SUAIRE (Sokoine Univ. of Agriculture)
Not a member yet
11873 research outputs found
Sort by
Impact of cucurbit crop management techniques on the foraging behavior of honeybees and hoverflies in Morogoro, Tanzania
No full textResearch articleBackground Poor agricultural practices have drastically threatened insect pollinators’ biodiversity. Little is known
in Tanzania about how different agricultural practices affect pollinators’ foraging behavior. This study investigated
the effects of the agroecological zone, season, cucurbit species and management practices on visitation frequency,
visitation rate and time spent on cucurbit flowers by five pollinator species viz. Apis mellifera, Eristalinus megacepha-
lus, Mesembrius caffer, Paragus borbonicus and Toxomerus floralis. The experiment was designed as a 5 × 3 × 3 × 2 × 2
factorial arrangement in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications. GAMOUR-Agroecology
was tested against conventional practices and untreated control.
Results This study revealed significant effects of agroecological zone × season × cucurbit species × management
practice on pollinators’ visitation frequency (p = 0.007) and time spent on flowers (p = 0.005). Also, agroecological zone
× season × cucurbit species × pollinator species significantly (p < 0.0001) affected pollinators’ visitation frequency.
Agroecological zones × season × cucurbit species × cucurbits management practices × pollinators significantly
(p = 0.001) affected pollinators’ visitation rate. Apis mellifera was the most frequent visitor in Cucurbita moschata
plots treated with GAMOUR- Agroecology in the plateau zone, also, visited higher number of Cucumis sativus plots
under GAMOUR-Agroecology practices in the mountainous zone during the October–November season. Further-
more, it has been found that pollinators spent much in cucurbit flowers on plots with GAMOUR-Agroecology prac-
tices and control.
Conclusions Pollinators’ foraging behavior were enhanced by GAMOUR-Agroecology practices. Therefore, this study
recommended that cucurbit growers should consider management practices that positively influence pollinator
foraging activities for sustainable cucurbit productio
Regulatory performance of tourist hunting and legal game meat trade in Tanzania
No full textProceedings of the 7th International Conference on Tourism Research, 2024. pp. 140-148Recently, the government of Tanzania has legalized the sale of game meat under special rules namely the Wildlife Conservation (Game Meat Selling) Regulations of 2020 as an effort to curb illegal hunting. The regulations mention tourist hunting as one of the sources of commercial game meat. Other sources include resident hunting; wildlife farms/ranches/zoos; and culling, cropping, and control of problem animals. In this paper we examine the performance of tourist hunting, legal game meat in the country, and its regulatory framework from the perspectives of key stakeholders, including both public and private or non-state stakeholders. We use a variant of Likert’s methods of summated ratings and the cumulative ordinal regression model to analyse and compare the opinions of stakeholders. We found that there are still challenges, especially related to sources of wild animals. Operators of game meat facilities find it difficult to source game meat from tourist hunting companies and the latter are not willing to offer the meat to licensed operators of game meat shops. Our results support the hypothesis that authorization of the game meat trade can serve as one of the boldest conservation tools to mitigate illegal poaching if well-planned and regulated. The results of the cumulative ordinal regression model predict an improvement of 42% in the performance of regulatory framework per unit improvement in the procedures for application and registration of game meat selling facilities (p = 0.010). The paper recommends leveraging stakeholders' active engagement and strengthening cooperation between game meat value chain actors and law-enforcement authorities. An innovative participatory model for enforcing game meat sanitary and safety regulations is also recommended to avoid potential health risks to consumers. It underscores the importance of institutional capacity building, awareness creation, and adequate funding in the fight against illegal hunting and game meat trade. In order for the country to be able to achieve sustainable game meat trade in the country, the challenge of limited wild animal sources has to be addressed, possibly by supporting the establishment of privately owned wild animal farms, ranches, and zoos, this also has its own challenges that need to be addressed too
Application of slightly acidic electrolyzed water as a potential sanitizer in the food industry
No full textJournal ArticleTe food industry has extensively explored postharvest microbial control, seeking viable technologies to ensure food safety.
