SUAIRE (Sokoine Univ. of Agriculture)
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The role of AfCFTA in enhancing capital accumulation through vegetables and fruits trade: a case of Tanzania
No full textJournal articleTanzania's ratification of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presents an
opportunity to enhance regional trade and stimulate capital accumulation in the fruits and vegetables
sectors. This paper is based on a study that explored how trade liberalization driven by AfCFTA can
promote capital accumulation through increased net exports, the reinvestment of trade surpluses, and
improved financial linkages. Using the Dynamic Equilibrium Model for Economic Development,
Resources, and Agriculture (DEMETRA)—a single-country computable general equilibrium (CGE)
model—and the Modular Applied General Equilibrium Tool (MAGNET), a global multiregional
CGE model, the study simulated two trade liberalization scenarios: (i) tariff-only reductions and (ii)
reductions combining both tariff and non-tariff measures (NTMs). These scenarios were evaluated
across four trade schedules: Revenue from Tariff (REV), which focused on optimizing government
revenue; Agricultural Trade (AGR), which prioritized food security and market access; Intermediate
Inputs Trade (INT), which supported industrialization through supply chain enhancements; and
Revealed Comparative Advantage (RCA), which targeted competitive export sectors. The study
findings indicate that the Tariff + NTM scenario yielded be er trade outcomes, with net exports for
fruits projected to reach 115.79 billion TZS and for vegetables 86.26 billion TZS by 2035, compared
to 112.25 billion TZS and 83.48 billion TZS, respectively, under the Tariff-only scenario. The RCA
and INT schedules generated the most significant trade surpluses, highlighting the importance of
strategic tariff reductions and targeted trade facilitation. Key policy recommendations include
reducing NTMs through streamlined customs procedures, investing in export-support infrastructure
such as cold storage and transport networks, and enhancing competitiveness through value addition
and regional market integration. These measures would maximize the benefits of AfCFTA in
strengthening Tanzania's agricultural trade, fostering capital reinvestment, and ensuring long-term
economic resilience
Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Nematodes in Silvery Mole-Rats in the Morogoro Region, Tanzania
No full textJournal ArticleExploring the nematode diversity in silvery mole rats opens up a fascinating avenue for
understanding the intricate relationships between underground-dwelling mammals and their parasites. It is
intriguing to consider the potential transmission of parasitic zoonotic between humans, livestock, and
silvery mole rats due to the notable interactions of these animals. This study aims to acquire
crucial information about the nematode fauna in silvery mole rats in the Morogoro region, Tanzania.
A survey of nematode parasites in silvery mole rats was conducted in the Morogoro region, from March to
June 2023. Collected rats were euthanized using Diethyl Ether, and dissected to remove the gastrointestinal
tract (GIT). Adult worms were collected and preserved in 70% ethanol. A flotation method and lactophenol
mounting techniques were employed to process gastrointestinal contents and adult roundworms. The
prevalence of nematodes was computed, and a chi-square test was applied to assess the relationship, a
p-value< 0.05 was considered significant.
The examination of the gastrointestinal tract contents
revealed two nematode taxa; Physaloptera spp. and Strongyloides spp. The overall prevalence of nematode
infection was 38.69% (53/137), with Physaloptera species being the most prevalent (37.22%). Adult rats had
a lower infection risk than sub-adult rats. Female silvery mole rats were at higher risk of being infected
compared to males.
The study established two nematodes in silvery mole rats of Morogoro
region, Tanzania, which are Physaloptera spp. and Strongyloides spp
Farmers’ knowledge, attitude, and motivation for adoption of climate-smart agroforestry in two contrasting agroecosystems of Rwanda
No full textJournal ArticleGlobally, the experiences show that climate-smart agroforestry (CSAF) can contribute to sustainable agricultural
growth and rural transformation while tackling climate change. This study evaluated the interplay between
farmers’ knowledge, attitude, and motivation to adopt CSAF. The study used data from 381 farmers surveyed in
Bugesera and Rulindo regions, Rwanda. Bugesera, in the semi-arid savannah lowlands, and Rulindo, in the
temperate central highlands, were purposively selected for their distinct physiographic features. A questionnaire
was used to collect the data and descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and binomial logistic regression were
performed for data analysis. The results from the correlation analysis showed that various revealed factors,
including gender, civil status, education, household size, household poverty level (ubudehe), farm size, farmers’
experience in CSAF, ownership of radio and mobile phone, livestock herd size, farm-river distance, training, and
extension visits, influenced farmers’ knowledge in adopting CSAF. The most significant positive correlation was
found between owning a mobile phone and farmers’ knowledge, while the weakest positive correlation existed
between farmers’ gender and their knowledge of CSAF. These factors equally affected farmers’ attitudes, except
for statistically insignificant gender. The most significant positive correlation was between owning a mobile
phone and farmers’ attitudes, while the weakest was between extension visits and farmers’ attitudes towards
CSAF. Further, results revealed a positively significant relationship between the farmers’ ages and their motivation
to adopt CSAF. Additionally, the binomial logit regression analysis showed that farmers knowledgeable
with CSAF were 2.5 times more likely to practice CSAF than farmers without such knowledge. Moreover, being
motivated by CSAF benefits increased the likelihood of adopting CSAF by 0.6 times compared to unmotivated
farmers. By filling the gap in understanding farmers’ knowledge, attitudes, and motivations toward CSAF
adoption, this study contributes to advancing sustainable agricultural practices in Rwanda. It provides a blueprint
for similar initiatives elsewhere.Sciences, Engineering and Technology-Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (PASET-RSIF) and Carnegie Corporation of New Yor
Influence of familiarity on consumer acceptance of value-added products from Justicia heterocarpa leaves
No full textJournal ArticleThis study investigated the sensory perception and consumer acceptability of value-added products derived from Justicia
heterocarpa, an underutilized indigenous leafy vegetable with potential nutritional benefits. A total of 110 participants,
comprising 80 semi-trained students unfamiliar with J. heterocarpa and 30 untrained university workers familiar with J.
