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Organophosphorus pesticide residues in tomatoes: a case of Mlali and Doma wards in Mvomero district, Morogoro
No full textJournal ArticleExtensive 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
Machine learning algorithms for the prediction of drought conditions in the Wami River sub-catchment, Tanzania
No full textJournal of Hydrology: Regional Studies 53 (2024) 101794Study region: This study refers to the Wami river sub-catchments in Eastern Tanzania.
Study Focus: The five-machine learning (ML) algorithms, including long short-term memory
(LSTM), multivariate adaptive regression spline (MARS), support vector machine (SVM), extreme
learning machine (ELM), and M5 Tree, were used to predict the most widely used drought index,
the standard precipitation index (SPI), at six and nine months. Algorithms were established using
monthly rainfall data for the period from 1990 to 2022 at five meteorological stations distributed
across the Wami River sub-catchment: Barega, Dakawa, Dodoma, Kongwa, and Mandera stations.
New hydrological insights for the region. The predicted results of all five ML algorithms were
evaluated using several statistical metrics, including Pearson’s correlation coefficient (R), mean
absolute error (MAE), root mean square error (RMSE), and Nash Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE). The
prediction results revealed that LSTM perform better in predicting drought conditions using SPI6
(6-month SPI) and SPI9 (9-month SPI) with the highest NSE of 0.99 in all five stations, and R of
0.99 in four stations except at Kongwa station, where R range from 0.75 to 0.99. These prediction
results will aid decision-makers and planners to develop a drought monitoring and drought early
warning system in order to strengthen the governance and resilience to the catchment and people
on the impacts of water scarcity and climate change
Assessment of indoor storage technology on white colour sweet potato tubers (Ipomoea batatas L.Lam) in Morogoro, Tanzania
No full textMSc DissertationSweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.Lam.) is a dicotyledonous plant
grown as a tuber crop. Sweet potatoes originated from tropical
America (Coop, 2010). Sweet potatoes are widely cultivated mainly
around the lake zone, eastern zones, southern highlands, and
northern parts of Tanzania (URT, 2016). It is grown by 771,257
households during short rainy and long rainy seasons, with an
estimated annual production of 504,346 tonnes (NBS 2012). Sweet
potato tubers contribute to food security and income generation
(Ahmad et al., 2014). Sweet potatoes' high perishability after
harvesting is one of the major factors limiting their potential.
Insufficient information concerning efficient storage technology limits
farmers and traders from choosing the best technology to reduce
losses. The research by Teye et al. (2011) compared two storage
technologies: the Purpose-Built Evaporative Cooling Barn and
Modified Pit Storage under Ghana conditions, neglecting other
sweet potato storage technologies. Further research by Mpagalile et
al. (2007) used the traditional pit, improved open pit, improved
housed pit (mjinge) and raised woven structure (Kihenge) to
evaluate the storability of sweet potato under Tanzania conditions
neglecting other sweet potato storage technologies. Purpose
Evaporative Cooling Barn and housed pit storage are still techniques
used to attain optimum temperature and relative humidity for sweet
potato storage with temperatures between 12.5°C and 15°C and
relative humidity from 85% to 90%. Nevertheless, their adaptability
to small-scale farmers and traders in developing countries like
Tanzania is limited due to their high initial capital and high running
costs for White-coloured sweet potato tubers. Small-scale farmers
and traders are in high demand for storage technology, which is low
in capital and running costs. Indoor storage technologies are a better
choice as they maintain proper storage temperature and relative
humidity through ventilation and are used in hot and arid areas
(Baimey et al., 2017). In this technology, White coloured sweet
potato tubers can be stored with minimum changes in colour, weight, rotting and firmness (Gopala, 2015).This study aimed to assess
indoor storage technology on white colour sweet potato tubers
(ipomoea batatas l.lam) in Morogoro, Tanzania, that will help to
minimise losses of white sweet potato tubers.
