SUAIRE (Sokoine Univ. of Agriculture)
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Land tenure security and households’ food security nexus: implications for an improving land governance in Iringa District, Tanzania
No full textResearch articleThis study was conducted to determine the contribution of the Certificate of Customary Rights of Occupancy (CCRO) to farming
households’ food security in the Iringa District Council. Particularly, the study aimed to determine the influence of land tenure
security on the food situation of households, the influence of land tenure security on food consumption, and the influence of land
tenure security on the source of food for households. The study was guided by the institutional theory and the theory of access, these
theories linked the study to the existing body of literature. The study adopted a quasi-experimental research design where villages
that received CCRO were considered as the treatment group of the study and those villages without CCRO were categorized as the
control group for the study. The study decided to adopt the Propensity Score Matching method for constructing a comparison group.
The total sample size for this study was 400 households, with equality divided between the two villages, with and without CCRO.
The study used a systematic random sampling approach to select a sample size of 400 households from the targeted population. The
study employed a mixed methods approach whereby both qualitative and quantitative data were collected through questionnaires
and interviews respectively. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics using IBM SPSS for
quantitative data, while qualitative data was analyzed using a content analysis approach. The study found that those households
with CCROs show a high score of food consumption compared to households without CCROs, this indicates that CCROs enhance
food security in households. This was supported statistically by regression results and bivariate outcomes that illustrate the
significance of CCROs ownership in improving the food situation of households between households having CCROs compared to
those that haven’t. Furthermore, the study found that there is a difference in food consumption patterns between households with
CCROs and those without CCROs. The study concluded that land tenure security has a great impact on the food security of
households in the Iringa district, also, it was concluded that CCRO ownership contributes to improving the food situation of
households enhancing their capacity to access diverse food groups. The study recommended that government and local government
authorities develop policies and strategies that are tailored and applicable to agriculture development and land ownership to
improve land governance structure that allows land registration easy
Improving cotton fiber quality through strategic sowing: implications for phosphorus management from experiments in Chato district, Tanzania
No full textResearch articleThis study was conducted in Msilale Village, Chato District in Tanzania, to
evaluate the influence of sowing dates and phosphorus levels on cotton fiber
quality. The study was established according to a factorial trial, with varying
sowing dates (25th November 2022, 15th December 2022 and 4th
January 2023) and phosphorus levels (control, 20 kg P ha−1, 40 kg P ha−1,
60 kg P ha−1). Results revealed that early planting had a statistically signifi
cant (p < .001) effect on fiber cotton quality, including spinning coefficient
index, fiber length, fiber strength, uniformity index, short fiber content, and
grade/color. Early sowing dates (25th November 2022 and 15th
December 2022) consistently produced superior fiber quality, including spin
ning coefficient index (156.5 and 148.4), moisture content of the fiber (7.8%
and 7.7%), micronaire (3.5 μg/inch), upper half mean length (1.2 cm), unifor
mity index (84.6% and 84.2%) and shorter fiber (6.8% and 7.0%) relative to
late sowing (4th January 2023). Conversely, phosphorus levels did not sig
nificantly (p > .05) impact these parameters within the tested range. This
research underscores the critical role of selecting appropriate sowing dates
for cotton cultivation to achieve better fiber quality
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
Population expansion but limited gene flow in kuhl's blue-spotted maskray along the Tanzanian coast
No full textJournal articleThe blue-spotted maskray Neotrygon kuhlii (Müller & Henle, 1841) is a member of the Dasyatidae family of stingrays which
grows slowly. Members of this group mature late and have a low fecundity rate. The ICUN Red List of Threatened Species lists
N. kuhlii species as data deficient (DD) because information on its ecology and life history is not readily available. The purpose