heterocarpa in term of consumption and utilization. Four samples (freshly harvested, blanched dried, unblanched dried,
and fermented) were tested for consumer acceptability using a 9-point hedonic scale. The results revealed a significant
influence of the panelists on flavor (p < 0.001) and overall acceptability (p = 0.003) among familiar and unfamiliar
panelists. Unfamiliar panelists rated the flavor and general acceptability of the fermented vegetables higher. There were
significant differences in color (p < 0.0001), flavor (p = 0.0002), and general acceptability (p = 0.0235) between the familiar
and unfamiliar groups. Correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between general acceptability of flavor (r =
0.81) and texture (r = 0.65). Principal component analysis identified flavor and texture as the primary drivers of overall
acceptance. These findings offer valuable insights into the development of palatable processed J. heterocarpa. These
findings underscore the importance of carefully considering the effects of different processing methods when formulating
product development strategies to enhance consumer acceptance
Enhancing the safety of meat products through chemical and microbiological control: a review
No full textJournal ArticleIn today's market, consumers are increasingly demanding meat that is not only safe and of the
highest quality but also minimally processed and free from unnecessary additives. To meet these
evolving expectations, innovative antimicrobial systems and advanced technologies are being
developed, aligning with modern trends and lifestyles. From the moment of slaughter to the point of
sale, meat is vulnerable to contamination from various sources, both internal and external. These
protective approaches help consumer health by lowering the frequency of foodborne pathogens,
which include Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, and E. coli, among others, that trigger illness.
Implementing rigorous hygienic practices is crucial to minimising microbial risks during processing.
Chemical and microbiological control measures, such as the use of organic acids, nitrates, nitrites,
bacteriocins, and stringent temperature regulation, are employed to safeguard meat quality. The
preservation technology enables microbial deactivation alongside meat quality maintenance an
Assessing the effectiveness of employable learning pathways in vocatinal education and training in VETA Lindi and Mtwara Centers
No full textInternational Journal of Education and Social Science Research Vol. 7, Issue.5, Sep-Oct 2024, p no. 62-73This study assessed the effectiveness of employable learning pathways in Vocational Education and
Training (VET) in two Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA) centres; Lindi and
Mtwara in Tanzania. VET plays a crucial role in youth employment, but there are challenges in
ensuring that graduates' skills align with market demands. The study employed a survey research
design and gathered data from 123 respondents, including 116 trainees and seven instructors, through
closed questionnaires. The study was guided by human capital theory. Data were analysed using
SPSS version 26. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were employed to assess the
effectiveness of the curriculum in teaching methods and learning resources at those centres, as well
as to evaluate resource availability. Findings revealed that work-based learning particularly industrial
attachments positively impacts skills development, but language barriers, outdated equipment and
inadequate resources hinder effectiveness. The study concluded that there is a need for improved
language support programs, and modern facilities to enhance VET outcomes. The study recommends
that improving infrastructure in vocational institutes and resource compatibility with industry
standards can better equip students for the job market, thus reducing youth unemployment in Tanzania
Traditional knowledge and use of wild cowpeas (Vigna unguiculata) in selected communities of Tanzania
No full textJournal articleWild cowpeas are utilized as food, medicine, and nutritious fodder. However,
there are limited reports on the cultural significance of wild cowpeas across
different agroecologies of Tanzania. This study analyzed the traditional knowledge
and identified the most culturally important species. The study involved 260
respondents interviewed from 13 villages in seven districts, using descriptive
and ethnobotanical methods to assess traditional knowledge. Fisher’s exact test
(p = 0.0403) revealed that knowledge of wild cowpeas depends on age, not gender
and education. A Pearson’s test showed significant differences in use categories of
wild cowpeas among the respondents, with 31% as animal fodder, 6% as medicine,
3.5% as food, and 2.5% as green manure, while 57% did not use it. Spearman rank
correlations revealed positive correlations among the variables tested, with FC
and UR significantly having a high correlation index of 0.98, while the cultural
value (CVe) index highly correlated with all ethnobotany indices evaluated. Vigna
dekindtiana is the most culturally significant species, with the highest frequency
of citation (FCs = 20), use reports (URs = 27), and cultural importance (CIs = 1.125).