According to the findings, the most significant cause of post-harvest
losses was rodent attack, which was reported by 26.53% and 25%
of farmers and traders in Gairo and Morogoro municipalities,
respectively, and the extent of white-coloured sweet potato tuber
losses observed was 18.36% of farmers and traders in Gairo and
79% of farmers and traders in Morogoro municipality have reported
to suffer from moderate post-harvest losses. White-coloured sweet
potato tubers stored in ventilated bags and the improved traditional
raised platform resulted in a weight loss of 49.4% and 68.7%,
respectively. It was also observed that the improved traditional
raised platform had a significantly high total soluble content
/concentration, with a value of 21.27%. In comparison, Ventilated
bags resulted in a Total soluble solid content of 17.02 %, which was
significantly low. Furthermore, results show that Ventilated bags had
the lowest beta carotene content (8.72 μg/g) compared to other
treatments. Results indicate that traders’ source of funding for their
sweet potato selling activity was own/self-financing, estimated at
70%, loans estimated at 19.37%, and remittances estimated at
10.63%. Also, the study's findings demonstrate that the single and
multi-stage channel systems are the two main sweet potato
marketing channels. Retailers constitute 57.5% of respondents,
wholesalers 27.5%, and other trades (Middlemen/SME processors)
15%. Furthermore, a study indicated that 21% of traders produce
sweet potatoes on their farms, and 97% of merchants purchase
sweet potatoes directly from farmers also, 42% purchase sweet
potatoes through wholesalers/aggregators. Results continued to
reveal that by using ventilated bags storage technology, farmers and
traders could earn higher profits, which was Tsh 19,000/= more than
other storage technologies (improved traditional raised bamboo
buckets and woven Polypropylene Bags.The study results indicate a need to improve post-harvest loss
awareness among white-coloured sweet potato farmers and traders
to reduce loss and thus begin producing profitably. Also, controlling
rodents, avoiding injury, building a proper storage facility and
inspecting the stores regularly are the most important aspects to
consider when preventing losses. Also, findings suggest that storing
white-coloured sweet potato tubers in ventilated bags is appropriate.
Using ventilated bags can also be effective when storing
undamaged sweet potato tubers. Farmers and traders are advised
to sort and grade their tubers before storage.
Furthermore, additional research studies should be conducted to
develop awareness of other types of storage and methods for
reducing sweet potato losses to impact food security in society
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
Assessment of rodent-borne and zoonotic disease pathogens in humans, gogs and rodents and community awareness in Ngorongoro District, Tanzania
No full textPhD ThesisBacteria and viruses carried by rodents, and domestic dogs can
have significant public health implications. Rodents are known
reservoirs of several zoonotic diseases, such as Hantavirus
hemorrhagic fever, Lassa fever virus, plague, tuberculosis and
leptospirosis. Also, domestic dogs carry zoonoses like rabies,
leptospirosis, salmonellosis, ehrlichiosis and borreliosis. Zoonotic
diseases pose a substantial risk to communities‘ health, mostly in
wildlife, domestic animals and human interface areas. Ngorongoro
district is the home of various wildlife and domestic animals
cohabiting with humans. The district is experiencing the expansion
of human activities which brings rodents into close proximity with
human settlements. Previous studies conducted in livestock and
human patients attending the health facilities have documented the
existence of antibodies of zoonoses like Rift Valley fever,
Brucellosis, Anthrax, and molecular detection of Bovine tuberculosis.
While previous studies have examined the transmission of
pathogens in livestock and hospital-based research in humans
within the district, the specific role played by rodents and domestic
dogs in transmitting pathogens remains largely unknown. This
research gap necessitated conducting a comprehensive
metagenomics study to assess the diversity and abundance of
bacteria and viruses circulating among rodents, domestic dogs and
humans as well as the communities understanding of rodent-borne
diseases, including RVF, in the Ngorongoro district of Tanzania. The
Rift Valley fever was frequently previously reported to occur within
livestock and human populations of the Ngorongoro district. The
disease caused significant morbidity and mortality in both livestock
including humans.
