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Impact of mulching treatments on growth, yields, and economics of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in Eastern Tanzania
No full textJournal articleMulching is a widely used agricultural practice that can significantly affect crop growth, yield, and economic outcomes, particularly in regions with varying climatic conditions. The present study evaluated the influence of various mulching practices on the growth, yield, and economic viability of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivation in Tanzania. The study was conducted across three sites in the eastern agro-ecological zone of Tanzania: Kipera (E4 200–1000 m.a.s.l.), Mgeta (E14 500–000 m.a.s.l.), and Ndole (E2 500–1200 m.a.s.l.). Four mulching treatments—polythene mulch, synthetic biodegradable mulch, rice husk mulch, and a control group—were applied to assess their effects on plant growth and yield components. Results revealed significant variations in growth parameters and yield components across sites. Notably, polythene mulch and synthetic biodegradable mulch consistently outperformed the other treatments. Polythene mulch resulted in an average plant height of 68.37 cm, followed closely by synthetic biodegradable mulch at 68.26 cm, both significantly (p < 0.05) taller than rice husk mulch (62.79 cm) and the control (57.74 cm). Canopy coverage was highest with polythene mulch at 61.7%, followed by synthetic biodegradable mulch at 60.5%. Grain yields did not differ significantly between synthetic biodegradable mulch (2.64 t ha−1) and polythene mulch (2.67 t ha−1). Economic analysis indicated that synthetic biodegradable mulch offers promising marginal returns (MR: Tshs. 3,787,450 or USD 1,469) and a benefit-cost ratio (BCR) of 1.91, compared to polythene mulch (MR: Tshs. 4,114,050 or USD 1,595, BCR: 2.06). These findings suggest that synthetic biodegradable mulch is a sustainable and economically viable option for enhancing common bean production across diverse agro-ecological settings in Tanzania.FoodLAND projec
The Synergy between maize productivity and food security among smallholder farmers in Tanzania: insights on successes, challenges, and pathways forward
No full textJournal ArticleMaize (Zea mays) is the most widely grown crop among smallholder farmers in Tanzania, contributing significantly to both household food security and income generation. Accounting for 45% of the total caloric intake and cultivated by over 85% of rural households, maize plays a dual role in providing essential nutrients and as a key economic asset that facilitates the purchase of complementary food items. Despite its importance, the productivity of maize in Tanzania remains low, averaging 1.6 tons per hectare, far below the potential yield of 4-5 tons per hectare under optimal conditions. This paper critically reviews the synergies between maize productivity and food security among smallholder farmers by synthesizing findings from 59 peer-reviewed studies drawn from 1,100 English-language articles published between January 2000 and December 2022. By systematically analyzing these studies, the paper identifies: (i) successful strategies for improving maize productivity and their positive impacts on food security (what works), (ii) persistent challenges that hinder productivity growth (what doesn’t work), and (iii) potential areas for further enhancing maize yields to address food insecurity (what could work). Drawing on the conservation and diffusion models, the analysis focuses on how the transfer of knowledge and adoption of innovative agricultural practices—such as the use of improved maize seeds, chemical fertilizers, pest and disease management, post-harvest storage improvements, and irrigation—can boost productivity and improve food security. However, the review reveals that despite the availability of these strategies, the adoption rate remains low, with only 30% of farmers consistently using high-yielding seeds and less than 20% applying adequate fertilizer, largely due to limited access to agricultural extension services and financial constraints. The paper problematizes the widespread reliance on rain-fed agriculture, which exacerbates vulnerability to climate variability, and highlights how systemic barriers—including poor infrastructure, limited market access, and insufficient government support—undermine the potential benefits of maize productivity interventions. The study concludes by emphasizing the need for context-specific, farmer-centered agricultural policies that prioritize capacity-building through tailored extension services, climate-resilient farming practices, and enhanced access to input markets. The findings underscore the urgency of addressing these structural challenges if Tanzania is to meet its national food security goals and improve rural livelihoods
Prevalence of parasites, species composition and abundance of rodents and shrews in Ilemela District, Mwanza Region, Tanzania
No full textMSc DissertationRodents and shrews are extremely diverse in their ecology and
lifestyles and can be found in almost every terrestrial habitat. The
diversity of rodents and shrews varies with vegetation type, habitat
and season. There are tremendous impacts attributed to rodents
and shrews which include but not limited to damaging field crops,
causing post-harvest losses, contaminating stored food and water
supplies. Nevertheless, they are reservoir of different parasites of
public health importance and play an important role in the
transmission and spreading of zoonotic diseases in Tanzania and
worldwide. Generally, this study aimed to determine rodents and
shrews species composition and prevalence of parasites, in Ilemela
District, Mwanza region, Tanzania.