Although numerous chlorine-based commercial sanitizers serve this purpose, many are plagued by constraints such as instability
and diminished disinfectant efcacy. Tese issues arise from exposure to organic matter in wash water, light, or air. As an
innovative and promising alternative, slightly acidic electrolyzed water (SAEW) has emerged, captivating attention for its robust
sterilization potential and eco-friendliness in agricultural and food sectors. SAEW generated via electrolysis of a diluted
hydrochloric acid (HCl) solution with concentrations ranging from 2 to 6% or aqueous solution of sodium chloride (NaCl) in
a nonmembrane electrolytic chamber is reported to possess equivalent antimicrobial properties as strong acidic electrolyzed water
(StAEW). In contrast to traditional chlorine sanitizers, SAEW leaves less chlorine residue on sanitized foods such fresh-cut fruit
and vegetables, meat, poultry, and aquatic products due to its low available chlorine concentration (ACC). Its near neutral pH of 5
to 6.5 not only renders it environmentally benign but also mitigates the production of chlorine gas, a contrast to low pH conditions
seen in StAEW generation. Te bactericidal efect of SAEW against various strains of foodborne pathogens is widely believed and
accepted to be due to the combined action of high oxidation-reduction-potential (ORP) reactions and undissociated hypochlorite/
hypochlorous acid (HOCl). Consequently, a burgeoning interest surrounds the potential of SAEW for sanitation in the food
industry, ofering an alternative to address shortcomings in sodium hypochlorite solutions and even StAEW. It has been hy-
pothesized from a number of studies that SAEW treatment can increase the quality and nutritional value of harvested fruits, which
in turn may enhance their ability to be stored. Terefore, SAEW is not only a promising sanitizer in the food industry but also has
the potential to be an efcient strategy for encouraging the accumulation of bioactive chemicals in plants, especially if it is used
extensively. Tis review encapsulates the latest insights concerning SAEW, encompassing its antimicrobial efectiveness, san-
itization mechanism, advantages vis-à-vis other sanitizers, and plausible applications across the food industr
The influence of agricultural misinformation on smallholder farmers’ crop production in Mvomero District, Morogoro Region, Tanzania
No full textMaster of Arts Degree in Project Management and EvaluationIn the context of agriculture development access to reliable
agricultural information to farmers is highly vital. Research evidence
has indicated that agricultural misinformation on crop production
exists among smallholder farmers in Tanzania. This study was
conducted in Mvomero District because it is one of the areas in
Morogoro Region where smallholder farmers lack knowledge on how
to access reliable agricultural information through proper sources.
The study examined the effect of agricultural misinformation on crop
production among smallholder farmers. Specifically, the study
identified sources of agricultural information, the level of knowledge
among smallholder farmers about agricultural misinformation, and
the effects of agricultural misinformation on crop production for
smallholder farmers. A cross-sectional research design was used.
Data collection was done using both qualitative and quantitative
research methods involving key informants' interviews and survey
questionnaires. Descriptive statistical analysis was computed to
establish measures of central tendencies. An index scale was
constructed to establish the farmer‟s level of knowledge and a binary
logistic regression model was developed to establish the predictors
of farmers‟ level of knowledge and to estimate the effects of
agricultural misinformation on crop production. Qualitative data were
analyzed using content analysis with a constant comparison
technique. The findings revealed that the majority of respondents
(74%) had access to agricultural information through farmer-farmer
information flow. The extension officers had no significant
contribution (p-value of 0.1430) to providing agricultural information.
The majority of respondents (96%) had a high level of knowledge of
agricultural misinformation but still, could not access well reliable
agricultural information. The Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test showed
that misinformation had a significant negative effect on crop
production (p = 0.000) and the seed varieties, fertilizer and
pesticides misinformation coefficient was statistically significant (P
<0.000). It is concluded that farmers‟ access to reliable sources of agricultural information, extension services, and local agricultural
experts contributes to increase smallholder farmers‟ crop production.
