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Deforestation drivers and effects of livestock grazing on forest structure and composition in the coastal forests of Kilwa District Tanzania
No full textMSc DissertationCoastal forests of Eastern Africa hold considerable importance for
the communities residing adjacent or within including forage
provision to both domestic and wild ungulates among other
ecosystem services. However, the coastal forest ecosystems of
Tanzania are facing pressure due to increasing detrimental
anthropogenic activities including massive livestock influx which may
affect its integrity and vital roles. The present study aimed to provide
a better understanding of the effects of livestock grazing on the
woody plant composition, vegetation structure, and regeneration
capacity of the coastal forests and local communities’ perception of
the contribution of livestock grazing and other human activities to the
change in land cover of landscape comprising coastal forests in
southern Tanzania. The study was conducted in Kilwa District, Lindi,
Southern Tanzania. Data collection involved a household survey and
ground vegetation survey and analysis of Landsat satellite images.
Results indicated that coastal forests at the study site had
experienced a 45% decline in cover between 2007 and 2022 at the
rate of -3% loss per year, to which interviewed respondents also
agreed. Further, 29% of farmland area has increased within the past
15 years. The results revealed further that crop cultivation, livestock
grazing, and charcoal production are among the major drivers for
forest cover loss. Furthermore, results indicated no and low grazing
intensity had higher plant species richness, density, and diversity
contrary to moderate and heavy grazing intensities. The moderate
and heavy grazing intensities also had low seedling density and
diversity. Livestock grazing has also negatively affected the stem
distribution of seedlings, saplings, poles, and trees indicating
degradation of the coastal forests. It can be concluded from these
findings that grazing affected plant species composition, diversity
indices, and stem densities in the studied coastal forests. Low
grazing intensity had higher diversity indices, stem density, and
regeneration status similar to or better than no grazing. Therefore,
low grazing is suitable under low stocking rates for livestock due to its insignificant effect on woody species structure, composition and
regeneration potential/seedling, and sapling density. It is suggested
that urgent interventions are required to ensure controlled grazing
that halts heavy grazing and detrimental human activities in the
coastal forests within village lands. Also, further research involving
large-scale study and long-term cattle and goat grazing experiments
with varied grazing intensities/stocking rates to discern proper
carrying capacities and effects on biophysical factors such as soil,
water, vegetation, and wildlife resources in the landscapes with
ample coastal forest resources. This information is useful for
informing sustainable conservation strategies of coastal forests at
the study site and elsewhere with similar environments.The Tanzania Forest Service Agency (TFS
Ecology of small mammals and their ectoparasites in Mount Meru, Tanzania: insights for biodiversity conservation
No full textPhD ThesisThis Thesis has been prepared in accordance with the Publishable
Manuscripts format of the Sokoine University of Agriculture. The
study on the elevational distribution of non-volant small mammals
over time, their demographic characteristics, and their associations
with arthropod ectoparasites was conducted between 2021 and
2022 at different elevations and habitats in Tanzania's second-
highest mountain, Mount Meru. Mount Meru is one of the
biodiversity hotspots in eastern Africa, hosting high level of species
richness and endemism, and providing important ecosystem
services. However, relatively, little is known about the ecology of
small mammals and their arthropod ectoparasites. Similarly, little is
known about the effects of environmental factors on the small
mammal distribution, which potentially extending to the parasites
they host. Tanzania is among the handful of countries in Africa
where active foci of deadly zoonotic diseases that can be
transmitted by small mammals and their ectoparasite vectors have
been persistent. Moreover, Mount Meru is home for endemic and
threatened species that are documented on the IUCN Red List.
However, there is currently no available information regarding the
possible role of arthropod ectoparasites of small mammals in the
transmission of zoonotic disease.
