SUAIRE (Sokoine Univ. of Agriculture)
Not a member yet
11873 research outputs found
Sort by
Farmers’ preferences for tropically adapted improved chicken breeds in selected agro-ecological zones in Tanzania
No full textTanzania Journal of Agricultural Sciences (2023) Vol. 22 No. 2, pp. 458-466This study was carried out in twelve villages that were implementing the African Chicken
Genetic Gain (ACGG) project in Mbeya and Mwanza regions. Multistage random sampling method
was employed from Agro-Ecological Zone (AEZ) level to a village level in which respondents were
systematically selected from a distribution list of chicks. Data were collected using structured
questionnaires and 132 respondents were interviewed. The objective of this study was to identify
smallholder farmers’ preference traits of improved chicken breeds compared to local ones. The
results showed that, the majority of smallholder farmers i.e. 104 (78.8%) in the study areas
preferred improved chicken breeds due to the traits of fast growth rate, large body size at maturity,
higher egg production, easily adaptive to the local environment, bigger sized eggs and being sold
easily. Moreover, the chi- square test shows that, improved chicken traits of egg production, large
egg size and being sold at good prices were statistically significant at (p<0.05) between regions.
However, 28 smallholder farmers i.e. 21.2%, preferred local chicken due to the traits of ability to
survive, scavenging ability, good meat taste, mothering ability, good hatching ability and egg taste.
In this case, the chi-square test shows that, local chicken trait of ability to survive had significant
difference (p<0.05) between regions. It is therefore concluded that improved chicken breeds were
preferred by the majority of farmers due to their traits such as fast growth rate and high egg
production. It is thus recommended that chicken breeders should introduce chicken which have
traits preferred by smallholder farmers
Hatching of artemia franciscana and it’s performance in fertilized ponds
No full textMSc DissertationThis study was conducted to assess the general performance
of Artemia franciscana from saltworks in Tanga, Tanzania. The
study aimed to determine Artemia cysts’ biometry and hatching
efficiency, and effect of pond fertilization on growth
performance and nutritional composition of Artemia. For the
study on biometry and hatching efficiency, Artemia cysts were
collected from salt farms in Tanga, Tanzania, using a 100-150
mesh net. Then the cysts were processed and packed in
airtight containers. In the laboratory, the diameter of each cyst
was measured from a sub sample of 200 cysts and another
sub-samples were incubated in beakers at 28 °C, 35 ppt, and
a pH of 8. After 24 hours, newly hatched nauplii were moved in
triplicate to the culturing tanks, where they were cultured for 15
days while being fed microalgae (Nannochloropsis oculate). As
a reference, the Vinh Chau Artemia cyst strain (from Vietnam)
was used as control. The findings showed that Artemia cyst
from Tanga had a higher value of capsulated cyst diameter
(213.4μm) and chorion thickness (9.7μm) compared to Vinh
Chau Artemia cysts (208.3 μm; 8.3 μm) respectively. Also, a
higher hatching percentage and efficiency was observed in
Vinh Chau Artemia cyst compared to Tanga (p < 0.05).
However a higher growth performance and survival
percentage (74.56%) were observed in Tanga Artemia strain
compared to Vinh Chau Artemia strain (53.85%) which is very
promising. Hence, Tanga Artemia strain showed good quality
hence its prospects to production in pond. However, the study
on the effects of pond fertilization, examined the growth
performance and nutritional composition of Artemia. At 28 °C,
35 ppt, and a pH of 8, six buckets each holding 20 liters of
water were used to hatch a total of 30g cysts. The newly
hatched nauplii were then inoculated in triplicates into the fertilized and non-fertilized ponds, where they were cultured for
28 days at a density of 100 nauplii/litre. The results on
Artemia’s growth performance and nutritional composition
were significantly greater in fertilized ponds (p<0.05).