To mitigate the effects of agricultural misinformation farmers should
be encouraged to consult agricultural experts to access and use
reliable information. The local government and development actors
should intensify farmers‟ training through capacity-building programs
to improve smallholder farmers‟ knowledge to help increase the
adoption of recommended agricultural practices. There is a need to
establish farmers‟ resource centres for the effective dissemination of
important information through community workshops, mobile apps,
and radio programs to reach farmers in remote areas. Local
government organizations and development partners should
increase efforts to minimize the spread of misinformation to
smallholder farmers.Deu‟s family in USA and Sokoine University of Agriculture through Facebook Inc
Attitude of raders towards the use of EFD machines: a aase of Tanzania’s Eastern Zone
No full textDissertationThis study assessed the attitude of the traders toward the use of
Electronic Fiscal Devices (EFDs) in Tanzania’s Eastern Zone. The
main objective of this research was to examine the attitude of traders
towards the use of EFD machines, and the willingness of buyers to
demand EFD receipts when purchasing items. Specifically, the study
addressed the following specific objectives (i) To gauge the attitude of
traders towards the use of EFD machines. (ii) To assess the willingness
of buyers to demand EFD receipts from traders. (iii) To identify factors
that influence the attitude towards the use of EFD machines. (iv) To
identify factors that influence the willingness of buyers to demand EFD
receipts. (v)To identify challenges facing traders when using EFD
machines in Tanzania’s Eastern Zone. The study used a descriptive
cross-sectional approach. The study employed 120 respondents being
taxpayers. Respendonts were selected through simple random
sampling and purposive sampling techniques. Both qualitative and
quantitative data were collected through structured questionnaires and
interview guide. Quantitative data were analyzed using the Statistical
Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 20.0) and Excel software program,
and qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis. Research
shows that taxpayers are reluctant to use EFD machines and
consumers are reluctant to ask for EFD receipts when purchasing
goods or services. Every effort is made to inform customers of the
importance of requesting an EFD receipt for each transaction. The
main challenges facing the full use of EFDs are the high cost of
purchasing equipment and, most importantly, the lack of taxpayer
training in the use of EFDs. This study concluded that it is necessary to
review the purchase price and maintenance cost, improve the system
or the lack of network, properly check the taxpayer's ability to pay
taxes, continue to study, know, etc., and accurately determine the
amount of tax that the taxpayer must pay, Fairness of the tax system
and incentives for its use. Once the above mentioned issues are
resolved, tax revenue collection can be further improved through the
use of EFD
Ecological assessment of rodents and flea populations and disease awareness in plague foci, Mbulu District, Northern Tanzania
No full textDissertationPlague, a rodent-borne disease caused by Yersinia pestis, continues to
be a major public health concern in several African countries. Disease
outbreaks are influenced by various factors, including rodent population
dynamics, flea infestations, human behaviors and practices and
environmental conditions. Conducting comprehensive studies
addressing these factors particularly in plague endemic areas is crucial
for understanding their involvenment in plague persistence and
developing effective preventive and control measures. In this study,
several methods were used to assess different factors associated with
the continued existence of plague in the plague foci, Mbulu district,
Tanzania. The study was conducted between November 2019 to
November 2021. To assess rodent species richness, diversity, and
community structure in relation to plague persistence in different
habitats, seasons and localities, a removel trapping method was
applied. Findings indicated that areas with plague persistent had higher
rodent abundance and species richness than non-persistent areas.
Nortably, species richness was lower in-house premises compared to
other habitats. Also, the study revealed three rodent community
structures that varied significantly between studied habitat types,
suggesting interactions influenced by available resources in the
particular habitats.
The population dynamics of Mastomys natalensis and Lophuromys
makundii were assessed using a Capture-Mark-Recapture method.
Results showed that the abundance of M. natalensis was significantly
higher in farms present in plague persistent than those present in non-
plague persistent locality. The dry season showed a significant increase
of abundance compared to the long rain season and the short rain
season. Plague persistent had a significant increase in breeding
females compared to non-plague persistent localities, while in the different habitats, farms showed a significant decrease in breeding
females compared to forests. Also, dry season was associated with an
increase in breeding females compared to the long rain season and the
short rain season. Furthermore, the abundance of L. makundii and
proportion of breeding females showed a significant increase in forest
present in plague persistent than non-plague persistent localities. The
abundance increased significantly during the dry season and long rain
season compared to the short rain season. The breeding females
significantly increased during the dry and the short rain season than the
long rain season.
For the assessment of flea infestation of rodents, fleas ectoparasites
were collected by fur brushing the captured rodents. The study aimed to
determine flea infestation prevalence, community structure, and
variations between localities, habitats (farn and forest) and seasons.