The over all goal of the study was to understand the ecological
dynamics and distribution patterns of small mammals and their
arthropod ectoparasites across different elevations of Mount Meru in
Tanzania. The study aimed at addressing three key specific
objectives: i) Assesing a decade-long change in the elevational
distribution of non-volant small mammals on Mount Meru; ii)
determining the breeding and demographic aspects of montemys
delectorum, an east african endemic rodent in mount Meru;
iii) Examining arthropod ectoparasites of two rodent species occurring
in varied elevations on Tanzania’s second highest mountain. To address the first objective, the small mammals were surveyed
from February to November 2021 at six elevations between 1500 m
and 3650 m using Sherman and Havahart traps. The results show
that two shrew and thirteen rodent species were recorded, including
Crocidura newmarki and Lophuromys verhageni, which are endemic
to the study area. Species richness was highest at mid-altitudes, in
line with the general patterns globally, though less pronounced in
Africa. The species Arvicanthis niloticus, Mastomys natalensis,
Lemniscomys striatus, Dasymys incomtus, and Cricetomys ansorgei
were not documented in 2009 but have been recorded in 2021.
Upward shifts in species’ ranges were observed between 2009 and
2021, suggesting the influence of climate change on the small
mammal community.
It is important to note that the rodent species mentioned in Chapter 2
as Praomys species have been identified as Montemys delectorum
after genetic identification and recent taxonomic revisions.
For the second objective, a Capture – mark – release studies were
undertaken in dense and open patchy forests in four 70 m X 70 m
grids from February 2021 to June 2022. The findings revealed that
the species exhibited bimodal patterns of breeding seasonality,
characterized by a low rate occurring during the short interval
between December and February and a pronounced rate taking
place from May to July. The population of Montemys delectorum
was unstable in the different forest types. There was a larger
population in the patchy open forest (F = 8.1; df = 1; p = 0.0001)
than in dense forest, suggesting its importance as a refuge for the
species.
To achieve the third objective, trapping of the two most dominant
rodent species of the study area, Montemys delectorum and
Rhabdomys dilectus, from five elevations (1500 to 3500 m), were
examined for arthropod ectoparasite infestations. The results
revealed that Ctenophthalmus calceatus cabirus, Dinopsyllus
ellobius, Varroa rindereri, and Xenopsylla cheopis were recovered
from the rodents. This study demonstrates that the elevational
distribution of arthropod ectoparasites is influenced by host sex, host
species, and environmental temperature. With rising altitude,
parasite prevalence and abundance decrease, indicating that colder
environmental conditions at higher altitudes inhibit parasite
reproduction and development. This indicates conservation efforts
should focus on higher altitudes. Moreover, the rodents and
ectoparasites reported in this study have been identified as possible
vectors of medical and veterinary diseases in different parts of
Africa, including Tanzania. It is crucial to take precautions in order to
effectively reduce the risk of parasitic infection, which can pose an
additional threat to both the endemic and threatened species listed
on the IUCN Red List as well as the overall biodiversity of the study
area. Furthermore, molecular results from this study reported a
previously unidentified mite species within the Mesostigmata
taxonomic group that had previously been recognized exclusively as
a parasite of honeybees. Further research efforts may provide
insights into the significance of this particular species of mite, Varroa
rindereri. Generally, while there remains much to be learned, this
particular study establishes the foundation for future initiatives in
wildlife disease surveillance and biodiversity conservation
management.
In abroader sense, the shift in the distribution of small mammals and
their ectoparasites on Mount Meru is a microcosm of the broader
challenges facing mountain ecosystems worldwide. These insights
go beyond the immediate context of Mount Meru and suggest that
we need to consider the long-term consequences of environmental
dynamics on biodiversity conservation. As these complexities
continue to shape mountain landscapes, their impact is not limited to
species interactions but also touches the field of human well-being.
The conservation of biodiversity is intrinsically linked to our own well-
being, as biodiversity and human societies are intricately intertwined.