To address the objectives, the study used Illumina and Oxford
Nanopore technologies to identify bacteria and viruses in 530 blood
samples collected from 200 humans, 230 rodents, and 100 domestic
dogs. Numerous bacteria and viruses were detected and identified by using MiSeq and MinION sequencers with a Kraken2 data
analysis program. Moreover, the study used 3 focus groups, 20 key
informant interviews, and the questionnaire (N=352) to collect
information on communities‘ awareness on rodent-borne diseases
and Rift Valley fever. The logistic regression model was used to
examine the relationship between demographic factors and
communities‘ knowledge, attitudes and practices toward rodent-
borne diseases and RVF occurrences.
In all three hosts, various pathogenic and zoonotic bacterial species
were detected. Zoonotic airborne and contagious bacteria such as
Mycobacterium spp, Mycoplasma spp, Bordetella spp and
Legionella spp were spotted in rodents, domestic dogs and humans.
Arthropod-borne zoonotic bacteria like Bartonella spp, Borrelia spp,
and Rickettsia spp were detected in all three hosts, while Orientia
spp were found in rodents and dogs. Yersinia pestis, Streptobacillus
spp and Anaplasma spp were identified in rodents only. Waterborne
and foodborne zoonotic bacteria were also spotted in all three hosts,
including Leptospira spp, Brucella spp, Bacillus spp, and
Salmonella. Generally, rodents carried a high proportion of zoonotic
bacteria compared to dogs and humans. The detection of zoonotic
bacteria in all three hosts showed the possibilities of cross-species
transmission of infections between animals and humans sharing the
same environment.
Several viral families and species were detected and identified in
this study. A total of 20 RNA and 20 DNA viral families and
unclassified RNA viruses were detected. The majority of viral
families were detected in rodents when compared to domestic dogs
and humans. Peribunyaviridae, Hantaviridae, Phenuiviridae,
Flaviviridae, Coronaviridae, Orthomyxoviridae, Paramyxoviridae,
Retroviridae, Picornaviridae, Arenaviridae, Togaviridae, and
Tobaniviridae are zoonotic RNA viruses identified in rodents. The
zoonotic DNA viruses detected in rodents were Adenoviridae,
Poxviridae, Herpesviridae, Anelloviridae, and Circoviridae.
Peribunyaviridae and Hantaviridae viruses were identified in both rodents and humans, whereas Retroviridae was detected in rodents
and domestic dogs. Unclassified +ssRNA viruses were spotted in
domestic dogs and humans. Lastly, Herpesviridae was found in all
three hosts. In comparison with domestic dogs and humans, rodents
harboured potential zoonotic viruses of public health safety.
Result showed that 8.52% of respondents had good knowledge,
35.5% had a positive attitude, and 94.3% had good practices toward
rodent-borne diseases. The study revealed that only 28.13% of
participants were aware of rodent-borne zoonoses. The majority of
them (77.27%) believe that rodents are pests that destroy crops and
do not transmit pathogens. Moreover, the findings showed that the
majority of respondents (82.9%) live in huts which can provide
shelter for rodents. Additionally, except for education, the level of
knowledge had no significant relationship with most of the
participants‘ demographic variables. Respondents with secondary
education (p=0.017) had good knowledge of rodent-borne diseases
and management when compared to those without education.
Despite showing good practices, the communities still don‘t have
enough knowledge of rodent-borne infections.
The findings further showed that only 36.1%, 38.64%, and 16.19%
of participants had good knowledge, positive attitudes and effective
preventive practices about RVF occurrences, respectively. The
significant demographic variables related to good knowledge and
positive attitudes were gender (P<0.05), occupation (P<0.05) and
education (P<0.05). Male respondents had good knowledge of RVF
epidemiology. Individuals with formal education had good knowledge
and exhibited positive attitudes towards RVF occurrences.
Agropastoral members had a significantly negative attitude toward
RVF occurrences compared to pastorals (P=0.048). The study
revealed that the majority of respondents had poor knowledge,
negative attitudes and ineffective preventive practices towards RVF
epidemiology. Probably, these results were attributed to the lack of
regular education campaigns to increase community awareness of
the disease. This study novelty is based on the fact that it is the first to provide
the baseline information on the diversity of pathogenic and zoonotic
bacteria and viruses in rodents, domestic dogs and humans sharing
the same environment. Likewise, it established the levels of the
communities‘ knowledge, attitudes and practices toward rodent-
borne diseases including Rift Valley fever in Ngorongoro district for
the first time. The study population had inadequate knowledge and
negative attitudes toward rodent-borne diseases and RVF.
