SUAIRE (Sokoine Univ. of Agriculture)
Not a member yet
11873 research outputs found
Sort by
Effect of training on knowledge, attitude, and practice on the use of hermetic storage technologies among smallholder farmers in Tanzania
No full textJournal articleKnowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of farmers in post-harvest management (PHM) are essential for reducing food waste.
However, their enhancement also depends on the training programs. Previous studies on the linkage between training programs
and farmers’ KAP have been conducted with less emphasis on hermetic storage technology (HST) for PHM. This study aimed to
assess the effect of training on KAP and, hence, the adoption of HSTs among smallholder farmers. The underlying theory of
change of the study assumes that awareness and access to post-harvest technologies have effects on adoption rates, hence
improving food security and income. A quasi-experimental matched-pair cluster randomization design was used to establish a
cause-and-effect relationship between an independent and dependent variable. Maize farmer groups totalling 637 farmers were
randomly selected and followed the experimental design of the “Evidence-based Scaling of Improved On-Farm Storage among
Smallholders in Tanzania” intervention from Kilosa and Kondoa districts of Tanzania, whereas the treatment group farmers
received training and free five hermetic storage bags each, while the control group farmers did not. However, this study
documented the demographic profiles of farmers in association with KAP on HST using a pre-designed structured questionnaire
and used ordinary least squares regression to explore this relationship. We find evidence consistent with a positive and significant
relationship between training, KAP, and adoption. The results suggest that the KAP score and adoption were high for farmers
who received training as an intervention for PHM using hermetic bags. Overall, the results are consistent with the theory that
there is an effect between training and KAP and, thus, the adoption of HST. The study recommends placing emphasis on farmer’s
training programs regarding PHM, thus increasing their knowledge, attitude, and practices, and hence their adoption, to enhance
food loss control
Prevalence, knowledge and practices on prevention and management of overweight and obesity among adults in Dodoma City, Tanzania
No full textResearch articleOverweight/obesity is increasing leading to high rates of non-communicable diseases. The
study aimed to assess the prevalence, knowledge and practices on prevention and management of overweight/obesity among adults in Dodoma region.
Methodology
A cross- sectional research was conducted among 313 randomly selected adults aged 25–
65 years. Face to face interviews were conducted to obtain demographic information, knowledge on preventing and managing overweight/obesity using a pre-tested questionnaire.
Weight and height were measured following standard procedures and nutrition status was
categorized using WHO criteria. Dietary intake was assessed using qualitative 24 hours
recall to obtain dietary diversity score. Data was analyzed using the SPSS™ Version 20 to
obtain descriptive and inferential statistics.
Results
About 62.6% (n = 196) of the participants were females. The overall prevalence of overweight/obesity was 59.7% (n = 186) of which 28% (n = 88) were overweight and 31.3% (n =
98) obese. Obesity was three times higher among females (41.8% vs 13.7%) than males.
Overweight/obesity was positively associated with female sex (Adjusted OR 2.34; 95%CI:
1.235–4.68; p = 0.001), low knowledge (Adjusted OR 2.15; 95%CI: 1.22–3.81; p = 0.008)
and negatively associated with dietary diversity score (Adjusted OR 0. 452; 95%CI: 0.199–
1.87; p = 0.03). About 76% of respondents reported that overweight/obesity is a result of
consuming high energy (38.8%; n = 92) and high fat foods (27%; n = 63). More than half of
the respondents reported to be insensitive with kind of foods they consume and for those
who were sensitive, 64% do so to avoid diseases. Furthermore, 60% control their weight by
doing physical exercises while 18% by both physical exercises and diet management. However, about 43% did not know foods exposing individuals to health problems.
Conclusion and recommendations
High prevalence of overweight/obesity was observed and significantly associated with
female sex, low dietary diversity and knowledge on overweight/obesity prevention. This creates a need to improve knowledge on prevention of overweight/obesity.SUARIS-One project from Sokoine University of
Agriculture in Morogoro, Tanzania (DPRTC/R/126/
COA/5/202)
Impact of cucurbit crop management techniques on the foraging behavior of honeybees and hoverflies in Morogoro, Tanzania
No full textResearch articleBackground Poor agricultural practices have drastically threatened insect pollinators’ biodiversity. Little is known
in Tanzania about how different agricultural practices affect pollinators’ foraging behavior. This study investigated
the effects of the agroecological zone, season, cucurbit species and management practices on visitation frequency,
visitation rate and time spent on cucurbit flowers by five pollinator species viz. Apis mellifera, Eristalinus megacepha-
lus, Mesembrius caffer, Paragus borbonicus and Toxomerus floralis. The experiment was designed as a 5 × 3 × 3 × 2 × 2
factorial arrangement in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications. GAMOUR-Agroecology
was tested against conventional practices and untreated control.