Therefore, the findings of this research serve as an urgent reminder
for effective conservation action.The African Center of Excellence for Innovative Rodent Pest
Management and Biosensor Technology Development (ACE
IRPM&BTD) ACE II‒ Credit number 5799‒TZ at Sokoine University
of Agriculture, Tanzania
Climate vulnerability of agroecological and conventional smallholders in Mvomero district, Tanzania: using mixed-methods to uncover local experiences and motivations of farming for the future
No full textJournal articleChanging rainfall patterns make farmers increasingly vulnerable to crop failure,
income loss and food insecurity. Agroecology is proposed to reduce climate
vulnerabilities of farmers, as such practices and social movement aim to create
more resilient farm and food systems. It is however fairly unknown if, and to what
extent, agroecological farmers are better able to cope with climate induced
exposures as compared to conventional smallholders. We conducted 194
surveys with agroecological and conventional smallholders to explore the three
components of climate vulnerability: exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity.
We combined this with field observations and interviews, and an analysis of long-
term rainfall data. We also followed up the initial survey analysis with additional
focus group discussions. Just as climate change occurs incrementally over
time, we highlight modest, yet important differences between conventional and
agroecological farmers. We find that agroecological farmers are less vulnerable
to short-term dry spells, due to a combination of farming practices that improve
soil water retention, like mulching and the use of cover crops. However, the
use of botanicals might induce new vulnerabilities, as their processing requires
additional labor, and sometimes expenditures, and may not protect the crops
from pests and diseases. We also find limitations to agroecology in terms of
scale, as most farmers are unable to use botanicals on all their farmland. Yet,
agroecological farmers process and apply botanicals for health benefits both
in production and consumption of foods, and they can occasionally sell their
organic farm products for a higher price than conventional famers. With this
study, we emphasize that farmers’ reasons to practice agroecology is not just to
boost productivity and become more climate resilient, but rather for improving
the long-term health of producers, consumers, soils and the environment
Access to alternative water sources and perceptions of water service performance in Lukobe Ward, Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania
No full textEast African Journal of Social and Applied Sciences (EAJ-SAS) Vol.6, No.2, pp. 32-42Drought and the consequent decline in water levels in dams, rivers, and streams have
exacerbated water shortages in the Morogoro Region. In some instances, residents receive
piped water only once or twice a week, often with low water pressure. This study was
conducted in Lukobe Ward, one of the areas in Morogoro Region that faces severe challenges
in accessing piped water. The article examines the accessibility of alternative water sources
and explores households’ perceptions of the performance of water service delivery in Lukobe
Ward, Morogoro Municipality. The study employed a cross-sectional research design and
utilised a mixed-methods approach to collect both quantitative and qualitative data.
Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and one-way Analysis of
Variance (ANOVA), while qualitative data were subjected to content analysis. Data were
gathered from 120 respondents through household surveys, key informant interviews, and
focus group discussions. Findings revealed significant differences in the distance to water
sources among the three streets studied (F = 19.965; P = 0.000). The overall mean distance
from households to water sources was 633.45 metres, with a standard deviation of 1015.77
metres. However, no statistically significant difference was observed between Lukobe Kambi
Tano and Lukobe Juu (P = 0.0581). Furthermore, a higher proportion of male respondents
(60.0%) reported spending less than 60 minutes fetching water compared to female
respondents (58.1%). The majority of households agreed that alternative water sources do
not adequately meet domestic needs. Based on the findings, the study concludes that access
to domestic water sources within the recommended 400 metres has not yet been achieved
for most households in Lukobe Ward. It is therefore recommended that the Morogoro
Municipal Council, through local government authorities, strengthen collaboration with key
stakeholders including financial institutions to enhance the enabling environment for
financing water and sanitation services in water-scarce communities
Assessment of potential factors for plague transmission in the plague endemic area of Karatu District, Northern Tanzania
No full textMSc DissertationBackground: Plague, caused by Yersinia pestis, is a severe
zoonotic disease with rodents and fleas as primary hosts and
vectors. Despite being quiescent in several foci in Tanzania, plague
remains a significant public health concern due to its recurring
nature. The Karatu district experienced plague outbreaks in 1996
and 1997. Subsequent studies have reported evidence of Yersinia
pestis DNA in rodents in this endemic area in 2006 and 2013.