Phytoplankton communities were also more abundant in
fertilized ponds compared to non-fertilized ponds. All the
environmental parameters monitored were within the
recommended range for example the mean salinity was above
70ppt. The findings from this study suggested that pond
fertilization is of great importance for quality and optimal
production of Artemia in ponds. The results of this study lead
to the conclusion that Tanga cysts exhibit good biometric
characteristics as well as good growth performance when
exposed to pond fertilization. As a result, we recommend
further research in order to enhance more traits of the local
Artemia breed in pond production.The Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA
Teachers, pedagogical, skills, students, attitudes, towardstechnology, enhanced, teaching, learning, Morogoro Secondary, Schools, Tanzania
No full textInternational Journal of Education Humanities and Social Science Vol. 7, No. 02; 2024Technology provides pedagogically enhanced tools and facilities, allowing teachers to more
effectively replace traditional methods of instruction. Technology in teaching and learning is
essential for Tanzania's development. The Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology
encourages technology-based learning in national curricula through a wide range of initiatives.
This study examined teachers pedagogical skills and students' attitudes towards the use of
technology to improve teaching and learning in Morogoro Municipal Secondary Schools. The
study employed a survey design involving a sample of 140 municipal secondary school students
and 40 teachers. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used for analysing
descriptive statistics. The findings indicate that smart phones are the most widely used
technologically advanced tool among teachers. While teachers use the internet to find instructional
materials, LCD projectors for lesson delivery, and online platforms for flipped classrooms, the
study found that the majority of them lack the technologically enhanced pedagogical skills needed
to deliver lessons online, such as the use of digital technologies to promote inclusive education,
the use of learning management systems (LMS), and the selection and use of appropriate software
tools for instruction. The majority of respondents felt positive about technology-enhanced teaching
and learning, despite concerns about bullying when using social media for learning purposes.
Based on these findings, the study suggests teacher training programmes to enable successful
technology-enhanced teaching and learning. The study also suggests that school administrators
adopt safety measures and educate students on how to protect themselves when engaging in online
learning platforms
Mitochondrial genetic diversity and demographic history of critically endangered oreochromis karongae (trewavas, 1941) along lake nyasa, Tanzania
No full textResearch articleFish provide food and income opportunities for millions of people in Lake Nyasa, also known as Lake Malawi in Malawi and
Lake Niassa in Mozambique. Oreochromis karongae (Trewavas, 1941), which is native to Lake Nyasa, Lake Malombe and the
Shire River, is at the verge of extinction and has been listed as critically endangered species by the International Union for
Conservation of Nature (IUCN), primarily due to overfishing. Using 632 bp of partial mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subu-
nit I (COI) sequences from 115 samples, this work aims to assess the population genetic status and demographic history of this
species to better manage and advance its conservation. The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed a low and non-
significant genetic differentiation index across the populations under study (ΦST = 0.003, p = 0.278), indicating a lack of popu-
lation genetic structure. Phylogenetic analysis, grouped together all COI haplotypes of O. karongae from the six sampled sites.
Nonetheless, the results showed signs of population expansion from a historic bottleneck, consistent with most data from the
Western Indian Ocean Fauna. The findings from this study could be used to improve management and conservation strategies
for critically endangered O. karongae in Lake Nyasa
The pattern of reproduction in the African giant pouchedrat, Cricetomys gambianus, from Tanzania: unravelling the environmental triggers for breeding
No full textJournal ArticleOur research represents the first extensive study of the breeding behaviour and related environmental triggers of reproduction
in the African giant pouch rat (Cricetomys gambianus Waterhouse, 1840) in and around the equator throughout a whole
year. We measured the gross morphology and detailed histology of both female and male rats, along with plasma steroid hormone
levels. Contrary to other tropical-dwelling small mammals, the African giant pouch rat is a seasonal breeder; however,
rainfall is not to be the primary cue of reproduction. Our study suggests that ambient temperature and photoperiod are the
primary environmental cues of reproduction, with breeding occurring during the cooler months of the year, namely in the
dry season. During the wet and hot season, which succeeds the dry season, there is an increase in the availability of quality
food, which results in nursing mothers and weaned pups achieving a positive energy balance and increased body condition.
