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Farmers’ preferences for tropically adapted improved chicken breeds in selected agro-ecological zones in Tanzania
No full textTanzania Journal of Agricultural Sciences (2023) Vol. 22 No. 2, pp. 458-466This study was carried out in twelve villages that were implementing the African Chicken
Genetic Gain (ACGG) project in Mbeya and Mwanza regions. Multistage random sampling method
was employed from Agro-Ecological Zone (AEZ) level to a village level in which respondents were
systematically selected from a distribution list of chicks. Data were collected using structured
questionnaires and 132 respondents were interviewed. The objective of this study was to identify
smallholder farmers’ preference traits of improved chicken breeds compared to local ones. The
results showed that, the majority of smallholder farmers i.e. 104 (78.8%) in the study areas
preferred improved chicken breeds due to the traits of fast growth rate, large body size at maturity,
higher egg production, easily adaptive to the local environment, bigger sized eggs and being sold
easily. Moreover, the chi- square test shows that, improved chicken traits of egg production, large
egg size and being sold at good prices were statistically significant at (p<0.05) between regions.
However, 28 smallholder farmers i.e. 21.2%, preferred local chicken due to the traits of ability to
survive, scavenging ability, good meat taste, mothering ability, good hatching ability and egg taste.
In this case, the chi-square test shows that, local chicken trait of ability to survive had significant
difference (p<0.05) between regions. It is therefore concluded that improved chicken breeds were
preferred by the majority of farmers due to their traits such as fast growth rate and high egg
production. It is thus recommended that chicken breeders should introduce chicken which have
traits preferred by smallholder farmers
Households charcoal consumption, sustainability and its environmental impact in montserrado county, liberia
No full textMSc DissertationThe consumption of charcoal is a prevalent practice for many
households in Montserrado County, Liberia. Charcoal serves as a
primary source of cooking fuel for many families. While charcoal
may be a readily available and affordable energy source, its
production and consumption have significant environmental and
sustainability concerns. The aim of this study was geared towards
analyzing the factors influencing household charcoal consumption
and the associated negative environmental consequences in
Montserrado County, Liberia. Its sole objective was to gather
necessary information to aid policy formulation on sustainable
charcoal production and consumption in Liberia. Specifically, the
study intended to look at the factors influencing households’
charcoal consumption, determine the challenges associated with
charcoal consumption in the study area, identify the main sources of
energy in the study area, and determine the environmental impacts
associated with charcoal consumption. In this study, a Cross-
sectional research design was adopted. The sample size was 386
respondents in Montserrado County. Quantitative data were
collected and descriptive statistics and regression models were both
used with the aid of SPSS (Version 20) in analyzing the data.
Findings from the multiple linear regression model showed that
household’s education level, number of meals per day, price of
charcoal and household size were statistically significant (p < 0.05)
associated with household’s charcoal consumption in Montserrado
County. Furthermore, respondents identified high price (22.7%), low
quality (21.6%) and dirtiness of homes (20%) as main challenges
faced in the consumption of charcoal. Moreover, it was evident that
increase in household’s charcoal consumption influenced charcoal
production. More than half of the respondents (65.5%) strongly
agreed that the unsustainable production of charcoal is one of the
drivers of deforestation and (25.13%) agreed that the unsustainable
production of charcoal also disrupt the soil profile, thus devastating
the environment. Based on the findings from this study, to address
the challenges posed by high charcoal consumption and its
associated adverse environmental impacts, it is crucial to promote
sustainable energy practices, increase hydro-electricity power
supply, raise awareness about the environmental impact, subsidize
the production of energy efficient technologies to reduce charcoal
consumption and production, regulate the charcoal industry, and
support research and development of alternative cleaner energy
technologies such as solar, and briquettes as well as initiating
education programs tailored to sustainable charcoal consumption
and production in the study area. On the other hand, it is believed
that the introduction of Low-cost retort-kiln or Improved Charcoal
Production System (ICPS) will help minimize the adverse effects on
the environment caused by charcoal production processes. In
addition, engaging local communities, offering incentives, and
fostering collaborations among stakeholders will further contribute to
a more sustainable energy landscape and forest conservation in the
region
Effectiveness of health education intervention for controlling porcine cysticercosis in Kongwa and Songwe districts, Tanzania
No full textPhD ThesisTaenia solium taeniasis/cysticercosis (TSTC) is a parasitic zoonotic
disease that is endemic in several developing countries in sub-
Saharan Africa, Latin America, and East and Southeast Asia.