Consistent surveillance of the plague pathogen in rodent
communities and monitoring rodents and flea abundance is crucial
to assess the risk of human plague outbreak and the health of the
rodent populations in the vicinity of human habitats. This study
aimed to assess potential attributes for plague transmission in
Karatu district during the periods of disease quiescence. This study
was conducted in Karatu district in January and February, 2022 (wet
season) and repeated in July 2022 (dry season) The study aimed to
enhance surveillance of plague in plague foci and adjacent non-
plague foci - villages to determine the prevalence of plague bacilli in
the rodents, and identify the need for enhancing control measures.
This work is at the nexus of the One Health approach, as it involves
the surveillance of the plague zoonotic pathogen in the small
mammals for the purpose of enhancing public health. The results of
this study will be useful in informing public health, vector control, and
environmental institutions about the potential factors that may
underlie the transmission of the plague agent, Y. pestis, in the
plague-endemic area of Karatu district, northern Tanzania.
Methods: A repeated cross-sectional study was conducted in four
selected villages of Karatu district, involving two plague foci villages
and two non-plague foci villages, during the wet and dry seasons. A
total of 120 Sherman traps were used to capture rodents in farm
land habitats, peridomestic areas, bush lands, and forest buffer
zones, with an approximate distance of 300 to 500m between
habitats. The captured rodents were anaesthetised and identified using a dichotomous key after taking various morphological
measurements. Blood samples were collected from the
anaesthetised rodents through the supraorbital vein using glass
micro capillary tubes. Ectoparasites (fleas) and internal organs
(lungs and spleen) were collected and preserved in 70% ethanol and
absolute ethanol, respectively. Fleas were processed in the
laboratory and identified to genus and species levels using the
available dichotomous key. Blood smears were prepared on
microscope glass slides and preserved in slide boxes at room
temperature. In the laboratory, the blood smears were stained with
Wright-Giemsa stain and observed for the presence of Y. pestis
coccobacilli under a compound light microscope at ×1000
magnification. The presence of bipolar-stained coccobacilli bacteria
triggered suspicion for Y. pestis. The microscopy results were then
confirmed using qPCR to detect the presence of the pla gene of Y.
pestis DNA, extracted from the rodent lungs and spleens.
Results: A total of 291 rodents belonging to nine species were
captured in peridomestic areas, farmlands, bushes, and forest buffer
zones. Mastomys natalensis was the most abundant species
(41.92%), followed by Arvicanthis niloticus (24.05%), Lemniscomys
striatus (14.78%), Rattus rattus (8.59%), Lophuromys flavopunctatus
(4.47%), Grammomys spp (4.12%), Otomys spp (1.03%),
Graphiurus murinus (0.69%), and Praomys delectorum (0.34%).
Rodent abundance varied significantly among species and across
seasons however, was not statistically significant different between
plague and non-plague foci villages or across habitats. The rodent
diversity, expressed as Shannon-Wiener diversity index, was slightly
higher in plague foci villages compared to non-plague foci villages
(0.7 and 0.6, respectively). Peridomestic areas had the highest
diversity index (0.92), followed by farmlands (0.65), bush lands
(0.64), and forest buffer zones (0.00). Out of the 291 rodent blood
smears examined, 34 were suspected positive for Y. pestis
coccobacilli, with one sample from M. natalensis confirmed positive
for the plasminogen activator (pla) gene of Y. pestis DNA by qPCR. The findings further indicated that 190 fleas belonging to four
different species were collected from 73 rodents, belonging to six
species. Among the collected fleas, Dinopsyllus lypusus was the
most abundant (46.32%), followed by Ctenophthalmus spp
(26.84%), Xenopsylla brasiliensis (16.32%), and Xenopsylla cheopis
(10.53%). A total of 38.42% fleas were collected from M. natalensis,
22.63% from L. striatus, and 18.42% from R. rattus. The highest flea
infestation prevalence was found on R. rattus with preponderance of
X. cheopis and X. brasiliensis. The specific flea index of X. cheopis
on R. rattus was (1.0 SFI) in plague foci and (<0.5 SFI) in non-
plague foci villages. The result of the GLM final model indicated that
the flea abundance on rodents was significantly dependent on
rodent species, season, habitats, rodent weight, sex, and location.