The leaves of V. dekindtiana have been used as animal feed and vegetables, while
its roots have been used to treat gastrointestinal disorders. This study revealed
that wild cowpeas can be utilized in various ways, such as ecological and social
aspects, and in breeding programs to improve cultivated cowpeas
Contextual drivers of climate-smart agroforestry adoption in Bugesera and Rulindo agroecosystems of Rwanda
No full textJournal ArticleThis study examined 381 farmers from two regions in Rwanda to investigate how contextual factors at the field
level interact with climate-smart agroforestry (CSAF) practices. Farmers were categorized as low (LAD), medium
(MAD), and high (HAD) adopters based on tree counts. Various contextual factors — notably location, demographics,
assets, farm characteristics, and institutional variables — were analyzed using descriptive statistics,
Pearson correlation, logit regression, and propensity score matching. Farmers in Bugesera had larger farms and
higher tree counts than those in Rulindo, resulting in greater farm income in Bugesera. Positive correlations were
found among altitude, slope, erosion class, gender, household size, poverty level, income source, marital status,
education, farm area, cropping practices, farm-river distance, changes in CSAF cover, population dynamics, and
LAD. CSAF farms outperformed monoculture farms regarding cassava, maize, and bean yields, particularly in
Bugesera and Rulindo among larger landholdings. Logit regression analysis showed that combinations of
multipurpose trees and crop planting significantly improved farm yields, with household size and farm size being
critical factors for CSAF adoption. Propensity score matching confirmed the positive effects of CSAF practices on
farm yield and income, contributing to enhanced rural well-being. These findings underscore the crucial role of
CSAF in promoting well-being. The results encourage stakeholders to develop strategies for CSAF. While these
findings are specific to local contexts, they may hold potential relevance at regional and global levels. This of charcoal to the City of Kigali, rendering it treeless and semi- arid. Concerted efforts are needed to develop irrigation schemes and subsidize tree seedlings for farmers to contend with drought and increase and sustain production in this region, known as food insecure
Competences of agricultural extension agents in dissemination of climate change adaptation strategies in Misungwi district, Tanzania
No full textJournal articleThis paper assessed the awareness and competencies of extension agents regarding climate
change in Tanzania, utilizing questionnaires from 64 agents and analysing data through descriptive
statistics. Results indicated a high knowledge level, with an overall mean score of 6.36; 70.3%
identified drought and extreme weather as significant climate change effects, and 82.8%
recognized soil conservation as vital for adaptation. However, knowledge gaps were noted in crop
diversification (53.1%) and climate-resilient crop varieties (46.9%). Skills assessment yielded a
mean score of 6.8, with 70.3% competent in recommending mulching and drip irrigation, and 75.0%
guiding farmers in organic farming. Attitudes towards climate adaptation were generally positive, with a mean score of 3.97; 73.5% valued continuous learning. Yet, practice inconsistencies
emerged, as only 23.4% frequently recommended climate-resilient practices and 37.5% regularly
implemented innovative solutions. Institutional support was inadequate, with the highest support
observed in policy availability (54.7%), while the lowest was in digital tool provision, as none of the
extension agents (100%) had access to such resources. The findings suggest that enhanced
training, improved communication, and better resource allocation are essential for strengthening
extension agents' roles in aiding farmers' climate change adaptation in Tanzania
Analysing rice (Oryza sativa L.) production trends area harvested, quantity and yield stability in Tanzania
No full textResearch articleThis study examined the trends in rice (Oryza sativa L.) production and yield stability in Tanzania, with a focus on harvested
area, total production, and yield per unit land area. We utilized data from FAOSTAT (https://w
ww.fao.org/faostat/en/#
home), focusing on the "Production Domains (Crop and Livestock Products)" for the "United Republic of Tanzania."
Filters were applied for "Area harvested," "Yield," and "Production Quantity" under "Items (Crops, Primary)" for the period
2000–2022. Other data and information were obtained from literature and government official reports. Mixed statistical
analyses (Univariate and Multivariate) were performed. The univariate was performed to assess harvested area, total
production, and grain yield through descriptive statistics, while multivariate analysis examined relationships among these
variables and yield stability using Generalized Linear Models (GLMs) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The results
revealed a significant increase in the area harvested, peaking at 481,000 hectares in 2020, compared to 250,000 hectares
in 2000. Yield fluctuations were notable, with a significant decline in 2008 (− 729.29 kg ha−1) followed by a recovery in
2018 (791.28 kg ha−1). A strong positive correlation was confirmed between harvested area and production (0.00035791)
and yield (0.0013233). PCA results demonstrated that the first three principal components accounted for 87% of the total
variance. Statistical tests showed substantial yield differences between 2000 and 2010, reaching 720,690.1 kg ha− 1, with
yield stability between 2021 and 2022 noted, resulting in a minor difference of 18,802.6 kg ha−1. The findings reveal that
harvested area significantly affects rice production, but yield variability remains a challenge. While expanding cultivated
areas has increased output, yield stability is a concern. This emphasizes the need for targeted strategies to optimize
cultivation and enhance food security amid changing agricultural conditions