of this study was to determine the genetic diversity, demographic history and population structure of N. kuhlii, all of which are
critical information for efforts aimed at conserving the species. The investigation was carried out along Tanzania's coastline
using 595 base pairs of partial mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) sequence. The haplotype diversity ranged
between 0.37 and 0.70 and nucleotide diversity between 0.11% and 0.50%. The findings show that samples from Unguja had
higher mean molecular diversity indices than those from other sampling sites. Nonetheless, samples from Mafia and Unguja
were found to have the largest effective population size. Genetic variations were found between the subpopulations under
study, suggesting limited genetic connectivity among the studied subpopulations. The COI sequences of N. kuhlii from most
subpopulations studied showed signs of past population expansion, which are typical for most Western Indian Ocean (WIO)
fauna. The findings highlight the need for enhanced management and conservation strategies for N. kuhlii and other coastal
stingray species in Tanzania, particularly in areas where sampling sites showed low levels of genetic diversity and effective
population size
Growth, yield and wood properties of teak (Tectona grandis) provenances at longuza forest plantation, Muheza District, Tanzania
No full textMaster Degree of Science in ForestryA comprehensive study was conducted at Longuza Forest Plantation
in Tanzania to enhance the production of Teak (Tectona grandis) in
response to increasing demand for improved Teak provenances for
productive plantations. The study aimed to evaluate the growth
performance and wood properties of 12 provenances established in
2011, comprising 41 families. The experiment used a randomized
complete block design with 8 replications, each plot containing 6
trees. The growth performance assessment included survival,
diameter at breast height (Dbh), height (Ht), basal area (BA), volume
(Vol), and mean annual increment (MAI). Additionally, the study
examined stem straightness and the physical properties. Statistical
analysis was carried out using SAS® software version 9.4,
NPAR1WAY and rank procedures. The results showed non-
significant differences (p > 0.05) in survival among provenances but
highly significant differences (p < .0001) for Dbh, Ht, Vol, BA, and
MAI, the average values for these parameters were 68.70 ± 5.64 %,
21.35 ± 4.04 cm, 18.65 ± 2.2 m, 304.83 ± 135.37 m3 ha−1, 9.96 ±
3.60 m2 ha−1, and 27.71 ± 12.30 m3 ha−1 yr−1 respectively. The study
identified superior performing provenances, including the East Africa
Longuza seed stand, East Africa Longuza Provenance Trial, and
East Africa Longuza Progeny Trial. Furthermore, the results
revealed significant variation in stem straightness among
provenances with the average score of 1.9 ± 0.8. Provenances like
East Africa Mtibwa, CSIRO Thailand, and East Africa Longuza seed
stand showed superior stem straightness. However, no substantial
variations in physical properties were observed among the
provenances. The average basic density was 0.571 ± 0.059 g cm−3,
with mean ranging from 0.469 ± 0.053 in CSIRO Thailand to 0.545 ±
0.071 g cm−3 in East Africa Longuza Progeny Trial. Based on the
findings, the study recommends planting East Africa Longuza seed
stand, East Africa Longuza Provenance Trial, and East Africa
Longuza Progeny Trial in pilot plantations at Longuza and in areas
with similar climatic and soil conditions. Furthermore, the studyTanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS
Prevalence of parasites in silvery mole rats in Morogoro region, Tanzania
No full textMSc. Science in Public Health Pest ManagementThe silvery mole rat (Heliophobius argenteocinereus) is a
subterranean rodent with a wide distributional range throughout Sub-
Saharan Africa. They are herbivores feeding on underground organs
of a variety of plants. Despite being used as a source of protein by
some local communities in Africa, the rats have been reported to
host several parasites. However, the status of the parasites
infesting/infecting silvery mole rats in Tanzania has not been well
studied. Exploring the ectoparasites and endoparasites species
diversity in silvery mole rats opens up a fascinating avenue for
understanding the intricate relationships between these
underground-dwelling mammals and their parasites. It is intriguing to
consider the potential threat for transmission of parasitic zoonoses
between humans, livestock, and silvery mole rats due to the notable
interactions in the environment. Consequently, the key aim of this
study is to acquire crucial information about the ectoparasites and
endoparasites in silvery mole rats in the Morogoro region, Tanzania.
