babu kubwa, and Ismailia at premature and mature stages were dried on coconut leaves mats to suitable drying stage. Treatments in a 2 x 3 factorial experiment following a complete randomized design (CRD) were replicated thrice. Statistical significance of variables was generated by ANOVA and mean separation by Tukey HSD test at p ≤ 0.05. Results showed a significant (p<0.001) difference between harvest stages and cultivars on berry colour, moisture content, berry firmness, dry recover and weight loss percentage. Pepper berries at pre-mature stage across cultivars had higher (79.11%) initial moisture content than mature berries (71.6%). Mature berries had higher dry recovery percentage (28.84%) than pre mature (15.78%). Mature “Ismailia” berries had the highest firmness (10.5kg/mm2) than premature (5.8 kg/mm2). During sun drying, colour values L*(brightness), and b* (yellowness) decreased significantly while greenness decreased as a* values increased from more negative values to zero in both harvesting stages as pepper berries darkened. Colour changes were sharper on mature than pre-mature harvested pepper corns. These findings will help farmers to make right decision on when to harvest for quality black pepper product. Farmers are recommended to harvest black pepper when mature for better firmness and colour development during drying. Further studies are required to determine the sensory quality and volatile oil contents of the cultivars when harvested premature and mature stages
Effect of storage conditions on physico-chemical properties of cowpea leaves
Full text linkCowpea leaves are highly perishable thus to improve their utilization, there’s need for proper postharvest management. This study sought to determine the physicochemical changes of cowpea leaves during storage. The cowpea leaves were sorted and packaged using three main packaging materials; sacks, modified atmosphere packaging (cling film) and perforated trays which imitated storage in open crates. Samples were stored at different storage temperatures 30±2℃, 25±2℃ and 10±2℃. The samples under storage were observed for physiochemical changes every two days for a period of eight days. Physico-chemical parameters were significantly (p<0.05) affected by the period and temperature of storage and packaging material. Storage in high and ambient temperatures, extended storage, and tray and sack showed higher deterioration in physicochemical properties as compared to low temperatures and modified atmosphere packaging. There was a significant difference in visual appearance, aroma and the overall acceptability of cowpea leaves stored under different conditions (p< 0.05). Storage conditions had an influence on the sensory quality, nutritional quality and the shelf life of cowpea leaves. Modified atmosphere packaging at 10℃ was seen to preserve sensory with an overall acceptability mean score of 5.22 and nutritional attributes best as compared to modified atmosphere packaging, sack and tray packaging at ambient and extreme temperature storage where moisture (36.21±26.28a and 33.28±26.20a respectively), ascorbic acid (198.7±276.75a and 169.1±254.31a respectively), beta carotene (46.77±58.66a and 48.59±65.04a respectively) and color degradation (∆E 11.89±5.99a and ∆E 11.29±5.27a respectively) was higher. A combination of low temperature and modified atmosphere packaging for storage would be recommended to extend the shelf life and in turn combat post-harvest losses and increase the utilization of the vegetable. Storage temperatures, packaging materials and duration of vegetable storage are vital when it comes to extending the commercial life of fresh cowpea leaves
Risk mitigation of aflatoxin contamination in maize and its food and feed products in developing countries: a review
Full text linkFood safety is key to a health population in the developing countries along the whole value. Maize and its products’ safety from aflatoxin is a concern taking into consideration that they are highly consumed in these countries as their staple food by individuals from different socio- economic levels and upbringings. It’s used to manufacture human foods which include maize flour, grits, porridge, beers among others and animal feeds where their consumption show health benefits such as provision of vitamin B-complex for skin, heart, brain, hair and improved digestion in humans. Aflatoxin exposure from maize products and feeds consumption have been so frequent in alarming rates leading to Aflatoxicosis which is a serious health risks to consumers and livestock, maize grain scarcity and global trade impact therefore nations have set strict threshold limits. Google Scholar database was used in the research of the literature articles that are recent and related to aflatoxin in maize grains. Great emphasis is based on maize grains and feeds’ safety from aflatoxins thus this review is focused on the aflatoxin in maize in terms of research on recent toxicity data, maize contamination impacts, mitigation measures research on safe methods that can’t lead to risks due to further contamination with harmful residuals and the future interventions from the literature that should be installed considering that maize is the main food in Sub- Saharan Africa. Therefore, available mitigations are applicable and hence the government relevant bodies are required to enforce strict measures on their application while enhancing a favorable environment to partners who would be available in installation of the future predicted measures
The Determinants and Competitiveness of Rice Export in Tanzania: A Vector Error Correction Model
No full textThe rice export industry in Tanzania is seemingly performing poorly despite the country being the leading rice producer amongst the East African Community (EAC) member states. The extensive government interventions which have occurred in the industry and the existence of inward-looking trade policies such as the Common External Tariff within EAC would have resulted in increased rice exports especially, through the intra-regional trade, however this has remained more of an oratorical rather than practical attainment the reasons for which are not known with certainty. This paper is an attempt to fill this knowledge gap. The paper investigates the determinants of rice exports in Tanzania. Specifically, it examines the influence of price and non-price factors on rice exports and assesses the competitiveness of Tanzanian rice in the EAC export market. The paper uses secondary data obtained from government institutions and other international data repositories. The Vector Error Correction Model is used to capture the dynamics of rice export in Tanzania and the competitiveness of rice exported is assessed using the Revealed Comparative Advantage Model. The results show that real exchange rates, international rice prices, quantity produced and the average GDP per capita of the main importers of Tanzania rice in EAC were the key determinants of rice export performance though the commodity was found to be less competitive within the EAC and neighboring countries such as Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique which also import rice from Tanzanian. To improve rice export performance and enhance competitiveness, the country should increase production to take advantage of existing demand for rice from EAC countries and other neighboring countries.