This, in turn, increases pregnancy success and offspring survival. Climate change, particularly global warming, could harm
the reproduction of African giant pouched rats as rising temperatures in and around the equator, including Tanzania, may
impact their circannual reproductive cycl
Assessing climate‑smart agroforestry practices: A study of tree species composition, distribution, and utilities in two contrasting agroecosystems of Rwanda
No full textJournal ArticleTree adoption on farms has expanded
around the world in the last years due to food security
concerns and is expected to further spread due to
climate change. Climate-smart agroforestry (CSAF),
a smart farming approach, is one of these farming
patterns. In this study, we (a) analyzed the distribution
and composition of trees in CSAF systems, (b)
assessed tree diversity in CSAF systems, (c) analyzed
CSAF best management practices, and (d) evaluated
CSAF-derived utilities in two contrasting agroecological
zones of Rwanda. In particular, species composition,
diversity, richness, evenness, and similarity were
estimated across land use types. Utility data were
recorded as fulfilled goals from different practices.
Home gardens, alley cropping, improved fallow,
multipurpose trees, plantation crop combination,
shelterbelts/windbreaks, and silvopasture are the predominant
CSAF practices in Bugesera and Rulindo
with different structures and compositions. Results
highlighted that tree species diversity, richness, dominance,
and importance decrease from Rulindo to
Bugesera (H′ = 1.397–1.247), (
Dmg = 0.621–0.368),
(D = 0.192–0.117), (IVI = 58.42–58.02). Moreover,
farmers seemed to give more weight to utilities from
goods meant for household survival such as fruits
(home consumption), fuelwood (culinary), fodder
(cattle-housed for zero-grazing), and standing trees
(stakes for climbing crops). Logs, and poles/timber
meant for commercial purposes were given the least
weight. Introducing and upscaling fruit tree species
on farms can be one of the best alternatives to
improve local climate-resilient landscapes and livelihoods.
The outcomes of this study can support the
targeting of agricultural interventions and innovations
in resource-poor settings struggling with food security
challenges
COVID-19 crisis : community health workers’ experiences in assisting older adults with tuberculosis in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
No full textJournal articleDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, governments implemented public health measures to safeguard individuals with tuberculosis, their caregivers, and healthcare workers. While these measures were well-intentioned, they inadvertently hindered Community Health Workers (CHWs) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. This study explored the experiences of CHWs supporting tuberculosis patients during the pandemic. It involved in-depth interviews with 24 CHWs from 12 wards in the Temeke and Kigamboni districts, using purposive sampling and a cross-sectional research design aligned with a descriptive phenomenological approach. Thematic analysis was employed for data interpretation. The findings revealed three key issues: First, CHWs faced increased workplace pressures as they navigated the complexities of caring for tuberculosis patients while adhering to COVID-19 protocols, often with limited resources. Second, notable changes in the work environment and interactions among healthcare professionals underscored CHWs' difficulties in collaborating with other providers. Lastly, the pandemic's impact on the personal lives of CHWs highlighted significant effects on their overall well-being. The study emphasizes the need for proactive measures to better equip CHWs for the exceptional challenges of tuberculosis care during future pandemics
Feed utilisation, growth performance and carcass characteristics of Tanzania shorthorn zebu cattle fed rice straws under traditional finish feeding system
No full textMaster of Science Degree in Tropical Animal ProductionTanzania has 36.6 million cattle and is one of the countries with the
largest cattle population in Africa. Of the 36.6 million cattle, 96% are
indigenous cattle and the majority of them belong to the Tanzania
Shorthorn Zebu (TSHZ) breed. The TSHZ are kept under low input
systems and grazed extensively in the communal rangelands. The
low input management practices result into poor performance that
has led to red meat production-demand imbalance in the country.