Therefore, one health multidisciplinary approach is recommended in
order to safeguard public and animal health from acquiring
zoonoses. Provision of health education should be a long-term
practice to prevent diseases outbreaks in Ngorongoro district and in
Tanzania at large.The African Centre of Excellent for Innovative Rodent Pest Management
and Biosensor Technology Development- ACE IRPM & BTD of SU
Influence of socio‐demographic factors on medicinal plant knowledge among three selected ethnic groups in south‐central Ethiopia
No full textJournal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine
(2024) 1:49Background The influence of socio-demographic variables was widely explored to evaluate their impact on indige‐
nous and local ethnobotanical knowledge. However, the studies conducted in Ethiopia mainly focused on rural areas.
They were limited to exploring and documenting ethnobotanical knowledge and the associated impacts of socio-
demographic variables in rural–urban interface areas among ethnic groups. Hence, this study aimed to document
plant-based indigenous and local ethnomedicinal knowledge and the associated impacts of socio-demographic
variables among selected three ethnic groups in south-central Ethiopia.
Methods Ethnobotanical data were collected using semi-structured interviews with 189 key informants, floristic
species inventories, and field observations. Quantitative approaches were used to evaluate the use values (UV)
of the most important medicinal plants, the informant consensus factor (ICF), fidelity level (FL), relative popularity level
(RPL), and rank-order priority (ROP). Statistical tests were applied to evaluate the influences of socio-demographic fac‐
tors and associations between variables on local ethnobotanical knowledge across ethnic groups in different inform‐
ant categories.
Results Statistical analysis revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) in the mean number of medicinal plants reported
among age categories. There was also a positive association between the respondent’s age and plant knowledge
acquisition. Croton macrostachyus Hochst. ex Delile, Albizia gummifera C.A.Sm., Zingiber officinale Roscoe, Aloe mac-
rocarpa Tod., Gymnanthemum amygdalinum (Delile) Sch.Bip., Calpurnia aurea (Aiton) Benth, and Allium sativum L.
had the highest use values among ethnic groups. The highest informant consensus factor values were recorded
for circulatory system disorders (0.68) followed by febrile illness and reproductive organ complications (0.66 each)
across the three studied ethnic groups. The highest FL, RPL, and ROP values were noted for Lactuca inermis Forssk.,
Moringa stenopetala (Baker f.) Cufod., Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal, Allium sativum L., Citrus limon (L.) Osbeck, Ricinus
communis L., Schinus molle L., Antiaris toxicaria (J.F.Gmel.) Lesch., Brucea antidysenterica J.F.Mill., Echinops kebericho
Mesfin, Ocimum jamesii Sebald, Afrocarpus falcatus (Thunb.) C.N.Page, Searsia natalensis (Bernh. ex Krauss) F.A.Barkley,
and Ricinus communis L. across ethnic groups in the study areas, which showed the conformity of knowledge on spe‐
cies curing potential and their prevalent uses.
Conclusion The study revealed that the ethnic groups of Gedeo, Oromo, and Sidama have considerable indigenous
and local ethnobotanical knowledge practices. Statistical analysis shown high variation in the acquisition of local eth‐
nobotanical knowledge among age groups, which boosted our understanding of the effects of socio-demographicRegional
Research School in Forest Sciences (REFOREST) Ph.D. scholarship program
Gendered participation in afforestation at the household level in Njombe District, Njombe Region, Tanzania
No full textThe sub Saharan Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities (SJSSH), pp. 31-40Gender participation in afforestation across Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), including Tanzania, is increasingly
recognized as a key pathway for promoting sustainable tree resource management and enhancing livelihood opportunities.
Active involvement of both women and men in tree-related activities can foster equitable benefits and long-term sustainability.
