SUAIRE (Sokoine Univ. of Agriculture)
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Multicriteria land suitability assessment for cassava and bean production using integration of GIS and AHP
No full textLand valuation is essential for developing land use planning and achieving efficient land use,
food security, and poverty reduction. This study aimed to assess land suitability for cassava
and bean production using the multicriteria decision analysis AHP technique and GIS. Land
suitability analysis considers factors affecting crop growth and development, particularly in
producing beans and cassava. The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) model was used to
determine the importance of main and sub-criteria parameters. ArcGIS software was used to
create crop suitability distribution maps for bean and cassava production. Each parameter was
subjected to pair-wise comparison by employing the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). The
study found that the southern region displayed a vastly suitable level of 38% and 46% for
beans and cassava, respectively. Farmers can use the comprehensive data to decide whether
to plant beans and cassava on their lands, increasing revenue while preserving soil quality
management. The GIS-AHP integration approach was suggested to determine optimal
decisions based on chosen criteria
Information Development - Sage Journals
No full textWildfire, Uluguru Mountains, radio, mobile phones, television, climate change, wildfire information, AFIS MerakaAbstract
This study sought to determine the contribution of radio, television and mobile phones used by local communities in disseminating and accessing information about wildfire hazards in the Uluguru Mountains Nature Reserve and assessed the extent of their usage in disseminating wildfire information. It also aimed at identifying barriers to their use in reporting wildfire incidences in the Uluguru Mountains and determined the available wildfire reduction strategies which can be improved by use of other types of ICTs. A descriptive survey method and purposive and conveniently sampling techniques were employed to select a sample of 15 key informants and 90 villagers from the three villages that were purposively selected. Questionnaires, focus group discussions, interview with key informants and participants observations were used to collect both quantitative and qualitative data. The finding show that the community living around Uluguru Mountains Nature Reserve own Radio and mobile phones although few of them owned televisions. Very few respondents reported wildfire incidence using their mobile phone, while the majority used their mobile phone for other social-economic activities. However, internet based AFIS Meraka system and handheld GPS were the most common technologies used to disseminate wildfire information. In general radio, mobile phones and televisions are not fully beneficial to the local communities. Based on the results, it was recommended that the role of modern ICTs in detecting and disseminating wildfire be encouraged among the authorities
Tea production and economic contribution to smallholder farmers in Bumbuli, Tanzania: a rigorous analysis for policy and practice
No full textThe sub Saharan Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities (SJSSH). pp. 41-49Despite its long-standing role in Tanzania’s agricultural sector, tea production among smallholder farmers
remains under-researched in terms of its actual economic contribution and the persistent structural barriers limiting its
potential. In Bumbuli District, Tanga Region, tea farming is often promoted as a viable source of income; however, the
majority of smallholders operate under resource-constrained conditions that hinder productivity and sustainability. This study
undertakes a rigorous mixed-methods analysis—drawing from surveys, interviews, and secondary data—to critically examine
how tea production contributes to smallholder livelihoods and to identify the key constraints affecting income generation.
Findings show that 78% of farmers cultivate less than three acres and that fertilizer use is strikingly low, with 95% of farmers
not applying any, contributing to average yields ranging from 1,100 to 1,500 kg per acre annually. Corresponding incomes
remain modest, between TZS 384,300 and 1,098,000 per year, and are further undermined by market uncertainties such as
frequent factory closures and persistently low producer prices averaging TZS 366 per kilogram. Additionally, the sector is
dominated by an aging population, with over 60% of farmers aged above 52, raising concerns over long-term generational
continuity. Inferential statistical analysis, particularly multivariate regression, identifies land size and adoption of agronomic
practices as significant predictors of household income, emphasizing the urgent need for targeted policy responses. These
include improving access to agricultural inputs, establishing more reliable market systems, and designing youth-inclusive
programs to revitalize tea farming as a sustainable economic activity for future generations
Morpho-syntactic analysis of sex-related euphemisms and the stretch of dysphemism in Swahili
No full textResearch articleThis paper analysed the morpho-syntax of sex-related euphemisms and their role in
stretching dysphemism in Swahili. Euphemism formation mechanisms are reliant upon
societal cultural values, which are not universal. Data were collected in Morogoro through
observations, interviews, and Informal Focus Group Discussions (IFGDs). Findings indicate
that the morpho-syntax of the noun and verb determines the formation of sex-related
euphemisms and the extent of dysphemism. In terms of noun morphosyntax, sex-related
euphemisms do not belong to the same class as taboos, amounting to 14 for male and 12
for female sexual body parts. Additionally, the class 9 agreement property -i is intentionally
used to form sex-related euphemisms, which can create humour but also stretch
dysphemism when uttered unintentionally. Regarding the morphosyntax of verbs, 40.9% of