Flea abundance did not show significant differences between localities,
habitats and seasons. However, prevalence of flea infestation was
significantly positively associated with the plague persistent locality and
the short rain season. Also, the study revealed two broad flea
community structures based on farm and forest habitats.
Fluctuations in flea abundance thoughout the sampling period and the
influence of household behavior (such as mat and sleeping loft) on flea
abundance within house were examined using a removal method and
light trap. The study found seven flea species within houses with
Ctenocephalides canis being the most abundant, followed by Pullex
irritans and Ctenocephalides felis. The abundance was significantly
higher in dry than long rain season. Houses with sleeping bed, mattress
and loft had significantly higher flea abundance than houses with bed
and mat alone. Also, households that shared livestock in one roof had
significantly more fleas than non-shared households.African Centre of Excellence for Innovative Rodent Pest Management and
Biosensor Technology Development (ACE IRPM&BTD) at the Institute
of Pest Management, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro,
Tanzania
Population ecology of small mammals in Mount Rungwe nature forest reserve
No full textDissertationSmall mammals play significant ecological and economical role among
many societies. Therefore, conducting ecological assessment of small
mammals is crucial for maintaining functioning ecosystems and societal
well being. The tropical mountains are characterised by diverse
habitats, favourable environmental conditions, as well as abundant flora
and fauna, including numerous endemic species. Among tropical
mountains, Mount Rungwe Nature Forest Reserve (MRNFR) in
southwestern Tanzania stands out as the second-highest mountain in
the region, boasting its high diversity of flora and fauna, including
several important IUCN endemic species such as Rungwecerbus
kipunji, Cephalophus spadix and Galagoides sp. While there have been
various studies on small mammals in Tanzania, the studies on
mountainous small mammals remain limited, with most of them
conducted in the northern part of the country and Eastern Arc
mountains. This study aimed to understanding the ecology of small
mammals in MRNFR which is situated at the intersection of the western,
eastern and southern East Africa rift valleys. The study was conducted
between 2020 and 2022 and involved data collection along an altitudinal
gradient encompassing low-elevation, mid-elevation, and high-elevation
with habitats low and mid montane forests, montane bamboo forests,
montane bushland and montane grassland. Different methodologies
were employed based on the stated specific objectives. The total of 300
Shearman traps, 60 pitfall traps, 132 snap traps and 18 Havahart traps
were used. To determine the species composition, a combination of
Sherman traps, pitfalls and Havahart traps was used along transects
whereby five trapping nights were conducted at each elevation. Grids
measuring 70 m X 70 m were established at each elevation to examine
the influence of microhabitat parameters on small mammal abundance.
Each grid contained 49 Sherman traps which were set over three
consecutive nights. Microhabitat parameters, including vegetation and soil characteristics were collected using nested quadrant approach and
soil core method. The data on population dynamics were obtained from
permanent grids established over three consecutive days within a 24-
month period at each elevation. For the purpose of diet analysis, the
snap traps were placed in four transect lines at each elevation for six
nights during both wet and dry periods and food categories were
determined through macro-histological analysis of stomach contents. All
collected species were identified using relevant keys and confirmed by
sequencing the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene. A total of 3,183
individual small mammals comprised four families, eleven genera and
twelve species were collected. Identified small mammals were
Montemys delectorum, Crocidura luna, Lophuromys machangui,
Grammomys cometes, Cricetomy ansorgei, Dendromus nyassae,
Mysorex kihaulei, Crocidura olivieri, Hylomyscus arcimontensis,
Beamys hindei, Graphiurus sp. nov. and Mus triton. A total of nine
species were recorded during the wet season whereas ten species
were recorded during the dry season. The results revealed that habitat
characteristics and season significantly influenced small mammal
richness, composition and diversity. The mid-montane forest exhibited
the highest diversity compared to low-montane forests. Small mammal
composition varied across habitats (Est ± SE = 3.36 ± 0.032, Z= 103.8,
p < 0.001) with montane bushland showing significantly lower
composition. Season and habitat significantly influenced species
composition with montane bushland habitats having lower species
composition and diversity during the dry season. The study further
found out that small mammal abundance was influenced by elevation
and season with mid-elevation and short rain period depicting the
highest abundance. Elevation affected some species differently with P.
delectorum decreasing and Lophuromys machangui increasing with an
increase in elevation. On the contrary, Crocidura luna was not affected.
