SUAIRE (Sokoine Univ. of Agriculture)
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Effect of solvent extraction on phytochemical profile and quantification of bioactive compounds in Ocimum suave (wild)
No full textJ. Current Opinion Crop Sci. PP: 27-41Seasonal aromatic Lamiaceae shrub Ocimum suave has
insecticidal and therapeutic bioactive compounds. The plant's
phytochemical profile and effective solvents for extraction have
limited information, despite its potential as a sustainable pest
management alternative. The phytochemical composition and
quantification of solvent-extracted Ocimum suave leaves, stems,
roots, and combined samples were examined. The plant samples
were obtained at Dakawa-Mvomero. A laboratory-based
experimental design was employed to assess the effect of
different extraction solvents on the phytochemical profile and
quantification of bioactive compounds in Ocimum suave. A
completely randomized design (CRD) was used with three
replications to minimize experimental error and increase the
reliability of the results. Alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins,
terpenoids, and essential oils were detected in plant samples
using methanol, dichloromethane (DCM), n-hexane, and
distilled water-extraction solvents. Samples underwent
standard quantification chemical tests. Saponins (p=0.027),
essential oils (p=0.018), and alkaloids (0.018) showed
significant differences. These findings demonstrate that solvent
type significantly impacts compound extraction efficiency. Root
tannins were concentrated at 3.51mg/l and stem at 3.36mg/l
with methanol. Leaf, stem, and root terpenoids were highly
concentrated in dichloromethane 7.20% and n-hexane 5.80%
extracts. Dichloromethane 6.50%, methanol 6.20%, and nhexane 6.10% concentrated essential oils from all plant parts.
Saponins in roots, stems, and leaves were 5.60% concentrated
with distilled water. N-hexane solvent concentrated leaf
flavonoids (4.55%) and stem alkaloids (3.25%). The findings
emphasise solvent choice in phytochemical yields and suggest Ocimum suave may be an eco-friendly pesticid
Socio-demographic determinants of climate change adaptation practices in agro-ecological zones: A Case study of Chamwino and Igunga districts, Tanzania
No full textJournal ArticleThe global impacts of climate change have led to the development of various adaptation strategies, including Climate Change
Adaptation (CCA) practices. In Tanzania, the introduction of CCA practices through eco-village projects between 2011 and 2019
reflects ongoing efforts to combat climate change effects. However, scientific understanding of the socio-demographic factors
influencing households' decisions to adopt CCA practices remains limited. This study investigates the influence of sociodemographic
factors on the adoption of CCA practices in the agro-ecological zones of Chamwino and Igunga districts, representing
central and western Tanzania. Data were collected from 295 respondents through household surveys, complemented by key
informant interviews (KIIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs). Socio-demographic factors such as gender, age, education level,
land ownership, and training attendance were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Pearson’s Chi-square test was employed to assess
the statistical significance of the association between socio-demographic factors and agro-ecological zones, while a multivariate
probit model was used to analyze the impact of socio-demographic factors on the adoption of CCA practices. The findings reveal
that CCA adoption varies across zones, with the western zone showing a higher adoption rate. Chi-square results indicated significant
associations between CCA adoption and factors such as soil water conservation, farmyard manure, mixed cropping, plant spacing,
and the use of improved seeds and breeds (p<0.05). The multivariate probit model showed that gender, experience, land ownership,
and training attendance significantly influenced adoption, with these factors promoting more practices compared to age, marital
status, and education level. These insights are crucial for policymakers and local agencies to ensure that CCA initiatives ar e inclusive
and address the diverse needs of different demographic groups
Ecological health assessment of Lukosi River using macroinvertebrate and riparian vegetation indicators in Iringa, Tanzania
No full textJournal of Water Resources, Engineering, Management and Policy, pp. 204-222The health of river ecosystems is increasingly threatened by human activities such as agriculture, urbanization, and
industrialization. This study evaluates the ecological status of the Lukosi River Catchment (LRC) in Kilolo District, Iringa,