Potential application of DNA barcoding technology for identification of medicinal plant species traded in Nairobi County, Kenya: DNA barcoding for species identification
No full textThere exists a long history of herbal products use but recently there are concerns on authenticity and safety of some these products. Majority of the herbal products traded in Kenyan markets are processed plant parts, which have been dried or in powder form and are extremely difficult to identify taxonomically. This study was carried out in selected markets in Nairobi County, the capital city of Kenya to assess authenticity of herbal products traded in the region using deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) barcoding technology by applying internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and ribulose -1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase Large subunit (rbcL) markers. One hundred and twelve herbal products were purchased from practicing herbalists and analyzed using ITS and rbcL DNA barcoding markers. DNA was extracted from acquired samples, amplified and sequences generated. BLAST search with edited generated sequences against the NCBI database was done to recover the expected species. Our findings showed that 35% of the herbal products were wrongly labeled and contained different species compared to those listed on the labels. Out of 92 samples with positive sequences, 58 matched their expected species after the BLAST search. Among the authentic species identified are O. lanceolata, M. oleifera, W. ugandensis, O. europaea, Acacia species, and C. spinarum. However, 32 species did not match the expected species as listed on labels and were concluded to have been substituted. Among them were R. prinoides, T. abyssinica, U. massaica and A. indica, which were substituted with their close relatives, while R. tridentate, Z. usambarense and Prunus africana were substituted with unrelated species with no reported medical benefits. ITS marker had remarkable identification efficiency at 98% to species level compared to rbcL at 89%. We recommend further studies to establish at what stage substitution takes place, as well as utilization of DNA barcoding technology for medicinal plants authentication and verificatio
Effects of Supplementation with different levels of a multi strain probiotic on the performance of laying chicken
Full text linkUse of antibiotic growth promoters in poultry production to enhance performance is not recommended due to accumulation of antibiotic residues in the end products which can confer antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to consumers. Inclusion of probiotics in layers diets has reportedly enhanced laying performance and egg quality without the risks of AMR. A study to determine the effect of supplementation of a multi-strain probiotic on performance and egg quality was carried. A multi-strain probiotic (MolaPlus®) was purchased from a reputable supplier and administered to laying birds via drinking water at different levels; Prob0(control), Prob2.5(2.5ml/L), Prob5(5ml/L), Prob10(10ml/L) and Prob15(15ml/L). The birds were fed on mash feed which was purchased from a reputable feed manufacturer. One hundred and fifty (150) 65-weeks old ISA Brown were recruited from a laying flock and assigned to the five (5) treatments. The feed intake, body weight, egg weight, egg specific gravity, yolk colour, eggshell weight, and thickness was recorded weekly for 5 weeks. Hen day egg production and water intake were recorded daily while the mineral content of the eggshells (Ca & P) was determined during the 1st, 3rd and 5th week. The mean daily feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR), body weight, hen day egg production, water intake, yolk colour, egg weight, specific gravity, shell weight, shell thickness and eggshell % were not influenced significantly (p > 0.05) by probiotic inclusion levels. There was a significant (p < 0.05) increase in calcium content of the shells with inclusion of probiotics with Prob5 (52.8%) being the highest. The phosphorus content of the eggshells was significantly higher (p < 0.05) for Prob5 (0.5311) and Prob15 (0.5093) compared to control (Prob0), Prob2.5 and Prob10. From the findings, it can be concluded that a multi-strain probiotic (MolaPlus®) can be included in layers diet via drinking water to improve egg qualit
Suitability of Fish Skins for Making Leather: The Case of Salmo salar and Lates niloticus
Full text linkFibre structure, selected chemical and physical properties of Salmo salar (Linnaeus, 1758) and Lates niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758) skins and leathers were studied in order to establish the leathers’ suitability in the manufacture of leather products. Microscopic examination revealed that fibres run as parallel sheets in both longitudinal and transverse sections of the fish body; this arrangement is considered to contribute to the increased strength of fish leather despite being thin. The skins’ collagen content was found to be 61.2% and 72.0% for S. salar and L. niloticus respectively implying their suitability for leather making as this is in the same range as the conventional raw materials used in the leather industry. Due to the poor hydrothermal stability of raw fish skins, the degreasing was carried on wet blue leathers. The grease content was reduced from 23.7% and 13.0% to 5.9% and 5.5% for S. salar and L. niloticus respectively. The chromic oxide content was found to be 2.98% and 2.37% for S. salar and L. niloticus respectively. Shrinkage temperature was measured using DSC and Shrinkage temperature equipment and there was a strong positive correlation between the two approaches; r2 = 0.98. The shrinkage temperature of raw skins was 43.73oC and 60.71oC while that of wet blue leathers was 77.24oC and 88.75oC for S. salar and L. niloticus respectively. The average tensile strength was 14.13 N/mm2 and 21.63 N/mm2 whereas the single-edge tear strength was 21.68 N and 132.20 N for S. salar and L. niloticus respectively. The leathers were generally well stabilized and meet the requirements for various end uses