Rodents and shrews were live-trapped using Sherman and modified
wire cages from Peridomestic, indoors and agricultural fields and
their morphological data were recorded for identification to the genus
and species level. Morphological data such as sex, weight, head-
body, tail, ear, and hind foot lengths were recorded. They were then
anaesthetized with diethyl ether, blood samples were collected
aseptically from heart, thin and thick smears were made for
haemoparasites identification and their ectoparasites were also
collected for identification purposes. The Gastro-Intestinal Tract
(GIT) was carefully removed and their contents were evaluated for
GIT parasites.
A total of 149 small mammals were captured and identified that
includes 144 rodents belonging to four species namely Mastomys
natalensis 66.4% (99/149), Mus .musculus 21.5% (32/149), Rattus
rattus 7.4% (11/149) and Aethomys spp 1.3% (2/149) and the rest
3.4% (4/149) were shrews belonging to Crocidura spp. The overall
prevalence of ectoparasites was 56.4% (84/149) and the following
ectoparasites were identified, Laelaps echininus 39.6% (59/149),
Polyplax spp. 4.0% (6/149), Xenopsylla cheopis 2.7% (4/149) and Heamaphysalis leachi 0.7% (1/149). The highest prevalence of
ectoparasites was recorded in M. natalensis at (67.7%). In context to
sex, males harbored more ectoparasites 59.0% than females.
Additionally, the study also found a prevalence of haemoparasite
was 35.5% (53/149) and the identified parasites namely, Anaplasma
spp 18.8% (28/149), Trypanosoma lewisi 0.7% (1/149), Plasmodium
spp. 1.3% (2/149). There were also two bacteria genus, bipolar
coccobacilli2.7% (4/149) and Bacillus spp 3.4% (5/149) identified.
Anaplasma spp was found in all of the infested rodent species and
its highest prevalence was recorded in M. musculus 34.4% (11/32)
followed by M. natalensis 27.3% (27/99). However, T. lewisi was
only found in Rattus rattus whereas none of the haemoparasite was
identified in Crocidura spp. The relative abundance of the captured
rodent’s species were Mastomys natalensis 99 (68.75%), Mus
musculus 32 (22.22%), Rattus rattus 11(7.63%) and Aethomys spp
2 (1.38%). Mastomys natalensis was widely distributed in all the
habitats and its highest abundance was recorded in agricultural
farms (83%, n=82/99). Mus.musculus (96.9%) and all R. rattus
(100%) exclusively captured from in-doors, while Aethomys spp 2
(1.3%) were only captured from the Peridomestic habitats. The study
found a significant association of the villages) with the captures (p <
0.01). In six of the villages selected for current study, M. natalensis
was the most prevalent and abundant species captured. The overall
prevalence of GIT parasites was 53.7% (80/149) and the following
parasites were recovered, (nematodes 80.5% (91/113), cestodes
14.2% (16/113), trematodes 0.9 (1/113) and protozoan oocysts 4.4%
(5/113). The recovered nematode parasites include; Trichuris spp
52.2% (59/113), Angiostrongylus spp 4.4% (5/113), Nippostrongylus
spp 6.2% (7/113), Strongyloides spp 13.3% (15/113), Capillaria spp
3.5% (4/113), Physaloptera spp 0.9% (1/113) and Syphacia obvelata
0.9% (1/113). The identified Cestode was Hymenolepis diminuta
14.2% (16/113) while in Trematode, only Echinostoma spp 0.9%
(1/113) was identified. Apart from worms also protozoan Oocyst
4.4% (5/113) were identified. Majority of the captured rodents were
infected with nematodes 65% (91/113) and the highest prevalence of GIT parasites was recorded in M. natalensis 64.6% (64/99). Trichuris
spp was found to be the most prevalent parasite in rodents. Among
the identified parasites, Hymenolepis diminuta, Angiostrongylus spp,
Capillaria spp and Syphacia obvelata are of public health
importance.