Tanzania is one of the developing countries where the parasite has
major negative effects on the economy and public health. Based on
previous reports in Tanzania, the disease is widespread in the central
region,the northern and southern highland regions. Several studies
on disease control have been conducted in Tanzania. Interventions
for health education have been conducted with promising results.
However, prior health education was characterized by limited
community engagement, which could lead to limited sustainability.
This study used a health education package (HEP), which was co-
created with community participation to ensure knowledge uptake and
sustainability for controlling porcine cysticercosis in Kongwa and
Songwe Districts in the central and southern highland regions of
Tanzania, respectively.
Three phases of data collection were used in the study: first, a
baseline survey was conducted between June and September 2019
in 42 villages (28 in Kongwa and 14 in Songwe districts), followed by
a community health education intervention between October and
December 2020 in 21 villages (14 in Kongwa and 7 in Songwe
district). The second survey of data collection was conducted one
year after a community health education intervention between
October and December 2021 in all 42 villages. A cross-sectional
study was conducted in a baseline survey to assess farmers’
knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to the transmission,
prevention, and control of PCC and also assess the seroprevalence
of porcine cysticercosis (PCC). The survey was administered using a
Kobo toolbox. The interview was conducted in the village office,
followed by a household survey to evaluate and verify hygiene and
sanitary practices. A total of 692 smallholder pig farmers were
interviewed. To assess the seroprevalence of PCC, about 5 ml of
blood samples were collected from 692 pigs through a jugular vein
using a plain vacutainer tube. Later, the sera were harvested, and
using a cysticercosis Ag-ELISA kit, the parasite's circulating antigens were detected. The villages were then stratified into three strata
based on the comparability of the PCC seroprevalence measured at
baseline using Ag-ELISA. The first stratum consisted of 10 villages
with zero seroprevalence. The second stratum consisted of 13
villages with a seroprevalence of 4.5% to 9.5%. The third stratum
consisted of 19 villages with a seroprevalence of 10.5% to 33.3%.
Half of the selected villages in each stratum were randomly assigned
to either the intervention or control groups. Twenty-one villages with
361 households were allocated to the intervention (treatment) group,
whereas the other 21 villages with 331 households were allocated to
the control group.
After the baseline study, a community health education intervention
trial was administered to the intervention group using leaflets,
posters, and booklets. The health education was conducted in two
phases. Phase one involved a two-day training of the trainers (ToT),
which included village and ward leaders, livestock, and human health
professionals. Phase two involved a one-day training of the pig
farmers by the selected ToT. A second survey was conducted one
year following the community health education intervention using the
same data collection instruments as in the baseline survey.
The baseline survey showed that 72% (n = 692) of respondents had
heard about porcine cysticercosis (PCC), approximately half (42% (n
= 692) of the respondents had little knowledge regarding PCC, and
only 34% (n = 692) were aware that pigs can acquire PCC by
ingesting human faeces with T. solium eggs. Approximately 36% (n =
692) of the respondents could identify cyst-infected pigs. About 72%
had a positive attitude toward PCC prevention and control measures.
Approximately 64% (n = 692) of the respondents believed that cyst-
infected pork should be outlawed. In addition, 59% of respondents (n
= 692) thought that using latrines with functional doors might reduce
the occurrence of PCC. The majority of smallholder pig farmers (73%)
acknowledged consistently deworming their pigs; 85% of respondents
admitted to deworming themselves and their family members each
year. The two drugs that are frequently used to treat worms in
humans and pigs are albendazole and ivermectin, respectively. In
addition, 92% of households in the districts had latrines, and around 28% (n = 692) of the pigs were raised in free-range environments.
Ag-ELISA results showed that 67 (9.7%) pigs had PCC. In Kongwa
and Songwe districts, the seroprevalence was 7.3% and 14.0%,
respectively. In addition, the baseline seroprevalence of PCC was
10.2% and 9.1% in the intervention and control groups, respectively.