The mismatch between supply and demand of beef is aggravated by
the fast human population and economic growth. Some local cattle
producers engage in feedlot practices as a means to increase beef
production and capture the existing red meat market and hence,
increase income generation to support their livelihoods. Most feedlot
practitioners feed natural grasses including Cenchrus ciliaris hay to
cattle as the basal diet and energy-based concentrates as
supplement. However, hay usage is limited by its unavailability and
high price, which necessitates farmers to look for alternative least
cost basal diets such as cereal crop residues. Rice straw is among
the cereal crop residues which are abundantly available and cheap
in agro-pastoral communities of Tanzania. Despite the abundant
availability of rice straws, these straws have high proportion of
indigestible carbohydrate which limits their utilisation as a basal diet
for fattening cattle. Treatment with urea can improve the nutritional
value of rice straws and, hence, high performance of the fattened
cattle. Therefore, the current study was conducted to evaluate the
effects of partial or complete substitution of C. ciliaris hay with urea
treated or untreated rice straws on feed utilisation, growth
performance, carcass and meat characteristics of TSHZ. The current
study was conducted at Mtanana village in Kongwa district, located
about 82 km from Dodoma capital city in central Tanzania. Fifty (50)
bulls with initial mean (± SD) weight of 132.4 ± 26.7 kg and age of
2.5 - 3 years were used in the experiment. The bulls were kept
under total confinement and assigned randomly to five dietary
treatments with 10 animals per treatment. The dietary treatments were used as basal diets and included C. ciliaris hay only (CCH),
untreated rice straws (URS), urea treated rice straws (TRS),
combination of untreated rice straws and hay (URH) and
combination of urea treated rice straws and hay (TRH). In addition to
the basal diet, all animals were fed the same supplementary diet
comprised of maize bran (53%), molasses (25%), sunflower seed
cake (20%), mineral premix (1.5%) and table salt (0.5%). The
feeding trial took 84 days and at the end of the experiment, the
experimental animals were evaluated for feed intake, weight gain,
daily weight gain, percentage profit return, carcass characteristics
and meat quality. Throughout the experimental period, clean water
was provided ad libitum to all experimental animals. The results
indicate differences (p < 0.001) in basal diet intake whereby animals
under TRS had the highest value (1.6 ± 0.02 kg DM/day) and those
on CCH
had the lowest (1.3 ± 0.2 kg DM/day). Similarly,
metabolisable energy intake was highest for animals fed TRS (86.0
± 0.7 MJ/day) and lowest for those on CCH (72.0 ± 0.7 MJ/day).
The animals fed TRH had the highest weight gain (64.7 ± 4.4 kg)
and average daily gain (770 ± 0.1 g/day) while those on URS had
the lowest weight gain (50.3 ± 4.4 kg) and average daily gain (599 ±
0.1 g/day). Also, feed conversion ratio varied (p < 0.001) among
treatments and was lowest for animals on TRH (8.9 ± 0.1) and
highest for animals on URS (11.9 ± 0.1), indicating that animals on
TRH were more effective in converting feed to live weight. Animals
fed URH had the highest hot carcass weight and some linear
carcass measurements such as chest depth and hind limb
circumference. The final meat pH was slightly higher in all animals
subjected to different dietary treatments and was above the
recommended value of 5.8. This resulted into dark red meat,
probably due to the stress experienced by the animals at slaughter.
Meat fat content was lower in animals fed TRS (10.6%) than in
animals fed TRH (13.9%) and URS (11.9%). The animals on TRS
had the highest proportion of lean (72.3%) compared to the animals
on other treatments. The animals on TRH showed the least cost
(TZS 5,244/=) for gaining one kilogram of live weight. However, thehighest percentage profit return was observed in animals fed TRS
(32.3%) while those fed CCH had the least (27.3%). Therefore, it is
concluded that TRS is the best basal diet for fattening indigenous
cattle because the animals fed this diet showed higher percentage
profit margin, proportion of lean and lower fat and total lipid contents
compared to those on other diets.Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries (MLF) through the
Department of Livestock Production and Market Development and
Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH
Analysis of diurnal and seasonal dynamics of water quality parameters and their implications on metabolism and physiology of nile tilapia (oreochromis niloticus) cultured in pond.