This study has revealed the presence of parasites of public health
and livestock importance in rodents and shrews and we recommend
for the control of rodents and shrews as well as screening of
human’s population to check for presence of the identified zoonotic
parasites reported in rodents and shrews.The Africa Center of Excellence for Innovative Rodent Pest Management and
Biosensor Technology Development, Sokoine University of Agriculture-Tanzania ACE II
Impact of off-farm employment on rural household food and nutrition security: evidence from the southern highland regions of Tanzania
No full textJournal articleDespite the rural off-farm economy becoming increasingly important, the question whether off-
farm income-generating activities increase household food and nutritional security in Tanzania
remains unanswered. The current study explores the issue of off-farm employment by addressing
two objectives: (i) to examine the drivers of households’ decision to participate in off-farm
employment in a high-potential agricultural zone in Tanzania and (ii) to evaluate the impact of off-
farm activities on rural households’ food security and nutritional security. We use household survey
data from the southern highland districts of Mbeya and Songwe regions collected in 2014 and 2016.
We employ difference-in-difference and propensity score matching techniques to evaluate the
impact of participation in off-farm employment on household food security using three indicators
with different recall periods. Results show that more adults per household and a larger farm size
stimulated involvement in off-farm activities, while farming experience and livestock ownership
had a limiting effect. Participation has a significant impact on food security, but the strength of the
effect depends on the specific indicator selected. We recommend that the development of policies
and programs that pay more attention to off-farm work can boost rural household income and thus
promote food security and nutritional security
Multicriteria land suitability assessment for cassava and bean production using integration of GIS and AHP
No full textLand valuation is essential for developing land use planning and achieving efficient land use,
food security, and poverty reduction. This study aimed to assess land suitability for cassava
and bean production using the multicriteria decision analysis AHP technique and GIS. Land
suitability analysis considers factors affecting crop growth and development, particularly in
producing beans and cassava. The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) model was used to
determine the importance of main and sub-criteria parameters. ArcGIS software was used to
create crop suitability distribution maps for bean and cassava production. Each parameter was
subjected to pair-wise comparison by employing the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). The
study found that the southern region displayed a vastly suitable level of 38% and 46% for
beans and cassava, respectively. Farmers can use the comprehensive data to decide whether
to plant beans and cassava on their lands, increasing revenue while preserving soil quality
management. The GIS-AHP integration approach was suggested to determine optimal
decisions based on chosen criteria
Farmer research networks project and adoption of improved groundnut cultivars amongst smallholder farmers in Singida District of Central Tanzania
No full textMSc DissertationDespite being one of the most vital food and income crops in the
world, studies show that groundnut is not widely adopted by farmers.
Age, gender, education, group participation, and seed accessibility
were amongst the characteristics that were reported to influence the
adoption. However, the impact of these factors on the adoption of
improved groundnut cultivars amongst Singida Farmer Research
Networks project beneficiaries' is not sufficiently documented.
Farmer Research Networks (FRNs) is a collaborative strategy
designed to aid the agro ecological intensification of smallholder
farming. Although FRN was intended for use in Latin America and
Africa, there is little information available on how its implementation,
especially the three FRN principles, affects the uptake of agricultural
technologies. This study sought to assess the factors that influence
the adoption of improved groundnuts by smallholder farmers in the
research networks project in Singida District. Specifically, the study
(1) assessed how FRN guiding principles, that is, i) farmer
participation, ii) usefulness of on-farm research, and iii) collaboration
amongst players in networks, were applied in enabling farmers‘
adoption of improved groundnuts. The study, (2) determined the
relationship between access to improved seeds and the adoption of
improved groundnuts, and (3) analysed factors that influenced the
adoption of improved groundnut cultivars amongst the beneficiaries
of FRN project. The study was guided by innovation systems,
networks, and Roger's theories of innovation diffusion. A cross-
sectional research design and mixed research methods were
employed. Content analysis and descriptive statistics were used to
assess how FRN principles were applied to influence the adoption of
improved groundnuts. The binary logistic regression model
(inferential statistics) was used to determine the relationship
between access to improved seeds and the adoption of improved
groundnuts, together with other factors that influenced the adoption
of improved groundnuts. Chi-square test cross-tabulations were
used to compare the socioeconomic traits of farmers. Farmers' perceptions regarding the adoption of improved groundnuts in
relation to service accessibility, technological features, and the
institutional environment were measured using a Likert scale.