Twelve months after community health education, the differences in
difference analysis found that health education increased the
knowledge level (β = 1.779, p = 0.004), attitude level (β = 1.024, p
=0.038), and practice level (β = 0.719, p = 0.023) over time. In
addition, the study found an increase in knowledge of the
transmission of porcine cysticercosis by 41.5% (p <0.001) and 11.3%
(p = 0.011) in pig farmers in the intervention group and control group,
respectively. Further, the study found improvements of 14.5% (p
<0.001) and 3.5% (p = 0.034) in farmers’ desire to condemn
cysticerci-infected pork in both the intervention and control groups,
respectively. Furthermore, the study observed that PCC
seroprevalence decreased to 0.5% and 3.9% in the control and
intervention villages, respectively, although the decrease was not
statistically significant in both groups. The study showed that PCC
was still prevalent in the area and that farmers’ knowledge about the
disease was poor, and risky practices were present. The community
health education intervention using the HEP has improved the
knowledge, attitudes, and practices of smallholder pig farmers toward
PCC transmission and control; however, the short observation period
compromised the power of the study to definitively attribute the
reduction of PCC seroprevalence to the interventions. Therefore, the
study recommends that, future research to integrate health education
interventions with treatment of human taeniosis, which could be an
important step to immediately interrupt the lifecycle of T.solium which
may have helped to see the larger short-term effects of health
education intervention
Gender-based violence preventation strategies among student in Ilemela Municipal Secondary Schools
No full textInternational Journal of Education and Social Science Research Vol. 7, Issue.4, July-Aug 2024, page no. 218-233Gender-based violence (GBV) is a worldwide concern that affects secondary school students with
different socioeconomic backgrounds. This study examined GBV prevention strategies among
students in Ilemela Municipal secondary schools in Tanzania. The study employed a mixed-methods
approach to collect and analyse data among respondents in the study area. Quantitative data were
analyzed by using descriptive analysis, binary logistic regression and qualitative data were analysed
by using content analysis. The assessment covered demographic information and the GBV prevention
strategies including, reporting methods, GBV desks, and prevalence of GBV campaigns. The results
showed that the study area used various GBV prevention strategies, in which GBV desks, workshops,
and counselling services were the most frequently used strategies. Different reporting methods for
GBV incidences were used by respondents, in which over 50% reported the use of GBV desks, while
small proportions preferred to report to local leaders (6.6%), teachers (3.7%), and religious leaders
(0.6%). This implies that respondents had more preference to report in the GBV desks than local
leaders, teachers and the religious leaders. Also, the study revealed that among the strategies, peer
education, workshops and counseling services had the highest proportions (52.8%, 55.3 and 58.53%),
respectively in addressing GBV in secondary schools was further found that workshops and counseling
services had statistically significant (p ≤ 0.003 and p ≤ 0.001 respectively) influence in seeking GBV
help. Basing on these results, this study recommends that the collective utilization of these strategies
would improve help seeking thus assisting in combating GBV among secondary school students
Hysiological and hemato-biochemical effects of total intravenous administration of ketamine, propofol and their combinations in mixed-breed dogs
No full textDisssertationThere is increasing interest towards Total Intravenous Anaesthesia
(TIVA) among veterinarians. However, information on its application in
mixed breed dogs is limited. Data on the effects of ketamine, propofol
and their combination ‘ketofol’ administered through TIVA in mixed breed
dogs is also insufficient. This study assessed some of the physiological,
hematological and biochemical effects of induction and maintenance of
anaesthesia using ketamine and propofol individually, but also as a
combination in mixed-breed dogs. Ten healthy adult mixed-breed dogs
were divided into five treatment groups in a repeated crossover
experiment. Treatments provided were ketamine (KK), propofol (PP) and
ketamine + propofol (ketofol) at 1:1 (KP1), 1:2 (KP2) and 1:3 (KP3)
ratios. The dogs were premedicated with atropine (0.04 mg/kg IM) and
xylazine (2 mg/kg IM). Anaesthetic induction was through intravenous
administration of 5 mg/kg body weight in KK or PP; and 4 mg/kg
bodyweight ketofol i.e. 2 mg ketamine + 2 mg propofol in KP1; 1.3 mg
ketamine + 2.6 mg propofol in KP2 and 1 mg ketamine + 3 mg propofol in
KP3. Maintenance was by constant rate infusion (CRI) of 0.3 mg/kg/min
for 60 minutes in all the five groups. In the ketofol groups, the
maintenance protocol was 0.15 mg/kg/min ketamine + 0.15 mg/kg/min
propofol in KP1, 0.1 mg/kg/min ketamine + 0.2 mg/kg/min propofol in
KP2 and 0.075 mg/kg/min ketamine + 0.225 mg/kg/min propofol in KP3.