However, the extent and impact of gender-based participation remain under-explored and often poorly reflected in national
economic accounts. This study investigates the role of gender in afforestation within Njombe District, Tanzania. Specifically,
it examines levels of gendered participation, explores the factors influencing involvement, and analyzes the impact of
afforestation on household income. A total of 120 households were randomly selected for the study. Data collection methods
included household surveys, focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and personal observation. Quantitative data
were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, while qualitative data were examined through content analysis.
Findings reveal that gender significantly shapes afforestation practices. Males, whether in male- or female-headed
households, commonly maintain control over resources—dictating ownership, use, and benefit distribution. While women are
granted access rights, their participation and influence in decision-making processes remain limited. Male dominance is
evident across all stages of afforestation, from nursery management and harvesting to marketing and revenue allocation,
particularly regarding high-value products such as timber and poles. The study concludes that afforestation activities are
predominantly male-driven. It recommends integrating gender considerations into household-level decision-making to
promote more inclusive and effective afforestation system
The synergy of food sovereignty and the politics of malnutrition in tanzania: what works, why and how?
No full textJournal articleRecent data from Tanzania's National Bureau of
Statistics show the alarming extent of malnutrition: 35% of
under-five children classified as stunted and 15% as
underweight, demanding urgent intervention. This paper
investigates the synergy between food sovereignty and
politics of malnutrition in Tanzania, examining mechanisms,
effectiveness, and strategies. It asserts that the interplay
between food sovereignty and politics of malnutrition drives
socio-economic progress and food security. Using a case
study approach, the paper evaluates scalable food
sovereignty projects in Tanzania. Interviews with
stakeholders,
including
officials,
non-governmental
organizations (NGOs), and experts, offered insights into the
complex relationship. The paper explores “food sovereignty”
theory alignment with case studies (the What), rationale for
realizing the right-to-food in Tanzania (the Why), and
operationalizing policies amid the “politics of malnutrition”
(the How). The paper draws on political ecology theory by
Bryant and Bailey to explore food sovereignty-malnutrition
synergy. Findings reveal that successful food sovereignty
projects enhance food security and reduce child malnutrition. Factors include agroecological practices, traditional food
systems, women and youth engagement, and community
resource mobilization, empowering communities and
prioritizing nutrition. Food sovereignty proves transformative
in Tanzania and similar contexts, yet structural/political
changes are vital to challenging industrial agriculture and
global markets. In general, the success of food sovereignty
projects in addressing malnutrition in Tanzania illustrates the
potential of food sovereignty as a transformative approach to
addressing food insecurity and malnutrition. However,
achieving food sovereignty requires challenging the
dominance of industrial agriculture and global food markets
Contribution of timber and honey on livelihood of communities adjacent to Village Land Forest Reserves in Songea and Liwale Districts, Tanzania
No full textMSc DissertationVillage Land Forest Reserves are recognized as important base for
rural community development. Forest products obtained from these
forests are essential for improving livelihoods of communities
residing close to these forests. This study assessed timber and
honey products from two village land forest reserves located in
Liwale and Songea Districts to understand at what extent does these
products contribute to the improvement of livelihood assets of
people living adjacent to these forests and how these products
contribute towards improvement of the condition of these forests.
The study was guided by the assumption that harvesting of these
products from these forests is guided by the presence of robust
management plan which indicate the allowable quantity of wood to
be harvested, where to be harvested, who should be involved and
how the revenue accrued from selling of these products should be
ploughed back to reinforce the management of these forests. With
regards to honey production it is assumed that local communities
have been trained to properly use the forests for beekeeping
activities and have been supplied with important facilities to enable
them properly harvest and process their honey to meet the market
standards of this product. It was important to assess the contribution
of forest products on livelihood assets in order to understand the
interaction between the livelihood assets to bring the livelihood
improvement.
Data were collected using household structured questionnaires and
focused group discussion. A total of 71 timber dealers’ households
(38 in Songea and 33 in Liwale District) and 37 honey dealers’
households (23 in Songea and 14 in Liwale District) were
interviewed in this study. Inferential statistical using the binary
logistic model and descriptive statistics such as frequency and
percentage and also inferential statistics were used to report the
results of this study.