Moreover, the results revealed that microhabitat parameters influenced
abundance of individual species differently, thus indicating that altering
the microhabitat could impact small mammal assemblage and
abundance.Molecular information has revealed the presence of small mammal
species such as Graphiurus sp. which was reported for the first time in
this area. The study also demonstrated that habitat and microhabitat
types, elevation gradient and seasonal variations strongly influence
small mammal species abundance, diversity, richness and distribution
at both the population level and individual species like P. delectorum
and L. machangui. Some species such as L. machangui and P.
delectorum are distributed in Northern and Southern Highlands, thus
showing less influence from the boundaries between these two regions.
However, the distribution of other species such as Graphiurus sp. and
M. kihaulei is impacted by these boundaries. In particular, the study
revealed the presence of endangered Myosorex kihaulei in MRNFR,
which was previously believed to be endemic to Udzungwa Mountain
only. Based on genomic analysis, the study documented novel
Graphiurus sp. Such findings suggest the need to incorporate the
observed species in the management plans of Southern Highland
landscapes, particularly Rungwe Mountain, and consider the
conservation of the noted endangered species. The findings also
suggest that monitoring of species along the elevation gradient is crucial
due to a greater diversity of species in Rungwe Mountains.The African Centre of Excellence for innovative rodent pest management and biosensor technology development (rat tech) ACE II- IRMBTand The Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) for awarding me the PhD scholarship
Population ecology and distribution pattern of honey bee plants in Aghondi National Bee Reserve Central, Tanzania
No full textDissertationThe contribution of bee plants in the form of floral rewards for
beekeeping development depends on plant species diversity,
distribution, flowering phenology, and honey bee visitations.
Unfortunately, such information is still lacking for many potentially
good sites for honey production. Honey bee plants are being
threatened by unsustainable human development activities, and
thwart rural development initiatives that depend on honey production
as an additional income activity. To address this information gap and
to improve honey productivity, this study provides a better
understanding of honey bee plants within the Aghondi National Bee
Reserve in Central Tanzania. Specifically, the study aimed to address
two primary research questions related to respective objectives: what
is the diversity, density, and distribution status of honey bee plants?
This objective involved assessing honey bee plant diversity, density,
and distribution of honey bee plants and (ii) when is the flowering
period of honey bee plants and what honey bee visitation patterns of
key honey bee plants? This objective was to determine flowering
phenology and honey bee visitation rates on selected honey bee
plants. Data collection utilized different methods and sampling
approaches. For the first objective, a systematic sampling design was
used to sample vegetation in 85 square plots in three vegetation
types. For the third and fourth objectives, five honey bee plants were
selected based on the abundance in three vegetation types and
monitored to profile their flowering and phenology, and 34 plants were
studied for honey bee visitation rate for 20 weeks.
For the first and second objectives, a total of 79 honey bee plant
species were recorded, belonging to 28 families and 5 genera. The
distribution of species was relatively even, resulting in the
identification of three distinct plant communities. Furthermore, the
study indicated that the plant density was generally higher for the
shrubs, notably Vepris nobilis than for trees and climbers. Moreover,
for the second objective, honey bee plants exhibit continuous flower
openings throughout the day, with a notably higher number of flowers
opening during the morning (P= 0.0013). The flowering distribution period was longer, lasting for one two to three months with;
Julbernadia globiflora going for 88 days, Combretum obovatum for 72
days, Combretum celastroides for 62 days, Pseudoprosopis fischeri
for 32 days, Baphia massaiensis for 53 days. Furthermore, the results
revealed that the highest mean number of visits of honey bees was
observed in Albizia petersiana (115± 36) and Commiphora mollis
(99±30) while the lowest was observed in Pseudoprosopis fischeri
(0.818±1.3) and Dichrostachys cinerea (0.0818±0.75). The honey bee
visitation rate increased with floral rewards (r 2 = 0.128) and the
number of flowers (r2 = 0.157). In addition, temperature (r2 = 0.001)
and humidity (r2 = 0.004) had no significant effect (P> 0.005) on the
honey bee visitation rate for the selected plants.
