SUAIRE (Sokoine Univ. of Agriculture)
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Corrigendum: Impact of mulching treatments on growth, yields, and economics of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in Eastern Tanzania
No full textJournal articleFoodLAN
Gender dynamics and women’s empowerment: a case of small- scale fish business in Mwanza Region, Tanzania
No full textDegree of Doctor of
PhilosophyWomen play important roles in fisheries, fishing and fish trading.
However, they are a disadvantaged group in the fishing sub-sector;
as a result, their levels of empowerment and business development
have remained low. This is probably due to the fact that the small-
scale fish business sub-sector carries the image of men than
women, which leads to women working in the sub-sector tending to
experience inequality. Therefore, this study was undertaken to: (i)
Analyse gender dynamics within the small-scale fish business, (ii)
Assess gender related factors influencing small-scale fish business
growth, (iii) Determine the contribution of small-scale fish business
to women empowerment, and (iv) Examine impact of climate
variability on gender dynamics in the study area. The study was
conducted in Ilemela and Nyamagana Districts, in Mwanza region
Tanzania where a cross-sectional research design was used.
Purposive sampling was employed to select Ilemela and
Nyamagana Districts, wards and six major fish markets were
selected namely Busweru Market, Igoma Market, Pasiansi Market,
Sabasaba Market, Mwaloni Market and Kamanga Ferry Market. The
sample size was calculated using the proportion allocation formula
that was adjusted for an infinite population (Kothari, 2004). A
combination of minimum probability sampling, and simple and
proportionate stratified sampling was used to select 309
respondents involved in small-scale fish business, including both
women and men. Qualitative data were collected through Focus
Group Discussions (FGDs) and Key Informants Interviews (KIIs); a
questionnaire with both closed and open ended questions was used
to collect quantitative data. The analysis of qualitative data was
conducted with the aid of ATLAS.ti computer software. Descriptive
statistical analysis techniques were employed, including the
construction of index scales and the Women Empowerment Index
(WEI). Quantitative data analysis involved the use of inferential
analysis: linear regression models, independent sample t-tests, chi-
square tests, and ordinal logistic regression. The study found that gender inequalities exists in all aspects of gender roles, access to
and control over resources, and gender relation within Small-scale
fish business as well as at the household level. These inequalities,
affects women’s participation in the business, women’s financial
freedom and access to quality fish products increases not only the
burden to women but also marital conflicts resulting into marriage
breaks. Results from regression analysis revealed that marital
status, SSFB experience, daily capital in SSFB, type of customers,
storage facilities and SSFB self-help groups were important
predictors (p<0.05) influencing small-scale fish business growth in
terms of amount of profit obtained per day. Women’s capital
invested and obtained profit were low as compared to their male
counterparts (p<0.097). The findings from Ordinal regression show
that type of marriage, contributing to family income and accesses to
resources were important predictors for women empowerment (p <
0.05). The study found that, men have more comparative advantage
and capacity to overcome all risk factors affecting business growth
when compared with women. Women’s business growth is
constrained by factors such as low capital invested, lack of business
skills and lack of business networks. Small-scale fish business
contributes to medium levels of empowerment whereby women were
found to have average power control over permanent assets, able to
contribute on household income and have ability to vote and be
elected in political sphere while higher levels of empowerment were
evident in the aspects of women participation in household decision
making and freedom of movement. The study found the
disproportionate burden faced by women in small-scale fish
businesses in Mwanza due to climate variability. It is concluded that,
gender inequalities embedded in all gender dynamics existing within
small-scale fish business negatively affect women's active
participation in the business as well as their business growth
prospects. Men have a greater comparative advantage to enjoy their
participation and benefits obtained from small-scale fish business
and they have the capacity to overcome all risk factors affecting
SSFB growth when compared to women. Increased education on gender equality among policy makers and stakeholders will improve
women participation in the Small-scale fish business in order to
achieve holistic women’s empowerment. Climate variability has a
significant impact on gender dynamics in small-scale fish businesses
as it exacerbates adaptive capacity of women in the sector. The
study recommends to the government and gender activists to
develop a more systematic and rigorous gender responsive
strategies to gender equality and equitable participation in all socio-
economic activities. The study recommends the policy makers to
design programmes such as establishment of small-scale fish
business groups that will serve as platform for them to share
business experiences to stimulate women’s business growth such.