Tanzania, using macroinvertebrates and riparian vegetation as bioindicators. We employed a cross-sectional design,
sampling at upstream, midstream, and downstream sites. Macroinvertebrates were collected via the kicking-bottom method
and analyzed using the Shannon–Wiener diversity index and the Average Score Per Taxon (ASPT). Riparian vegetation
was surveyed through belt transects and assessed by species distribution and proportional cover. Fourteen
macroinvertebrate taxa were identified, dominated by water scavenger beetles and snails. Biodiversity was moderate (H′ ≈
1.98). ASPT scores declined spatially: upstream (good quality), midstream (moderate), and downstream (poor), indicating
worsening water quality downstream. The riparian zone was heavily modified: about 58% grasses, 28% shrubs, and 14%
trees, reflecting human disturbance and land-use change. The results reveal progressive ecosystem degradation along the
river, strongest downstream, likely driven by pollution and catchment alteration. These results call for integrated
catchment management policies, stricter land-use regulation, and community-based riparian restoration programs to
enhance water quality, biodiversity, and long-term ecological resilience of the LRC.This research was funded by the UNESCO Chair in Ecohydrology and Transboundary Water
Management at Sokoine University of Agriculture in Tanzania
Genetic variation and lack of hybridization in five cichlid fish species in the Malagarasi River basin, Tanzania
No full textJournal ArticleAmong the most widely cultured groups of freshwater fish species are tilapiine cichlids. This has contributed to
introduction of cichlid fish species in area where they were not native. Consequently, has contributed to negative
ecological effects on local species and their habitats through competition, habitat alteration and loss of unique
population genetic structures due to hybridization. This research study aimed to assess the genetic status of five
cichlid fish species red listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as least concerned
species. A mitochondrial Cytochrome Oxidase Subunit I (COI) gene fragment from 112 individuals collected from
three sampling sites were used to determine the present genetic diversity of the cichlid species inhabit the
Malagarasi River system which discharge water into Lake Tanganyika. The highest nucleotide diversity (0.02 ±
0.01) and haplotype diversity (0.94 ± 0.04) were recorded from Haplochromis pharyngalis. The lowest levels of
nucleotide and haplotype diversity were recorded from Oreochromis leucostictus. The Analysis of Molecular
Variance (AMOVA) resulted into statistically significant genetic differences (Φst: 0.96, P < 0.001) among the
cichlid species studied. The minimum spanning haplotype network and maximum-likelihood phylogenetic an
alyses support the AMOVA findings as no species is sharing any haplotype with other species. The values of
neutrality tests suggested that the studied cichlid fish species are stable and not expanding. These findings
highlight the necessity of conservation interventions in the area especially for the species which displayed low
nucleotide and haplotype diversity
Stakeholders dynamics in the grassroots innovation journey in Tanzania: a swot analysis
No full textJournal articleThe study analyzes the roles of various stakeholders in Tanzania’s grassroots innovation journey
using a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis. The study examines
key actors, including government agencies, private sector organizations, non-governmental
organizations (NGOs), international donors and grassroots innovators to assess their impact on the
innovation ecosystem. A cross-sectional design was employed to collect qualitative data from 35
grassroots innovators, selected through purposive sampling from sources such as the Tanzania
Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH) database, Mashindano ya Kitaifa ya
Sayansi, Teknolojia na Ubunifu (MAKISATU) records, and participants in the Dar es Salaam
International Trade Fair Exhibition (SABASABA). Data were gathered through semi-structured
questionnaires, key informant interviews and observations. The SWOT analysis reveals that
stakeholders such as the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MOEST) and
COSTECH provide crucial policy and funding support but face challenges like bureaucratic delays
and budget constraints. Other institutions, including the Vocational Education and Training
Authority (VETA), Small Industries Development Organization (SIDO), National Institute of
Transport (NIT) and Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology (DIT) are recognized for their role in
incubating grassroots innovations. The private sector and international donors contribute financial