Results show that there is gain in livelihood assets which have
contributed to the livelihood improvement. It was revealed that, physical capital indicators including better education, better health
care and food security had significant influence on livelihood of
timber and honey dealer as the p-value (p<0.05). Also, savings as
an indicator of financial capital had significant influence on the
livelihood of honey and timber dealers similarly, training as an
indicator in human capital had significant contribution on livelihood of
honey and timber dealers, membership status had significant
influence on livelihood contribution p<0.05. Factors that contributed
to this trend include poor transportation facilities in the forest, lack of
market and insufficient modern harvesting and processing tools.
Therefore, VLFRs through timber and honey products, have
contributed to livelihood improvement of the communities adjacent to
forests but more support to the communities adjacent the Village
Land Forest Reserves on timber and honey production should be
provided so as to build their strong foundation for their livelihood
improvement. Policymakers and stakeholders can use these findings
to develop interventions for sustainable livelihoods and community
development.The Forestry and Value Chains Development Programme (FORVAC
Prevalence of leptospirosis in livestock, rodents, and shrews in Kilwa district of Southern Tanzania
No full textMSc. DissertationLeptospirosis is a globally resurgent zoonotic disease that affects
both humans and animals, with occurrences widespread in tropical
and sub-tropical regions. Tanzania, located in Sub-Saharan Africa,
is among the tropical countries grappling with the burden of
leptospirosis in both human and animal populations. Following the
reporting of 20 confirmed symptomatic cases and 3 deaths, the
Tanzanian Ministry of Health (MoH) declared the outbreak of
leptospirosis on July 5, 2022. The main objective of this cross-
section study was to determine the prevalence of leptospirosis by
using the Microscopic Agglutination Test in Rodents, shrews and
livestock (Cattle, Goats, and Sheep) in Kilwa district of southern
Tanzania. Blood samples were collected from 100cattle, 120goats,
20 sheep and 202 small mammals (Rodents and shrews) in Kilwa
district in selected villages for decanting sera. The serum samples
harvested were tested against five Leptospira live antigens to detect
Leptospira antibodies through Microscopic Agglutination Tests. In
this study, five leptospiral antigens that were reported in Tanzania
were employed such as Sokoine, Pomona, Hebdomadis, Lora, and
Grippotyphosa. The overall prevalence of leptospirosis in cattle was
26%=95%CI=0.1774-0.3573, in goats was 27.5%=95%CI=0.1975-
0.3640, in sheep was 30%=95%CI=0.1189-0.5428 .and prevalence
of small mammals was 14.36%=95%CI=0.0983-0. 1996. Among the
small mammals, 61.2% of the sample tested positive for leptospiral
serovars and were from Mastomys natalensis, making it a more
prevalent species. Serovars Sokoine was more prevalent than all
tested serovars. Most of the antibody titers obtained ranged from
1:20 to 1:80, suggesting prolonged infection. Livestock
demonstrated also a high prevalence of leptospirosis with serovar
Sokoine being the most prevalent serovar.
Some of the
leptospirosis antibodies were low, suggesting chronic infection, but
others tested with high titers, which suggested new infection of
leptospirosis, especially in goats. Logistic regression was also
performed to determine the association between Leptospiral antibody infection and different characteristics such as sex, location,
host, and serovars with P= 0.0086. There was a significant
association between the leptospiral infection and serovars Sokoine
and Grippotyphosa with P=0.0073, nevertheless, there was no
significant between the disease with other characteristics such as
sex, host, location and serovars This present study suggests that
leptospira infection is a matter of public health concern as it is
associated with different burdens from animals and humans,
decreased livestock economy to livestock keepers due to the death
of livestock animals, and decline in milk production, death of people
following outbreak as it reported in Tanzania. Increased contact
between human and their animals suggests possible transmission of
leptospirosis in Kilwa district the southern, Tanzania. Therefore,
control of the disease is inevitable to reduce the burden of the
disease.The African Centre of Excellence II Rodents Biosensor Technolog