those tested signify sex-related euphemisms in Swahili, depending on speakers' morpho-
syntactic manipulations. In conclusion, ignorance of Swahili morpho-syntactic structures may
contribute significantly to sex-related dysphemism. Therefore, this paper recommends
further study into how Swahili learners' morpho-syntactic structures may lead to sex-related
dysphemis
Competence based curriculum in practice: english curriculum implementation prospects and challenges in Mtama district secondary schools in Tanzania
No full textResearch articleThis study, conducted in Mtama District, Tanzania, addresses the challenges and highlights
prospects associated with implementing the Competence-Based Curriculum (CBC) in English
language education in secondary schools. The research, prompted by the district's observed
poor performance in English subjects and a lack of prior research, used a mixed-methods
approach involving random and purposeful sampling. The study focused on 21 English
teachers and 380 students, employing a complementary research design that integrated
qualitative methods such as interviews with quantitative techniques like Likert scale
questionnaires. The findings highlight the optimistic prospects of CBC implementation, as
perceived by both students and teachers. The curriculum is acknowledged for emphasizing
skill development, critical thinking, and real-world application. However, the study identified
significant challenges English teachers face, with external pressures and a shortage of
teaching resources standing out. External pressures, often driven by political and educational
authorities, hinder effective CBC adoption, leading to rushed syllabus coverage. Additionally,
a scarcity of materials impedes the curriculum’s delivery and effectiveness. In conclusion, the
study underscores the need for comprehensive efforts to address these challenges. It is
recommended to prioritise in-service training for English teachers, providing adequate
teaching materials, reducing class sizes, implementing language support programs, and
fostering a positive learning environment. By addressing these challenges, Mtama District can
enhance the quality of English language education, better prepare students for real-world
challenges, and contribute to the successful implementation of CB
Economic contribution of spice farming to household income on the slopes of the Uluguru Mountains, Morogoro Region, Tanzania
No full textTanzania Journal of Agricultural Sciences (2024) Vol. 23 No. 2, 351-365Spice farming is a crucial agricultural activity for smallholder farmers in the Uluguru
Mountains, Morogoro Region, Tanzania. However, the extent to which it contributes to household
income compared to other livelihood activities remains unclear. This study assesses the economic
significance of spice farming, identifies the main types of spices cultivated, and examines key
challenges affecting spice production and market access. As such, a cross-sectional research
design was employed, utilizing simple random sampling (a probability technique) to select 120
farmers from a sampling frame of 617 organic spice farmers, and purposive sampling (a nonprobability technique) to select key informants and study villages. Data collection involved
household surveys, key informant interviews, and direct field observations conducted between June
and July 2020 in four wards: Kinole, Mkuyuni, Mtombozi, and Tawa. The findings reveal that black
pepper, vanilla, and cinnamon are the predominant spices cultivated. Income derived from these
spices was significantly higher than that from other crops (p<0.007, t=2.727), underscoring their
economic importance. However, fungal diseases affecting black pepper and weak market linkages
present major challenges to farmers. The study concludes that the agro-climatic conditions on
the slopes of the Uluguru Mountains are highly suitable for spice farming but require improved
support systems. It is recommended that farmers increase investment in spice production, while
local government authorities and extension officers should enhance training on best agricultural
practices and establish stronger market linkages to boost productivity and economic returns
Genetic diversity, population genetic structure and demographic history of the Ribbontail stingray Taeniura lymma (Fabricius, 1775) (elasmobranchii: myliobatiformes: dasyatidae) along the Tanzanian coastline
No full textJournal ArticleThe Ribbontail stingray Taeniura lymma is an economically important fish and attractive species for
the aquarium trade industry. Overfishing, habitat degradation, and pollution, however, pose a threat
to this species. This study used partial mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences
(603 base pairs long) from 96 samples of T. lymma collected at five fish-landing sites (Deep
Sea-Tanga, Malindi-Unguja, Kaole-Bagamoyo, Kivukoni-Dar es Salaam, and Bandarini-Mtwara) located
along the coast of Tanzania to determine the species’ genetic diversity, population genetic structure,
and demographic history. The findings revealed an average nucleotide diversity of 0.24 ± 0.16% and
a haplotype diversity of 0.75 ± 0.04. Nucleotide and haplotype diversities were relatively low at
Kaole-Bagamoyo compared to the other studied localities. An Analysis of Molecular Variance
(AMOVA) indicated limited but statistically significant genetic differences among populations (Overall
FST = 0.09, p < 0.01). Pairwise AMOVA revealed genetic difference between the Deep Sea-Tanga
population and all other populations studied with exception of Malindi-Unguja. Analyses of
mismatch distribution, demographic history, and a haplotype network support a scenario of
historical population expansion in the studied species. Immediate effort is required to protect
population exhibiting low genetic diversity in this commercially important ray
Monitoring and evaluation vis-a-vis sustainability of forest conservation projects in Voi Sub-County, Kenya