Results This study revealed significant effects of agroecological zone × season × cucurbit species × management
practice on pollinators’ visitation frequency (p = 0.007) and time spent on flowers (p = 0.005). Also, agroecological zone
× season × cucurbit species × pollinator species significantly (p < 0.0001) affected pollinators’ visitation frequency.
Agroecological zones × season × cucurbit species × cucurbits management practices × pollinators significantly
(p = 0.001) affected pollinators’ visitation rate. Apis mellifera was the most frequent visitor in Cucurbita moschata
plots treated with GAMOUR- Agroecology in the plateau zone, also, visited higher number of Cucumis sativus plots
under GAMOUR-Agroecology practices in the mountainous zone during the October–November season. Further-
more, it has been found that pollinators spent much in cucurbit flowers on plots with GAMOUR-Agroecology prac-
tices and control.
Conclusions Pollinators’ foraging behavior were enhanced by GAMOUR-Agroecology practices. Therefore, this study
recommended that cucurbit growers should consider management practices that positively influence pollinator
foraging activities for sustainable cucurbit productio
Interactive radio programming and gender perspectives in agricultural knowledge sharing: a study of women crop farmers in Dodoma city, Tanzania
No full textThis study examines the accessibility of interactive radio-based agricultural information for women crop farmers in Dodoma City, Tanzania. With a focus on face-to-face interviews, supplemented by Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and key informant interviews, the research involved 32 purposively selected individual participants. The study uses content analysis to unveil a limited interaction between radio programmers and women crop farmers in Dodoma City. Identified barriers include a scarcity of radios and mobile phones, absence of electricity for device charging, domestic responsibilities, fear of spousal disapproval, non-contact by programmers, voucher purchase costs, and language obstacles. The findings underscore the need for intervention to enhance women's engagement with radio programs. The study recommends that the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) addresses financial constraints hindering women's interaction. This aligns with the TCRA's commitment to prioritizing information consumer interests. Additionally, the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology is urged to empower schoolgirls by providing agricultural education through secondary levels. Such initiatives can foster improved access to vital agricultural information for women crop farmers in Dodoma City, contributing to their socio-economic development
The Synergy of Food Sovereignty and the Politics of Malnutrition in Tanzania: What Works, Why and How?
No full textJournal ArticleRecent data from Tanzania's National Bureau of
Statistics show the alarming extent of malnutrition: 35% of
under-five children classified as stunted and 15% as
underweight, demanding urgent intervention. This paper
investigates the synergy between food sovereignty and
politics of malnutrition in Tanzania, examining mechanisms,
effectiveness, and strategies. It asserts that the interplay
between food sovereignty and politics of malnutrition drives
socio-economic progress and food security. Using a case
study approach, the paper evaluates scalable food
sovereignty projects in Tanzania. Interviews with
stakeholders, including officials, non-governmental
organizations (NGOs), and experts, offered insights into the
complex relationship. The paper explores “food sovereignty”
theory alignment with case studies (the What), rationale for
realizing the right-to-food in Tanzania (the Why), and
operationalizing policies amid the “politics of malnutrition”
(the How). The paper draws on political ecology theory by
Bryant and Bailey to explore food sovereignty-malnutrition
synergy. Findings reveal that successful food sovereignty
projects enhance food security and reduce child malnutrition.
Factors include agroecological practices, traditional food
systems, women and youth engagement, and community
resource mobilization, empowering communities and
prioritizing nutrition. Food sovereignty proves transformative
in Tanzania and similar contexts, yet structural/political
changes are vital to challenging industrial agriculture and
global markets. In general, the success of food sovereignty
projects in addressing malnutrition in Tanzania illustrates the
potential of food sovereignty as a transformative approach to
addressing food insecurity and malnutrition. However,
achieving food sovereignty requires challenging the
dominance of industrial agriculture and global food markets
Opinions for enhancing employment pathways for VET graduates: A case Study of the Mechanics’ Trade Program in Lindi and Mtwara VETA Centres
No full textInternational Journal of Education and Social Science Research pp. 3174 - 3184This study aimed to examine strategies to enhance the employability of graduates from the mechanic trade
program at VET centres in Lindi and Mtwara, focusing on bridging the gap between VET education and
workforce integration. The study employed qualitative methods, including interviews with graduates and
employers and focus groups with continuing trainees, and analysed the data thematically. The findings revealed
that VET programs address employer needs, provide career guidance, and offer internship opportunities or
industrial attachment, all of which are important in imparting hands-on skills required by the labour market.