No full textPhD ThesisAquaculture production of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) has
attracted considerable attention around the world because of their
fastest growth rate, good quality meat, and fascinating
physiological characteristic that allow them to adopt and strive in
a broad range of production systems. Because of
these
characteristics, Nile tilapia has been adopted as the key
aquaculture species in Tanzania. Nile tilapia production in
Tanzania takes place primarily in earthen ponds, mostly under a
semi-intensive system without the use of water treatment
technology. In Tanzania more than 80% of the aquaculture
produced fish comes from Nile tilapia raised ponds. The
production of Nile tilapia in ponds has for long time been
unsuccessful due to poor growth performance. This is because,
unlike in other production systems such as Recirculating
Aquaculture Systems (RAS), in small water bodies such as
earthen ponds water quality parameters vary considerably on a
daily basis, depending on the equilibrium reached with the regular
physical and chemical characteristics of the surrounding
environment. These variation are likely to considerablly effect
physiology and welfare of the cultured fish. Unfortunatly, the
extent of diurnal, and seasonal variation in water quality
parameters in the production ponds across the country are not
yet known. This makes it difficult for estimating the influence of
changes in fish ponds water quality influences on physiology and
performance of cultured Nile tilapia.
This study was carried out to determine the current status and
dynamics of the diurnal, and seasonal fishpond water quality
parameters in Tanzania. It was also carried out to assess the
effects of the observed water quality variation on the physiology,
metabolism and performance of the pond-cultured Nile tilapia. To
achieve the study objectives, a field survey of fish onds and three
laboratory experiments were performed. The diurnal and
seasonal trends in pond water quality parameters were
documented and the effect of changes of some selected water
quality parameters on the Nile tilapia physiological characteristics
and performances were reported.
Study 1. A field survey was conducted between June 2019 and
April 2021 in Tanzania. Four agroecological zones (Easter,
Southern Highland, Northern, and Lake Zones) were selected as
study sites. A total of 120 fish farmers were interviewed using a
well structured questionnaire to collect information on the current
general farm characteristics and farming practices. In addition, a
fish farm with identical ponds stocked with Nile tilapia was
selected in each agro-ecological zone, and an in-situ
measurement of the water parameters was carried out for one
year, covering two seasons (the cold: June to September and the
warm season November to January). Results revealed
significantly difference in mean pond water temperature between
the study zones (p <0.001) with the highest in the Eastern and
the lowest in the Southern Highland zones. Results show that the
temperature in the Northern zone and Southern highlands during
the cold season (June to September) was below the level
required for Nile tilapia growth. Other water quality parameters
(pH, DO, turbidity, and TDS) varied between seasons within
zones, but, were within the range suitable for Nile tilapia growth.
The annual fish yield was higher in the Lake zone (629 ±124
kg/ha/yr) suggesting a positive relationship between temperature
and fish yield. High net primary production during the warm
season in all zones indicates the need for good water quality
management to prevent algae blooms, which may result in acute
and prolonged stress from hypoxia and hypercapnia, which are
the primary physiological stressors for fish. The available data
from the survey study was used as a baseline in a series of
experiments conducted in the lab at Denmark Technical
University (DTU-aqua) to critically assess the effects of the
variation in water parameters on the physiology and performance
of the cultured Nile tilapia.