Findings show that farmers took part in establishing FRN groups,
producing seeds with quality declarations, and offering farmer-to-
farmer extension services. In order for farmers to observe,
understand, and use the innovation, on-farm research was essential
for observational and experimental study. Players work together
through project meetings, farmers' field days, and mutual research,
learning, and resource sharing. It is concluded that farmers engaged
in on-farm research and worked together with various network
participants, demonstrating that FRN principles were used to sway
consumers to adopt improved groundnuts. Additionally, the study
showed that socioeconomic factors such as age, sex, marital status,
education, and wealth had no discernible impact on the adoption of
improved groundnuts. Three criteria, including FRN group
membership, seed accessibility, and technological traits including
agro ecological zone adaptability, high yields, early maturation,
drought tolerance, pest and disease resistance, had a substantial
impact on the adoption of improved groundnuts. The majority of
farmers had positive opinions of the institutional context,
technological characteristics, and accessibility to services for the
adoption of improved groundnuts. The report recommends for
encouraging farmer participation in the initial meetings and fostering
connections between farmers and more actors. Sensitization of
more farmers to join groups, increased timely seed availability, and
accessibility of improved groundnut cultivars with the characteristics
preferable to farmers are essential in this regard.The McKnight Foundation through its Crop Collaborative Research Programme (CCRP) under the Farmers
Research Networks (FRN) Project being implemented by RECODA
Assessment of community perception on proper solid waste management at Household-level in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania
No full textJournal articleEffective solid waste management is integral to environmental
sustainability and public health. The success of waste management
initiatives is intricately linked to community perceptions, as their
awareness and attitudes significantly influence outcomes. This study,
conducted in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania, aimed to assess the
community's perception of proper solid waste management at the
household level. Employing a descriptive cross-sectional design, data
were gathered from 70 respondents across three randomly chosen
wards: Mazimbu (26), Mji Mkuu (22), and Mji Mpya (22). These wards
were pivotal in capturing a comprehensive view of solid waste
management practices, accounting for variations across different
areas within Morogoro Municipality. Data were also collected from five
key informants using the Kobo Collect survey tool. Inferential
statistics, specifically Pearson chi-square tests, were applied to
analyze the data. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies and
percentages, were used to explore the types of solid waste generated
at the household level. The findings revealed that 38.6% of
respondents produced vegetable waste, 28.6% generated
leaves/grass, 20% produced plastic waste, and 12.9% generated
other types of solid waste. The chi-square tests showed no significant
differences in community awareness regarding the importance of
proper solid waste management across wards, except for a significant
difference in relation to disease outbreak reduction. Descriptive
statistics were employed to analyze the community's perception of
obstacles hindering proper solid waste management. To evaluate the
community's perception of solid waste management, a composite
mean score was calculated; a mean score above 2.00 indicated a
positive perception, while a score below 2.00 suggested a negative
perception. In conclusion, while the community generally holds a
positive perception of solid waste management, factors such as
collection fees and inadequate infrastructure hinder its effectiveness
and efficiency at the household level. It is recommended that
municipal authorities enhance solid waste management strategies
and implement educational campaigns to raise awareness within the
community
Water level fluctuation effect on fish reproduction success
No full textInternational Journal of Ecology Volume 2024Alteration of water levels of the lake/reservoir due to changes in river discharges, upstream abstraction, and drawdown regulation due to hydropower generation has been reported as among the major challenges to fish physiology and ultimately reproduction. Variations in lake/reservoir water levels influence biodiversity and the abundance of lake/reservoir biota. Variations have the greatest impacts in the littoral zones hence, interfering with fish spawning, incubation, and hatching of eggs, as well as the development of larvae, postlarvae, and juveniles. This particular paper reviews the literature available on the effect of the reservoirs/lakes’ water level fluctuations on fish reproduction success using the documentary view method. The literature argues that water level fluctuations have both positive and negative impacts depending on frequency, magnitude, and duration and the species exposed. Extreme fluctuations tend to bring more adverse impacts. It further indicates that extreme and untimely water level fluctuation has direct impacts on the aquatic habitats and ultimately impacts fish assemblage and their populations. Few articles indicate the range of decrease or increase of water level, duration of such events, and effects they have on reservoir/lake ecosystem functions and fish physiology. Nevertheless, quantification of moderate and extreme water level fluctuation and associated effects is lacking. Although water level fluctuation is an important environmental cue for aquatic organisms, literature shows that the reduction of extreme water level variations especially multiannual variations is vital for fish reproduction. Therefore, upstream water use and reservoir operations should take into consideration the effects of water level fluctuations on reservoir structure, biological functions, and ultimate effects on fish reproduction
Deforestation drivers and effects of livestock grazing on forest structure and composition in the coastal forests of Kilwa District Tanzania
No full textMSc DissertationCoastal forests of Eastern Africa hold considerable importance for
the communities residing adjacent or within including forage
provision to both domestic and wild ungulates among other
ecosystem services. However, the coastal forest ecosystems of
Tanzania are facing pressure due to increasing detrimental
anthropogenic activities including massive livestock influx which may
affect its integrity and vital roles. The present study aimed to provide
a better understanding of the effects of livestock grazing on the
woody plant composition, vegetation structure, and regeneration
capacity of the coastal forests and local communities’ perception of
the contribution of livestock grazing and other human activities to the
change in land cover of landscape comprising coastal forests in
southern Tanzania. The study was conducted in Kilwa District, Lindi,
Southern Tanzania. Data collection involved a household survey and
ground vegetation survey and analysis of Landsat satellite images.