Physiological parameters assessed were rectal temperature, respiration
rate, pulse rate and oxygen saturation. Induction and recovery time and
quality were also determined, and side effects observed. Hematological
assessment included absolute White Blood Cell (WBC) counts;
differential lymphocyte, neutrophil and monocyte counts together with
total Red Blood Cells (RBC), hematocrit (HCT) and hemoglobin
concentration (HB). Serum biochemical assessment included Alanine
Aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate Transaminase (AST), Blood Urea
Nitrogen (BUN) and Creatinine levels. Means were compared between KP3 group had a significant decrease in the RBC count (p=0.006) and
hemoglobin concentration (p=0.049) at the 60th minute. The decrease in
the remaining groups was statistically not significant. Differences in the
mean ALT level were significant among groups (p=0.047); KP2 had the
highest mean (10.74 ± 0.24 U/L), while KP1 had the lowest (5.71 ± 0.00
U/L). Within protocols, there was a significant decrease in the PP group
at the 30th minute (P<0.001). Changes in the other groups were not
significant. Differences in the AST were also significant among groups
(p=0.012). PP has the least mean concentration (6.06 ± 1.98 U/L), while
KP2 had the highest (12.22 ± 3.1 U/L). KP2 had a significant decrease at
the 60th minute (p<0.001). Changes in the other groups were not
significant. Non significant differences were also noted in the creatinine
and BUN concentration among groups, however there was a significant
decrease in creatinine in KP2 from the 30 th to 60th minute (p<0.001), and
a significant increase in BUN in the PP and KP3 groups at the 60th
minute (p<0.001). In general; ketamine, propofol and the 1:1, 1:2 and 1:3
Ketamine: Propofol combination ratios can safely be used in mixed breed
dogs. However due to low respiration rates and oxygen saturation,
coupled with decrease in red blood cell counts, hematocrit and
hemoglobin concentration observed in all the protocols; it is imperative to
diligently monitor the animals while under anaesthesia, but also ensure a
patent airway. In addition, under the conditions of this study, the 1:3
Ketamine:Propofol combination (KP3) resulted in relatively more stable
and predictable physiological effects with less side effects in comparison
to the 1:1 and 1:2 ratios. Further studies with increased sample sizes and
longer monitoring periods would provide additional knowledge on the
short- and long-term effects of these drugs and their combinations
administered through TIVA in mixed breed dogs.Sokoine University of
Agriculture (SUA) through the Sokoine University of Agriculture’s Higher
Education for Economic Transformation (SUA-HEET) projec
Stakeholders’ perceptions, monetary valuation of ecosystem services and implications on attainment of the sustainable development goals on the mount Kilimanjaro ecosystem in Moshi rural district
No full textDissertationMountain ecosystems are of significant ecological value, providing
diverse ecosystem services (ES) that contribute to the well-being of
human populations residing in mountain regions and neighbouring
lowlands. Also, these ecosystems also supply a multitude of ecosystem
services that enhance the achievement and attainment of the
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which are formulated with the
aim of integrating and achieving favourable outcomes across societal,
economic, and environmental dimensions. The objectives of this study
were to: (i) identify and map key stakeholders of provisioning
ecosystem services, (ii) identify key provisioning ecosystem services
and assess the value perceptions of different stakeholders on the
identified provisioning ecosystem services (iii) determine the monetary
value and contribution of the provisioning services to household welfare
through attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The
study employed a descriptive and cross-sectional research design
involving, a sample size of 90 households. Data were collected through
household questionnaire survey and focused group discussion.