and technical support, yet issues related to trust and alignment with grassroots needs hinder their
effectiveness. The findings emphasize the need for enhanced collaboration, improved coordination
and streamlined administrative processes to strengthen stakeholder involvement in grassroots
innovation
Farmers’ willingness to pay for hermetic storage bags: The effects of training and free trial
No full textJournal articleMaize is a staple food for smallholder farmers in Africa, but poor postharvest management leads to high grain
losses, contributing to food insecurity. Improved on-farm storage such as hermetic storage bags can reduce these
losses, yet their adoption remains low. Full one-off subsidies can be an effective development policy to enhance
technology adoption. However, policymakers are often opposed to such subsidies, arguing that it lowers will
ingness to pay (WTP) once the subsidy ends and thereby constrains the future market. Using the Becker-DeGroot-
Marschak (BDM) mechanism to investigate WTP and building on a prior randomized control trial among
smallholders in Tanzania, this study analyzes how prior free distribution influences long-term WTP for hermetic
storage bags (six years later). Additionally, we analyze how offering a deferred payment option influences
farmers’ WTP for hermetic storage bags. We find that the prior provision of free hermetic storage bags had
decreased WTP. As an alternative intervention, we show that providing the opportunity to pay later increases
WTP as compared to immediate payment. The study highlights that free technology provision may reduce future
market engagement but a pay later option can be considered as a valuable policy tool for quick technology
dissemination
Factors influencing student’s use of various gender based violence strategies implemented in Ilemela Municipal Secondary Schools
No full textInternational Journal of Research Studies in Education 2025 Volume 14 Number 6, 189-199This study explored factors influencing students' use of GBV prevention strategies in
secondary schools. The study was conducted at Ilemela Municipal. A total of 381 respondents
were used as sample size, among them were 378 students and 3 school counselors. Employing
a mixed method concurrent triangulation to collect and analyse data among respondents in the
study area. Data collection methods included self-administered questionnaires, interviews
with key informants and focus group discussions. The quantitative data were analysed by
using binary logistic regression and thematic analysis was used for qualitative data. The
binary logistic regression model identified critical factors, such as sex, courage of speaking
out and awareness and education, impacting students' participation in GBV interventions. The
validation of the instrument was conducted through pilot testing to assess its validity.
Additionally, expert opinions were sought from the supervisor and senior researchers to
ensure the quality of data gathering instrument. To enhance the reliability, the researcher
utilized the test-retest method. Ethical consideration obtaining relevant authority and consent
and insuring the willingness of respondents to participate in study by providing relevant data
to fulfill the study objectives. Results indicated that female students were more likely to
engage in workshops and peer education sessions, while courage of speaking out and
awareness significantly hindered participation. Recommendations include creating supportive
environments to encourage male student participation, establishing confidential reporting
mechanisms, and implementing awareness campaigns to address knowledge gaps. By addressing these factors, schools can enhance the effectiveness of GBV interventions, fostering safer and more inclusive learning environments
Assessment of nodulation potential in Mung bean (V. radiata) genotypes
No full textMungbean, also known as Green gram (Vigna radiata L) is an important legume and annual
crop with a sweet flavor and a soft texture when cooked . Mungbeans are a rich source of
protein, fiber, vitamin B and C, and minerals making them a popular ingredient in many
vegetarian and versatility in various culinary applications like soups, stews, curries, and
desserts. Mungbean growth and productivity is influenced by its ability to form symbiotic
relationships with nitrogen-fixing bacteria known as rhizobia, which convert atmospheric
nitrogen into a form that can be readily used by plants, through the formation of nodules on the
roots of the Mungbean plant, where the rhizobia reside. The experiment aimed to assess the
nodulation potential in different Mungbean varieties for better management of soil fertility.