No full textJournal articleThis study analysed the influence of monitoring and evaluation on sustainability of forest conservation projects. It assessed the extent to which monitoring and evaluation influences sustainability of forest conservation projects. The study hypothesis was that there was no statistically significant relationship between monitoring and evaluation on one hand and sustainability of forest conservation projects on the other. Monitoring and evaluation is integral in project cycle management and sustainability. The study site was Mbololo and Mwambirwa forest areas in Taita Taveta County, Kenya. The county is located about 360 Kilometres South-East of Nairobi and 200 kilometres North-West of Mombasa. A population of 28984 people distributed in 4,138 households was targeted. Mixed methods were used in data collection and analysis. A sample size of 365 household heads for quantitative data was determined using Yamane formulae. Data was collected using cluster and systematic sampling techniques. Purposive sampling facilitated selection of six respondents interviewed. Descriptive and inferential analysis techniques were used in data analysis. The study discovered that monitoring and evaluation had statistically significant influence on sustainability of forest conservation projects (F (1,351) = 3.930; p < 0.05). The null hypothesis was rejected. It concluded that monitoring and evaluation enhances sustainability of projects. It recommended that all forest conservation projects should prioritize monitoring and evaluation practices for enhanced sustainability
Survival, growth and wood properties of eucalyptus urophylla provenances in southern highlands, Tanzania
No full textMSc DissertationIn Tanzania, commercial forestry is a developing industry that plays
a key role in many important development areas, such as
construction and rural electrification, it‟s also one of the strategies
required to reduce the loss of natural forests and mitigating the
increasing shortage of wood supply. Eucalyptus urophylla has been
preferred as important forest plantation species for wood production
and it‟s among the most common Eucalyptus species planted in
Tanzania for commercial purposes. However, there is lack of reliable
sources and diversity of the materials in the country.
Tree improvement activities, like provenance testing, are essential to
ensuring high-quality timber trees by identifying the best sources of
a species for a given area in order to increase survival and
productivity. This information is required to assist in formulating the
efficient operation of a breeding programme through which the
quality and productivity of plantations may be improved. The use of
important economic traits during selection of the best provenances
has the potential to provide valuable inputs for commercial forestry
industry and conservation of breeding materials.
This study aimed at evaluating the variation within the species and
to determine the best seed sources for planting in the Southern
Highlands of Tanzania. Specifically, the study tested the variation
found in the established trial for certain economically important traits
such as survival, growth, wood basic density and stem quality. From
this, the study aimed to determine provenance differences between
these traits. This information will be used as basis for selection of
best performing provenances for future plantation establishment and
genetic conservation efforts.
The study‟s results showed significant differences (p > 0.05) in
survival, DBH, Ht, Vol, BA, and MAI, the average values for these
parameters were 90.6 %, 22.54 cm, 30.7 m, 264.85 m3ha-1, 7.61 m2ha-1, and 19.16 m3ha-1yr-1 respectively. The study identified
superior-performing provenances, including provenance 40, 59, 60,
61 and 62, where majority originating from Wetar island.
Furthermore, the results revealed significant variation in stem
straightness among provenances with the average score of 5.0.
Provenances 40, 60 and 59 had trees with superior straightness. In
addition, substantial variations in BD were observed among the
provenances. The average basic density was 548.31 kg/m3, with
mean ranging 509.24 kg/m3 to 586.31 kg/m3. Based on the findings
the study recommends planting provenances 40, 59, 60, 61 and 62
in large scale at Southern highlands of Tanzania and in areas with
similar climate and soil conditions.
The methodology and findings of this study can be used as a basis
for developing and selecting superior provenances and progenies to
improve productivity, for plantation establishment and sustainable
utilization of its wood resources. Future studies and breeding efforts
should be done on other important traits such as pulp yield, drought
tolerance and resistance to pests and diseases. Additionally, this
trial can be used for conservation of forest genetic resources by
preserving the genetic diversity of the species in the country
Effects of soil pH levels on iron and zinc concentrations of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) genotypes
No full textFull Length Research PaperPlants grown in acid soils experience a variety of stresses which include aluminium, hydrogen and/or
manganese toxicity, as well as nutrient deficiencies of calcium and magnesium. A study was carried out
to determine the influence of soil pH levels on iron and zinc concentrations in leaves and seeds of
twenty-five common bean genotypes. Plastic cups trial was carried out in the screen house to
determine the actual amount of quick lime Ca(OH)2 required to reach a targeted soil pH level. In each
pot, 4 kg soil was amended with Ca(OH)2 to obtain the target soil pH levels of 5.3, 5.5, 6.5 and 7.5. The
experimental design followed a randomized complete block design in a split plot arrangement with
three replications per treatment. The pH levels were treated as main factor and genotypes as sub plot.
Data collected include leaf iron concentration, seed iron concentration, leaf zinc concentration, and
seed zinc concentration and analysis of variance was performed for all data using GenStat statistical
package 15th edition. The result demonstrated that soil pH affects absorption of micronutrients directly
or indirectly by affecting the nutrients availability to common bean plants