Qualitative data from the livelihood activities and organizations linked to
ecosystem services and identification of provisioning ecosystem
services were analysed through content analysis while quantitative data
from identification of provisioning services were analysed through
Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). The comparison
between the most and least important provisioning services was
analysed using a matrix ranking. Monetary value of provisioning
services was determined by economic analysis using the choice
experiment method while the monetary value average and household
proportions was computed through Microsoft Excel for average
economic contribution of identified service to the overall well-being of a
community. Total of seven key provisioning services, including clean
water, food, and medicinal plants, firewood, honey and poles, were
identified. These provisioning services address several important SDGs
including SDG 1, SDG 2, SDG 3, SDG 6, SDG7, SDG 8 and SDG 15.
Water was the highest-ranked provisioning service, with a perception
score of 35, highlighting its critical importance to the local community.
Food was ranked second, with a score of 18, followed by fodder with a
score of 12, and firewood with a score of 10. Medicine, honey, and
poles were ranked as the least important provisioning services, with scores of 8, 5, and 2, respectively. The total economic value (TEV) of
the most important provisioning services in Kibosho East Ward
amounts to an impressive 543.5 million (currently US$ 226,445). The
value of provisioning ES is apparently contributing substantially to the
local economy on the Kilimanjaro ecosystem. The findings also show a
comprehensive understanding of the ecosystem's resources and their
associated benefits with potential to contribute to the attainment of the
SDGs. Consequently, the study recommends to invest in capacity
building initiatives to empower stakeholders with the knowledge, skills
and resources needed for effective participation in ecosystem
management processes. It also suggests the establishment of
integrated management approaches that consider the economic
significance of provisioning services.Mr. and Mrs. Julius Buyekw
Determinants of household choices on solid waste management practices in Morogoro municipality, Tanzania
No full textDiddertationEffective solid waste management is a critical global challenge,
impacting human well-being, environmental sustainability, and the
ongoing climate crisis. This study delves into the complex relationship
between household-level waste management and socioeconomic
factors in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania. As urbanization and
consumption patterns evolve, understanding the dynamics shaping
waste practices becomes paramount. Using a descriptive cross-
sectional design, the study engaged 70 households across diverse
wards: Mji mkuu, Mazimbu and Mji mpya. Structured interviews,
complemented by insights from key informants, were conducted using
the robust Kobo Collect survey tool. Descriptive statistics and
Multivariate Probit Model were employed to examine waste
management associations within and across wards. Key findings
indicate that household waste management in Morogoro Municipality
is intricately tied to socioeconomic factors. The majority of
respondents were female (65.7%), aged 46 to 60 (34.3%), married
(67.1%), and with primary education (55.7%). Self-employed
individuals (65.7%) actively participated in waste management
Multivariate Probit Model revealed intricate relationships between
socioeconomic characteristics and waste practices. Chi-Square Tests
illuminated associations between waste practices across wards,
highlighting nuanced challenges. The study revealed inadequate solid
waste management practices, with 68% of households resorting to
dumping. Noteworthy waste categories included food remains and
vegetables (38.6%), leaves/grass (28.6%), plastic (20%), and a mix of
solid waste (12.9%). Community perception played a crucial role in
shaping the success and effectiveness of solid waste management
efforts. While the community perceived a positive stance on solid
waste management, factors hindering effectiveness included
collection fees and infrastructure. Multivariate Probit Model explored
the association between socioeconomic characteristics and solid
waste management practices. Significant predictors included
education, income, infrastructure, land size, household size, time
living in the area, waste storage facilities, fee for waste collection, and
community awareness. The study’s significance lies in its potential to
drive policy adjustments. Urgent steps are recommended, including grassroots environmental education and comprehensive policy
enhancements to foster progress in waste management practices.
