SUAIRE (Sokoine Univ. of Agriculture)
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Health and ecological risk assessment of heavy metals in water and sediments within a data scarce urban catchment in Tanzania – A case of Ngerengere River, Morogoro Municipality
No full textResearch Article, PP. 72-87Low-, middle- and high-income countries, exhibit indications of risks associated with water
quality. The study investigated heavy metal concentrations in surface water and sediments
within the Urban catchment of the Ngerengere River in the Morogoro Municipality of
Tanzania, an Urban Catchment Area (UCA) with limited available data mainly because of
inadequate monitoring and reporting capabilities. Analysis of health and ecological risks
associated with heavy metal pollution was also carried out using health risk assessments
models, pollution indices, and multivariate analysis techniques. Between the dry and wet
seasons of 2023, water and sediment samples from (13) sampling stations strategically
established along the Ngerengere river and its tributaries were analyzed for six heavy
metals (Pb, Cr, Ni, Cd, Cu and Zn) using the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer Model
Perking Elmer 850 Graphite Furnace and Perking Elmer AS 800 Auto-sampler coupled
with a computer interface for operational, displaying and reading the results. The calculated
degree of water contamination (Cd) values in river water in both dry and wet seasons ranged
from 0 to 6.803 indicating low and high degrees of contamination respectively. Heavy
metal concentration in sediment decreases in the order of Zn>Ni>Cr>Cu>Cd>Pb. The non-
cancer risk index (HI) via ingestion and dermal pathways in dry and wet seasons for both
children and adult groups was <1 hence no non-cancer risk, However, cumulative dermal
and ingestion exposure in both children and adults indicated potential cancer risk in dry
and wet season. The analysis of ecological risks associated with heavy metal enrichment in
the sediment indicated high enrichment of sediments with Cd, Ni and Zn. Conclusively, in
wet months, risk indices tend to be low, while in dry months, they typically remain highSokoine University of
Agriculture through its capacity-building program for staff
Development of natural liquid and powdered meat tenderizer based on papaya peel, ginger and garlic
No full textJournal of Food and Nutrition Sciences 2024, Vol. 12, No. 2, pp. 107-118Recently, the application of exogenous enzymes for meat tenderization has turned the attention of food technologists and meat
scientists. This research investigates the synergistic impact of natural tenderizers derived from the combination of papaya peels
(P), ginger (G), and garlic (Ga) on the sensory attributes of goat meat such as color, aroma, taste, tenderness and overall
acceptability. The tenderizers were formulated in different concentration ratios of 3:2:1 in both liquid and powdered form. The
sensory quality parameters for all tenderized goat meat samples under observation including the control, were evaluated by 60
semi-trained panelists using a five-point hedonic scale. The effect of tenderizers was compared to the control which was devoid
of tenderizing ingredients. Tenderness was greatly improved (p<0.05) by tenderizer P:G:Ga (3:2:1) in both liquid and powder
forms at 45- and 90- minutes of tenderization. Alternatively, liquid and powdered Ga:G:P (3:2:1) were highly significantly rated
(p<0.05) in taste compared to all other tenderizer formulations for 45- and 90-minute tenderization. From the samples tested, the
control sample in both setups was the least rated in all sensory attributes, except for color in powdered tenderization. Generally,
liquid and powdered P:G:Ga (3:2:1) and Ga:P:G (3:2:1) tenderizers received significantly higher (p<0.05) overall acceptability
scores than G:G:aP (3:2:1) and the control sample. While liquid tenderizers mostly performed better compared to powdered
tenderizers for all sample combinations, there was a significant improvement (p<0.05) in tenderness when both liquid and
powdered tenderizers were used for 90 minutes compared to 45-minute marination. This suggests that, the longer the
tenderization time, the greater the effect on tenderness. These findings underscore the importance of natural tenderizers in
enhancing consumer satisfaction with meat products
Farmers’ awareness of and attitude towards diversified legumes production in Singida region, Tanzania
No full textJournal articleFor an extended period, legumes have served as nutritional sources in the diets
of both humans and animals. Efforts have been made to increase the yield of
the legume crops in Tanzania, but there is still low awareness of and
unfavourable attitudes towards legume crop diversification among farmers.