A survey to establish the status of ectoparasites and endoparasites
in silvery mole rats was conducted in Mlali (Mlali, Mkuyuni, Mongwe
and Kipera villages) and Mji mkuu wards of Mvomero and Morogoro
urban districts in Tanzania, from March to June 2023. Silvery mole
rats were collected manually using hand hoes excavation from their
burrows in agroecological areas. The captured rats were euthanized
using Diethyl Ether, ectoparasites were collected from animal fur,
blood samples were collected directly from the heart, and GIT
contents were collected by flushing the GIT using physiological
saline after opening of the abdominal cavity. During postmortem
adult worms found inside the tract and around the pelvic, thoracic,
and abdominal cavities were collected and preserved in 70%
ethanol. The collected ectoparasites were fixed in a series of
alcohols, cleared in xylene, and mounted on microscopic slides. A
flotation method was adopted for processing gastrointestinal
contents, and the recovered adult helminths were processed by
using lactophenol mounting techniques for nematodes and aceto-carmine staining techniques for cestodes. For hemoparasites
detection, the blood and impression smears from the kidney, liver,
and lungs were prepared and stained with Giemsa stain for
microscopic examination. Using taxonomic keys, ectoparasites,
hemoparasites, and helminths were identified based on their
morphological features. The prevalence of ectoparasites,
hemoparasites, and gastrointestinal parasites was computed, and a
chi-square test was applied to assess the relationship between
parasites and animal body parameters, the association with a p ≤
0.05 was considered significant.
One hundred thirty-seven silvery mole rats were collected, adult
females 65% (89/137) were the dominant among the collected rats.
A total of 1503 ectoparasites were collected, identified, and revealed
to two taxa of mite spp which were Androlaelaps spp 93.15%
(1400/1503) and Echinolaelaps spp 6.19% (93/1503), and one taxon
of tick the Haemaphysalis spp 0.6% (10/1503) with an overall
prevalence of 71.5% (98/137), mite species were the most abundant
(94.98%). Two species of blood parasites were detected with an
overall prevalence of 29.2% (40/137) and identified as Anaplasma
spp 25.5% (35/137) and Babesia spp 16.8% (23/137). Three species
of gastrointestinal helminth were detected including taxa of cestode
and nematode. A taxon of cestode was identified as Hymenolepis
diminuta with an overall prevalence of 20.44% (28/137). A total of
385 adult H. diminuta and 1450 cestode EPG were collected from
the gastrointestinal tract. Two species of nematodes; Physaloptera
spp and Strongyloides spp were revealed with an overall prevalence
of 39.42% (54/137), Physaloptera infection was the most prevalent
at 37.22% (51/137) and the only adult nematode recovered among
the two nematode species. A significant association was shown
between blood parasites and adult silvery mole rats (p = 0.004), and
between ticks and babesiosis, tick and anaplasmosis with p of 0.001
and 0.01, respectively. The cestode infection had a significant
association with both host age and reproductive category (p< 0.05).
Adult silvery mole rats had a lower infection risk than sub-adult rats,
with an odds ratio of 0.6 (95% CI 0.24-1.87). Female silvery mole rats were at higher risk of being infected with nematode parasites
compared to males, with an odds ratio of 1.6 (95% CI 0.78-3.43).
The findings of this study indicate that ectoparasites, hemoparasites,
and gastrointestinal helminths are prevalent among silvery mole rats
in Morogoro region and might be the source of the infection in
humans and livestock. Further studies on the epidemiology of the
parasites identified and others that were not found in this study at
the molecular level for advanced characterization are recommended
to explore their zoonotic potential.African Centre of Excellence for Innovative Rodent Pest Management and Biosensor
Technology Development (ACE II IRPM-BTD) through grant number
5799-T
Dietary diversity and anthropometric status of students at universities in Dodoma and Morogoro Regions, Tanzania
No full textTanzania Journal of Health ResearchBackground: Young adulthood is a transitional period that provides an opportunity to influence
immediate and future eating behavior and good nutritional status. As diets evolve during young
adulthood due to changes in circumstances and the introduction of new influences, young
adults are a significant population group that influences future eating behaviours and prevents
the development of NCDS. There is scanty information on the relationship between dietary
diversity and the nutritional status of university students in Tanzania. This study aimed to find
the synergy between university students' anthropometric status and dietary diversity in
Morogoro and Dodoma regions of Tanzania.
Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 247 University students in Morogoro and Dodoma
regions (130 from Mzumbe University and 117 from Saint John’s University) respectively. The two
Universities were purposively selected from each region. Data on Dietary diversity was collected
using food groups from DDS to obtain the dietary score of each student. Anthropometric
measures such as weight, height and waist circumference were done to obtain the
anthropometric status of the University students.
Results: The descriptive cross-sectional study involved 247 University students. In comparative
chi-square analysis, the association was found among different socio-demographic
characteristics of the University students. The p-value < 0.05 was used to determine the
association among the variables.