Results indicated that coastal forests at the study site had
experienced a 45% decline in cover between 2007 and 2022 at the
rate of -3% loss per year, to which interviewed respondents also
agreed. Further, 29% of farmland area has increased within the past
15 years. The results revealed further that crop cultivation, livestock
grazing, and charcoal production are among the major drivers for
forest cover loss. Furthermore, results indicated no and low grazing
intensity had higher plant species richness, density, and diversity
contrary to moderate and heavy grazing intensities. The moderate
and heavy grazing intensities also had low seedling density and
diversity. Livestock grazing has also negatively affected the stem
distribution of seedlings, saplings, poles, and trees indicating
degradation of the coastal forests. It can be concluded from these
findings that grazing affected plant species composition, diversity
indices, and stem densities in the studied coastal forests. Low
grazing intensity had higher diversity indices, stem density, and
regeneration status similar to or better than no grazing. Therefore,
low grazing is suitable under low stocking rates for livestock due to its insignificant effect on woody species structure, composition and
regeneration potential/seedling, and sapling density. It is suggested
that urgent interventions are required to ensure controlled grazing
that halts heavy grazing and detrimental human activities in the
coastal forests within village lands. Also, further research involving
large-scale study and long-term cattle and goat grazing experiments
with varied grazing intensities/stocking rates to discern proper
carrying capacities and effects on biophysical factors such as soil,
water, vegetation, and wildlife resources in the landscapes with
ample coastal forest resources. This information is useful for
informing sustainable conservation strategies of coastal forests at
the study site and elsewhere with similar environments.The Tanzania Forest Service Agency (TFS
Mapping the trends, knowledge production, and practices of climate-smart aquaculture scholarship: Empirical insights from bibliometric analysis
No full textJournal ArticleThis bibliometric review synthesizes the trends, knowledge, and practices in climate-smart aquaculture (CSAq)
research globally, underscoring its significance amidst climate change’s growing threat to food security and
aquaculture sustainability. Using the PRISMA 2020 protocol, 369 records from the Scopus database (2010–2024)
were systematically analyzed. The research found a significant rise in CSAq publications over the years,
particularly from 2013 onward, with the United States leading with 58 publications, followed closely by India
(54), China and the United Kingdom (34 each). Germany had the highest total link strength (55), reflecting its
extensive international collaborations in CSAq research. Although most research contributions were from
developed countries, there was a notable scarcity of CSAq interventions documented in developing regions,
despite being disproportionately impacted by climate change. Statistical analysis of publication trends revealed
that the most active journals in CSAq research were Aquaculture, Sustainability (Switzerland), Ocean and Coastal
Management, and Science of the Total Environment, with the highest output between 2020 and 2024. Annual
publication frequency increased steadily, peaking at 64 publications in 2023, but a drop to 19 in 2024 was
observed, attributed to the analysis being conducted before the year’s end. Keyword analysis highlighted
recurring themes such as “climate change,” “sustainability,” and “food security,” emphasizing the global focus on
CSAq as a critical tool for building resilience in aquaculture systems. Notably, Integrated Aquaculture-
Agriculture (IAA) emerged as a key practice, alongside polyculture and aquaponics. The study concludes that
CSAq research is gaining momentum, driven by global collaborations, but calls for more focus on developing
regions, where the impacts of climate change are most severe