These results suggest that the reserve contributes substantially to the
honey bee forages which are a prerequisite for honey bee productivity
and that the bee foraging is modulated by both biophysical and
environmental factors. This information is useful for improving honey
production strategies such as establishing many apiaries and
conserving honey bee plants in Tanzania and elsewhere where bee
honey production is a growing priority to develop a beekeeping
calendar to maximize honey production within the reserve.Tanzania Forest Service
Agency (TFS
Enhancing the nutritional content of noodles produced by small scale processors in Tanzania
No full textDissertationBackground: Noodles have become increasingly popular in the
country due to their convenience and affordability in terms of price.
This trend can be attributed to urbanization and changing lifestyles.
However, the widespread consumption of noodles has raised
concerns about their nutritional deficiencies. Many noodle products
lack essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and protein,
crucial for maintaining a balanced and healthy diet. Excessive
reliance on noodles as a staple food can lead to nutritional
imbalances and deficiencies, contributing to health problems among
the population. As such, promoting a diverse and well-balanced diet
is important to address these nutritional shortcomings in Tanzania.
This research aimed to address this issue by enhancing noodle’s
nutritional composition and sensory qualities by incorporating
Moringa oleifera leaf powder and sardine powder, targeting small-
scale processors.
Methods: an experimental research design was employed to
investigate the nutritional, textural, cooking quality and sensory
acceptability impact of adding Moringa oleifera leaf powder and
sardine powder to wheat-based noodle formulations. Six
formulations were prepared, altering the ratios of wheat, Moringa
oleifera leaf powder, and sardine powder. For the Moringa-fortified
noodles, ratios included 99.6% wheat and 0.4% moringa (WM1),
99.2% wheat and 0.8% moringa (WM2), and 99% wheat and 1%
moringa (WM3). For sardine-fortified noodles, formulations
comprised 95% wheat and 5% sardine (WS1), 90% wheat and 10%
sardine (WS2), 85% wheat and 15% sardine (WS3), with a 100%
wheat control (WC). The nutritional parameters assessed included
crude protein, fibre, fat, ash, carbohydrate, energy content, and
mineral composition, including calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc.
For the proximate and mineral composition, data were analyzed
using SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences Version
26.0, SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) software whereby one-way Anova and post- hoc test (HSD) were performed to check if there is
a significant difference in nutritional composition at level of
significance p<0.05 and all the data were reported using mean
values of determinations ± standard deviation. Similarly, Textural
properties, including hardness, cohesiveness, springiness, and
adhesiveness, were measured. Additionally, cooking quality
attributes such as cooking loss, volume increase, and water
absorption were assessed. Sensory evaluations were conducted at
Morogoro Secondary School, where 60 panellists aged 14-19 were
to gauge consumer acceptability concerning colour, aroma, texture,
taste, and overall acceptability. The quantitative descriptive analysis
was also performed at the Sokoine University of Agriculture,
Department of Food Science and Agro-processing, with 10 trained
panellists to identify specific changes in attributes like colour, aroma,
saltiness, and hardness due to the inclusion of moringa and sardine
powders. Statistical data analysis was performed by using SPSS
(Statistical Package for the Social Sciences Version 26.0, SPSS
Inc., Chicago, IL, USA), using the one-way analysis of variance
(one-way ANOVA) and post hoc Tukey’s Honestly Significant
Difference (HSD) test at a significance level p < 0.05. All the data
were reported using mean values of determinations ± standard
deviation. Principle component analysis (PCA) was done by R
software (R Core Team) to assess the association between sample
and attributes as well as partial least square regression (PLSR) was
performed by unscrambler X software version 10.4 to check the
relationship between quantitative descriptive data and consumer
data. Results: The results indicated significant variations in the nutritional
composition of the different noodle formulations compared to the
control sample. Incorporating Moringa oleifera leaf powder and
sardine powder led to notable increases in crude protein and mineral
content, such as iron, calcium, magnesium, and zinc. The nutritional
profile of the noodles was positively altered, suggesting that the
incorporation of moringa leaf and sardine powders enhances the valuable insights into a viable approach to improve the nutritional
quality of commonly consumed foods, benefiting both the food
industry and consumers in Tanzania
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