Conclusion: In conclusion, university students are a vulnerable group in developing
obesity/overweight due to the transitional stage. Being overweight and obese was associated
with being female, increased age and being married. High dietary diversity was also linked with
abdominal obesity. Factors that can help describe and understand the anthropometric status of
university students have also been identified. These include years of study, religion, and
university location. Therefore, efforts to adopt good lifestyle behaviours should be sensitized
amongst this sub-population to reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases in the long run
The Link between compliance with project requirements and project success: evaluation from TASAF-III beneficiaries’ perspectives in Tanzania
No full textDoctor of PhilosophyIn fighting against transitional households’ income poverty, many of
the initiated community economic development (CED) projects have
faced a number of unanticipated outcomes. Non-compliance with the
stated project requirements is labelled the cause.
However,
substantial and fully complied projects have too shown the similar
mixed results of success and failure. Therefore, this study aimed to
examine the link between compliance with project requirements and
CED projects’ success: the evaluation of which was done from
TASAF-III beneficiaries’ perspectives in Tanzania. With specific
reference to TASAF-III supported CED projects, the study intended:
to determine the compliance drivers in CED projects in Tanzania; to
analyse the influence of compliance with project requirements on
CED projects’ performance outcomes in Tanzania; to assess the
effects of compliance with project requirements on CED projects’
satisfaction outcomes in Tanzania; and, to evaluate the impact of
compliance with project requirements on CED projects’ value
outcomes in Tanzania. The study was guided by the Theory of
Regulatory Compliance (TRC), with the premise that, being in full
(100%) compliance with all rules/requirements is not necessarily a
good policy for project success, as rules/requirements are not created
equal. The study adopted a cross-sectional design with multiple
cases—undertaken in twelve selected TASAF-III supported CED
projects in six regions of Tanzania, namely Tanga, Morogoro, Tabora,
Mbeya, Mwanza, and Kigoma. The three levels multistage sampling
method, coupled with stratified and simple random sampling, was
used to obtain the appropriate sample as poor households’ population
in Tanzania is widely distributed. Firstly, the six impact wave districts
from six regions in six geographical zones in Tanzania, were
identified using stratified sampling method. Secondly, the twelve most
representative TASAF-III projects were selected using the same
method. Thirdly, 480 households from 17 424 population of needy
households under impact wave districts were chosen at 2:3 ratio for
treatment (192) and control (288) subjects respectively—using simple
random sampling technique. Primary data were collected using the
research schedules. IBM SPSS v.16 and stata software were used for
data analysis. Ordinal regression model was used for testing the predictive validity of project compliance drivers to compliance
requirements. Based on the model results that the defined
compliance drivers in TASAF-III projects are negative significant
predictors of compliance with TASAF-III project requirements, it could
be concluded that, the observed non-compliance of TASAF-III with its
defined requirements is fuelled by increased adherence to non-
predictive compliance drivers. It is therefore recommended that plans
for the desired project ends should not discriminate-out the predictive
assumptions for positive compliance outcomes. Proportional Chi-test
was used to determine whether the defined TASAF-III project
requirements are self-drivers for involuntary compliance with the
same or not. Based on the test results that the defined TASAF-III
supported CED projects requirements are non-self-drivers of
individuals’ voluntary compliance—with McGregor’s theory “X” being
an option, it was concluded that, CED projects in Tanzania record
less of project success for more of resources committed as they
employ poorly defined project requirements that drive away
compliance than enhancing it. Project entities are therefore
recommended to define project requirements enticing stakeholders’
self-compliance. One sample t-test was used to determine whether
institutional ethical culture influence project compliance with
requirements or not. Based on the finding that about 80 percent of
TASAF-III projects compliance with requirements is influenced by 20
percent of its institutional ethical culture, it was concluded that
projects compliance driven failures in TASAF-III projects are mostly
fuelled by their unethical institutional cultures. Strategic audits of self-
imposed institutional ethical cultures are therefore recommended to
overcome the influence of detrimental individuals’ interests. Based on
binomial test results for population proportion that, about 80 percent
of TASAF-III project compliance culture results from 20 percent of its
institutional ethical culture, it was therefore concluded that CED
project’s compliance culture is moulded by its institutional ethical
cultural domains. Project practitioners’ enculturation is recommended
to reduce risks of hidden unethical cultural practices which may be
detrimental to project compliance outcomes. Moreover, the same
ordinal regression model was used to estimate the predictive validity
of project requirements to project outcomes. Based on the finding that
defined project requirements are significant negative predictors ofprojects performance outcomes, it was concluded that the employed
TASAF-III projects requirements are not selected based on projects’
environmental fit. Project entities are therefore recommended to
revamp their feasibility study mechanisms; and hence, design and
plan for environmental friendly project requirements with positive
performance outcomes. Nevertheless, considering the finding that the
defined project requirements are significant negative predictors of
projects satisfaction outcomes, it could be concluded that the
observed institutional failure on income poverty relief is more fuelled
by inapt selections of the right project requirements than on
compliance challenges. Participatory community needs assessment
results use for CED projects designs is highly recommended, as the
continued reliance on negatively perceived project requirements
reduces the success likelihood of projects satisfaction outcomes than
upturning the same. The propensity score matching model was used
to evaluate the impact of compliance with project requirements on
project value outcomes—assessed by project fitness for the purpose
on households’ delivery from transitional income poverty in Tanzania.