However, challenges such as discrimination, bribery, and outdated equipment were also revealed. The study
recommends aligning VET curricula with industry demands, increasing collaboration between VET institutions
and employers, enhancing career guidance services, introducing anti-discrimination policy changes, and anti-
bribery laws, promoting gender inclusivity, and modernising training equipment. These recommendations are
intended to improve VET strategies, reduce unemployment, and enhance economic output by equipping young
people with market-relevant skills
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
The effects of different grazing intensities on soil properties in Miombo Woodlands of Tanzania
No full textMSc DissertationThis study was conducted at Miombo woodlands in Tanzania to
enhance the sustainability of miombo woodlands in response to the
increasing grazing pressure in miombo woodlands, driven by
agricultural expansion, population growth, and rising demand for
livestock products, has led to soil degradation, land scarcity, and
socio-economic conflicts among land users. The study aimed to
evaluate dynamics of selected soil physical and Soil organic carbon
under different grazing intensities for sustainability of Miombo
woodlands. The research used a purposive sampling and random
sampling design. Grazing intensity was evaluated through two
approaches: livestock stocking rates based on official records and a
scoring method derived from field observations. Soil organic carbon
(SOC) content was determined from topsoil samples collected from
188 plots whereas soil hydraulic conductivity (Kfs) and underground
Water movement was estimated in 117 of these plots. Statistical
analysis was carried out using R® software version 4.4.2, using
Linear Mixed-Effects Models (LMM) and Gamma Generalized Linear
Mixed-Effects Models (GLMM) with a random intercept. The results
showed a slight agreement (k=0.14) between the stocking rate and
scoring methods on classification of grazing intensities. Significant
positive effects of increasing grazing intensity GI were observed on
bulk density (BD) and preferential flow (P<0.001), while significant
negative effects (P<0.001) were observed on SOC, (Kfs), percentage
dye cover, and uniform infiltration flow. The mean SOC ranged from
2.38 ± 0.84% under light grazing intensity to 1.42 ± 0.75% under high
grazing intensity. Kfs showed a mean range of 100.08-± 65.56
mmhr-1 under light grazing intensity to 27.28 ± 22.99 mmhr-1 under
high grazing intensity, while BD ranged from 1.64 ± 0.12 gcm-3
under high grazing intensity to 1.34 ± 0.17 g cm-3 under light grazing
intensity. The study recommends developing and implementing
proper sustainable livestock management practices made to the
specific conditions of Miombo ecosystems. Adhering to sustainableThe Swedish Research Counci
Commonly caught fish species as potential indicators of pollution along lake nyasa (lake Malawi), Tanzania
No full textBook chapterThe chapter presented the potential use of frequently caught fish species
from Lake Nyasa as bioindicators of pollution that is likely to be a result of
human activities. The effects of pollution can be magnified if proper and
periodic assessments of risks associated with the pollution are not properly
done. The sampling and analyses of pollutants accumulated in the sediments
is always difficult. However, pollution induces stresses that can be detected
through the molecular analysis of the fish. Thus, parameters such as genetic
diversity, haplotype diversity (h), nucleotide diversity (π), observed heterozy-
gosity (Ho) and unbiased expected heterozygosity can be used as potential
indicators of the effects of pollution in aquatic systems.
It is also possible for a pollutant contained in the aquatic systems to accu-
mulate in the body tissues of the fish. The concentration of persistent and
non-biodegradable heavy metals in fish increases with eating behaviour, age
or rate of exposure. Thus, the concentration of heavy metals may vary from
one fish species to another depending on the factors. The heavy metals accu-
mulated in the body of the fish can be used to estimate potential risks that
can be caused by pollution to human health.
The toxicity of a pollutant highly depends on the chemical form in which
it is present in the aqueous environment. For example, organic mercury is
more toxic compared to inorganic mercury due to its ability to penetrate
through various blood barriers and cause neurological damage. The chem-
ical characteristics of a toxicant vary from one another. Thus, to estimate
potential risks associated with a certain pollutant, the analysis of a specific
chemical species is required. The use of fish as a potential bioindicator can
be significantly more relevant, if these aspects are borne in mind during the
chemical speciation analysis
Enhancing diagnostic accuracy of drug-resistant tuberculosis on chest x-rays using data-efficient image transformers
No full textArticleTuberculosis is an infectious disease with increasing fatalities around the world. The diagnosis of the disease
is a major challenge to its control and management due to the lack of adequate diagnostic tools, contributing
significantly to the prevalence of drug-resistant tuberculosis. Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) models
have recently been developed to detect drug-resistant tuberculosis by analyzing chest radiograph images from
the TB portal, but the classification results are low. This is because CNNs struggle to capture complex global
and overlapping features in medical imaging, such as chest radiographs of drug-resistant tuberculosis. In
contrast, transformers excel in these areas by utilizing self-attention mechanisms that detect inherent subtle and
long-range dependencies across images. In this study, we used a pretrained data-efficient image transformer
(DEiT) model to enhance the diagnosis of drug-resistant tuberculosis and differentiate it from drug-sensitive
tuberculosis. The new model achieved an AUC of 80% in the detection of drug-resistant tuberculosis, an
improvement of 13% in the AUC compared to current CNN models using data from the same source. The
bootstrap significance test shows that the difference in AUCs is statistically significant. The results of the
study can help healthcare providers improve drug-resistant tuberculosis diagnostic accuracy and treatment
outcome