The study, on which this paper is based, aimed at investigating farmers’
awareness of and attitude towards diversified legumes, specifically to analyze
socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents, assess awareness of and
attitude towards diversified legumes production, and determine effects of
awareness of and attitude towards diversified legumes production on
management practices of diversified legumes production. A cross-sectional
survey was employed whereby primary data were collected from 204 legume
farmers using a semi-structured questionnaire. Content analysis was
conducted using Nvivo software to analyze qualitative data. For quantitative
data, Likert scale analysis was employed as a method for descriptive statistics,
and Principal Component Analysis was used as a method for inferential
analysis. These analyses were performed using Smart PLS software. The
findings of the study revealed that several factors significantly influenced
smallholder farmers' awareness and perception of diversified legumes. These
factors included ease of cultivation, fair distribution of seeds, food availability,
increase in income level, high legume harvest, and higher profitability of
legumes (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the statement "enough of information" did
not show statistical significance (p > 0.05). However, it exhibited a positive
association. Conclusively, criteria like "easy cultivation" and "fair seed
distribution" had a big impact on how smallholder farmers perceived and
knew about diverse legumes. However, "enough information" did not appear
to have a major significance. In addition, it was found that major influences on
farmers' attitudes and understanding of diversified legumes included the
availability of food, rising income levels, high yields of legumes, and perceived
profitability. The paper recommends for the improvement of farmers'
awareness and perception of diversified legumes, fair seed distribution
methods must be established that provide equal access to high-quality seeds
with the help of government organizations, non-profit organizations, and seed
businesses
Food insecurity among working poor and their coping strategies in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.
No full textResearch articleFood insecurity is one of the contemporary global challenges as a large number of people in the
world have inadequate access to sufficient and quality food. The objectives of the paper are as
follows: to assess the status of food insecurity among working poor class members in Dar es
Salaam, examine their coping strategies, and determine the association between the status of
food insecurity and coping strategies. The study used a cross-sectional research design. A
structured questionnaire and Focus Group Discussions (FDGs) were used to collect data from
336 respondents. Chi-square was used to determine the association between the status of food
insecurity of the working poor and their coping strategies in Dar es Salaam. The findings show
that the working poor mainly relied on loans from friends and relatives and participating in
Rotating Savings and Credits Associations (ROSCAs) as coping strategies. Furthermore, less
than 20% of the working poor households experienced food insecurity. Coping strategies such as
changing the place of residence, receiving financial assistance from friends and relatives, and
participating in ROSCAs were significantly associated with food insecurity status of the working
poor. It is concluded that food insecurity among the working poor is a relatively invisible aspect.
Being a worker with a monthly wage does not prevent the working poor from falling into the
food-insecure population category. It is recommended that the information on the association
between the status of food insecurity and the coping strategies used by the working poor should
be considered in the amendments of policies such as the Food Insecurity Policy for them to be
efficient
Effects of spacing on growth,yield and wood properties of Tectona grandis at Longuza forest plantation, Tanzania
No full textMSc DissertationIn forest management, understanding the influence of spacing on
tree growth is crucial, as it goes hand in hand with stand growth as
well as yield at the final harvest. Also, spacing, especially narrow
spacing, has been used to control the stem quality of trees, as it
influences the stem straightness as well as the branching behaviour.
On the other hand, tree growth, particularly radial growth, means an
increase in wood materials such as cell wall substances, latewood,
and earlywood. Those wood materials influence the physical and
mechanical properties of wood. Behind those influences, an
understanding of the influence of spacing on the final harvest is
required to decide on appropriate spacing to economize the value of
the final harvest. However, information on the spacing influence on
growth, yield, and wood properties of Tectona grandis at an older
age in Tanzania is limited. Thus, this study is intended to evaluate
the influence of spacing on the growth, yield, and wood properties of
24-year-old Tectona grandis at Longuza Forest plantation, Tanzania.
Data were collected from a spacing trial with a randomized complete
block design with three treatments, namely 2 x 2 m, 3 x 3 m, and 4 x
4 m, replicated three times. For growth and stem quality, all trees'
diameter at breast height (dbh), height, and stem quality were
evaluated. Then, dbh data were used to obtain basal area (Ba),
volume, and the mean annual increment (MAI). Furthermore, three
trees from each spacing were sampled for physical and mechanical
properties.