Based on the result that there is no significant difference in incomes
and spending between households participated in TASAF-III
supported projects and those who did not, it could be concluded that
compliance with TASAF-III supported projects has no significant
impact on poor households’ relief from transitional income poverty.
This is because TASAF implements projects which are more of
secteral priorities than those which are specific community felt needs.
The study recommends practical decentralized planning for
households’ desired projects as opposed to traditional approach—for
which districts departments’ and sectoral priorities determine the type
of TASAF-III project to be executed. The overall TASAF failure to
deliver households from income poverty, in the facet of negative
predictive project requirements at substantial compliance, warrants
the conclusion that compliance with project requirements does not
necessary result to project success—if requirements are inaptly
selected. Proper choice of projects requirements with positive
predictive outcomes is therefore recommended as the TRC is proven
true.Institute of Accountancy Arush
Implementation of english language competence –based curriculum in Tanzanian secondary schools: a case Mtama District
No full textResearch ArticleThe study assessed the implementation of the English language Competence Based Curriculum (CBC) in Tanzanian secondary
schools, with a focus on Mtama District. The study employed the Communicative Competence Model (CCM) to guide the study.
Data were collected in Mtama District in April 2023, where the study used a mixed methods design 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
revealed that English teachers in Mtama District implement CBC at a medium level; the study sheds light on the practical aspects
of CBC performance, providing an understanding of approaches, strategies, and methods. The study concludes that the successful
implementation of the CBC is a collective responsibility, and it is crucial for English teachers to be proactive in their training
and development. The study also recommends the effectiveness of different models of English teacher training and professional
development programs, specifically to CBC methodologies and innovative teaching strategies and pedagogical approaches that
enhance the integration of CBC principles in English language teaching
Organophosphorus pesticide residues in tomatoes: a case of Mlali and Doma Wards in Mvomero District, Morogoro
No full textExtensive pesticide use poses a significant challenge to Tanzania's horticulture industry, particularly affecting the leading tomato producer, the Morogoro region. This study focused on assessing organophosphorus pesticide residues in tomatoes from Mlali and Doma divisions in the Mvomero district of Morogoro. A total of 40 samples were collected from both farms and markets for analysis, utilizing Gas Chromatography with Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) for extract analysis. Statistical Analysis Software (SAS) Version 9.1 was employed for data analysis. The study identified six organophosphorus pesticides, with concentrations in the following order: pirimiphos methyl > diazinon > fenitrothion > dimethoate > profenofos > chlorpyrifos. Pirimiphos methyl levels ranged from 3.32±0.03 to 9.53±0.05 μg/kg in Mlali samples and 0.20±0.01 to 6.33±0.03 μg/kg in Doma samples. Chlorpyrifos was detected in the lowest concentrations across all samples. Interestingly, higher pesticide levels were found in market samples compared to those from farms, suggesting potential misuse post-harvest and during distribution. This misuse could have severe consequences for tomato consumers, including both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic effects. The study underscores the importance of educating farmers on the proper use of pesticides and the potential adverse effects resulting from their misuse. Addressing this issue is crucial for ensuring the safety of tomatoes in the market and protecting consumers from harmful effects associated with pesticide residues