There was a weak positive correlation between rodent weight and
flea abundance.
Conclusion: Overall, the study suggests a possible enzootic
circulation of Y. pestis in sylvatic rodents in the plague foci villages
of Karatu district. The high abundance of rodents and fleas,
particularly in farmlands and peridomestic areas, increases the
potential risk for the transmission of the plague pathogen to the
surrounding population and thus poses a threat to public health,
especially considering that these habitats serve as crucial sites for
human economic activities, interactions, and livelihoods. Therefore,
it is of paramount importance to maintain vigilant rodent control to
mitigate any risks of repeated plague outbreaks.Africa Centre of Excellence for Innovative Rodent Pest Management and Biosensor Technology and
Development (ACE IRPM&BTD
Anthropogenic activities along the lake nyasa catchments alter the habitat and genetic diversity of a lake salmon, opsaridium microlepis
No full textResearch articleThe Lake Salmon, Opsaridium microlepis is an economically important fish along the Lake Nyasa.
However, the species is under threat of extinction due to anthropogenic activities such as agri
culture, mining, urbanization, and deforestation. Consequently, the fish species is currently
regarded as a threatened species, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
has red-listed the species due to an apparent decline in abundance. The current study assesses the
potential impact of human activities on the genetic diversity of O. microlepis using partial mito
chondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences and microsatellite loci. The results
indicate that genetic diversity is lower in the areas affected by human activities compared to
relatively pristine areas. The results from this study may suggest that human activities taking
place in the catchments are likely to contribute to the alteration of the genetic diversity of O.
microlepis species. Thus, immediate measure is required to control anthropogenic activities in the
areas to protect the species and other aquatic organisms from possible threats of extinction
Value chain analysis of veneer- based engineered wood products in Mufindi District Tanzania
No full textMSc DissertationProcessing tree logs into veneer-based engineered wood products
represents a crucial strategy for enhancing the efficient utilization of
forest resources, driven by dynamic factors such as the evolving
demand for versatile wood products in the construction industry.
This global shift is evident in the heightened market demand for
engineered wood products, underscoring the substantial contribution
of the forest sector to the economic growth and development of the
construction industry worldwide. In Tanzania, wood-based industries
play a pivotal role as primary sources of raw materials and
intermediate products for both local and international consumption.
The escalating production and demand for veneer, plywood, and
marine boards in the Mufindi District have prompted an exploration
of the potential of Veneer based Engineered Wood Products
(VBEWPs) through the value chain, recognizing the importance of
this sector in addressing evolving market needs and contributing to
economic development. This study aimed to comprehensively map
the actors involved in the value chain of veneer-based engineered
wood products, analyze their activities, assess the profitability of
these actors, evaluate the value added by each participant, and
explore challenges encountered throughout the value-added
distribution process. A cross-sectional study design was adopted
where a total of 152 actors involved in VBEWPs were sampled.
Interviews, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews
were used to collect data. Descriptive statistics, such as mean,
standard deviations, minimum, maximum, and frequencies. The
computation of key metrics, including Gross Profit Margin, Value
added, and Value added distribution. Additionally, Multiple
Response analysis was employed to analyze the challenges within
the VBEWPs value chain. Furthermore, the study utilized a linear
regression model to explore factors influencing returns on engaging
in VBEWPs, providing insights into the opportunities within this value
chain. Findings from the study revealed a separate structure within
the veneer-based engineered wood products (VBEWPs) value chain, comprising small and large-scale tree growers as the primary
actors. Profitability analysis indicated that tree growers, leading in
both chains, achieved substantial profits, with percentages of 79.4%
and 89.1%. Notably, value addition and distribution were
predominantly associated with processors, scoring 90.4% for
plywood and 91.83% for marine board. Furthermore, margins in
value distribution were leading, with percentages of 60.4% and 68%
in both small and large-scale chains. The study revealed actors in
the VBEWPs value chain, such as tree growers, brokers, traders,
transporters, manufacturers, suppliers, consumers, and regulators.