The basic density (BD) was determined using
over-dry weight and green volume, while the heartwood (HW)
percentage was calculated using the cross-sectional area of the HW
and disk underbark. Moreover, all mechanical properties were tested
using a Monsanto tensiometer machine. An analysis of variance
(ANOVA) was used to evaluate the influence of spacing. Then,
Tukey’s Honest Significant Difference test (p = 0.05) was used for
multiple comparisons of means. Results revealed that at the older
age of 24 years, spacing did not statistically influence all growth and
yield parameters studied. A 4 x 4 m spacing produced trees with
higher dbh and height, while higher Ba, volume, and MAI values
were observed at 3 x 3 m. Stem quality was statistically different in
some spacings, where only 2 x 2 m differed statistically from 4 x 4
m. All physical and mechanical properties evaluated were not
statistically influenced by spacing except CLST to grain, whereby the
spacings of 2 x 2 m and 3 x 3 m had significantly higher values than
a spacing of 4 x 4 m. In conclusion, results showed that despite the
growth and yield parameters not being statistically influenced by
spacing, a spacing of 3 x 3 m could ensure a higher yield compared
to other spacings. Also, it produces trees with high stem quality,
similar to closer spacing, without affecting both physical and
mechanical properties. This is because the values of those
properties appear to have slight differences among the spacings.
Keywords: Tectona grandis, Spacing, Volume, Stem quality, Basic
density, Heartwood percentageForest Services Agency (TFS
Power relations and knowledge linkages among actors in the groundnuts seed value chain in central Tanzania
No full textJournal ArticleInterdependence among actors enhances value chain functioning as it not only closely links
them, but also enables them to engage with each other across the chain to form a network. The
network created through these actors’ involvement and interdependence creates a necessary
condition for adoption and diffusion of incentives for the value chain development and stability.
In the groundnut seed value chain, less is known like in other crops’ value chain less is known on
issues related to power relations and dynamics that can be assessed in levels and dimesnions of
knowledge, material and income. This study aimed to assess the power relations and knowledge
linkages among the actors in the groundnut seed value chain in central Tanzania. The specific
objectives of the study were to identify the actors involved, their roles, and the influence and
importance of power relations in the knowledge aspect. The study used a qualitative approach
and a cross-sectional design. The primary data were collected through focus group discussions
and key informant interviews, while the secondary data were obtained from records related to the
groundnut crop and its value chain from the sampled districts covered by the Tropical Legumes
III project. The UCINET software statistical package for network analysis was used to analyze
the data collected. The study reveales that there is a number of actors at the village and district
levels, some of whom were found in both levels.Further, power relations among these actors are
revelead through centrality measures, emphasizing the significance of ties and linkages in shaping
knowledge exchange dynamics. The findings speak volume on the role of influential actors at both
levels, with implications for information flow, decision-making, and the overall success of the
groundnuts seed value chain. The study also found that the number of ties that the actors had in the
groundnut seed value chain affected their knowledge linkages, as well as their influence and power
over others. The study identified that NGOs, CBOs, local government, researchers, and traders
had higher influence and importance in knowledge linkages than other actors at both levels. The
study recommended prioritizing the inclusion of less powerful and influential actors and involving
important stakeholders in interventions targeting power relations through innovation platforms
Digital literacy and crop productivity: evidence from cross- sectional data in Hai and Moshi districts, Kilimanjaro-Tanzania
No full textJournal articleAccess to information through digital platforms particularly social media has the potential to
improve agricultural productivity, henceimprovement of smallholder farmers' well-being. This is
anticipated where farmers can significantly access, understand, evaluate and apply information
obtained in agricultural-related activities. However, this depends, inter alia, on the extent to
which farmers are digital literate, despite notable access and general use of digital platforms by
farmers, there is a need to empirically understand how farmers digital literacy contributes to crop
productivity . The study explored the use of social media and the Internet through digital platforms by
smallholder farmers and determined the contribution of digital literacy to agricultural productivity.
The study adopted a cross-sectional research design; data were collected using a structured
questionnaire from 200 purposefully selected smallholder farmers. Focus group discussions and
key informant interviews were used to collect complementary data. Descriptive statistical analysis
was used to explore the use of the internet and social media, multiple linear regression analysis
was used to determine the contribution of digital literacy to agricultural productivity. The results
show that 70.5 per cent of smallholder farmers have access to social media. However, the majority
(95%) lack awareness of agricultural information apps. Although digital literacy had a negative
but significant effect on maize productivity, it nonetheless had a positive and significant effect
on common beans' productivity. It is concluded that smallholder social media and the internet
contribute to agricultural productivity. It is recommended that the agricultural and ICT departments
in Hai and Moshi districts and other interested stakeholders should conduct awareness campaigns
and training in rural areas on accessing information concerning agricultural activities through
the use of digital platforms towards improved productivity
Use of GIS and remote sensing techniques to evaluate the wetland degradation in the Wami Ruvu River Basin
No full textMSc DissertationWetlands are crucial ecosystems that provide numerous ecological
services, including water purification, flood control, and habitat for
diverse plant and animal species. During the last decade, around
50% of the earth’s wetlands have already been converted to
industrial, agricultural and residential use and these lands continue
to disappear at a shocking rate without their values being
understood. Wami Ruvu river basin in Tanzania is rich in wetlands, a
total of 2482 km2 of the area is covered by wetlands both floods
plain, marsh and swamp. Little information on wetland degradation
on extent, condition, trend and drivers on wetland degradation is
available Wami Ruvu river basin. However, the aim of the study was
to assess Historical wetland degradation and prediction of future
Wami-Ruvu Basin wetland change pattern.