To enhance women's empowerment in SSFB policymakers and
stakeholders should provide education that address gender norms
which perpetuate patriarchy practices, promote women's economic
empowerment by supporting access to credit and improving land
ownership, and strengthen women's political participation. The study
recommends collaboration between government agencies;
development organizations and local communities to provide
training, support, and market access for women in order to build
sustainable practices and climate-resilient technologies in the small-
scale fish business
Antimicrobial resistance pattern of escherichia coli and salmonella species, isolated from domestic and peridomestic rodents in Iringa municipality, Tanzania
No full textMaster of Science in Public Health and Pest ManagementEscherichia coli (E. coli) and Salmonella species are two of the most
common causes of foodborne illness worldwide. E. coli is a Gram-
negative bacterium that is found in the intestines of humans and
animals. Most strains of E. coli are harmless, but some strains can
cause serious infections, such as food poisoning and urinary tract
infections. Salmonella species is a gram-negative bacterium that is
found in the environment and in the intestines of animals.
Salmonella species can cause a variety of infections, including
gastroenteritis, typhoid fever, and paratyphoid fever. Antimicrobial
resistance is a major concern in the treatment of E. coli and
Salmonella infections. When E. coli and Salmonella species become
resistant to antimicrobials, they are more difficult to treat, which can
lead to more severe infections and even death.
Rodents are known to be reservoirs of E. coli and Salmonella spp.
bacteria. Rodents can transmit E. coli and Salmonella spp. to
humans and other animals through their faeces, urine, and saliva.
The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and
antimicrobial resistance pattern of E. coli and Salmonella spp.
isolated from domestic and peridomestic rodents in Iringa, Tanzania.
A cross-sectional study design was used in this study. The study
sites possessing favourable rodents habitats were purposively
selected. A total of eight wards (sampling sites) were selected. The
target study population was rodents, a total of 153 rodents were
trapped in Iringa municipality, Tanzania. The rodents were trapped
in both domestic and peridomestic settings. Following euthanization,
rats were identified to genus/species level using morphological and
morphometric features. Faecal swab samples were collected from
the rodents and pre-enriched in buffered peptone water, followed by
culture and biochemical tests for identification of E. coli and
Salmonella spp. Molecular confirmation tests were done using
16RrRNA PCR identification methods. The antimicrobial
susceptibility test was performed by disk diffusion method comprising five antimicrobials, including tetracycline (30μg),
ciprofloxacin (5μg), gentamicin (10μg), ceftriaxone (30μg), and
trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (25μg). Seven resistant genes were
analyzed by PCR, which were blaCTX-M, blaSHV, sul1, sul2, tetA,
acr(A), and aac(3)-1 in each isolate. Three rodent species, Rattus
rattus (75.2%), Mastomys natalensis (23.5%), and Mus musculus
(1.3%), were captured. 17 (11.1%) E. coli were detected, and no
Salmonella species were isolated. All 17 isolates were susceptible to
Gentamycin, while Sulphamethaxazole/Trimethoprim was highly
resistant (52.9%). Four E. coli isolates exhibited multidrug resistance
(MDR), whereby 75% of these MDR isolates originated from the
same area. Six resistant genes were detected: blaCTX-M, sul1, sul2,
tetA, acr(A), and aac (3)-1, where the acr(A) resistant gene was the
most abundant. There were co-occurrences of the resistant genes
per isolate such as sul2, acr(A), and aac(3)-1. This study reveals the
antimicrobial resistance of E. coli isolated from rodents, providing
preliminary data on the prevalence and antimicrobial resistant
features of these pathogens in their respective reservoirs in Iringa
municipality. The study recommends observation of regular
antimicrobial resistance screening and improvement in rodent
management and control programs in the studied area.The African Centre of Excellence for Innovative Rodent Pest Management and Biosensor Technology Development (ACE IRPM and BTD
State of agricultural e-government services to farmers in Tanzania: toward the participatory design of a Farmers Digital Information System (FDIS)
No full textJournal articleThe projected population increase and drastic climate changes are a great setback to food
security through sustainable agriculture. However, governments need to play key roles in supporting
the agriculture sector, which creates considerable employment and contributions to most countries’
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) outcomes. In many countries, the governments already support