Furthermore, the study identified the main challenges faced by these
actors. Challenges such as fire, low prices, livestock invasion, poor
infrastructure, limited access to financial services, limited access to
improved tree varieties, conflicts among actors, high taxes, and poor
electric supply were highlighted by the majority of respondents. The
linear regression model results demonstrated that demographic
characteristics, specifically age, gender, and marital status,
significantly influenced returns on investing in tree growing among
tree growers (P<0.05). The study concluded that processing veneer-
based engineered wood products is a crucial economic activity that
ensures efficient use of resources from plantations, enhances
people's lives and reduces the depletion of forest resources. Hence
study recommended emphasizing the need for creating conducive
environments to strengthen the competitive advantages of local
producers in the VBEWPs industry and the significance of
cooperative associations for small-scale tree grower chain actors to
enhance their profitability and improve production.The Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS
Influence of school food environment on eating behaviours and nutritional status of primary school children (6-13 years) in Dodoma
No full textMSc DissertationMalnutrition among school-aged children has significant
consequences for their health, cognitive development, and overall
educational achievement. Rapid shifts in the availability and
affordability of less nutritious foods in food environments have
contributed to the dual challenges of malnutrition. There is growing
global interest in understanding how food environments contribute to
this double burden of malnutrition. This study aimed to assess the
impact of the school food environment on the eating habits and
nutritional well-being of primary school children aged 6 to 13 years in
Dodoma region. Specific objectives were first: to evaluate the
nutritional status of school-age children and examine how socio-
economic, demographic, and environmental factors influence their
nutritional well-being; second, to investigate how the school food
environments affect the eating behaviours of primary school children
in both public and private schools in Dodoma region. A cross-
sectional study involving 248 pupils was conducted in eight primary
schools in Dodoma region. Four schools were chosen from
Chamwino district (a rural setting), including two public and two
private schools. The other four schools were located in Dodoma
urban district (an urban setting), comprising of two government
schools and two private schools. The study also involved eight head
teachers and eight health/food teachers, who were purposefully
selected from the eight participating primary schools. Anthropometric
measurements were made following the World Health Organization
(WHO) guidelines to assess stunting, thinness, underweight, and
overweight/obesity. Socio-demographic data were collected from
pupils using structured questionnaires. School administrators,
including head teachers and health/food teachers, provided
information on the physical, political, and socio-cultural aspects of
the school food environment. Data on eating behaviours were
obtained through structured questionnaires and food frequency
questionnaires to assess students' dietary patterns over a period of
seven days. Additionally, an observation checklist was used to gather information on the availability and accessibility of foods
consumed by the school children. Data analysis was performed by
using the WHO AnthroPlus v1.0.4 software and IBM SPSS Statistics
26v. Descriptive statistics, such as frequencies and percentages,
were calculated. Regression models were used to explore the
determinants of nutritional status, reporting both crude (COR) and
adjusted odds ratios (AOR). Multilevel modeling was employed to
assess individual-level variance in eating behaviours and examine
the association between the school food environment and dietary
behaviours of children. Prevalence rates among surveyed pupils
were as follows: stunting (10.5%), underweight (3.6%), thinness
(2.8%), and overweight/obesity (10.1%). Stunting was more
common in boys (13.2%) than in girls (8.2%), and it increased with
age. Underweight was higher in public schools (8.2%) than in private
schools (3.2%). Thinness was more prevalent in public schools
(85.7%) than in private schools (14.3%), particularly in rural areas
(57.1%) and among younger children (aged 6-9 years, 57.1%).