The results underscore the need for tailored waste management
strategies across different wards, considering specific challenges and
promoting sustainable waste disposal practices. This research
contributes to the global discourse on effective waste management,
emphasizing the importance of context-specific interventions to
address the intricacies of socioeconomic factors influencing
household waste management practices
Agroforestry for sustainable bioenergy and improved soil fertility in two agro-ecological zones, Rwanda
No full textDissertationIn Rwanda, the demand for food and energy is high and rising due
to population growth. Furthermore, in rural households, the primary
energy
supply
is
from
fuelwood
combusted
in
inefficient
cookstoves, resulting in fuel wastage and health issues associated
with smoke in the kitchen. Biochar produced in cooking stoves can
contribute to negative carbon emissions through sequestration of
biomass Carbon while also providing other benefits for sustainable
development, including provision of clean renewable energy and
increased yields in tropical agriculture. In addition, B has low
nutrient
content
and
is
recalcitrant
to
biodegradation;
supplementing B with a fast-releasing nutrient source may
contribute to improving soil fertility and physical conditions and lead
to increased crop productivity. The reported research aimed to
assess the impact of introducing Biochar-producing cooking stoves
on household energy access and vegetable production, both on
smallholder farms and experimental stations, in two agro-ecological
zones (AEZs) of Rwanda. Participatory research on B production
and use was conducted with 60 smallholder farmers selected
purposively to evaluate the potential of Biochar – producing
cooking stoves to address the interconnected challenges of
household energy access and low vegetable productivity in
Rwanda. The study compared two top-up lift draft (TLUD) gasifier
types (Gastov and Karundura) with a three-stone fire (TSF)
cookstove, using a standardized cooking test (SCT) and a
household survey. Key indicators included cooking time, firewood
usage and Biochar yield while the survey collected informationii
about fuel availability, frequency of use, gasifier design, benefits
and challenges. In addition, a three-season field study was done in
two AEZs to assess the Biochar effects on vegetable yields after
application to soil, where Biochar from gasifier stoves was applied
in furrows (2-3 cm deep) in the gardens of French beans
(Phaseolus vulgaris) at a rate of 3 tons per hectare (t/ha) using
randomized paired design. Yield and the soil’s physical and
chemical properties were analyzed. Concurrently, another, three-
season field study (on station trials) was conducted in two AEZs to
assess the synergistic effect of five types of Biochar (from S.
sesban, G. sepium, A. angustissima, Eucalyptus, and Grevillea sp.)
alone or mixed with livestock manure (LM) and applied at 1 and 3 t/
ha using French bean as a test crop. The key indicators were
French bean yields, and soil chemical properties of soils. The study
utilized descriptive statistics, one-way analysis of variance
(ANOVA) using a generalized model in R, linear fixed effect model
and the difference between means was examined using Tukey’s
test at p<0.05. The study revealed that the TSF stove cooked a
standardized meal faster than the gasifier stove did but the later
reduced fuelwood consumption by 25-50% and produced biochar.
The household survey responses revealed low firewood availability,
but with the ability of firewood, savings when using gasifier stove.
Gasifier stoves provided benefits through temperature control,
reduced need for constant supervision, Biochar production, and
reduced time needed for fuelwood collection, more hygienic and
attractive appearance cooking. Most household cooks reported that
the gasifier stoves produced less smoke and were safer for
children and women’s health. The findings from on-farm trialsiii
showed a consistently positive response in French bean yield
following a one-time application of B in both sites. The B-treated
plots were significantly (P<0.05) higher in pH, plant available
nutrients (available Phosphorus (P), total Nitrogen (TN) and
exchangeable bases), and soil nutrient retention capacity (high
cation exchange capacity (CEC)). Soil porosity, plant available
water (PAW), were significantly increased by B application while
reducing soil bulk density (BD). The B produced by the TLUD
gasifiers was perceived as positive as it combines B production
and bioenergy, reduces off-farm biomass gathering, improves
energy security and produces sufficient B to improve soil
productivity in home gardens. For the on-station trials, the seasonal
increase in yield has been recorded in combined plots with the high
yield found in B-LM, each at the level of 3 t/ha, compared to the
sole application of LM or B and the control treatment. The main
factors for the increase of the French bean yield in the study areas
are improved soil properties, including high pH; high nutrients
content (Avail P, TN), soil OC and soil CEC. The application of B,
either alone or in combination with LM, positively increased soil
nutrients and French bean yield. The improvement became better
as the B rate increased and when mixed with LM than sole
application of B or LM. Increased vegetable yield enables
enhanced nutrition and/or market opportunities and the adoption of
the TLUD stoves may contribute to energy sustainability through
the reduction of fuel use. The study recommends considering the
combination of B with LM as an effective land rehabilitation strategy
to improve soil fertility and increase vegetable yield in Rwanda.