The experimental design used during research experiment was Randomized Complete Block
Design (RCBD) with three replications and four treatments (four Mungbean varieties).
Results showed that, there was significant difference on number of nodules both at flowering
and pod filling stage at P-value <0.001. TARI GRAM 1 variety exhibited highest number of
nodules at flowering and pod filling stage, 20 and 41 nodules, TARI GRAM 2 variety had 15
and 33.3. nodules, Nuru variety had 10.3 and 20 nodules while Imara variety had 11.67 and
26 nodules respectively. This indicated TARI GRAM 1 variety had superior nodulation
potential and nitrogen fixation potential to improve soil fertility and crop yield in mungbean
cultivation followed by TARI GRAM 2 variety. Therefore, TARI GRAM 1 and TARI GRAM
2 varieties are recommended for farmers looking to enhance soil fertility in Mungbean
cultivation. The increased number of nodules on Mungbean plants leads to higher rates of
nitrogen fixation efficiency resulting in greater nutrient availability in the soil as well as the
overall soil fertility and sustainability.Higher Education Students' Loan Boar
The role of matrilineal kinship in resources allocation, decision making and marketing of spice products in Morogoro region Tanzania
No full textJournal articleIn some regions of Tanzania, including Morogoro, spice production is a significant economic activity. However,
its full potential may not be realised due to the complex socio-cultural kinship that influences resource allocation and
marketing strategies. Specifically, the role of matrilineal kinship in these processes has not been adequately explored. While
matrilineal societies may have distinct patterns of resource ownership, decision-making, and distribution, their impact on
the management of agricultural resources and commercialization of spice products remains under-researched. This study
seeks to fill this gap by examining how matrilineal traditions affect the allocation of resources in cultivating spices and
marketing its products in the Morogoro region of Tanzania. A mixed-methods approach was used to collect data.
Quantitative data were collected through structured questionnaires to 121 respondents obtained through the probability
sampling technique. Qualitative data were collected through focus group discussions from two groups, one group of 16
participants in each village, and key informant interviews with one Extension Officer and two village leaders. Findings
reveal that while matrilineal systems grant women certain rights, such as land inheritance, decision-making remains male-
dominated, particularly in critical aspects such as land use and sales of bulk spices. Household decision-making tends to be
collaborative, but men often retain the final authority. The study concludes that gender dynamics continue to shape key
decisions regarding land use and the bulk sale of spice products. The findings underscore the complexity of gender roles
within matrilineal societies, where women’s rights may not fully translate into control over economic resources
Impact of bushmeat consumption on health risk management in Southern Benin
No full textJournal ArticleThe consumption of bushmeat has been linked to several socioeconomic factors. This study examines
bushmeat consumers in southern Benin, including their motivations, health risks, and groups. In the
Littoral, Atlantique, and Zou districts, 373 people were surveyed. The data were analyzed with R 4.0.2
and SAS 2013 software, and as a result, 74.3% reported consuming bushmeat. Few hunters and
transformers were in Group 1, but many were in Group 2. Group 1 consisted of hunters, processors,
and restaurant owners, whereas Group 2 was mostly illiterate. Bushmeat is eaten for its taste,
nutritional value, and economic and cultural reasons, with many believing it is healthier than domestic
meat. Group 1 and Group 2 consume bushmeat frequently and live in peri-urban and rural locations
near woods for easy access to bush animals. Group 3, which eats bushmeat rarely, is less involved in
the supply chain of bushmeat. Due to poor transit and processing conditions, bushmeat hunting,
processing, and consumption in these places expose people to pathogens and increase the risk of food
poisoning and zoonotic diseases. Education of local residents is necessary to improve food safety and
reduce health concerns. Diversifying income, promoting safer, more sustainable practices, and
encouraging rural youth education require supportive policies. To improve Benin's food security and
public health, this study stresses bushmeat consumers' motivation