Overweight/obesity was more common among girls (90.1%) than
boys. Urban schools had a higher prevalence of overweight/obesity
(90.3%) compared to rural schools (89.5%), and private schools had
a higher prevalence (95.2%) than public schools (84.7%). Pupils in
urban areas were more likely to be overweight/obese than those in
rural settings. After adjusting for student characteristics, the school
environment accounted for a small proportion of the variance in
eating behaviours, ranging from 11.3% to 11.6% for carbohydrate-
rich foods, 12.6% to 11.4% for protein-rich foods, 20.3% to 19.4%
for vitamins and mineral-rich foods, and 11.0% to 10.1% for lipids
and sugar-rich foods. In model 2, controlling for other factors,
protein-rich and lipid and sugar-rich foods intake were significantly
related to the death of a parent, while vitamins and mineral-rich
foods intake were significantly related to the number of adults in the
household. None of the investigated school food environmental
factors were associated with the children's reported intake of
carbohydrate-rich foods, protein-rich foods, vitamin and mineral-rich
foods, or lipids and sugar-rich foods. These findings suggested that
Assessing speakers' tolerance for swahili-translated, university-related neologisms in Tanzania
No full textBook chapter on Language incompatibilityIn this chapter, the author assesses speakers’ tolerance for Swahili-translated university-related neologisms from English in Tanzania. Swahili has recently gained prominence in Tanzanian universities, becoming the language of research. Also, the names of various academic units and programmes are named in Swahili as well. However, what requires further assessment is how much speakers prefer to descriptively use Swahili-translated words. The study is guided by Optimality Theory (OT) and is supplemented by Keller’s (1994) concept of hypermaxim, suggesting that speakers generally opt for simple forms so that they do not expend superfluous energy. In this regard, the simpler the translated word is, the more tolerance it yields. Data were collected through observation, documentary review, interviews and questionnaires. The findings reveal that the university speech community under investigation displays a notably low tolerance against Swahili-translated neologisms. This is evident in speakers’ preference for English neologisms and their outright resistance and/or dissatisfaction against Swahili-translated neologisms. Speakers’ low tolerance for Swahili-translated neologisms is influenced by factors such as the historical dominance of English and the techniques used in translation. Given that this study has highlighted the impact of translation techniques on speakers’ tolerance, it recommends further investigation into the realm of translation professionalism
Condom use among youths in sub-saharan Africa: a narrative review on the myths, misconceptions, and challenges
No full textJournal articleIf properly used, condoms can serve as an efective family planning method and preventive tool towards sexually transmitted
diseases (STDs). Despite its anticipated efectiveness, there are diferent myths and misconceptions which have been observed as
hindrances to both its use and efectiveness. Tis review examines the myths and misconceptions of condom use among youths
and explores challenges in condom usage in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). A narrative review was employed of which diferent journal
articles were reviewed. Te search words/phrases were “condom use in SSA, condom use among youths in SSA, myths and
misconceptions on condom use among youths in SSA.” A total of 1074 studies were identifed, 93 were relevant to the topic, and
only 71 suited the review. Te identifed myths and misconceptions of condom use include that males were the ones to decide on
the use of condoms during sexual intercourse, economic power determines the use of condoms, condom use reduces sexual
pleasure, condom use relates to the spread of HIV/AIDS, and condom use is against God’s will. Other identifed myths and
misconceptions of condom use include that the use of condoms is a sign of lack of trust associated with fornication and adultery,
also the use of condoms is only for family planning purposes. Te challenges identifed were breakage of condom during sexual
intercourse, condom slippage, condom leakage, incorrect storage, and reuse of condoms. Te identifed myths and mis-
conceptions lead to low knowledge of condom use within communities. Tere is a need for collaboration between governments,
researchers, and NGOs to provide education on condom use to communities, particularly youths