This technology of using B and LM is a low-cost technology foriv
managing acidic sandy soils of Rwanda. The technology offers
significant contributions in terms of improving soil fertility,
increasing
bioenergy
output,
mitigating
climate
change
by
sequestering atmospheric carbon in the soil and reducing
greenhouse gas emissions associated with traditional cooking
methods, particularly for women and children, thus improving the
overall
well-being
and
socio-economic
stability
of
rural
communities.Swedish International Development Agency through Reforest
Africa for its grant (n 0 13394
Farmers' knowledge and traditional processing practices of pigeon peas (Cajanus cajan) in Rural Areas in Lindi Region Tanzania: a quantitative and qualitative mixed study
No full textTanzania Journal of Agricultural Sciences (2024) Vol. 23 No. 1, pp. 61-74Pigeon peas (Cajanus cajan) are an important protein source in many parts of tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. However, their quality and availability may be affected by post-harvest handling and processing practices in use. In the present study, knowledge and practices of pigeon pea growers (PPG) in Lindi Region were evaluated with respect to harvesting, storage, processing and cooking preparation. A sample of 597 randomly selected PPG from two villages, were interviewed and 60 farmers participated in focus group discussions. Majority PPG (83.6%) harvested pigeon peas (PPs) by cutting and putting them in polyethylene sacks while 86.6% had knowledge on only one storage method. Also, majority of PPG (77%) lacked any processing knowledge on mentioned methods such as hulling and solar drying. Results also indicated 75.7% of PPG having no knowledge on cooking preparation methods out of which 94.5% had no knowledge on soaking, 89.6% on use of bicarbonate and 89.9% on methods to increase shelf life of PPs. Overall, 49.4% had little/limited knowledge on harvesting, storage, processing, and cooking preparation practices, with no significant gender difference. All PPG prepared stew using green or dry PPs. A sizeable proportion (45%) of PPG used dry PPs for stew preparation, after traditional hulling. The threshing of peas from pods was carried out manually. Traditional methods in the Lindi Region are laborious and time-consuming; resulting in poorly prepared products thus affecting the appearance of processed PPs. Training farmers on proper postharvest handling and processing can improve food security and market appeal
Compliance to recommended prevention and management practices among type 2 diabetes patients in Morogoro municipality, Tanzania
No full textIntroduction: Diabetes-related complications are the significant causes of morbidity and mortality among type 2 diabetes patients. The complications can be reduced by practising and maintaining several preventive measures. The present study aimed to assess compliance and factors associated with recommended management practices and prevention of complications among type 2 diabetes patients in selected health facilities in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania.
Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February to May 2023 among 140 patients diagnosed with diabetes for at least three months before the study. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire, which included patients’ characteristics and a previously validated Summary of Diabetes Self-care Activities questionnaire to assess patients' compliance with recommended practices. A multi variable regression analysis was employed to identify factors associated with compliance with recommended practices.
Results: The mean age of the respondents was59 ±12.08 years and 65% were females. Among 140 patients, 91.4% (n=128) had poor or unsatisfactory self-care practices with an overall mean of 3.81± 2.08 days per week for diabetes management. The recommended practices with good or satisfactory performance were non-smoking, non-alcohol drinking and prescribed medication. In contrast,unsatisfactory performance was observed for self-monitoring blood glucose and physical activities. Multiple regression analysis showed that co-morbidity (AOR 4.5; 95% CI: 1.14-18.02) and being employed (AOR 4.4; 95% CI:1.25-15.44) independently predict self-care practices.
Conclusion and recommendation: Compliance with self-monitoring of blood glucose, physical exercise and dietary practices were found to be low among type 2 diabetes patients, which could increase the risk of complications. Nutritional and lifestyle counselling and the use of peer groups should be emphasized to improve compliance with recommended practices