Experiment 1. High level s of dissolved carbon dioxide (CO 2 )
occurs nightly in earthen ponds characterized by high respiration
rates. Exposure to high CO 2 conditions (hypercapnia) leads to
acidosis in fish, which can be compensated by an accumulation
of HCO 3- to recover intra - and extracellular pH levels, with a
capacity that appears to be species-specific. For Nile tilapia, a
freshwater tropical teleost traditionally produced in earthen
ponds, little information is available on the tolerance to dissolved
levels of CO 2 and associated acid-base disturbances. Here, we
investigated first the effects of acute and progressively increasing
CO 2 , from normocapnic conditions to 60 mg CO 2 L -1 , on oxygen
uptake rates (MO 2 ). This was followed by exposure to three
concentrations of CO 2 ; 10, 30, and 60 mg L -1 (equivalent to pCO 2
of 5.4, 16.2, and 32.4 mmHg) against a normocapnic control
(pCO 2 0.3 mmHg), to investigate acute (1h) or prolonged (24h)
effects on standard (SMR) and maximum metabolic rate s
(MMR), haematology, and extra - and intracellular acid-base
status in adult Nile tilapia (mean BM 435 ± 16 g ±SE). Acute
exposure to hypercapnia led to concentration-dependent
decreases in both SMR and MMR. Fish were able to fully or
partially recover MMR and metabolic scope (MS) after 24h, while
depression of SMR persisted at all CO 2 levels. Acute exposure to
CO 2 caused intra-and extracellular pH levels to decrease by up to
0.5 units in a concentration-dependent manner. Only the lowest
hypercapnic treatment (pCO 2 5.4 mmHg) was able to fully
recover within 24h. Changes in haematological variables
appeared minor, being restricted to increasing haematocrit,
haemoglobin concentration, and mean cell volume in the highest
CO 2 treatments after 24h exposure. Although the Nile tilapia is
generally considered a species able to tolerate poor water quality,
the modest or slow acid-base regulation following hypercapnic
exposure suggests sensitivity to hypercapnia.
Experiment 2. Dissolved gases (carbon dioxide and oxygen) in
earthen ponds exert strong opposing effects due to
photosynthesis and respiration. This leads to daily conditions that
fluctuate between being hyperoxic and hypocapnic during the day
and becoming severely hypoxic and hypercapnic at night. The
interacting effects of hypoxia and hypercapnia and fluctuating
conditions on pond-farmed Nile tilapia have not received any
attention. This study evaluated the effects of daily variations in
dissolved O 2 and CO 2 on the appetite and feed utilization in Nile
tilapia using groups reared under normoxic - normocapnic
conditions (control, C), diurnal hypoxia (HO), diurnal hypercapnia
(HC), or combined diurnal hypoxia and hypercapnia (HO × HC) in
a digestibility system. Results show that hypoxia and hypercapnia
exerted strong individual effects on appetite, specific growth rate,
and feed conversion and that simultaneous hypoxia and
hypercapnia amplified these effects. Appetite depression induced
by nocturnal hypoxia or hypercapnia was restored at mid-day, but
simultaneous exposure resulted in a day-long loss of appetite.
Hypoxia and hypercapnia reduced specific growth rates by up to
40% and increased feed conversion ratio by up to 80%, while
combined exposure to hypoxia and hypercapnia reduced specific
growth rates by >60%. Surprisingly, the digestibility of dry matter,
protein, and lipid was improved in groups exposed to single or
combined diurnal variation in dissolved oxygen and carbon
dioxide. This study concludes that nocturnal exposure to hypoxia
or hypercapnia has adverse effects on the growth performance of
Nile tilapia driven by a combination of reductions in appetite and
poor feed utilization. The results emphasize that there is a need
for careful management of dissolved gases in pond culture.
Application of aeration technology, combined with management
of the nutrient status of the pond and sludge accumulation to
control oxygen consuming and CO 2 liberating processes, is likely
able to greatly improve production performance.
Experiment 3. Temperature plays a significant role in controlling
oxygen solubility in water and its availability to aquatic breathing
species including fish. In fish ponds, the water temperature can
increase gradually during the day resulting in elevated
temperature and an extended period of low dissolved oxygen. In
this study, the response of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)
interms of thermal tolerance limit (CTmax), metabolic rate (SMR),
Cardiac performance (ƒ H ), and ventilation frequency (ƒv) to the
acute increase in temperature upon changing dissolved oxygenv
saturation was investigated. Nile tilapia were experimentally
exposed to an increased temperature of 0.1 °C min -1 at 100% DO
saturation (Normoxia), 70% (hypoxia), and 130% (hyperoxia)
from 26 °C (Optimum) until the onset of loss of equilibrium (LOE).