Multi-temporal Landsat satellite data including thematic Mapper
Landsat (TM and ETM+) and Operational Land Imager (OLI) images
were used for land use/cover (LULC) mapping in the assessment of
wetland degradation and their distribution pattern based on the
LULC by the years 2000, 2010 and 2020.
A Random Forest
Classification (RFC) approach was employed to classify the Landsat
images into different land use/cover classes which included
wetlands, water bodies, agriculture, urban areas, bush lands, bare
lands, woodlands, and forest. The future wetland map of the study
area was developed using hybrid CA- Markov in Land Cover
modeler.
The study observed the trend based on the spatial dynamics during
the two decades Which showed a progressive decrease in the
collection of wetlands coverage throughout the region, although the
degradation rate varies in time coverage area as it was found to be
about 1209.0753Km2, 949Km2, 521.33Km2 and 213Km2 of wetland
was lost, for the year 2000, 2010, 2020 and 2050 for the individual
pixel values respectively. On the other hand, the studies revealed
that -34.41Km2/y of wetlands potentially are degraded annually due to human and natural stressors in 20 years of our study. Thus this
gradual decrease in wetland area is contributed mainly by the
increase of human activities within and surrounding the wetland
boundaries which is well observed in classified land use/cover
images with kappa statistics above 75%.
The results of this study will contribute to a better understanding of
wetland degradation in the Wami-Ruvu River Basin and facilitate
informed decision-making for wetland conservation and restoration
efforts. The findings will help identify priority areas for targeted
interventions and provide a baseline for monitoring future changes in
wetland condition and trend to attain the Sustainable Development
Goals
Assessing the influence of climate variability and land cover change on water resources in the Wami river catchment, Tanzania
No full textJournal of Environmental Earth SciencesUnderstanding the trend, extent, and effect of climate variability and land cover change are globally important for monitor-
ing river catchments water resources. Due to the majority of river catchment from developing countries such as Tanzania
experiencing insufficient time series data, the long-term ERA5-Land (1960–2021) reanalysis was used to assess the influence
of climate variability and land cover change on water resource in the Wami river catchment. The Mann–Kendal–Sneyer test
revealed a change that reflects the effect of land cover change on runoff in 1992, hence the mean annual runoff, precipitation,
and actual evapotranspiration decreased by 19%, 9.7%, and 8.9%, respectively, while potential evapotranspiration increased
by 5% after the change. Budyko decomposition and climate elasticity methods illustrated that variability change caused a
notable contribution to the reduction of Wami River runoff. Hydrological sensitivity analysis revealed that variability of
climate is a primary factor that reduced runoff with a contribution of 69%, while land cover change is 31%, this illustrates
runoff in the Wami river catchment is more vulnerable to climate variability than land cover change by considering that
most of the catchment are classified as arid or semi-arid. Thus, our study emphasizes the importance embracing climate
adaptation strategies, particularly a nature-based solution (NbS), to ensure the sustainability of water resources within the
Wami river catchment
Influence of livelihood assets on coping strategies against poverty among the working poor in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.
No full textResearch articleStudies inadequately addressed the influence of livelihood assets on coping
strategies against poverty used by the working poor in Tanzania. This paper
examines coping strategies used by the working poor, identifies the ownership
of livelihood assets and examines the influence of livelihood assets on the
coping strategies used. The study used a cross-sectional research design,
whereby quantitative data were collected from 336 respondents using a
structured questionnaire. A multivariate regression model was used to
determine the influence of livelihood assets on the coping strategies against
poverty. The study findings show that the working poor mainly resorted to
taking loans from relatives and friends and participating in ROSCAs as coping
strategies. Despite having low income, the working poor managed to own
various livelihood assets such as human, physical, natural and social capital.
Furthermore, the use of coping strategies by the working poor households was
generally influenced by livelihood assets. Conclusively, the working poor are
more likely to vary their strategies in accordance with the assets at their
disposal. It is recommended that the local authorities should adequately
address the constraints of using livelihood assets so that the working poor use
life-improving coping strategies