Oxygen consumption rate (MO 2 ), heartbeat, and opercula activity
were averaged at each temperature increase for three DO
saturation levels. Results show that high DO saturation (130%)
increased Nile tilapia’s Critical Thermal Maximum (CTmax) by
10%. The Nile tilapia metabolic rate (SMR) varied significantly
with the changing DO saturation at acute increased temperature
levels (One-way ANOVA; F(2,44) = 4.596, P = 0.016).
Temperature-DO-limited
metabolic
relationship
affected
cardiorespiratory activities and maximum thermal tolerance
(CTmax) in Nile tilapia (one-way ANOVA; F (2,44) = 0.34, P =
0.713). Different levels of DO saturation were found to
significantly affect Nile tilapia’s respiration ability (Opercula beats
min -1 ) (P < 0.001).
This study is concluding that diurnal and seasonal pond water
quality varies significantly between zones and between seasons
within the investigated zones and affectsthe production
performance of the pond-cultured Nile tilapia. Nile tilapia might
only be stocked in the warm season in the Northern and southern
highland zone if farmers are to achieve the best growth of Nile
tilapia. Although the Nile tilapia is generally considered a species
able to adapt to and tolerate poor water quality, the modest or
slow acid-base regulation following hypercapnic exposure
suggests that it is quite sensitive to CO 2 exposure. Although Nile
tilapia is considered resilient to environmental stress, feeding and
feed utilization, oxygen uptake, and Critical thermal maximum are
strongly influenced by daily fluctuations in dissolved CO 2 , O 2 and
Temperature.Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA
Trends in prevalence and factors associated with unintended pregnancies in Zambia (2001–2018)
No full textJournal articleBackground Unintended pregnancies can pose significant public health concerns for both maternal and child
health because of their associated risks and implications. Experience of unintended pregnancies may lead to delay in
seeking antenatal care, thus leading to increased risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth. Globally, the
prevalence of unintended pregnancies has declined. However, the problem remains acute in sub-Saharan Africa. This
study was conducted to examine the factors associated with an experience of unintended pregnancy among women
of reproductive ages in Zambia.
Methods This study used secondary data from the Zambia Demographic and Health Surveys (ZDHSs) which were
conducted between 2001 and 2018. A pooled weighted sample of 4,090 pregnant women of reproductive age
15–49 years at the time of the survey was included in the analysis. Multivariable binary logistic regression model was
employed to examine the association between independent correlates and experience of unintended pregnancy. All
statistical analyses were conducted using Stata software.
Results Findings show that the proportion of women of reproductive age who experienced unintended pregnancy
in Zambia declined from 50.4% (95% CI: 47.1, 53.8) in 2001 to 45.2% (95% CI: 40.5, 49.9) in 2018. The decline in the
prevalence of unintended pregnancy is more pronounced among women age groups 25–29 years and 30–34 years.
Increasing age was associated with an increased risk of experiencing unintended pregnancies. On the other hand,
women who were living in rural areas (aOR = 0.76; 95% CI: 0.58, 1.00) and those with tertiary education (aOR = 0.46;
95% CI: 0.26, 0.80) were less likely to experience an unintended pregnancy. Women who desired a large family
(aOR = 0.45; 95% CI: 0.24, 0.85) and those who watched television (aOR = 0.75; 95% CI: 0.59, 0.94) had lower odds of
experiencing unintended pregnancies.
Conclusions The study has established that the prevalence of unintended pregnancy is still high in Zambia. Women’s
age, place of residence, level of education, desired family size and exposure to media were associated with the risk
of experiencing an unintended pregnancy. Enhancing access to family planning services and commodities targeting
women with low education levels will be key to further reduce unintended pregnancies