the agriculture sector with services based on Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
to reach many stakeholders, including smallholder farmers. This paper investigated the status of
e-Government services in the agriculture sector for farmers in order to understand the functions
and scope of e-services, the challenges faced by farmers, both addressed and unaddressed, and
the challenges of ICT-based services for farmers and other stakeholders in Tanzania. We used a
qualitative research approach to interview the Ministry of Agriculture, farmers, extension workers,
and agriculture processing industries. The main finding reveals that e-government services play a
major role in the agriculture sector in Tanzania. Our results show that the pre-existing ICT services
identified for farmers cannot meet the needs of farmers in a complete farming cycle. Moreover, lack
of awareness, digital illiteracy, and poor infrastructure are the major challenges faced by farmers
and other stakeholders when it comes to ICT-based services. These results justify the need for a
comprehensive digital platform, particularly the proposed Farmers Digital Information System (FDIS)
to enable farmers and other stakeholders to access essential services in a complete farming cycle for a
more sustainable agriculture.Fondation Ernst et Lucie Schmidheiny, grant number 88, 2022;
Fonds Général, grant number 22_69; and the APC was funded by the University of Geneva
Land tenure security, household income and distribution, lesson from southern highlands in Iringa District Council
No full textResearch articleLand distribution is a key factor in income inequality in rural areas of developing countries. This study
examines the impact of land tenure security on household income and its distribution in Iringa district,
Tanzania, focusing on the Certificate of Customary Right of Occupation (CCRO). Using a quasi-
experimental design and Propensity Score Matching, 404 respondents were randomly selected and
divided into groups with and without CCROs. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected
through surveys and in-depth interviews. Analysis using SPSS/STATA revealed that households with
CCROs had higher agricultural yields, sales, and lower production costs. They also invested more in
modern farming techniques and soil conservation, leading to higher incomes and reduced income
inequality. Despite over 50,000 CCROs issued, credit access remains limited due to a lack of awareness
and additional collateral requirements. The study concludes that secure land rights are vital for
economic growth and poverty alleviation. Recommendations include increasing awareness about
CCROs, facilitating their use as collateral, and exploring barriers to credit access for CCRO holders.
Further research is needed to address these challenges
Breeding rice for salinity tolerance and salt-affected soils in Africa
No full textJournal articleSalinity is one of the main factors that limit rice production globally. In Sub Saharan Africa, soil
salinity has affected many countries. Understanding the available screening techniques and the
mechanisms of salinity tolerance in rice is very important for dealing with soil salinity problem.
This review summarizes the extent of soil salinity problems in some of the affected African
countries and the available salt stress-tolerant rice genotypes. The problems, challenges and
opportunities of salt-affected soils in Sub Saharan Africa are thoroughly described in this
review, which also looks at breeding techniques which have been used for developing rice
cultivars adapted to salt stress. Among the best option to deal with salinity-related problems
is through the use of tolerant rice varieties, as many other available management approaches
are not economically feasible for small-scale farmers. Also, the review discusses different
approaches, both conventional and molecular breeding approaches that have greatly enhanced
the current rice breeders’ toolboxes for developing salt-tolerant rice varieties. The review
suggests that more efforts are required to leverage conventional breeding with molecular
techniques for speedy identification of tolerant cultivars, useful markers and quantitative trait
loci (Qt Ls). It is recommended that it is crucial to reinforce collaborative efforts and continuous
investment in research, capacity building, and knowledge sharing for developing improved rice
tolerant cultivars in order to fully address salinity problems in African.Climate-Smart African Rice
Research Project, DANIDA, Grant No. 19-3-KU
Factors affecting sustainability of agricultural technologies in Tanzania: a case of bustani ya Tushikamane (byt) project in Morogoro region
No full textJournal ArticleSustainability of agricultural technologies is crucial for improving farmers’ livelihoods, food
security and poverty reduction. Most agricultural projects tend to be ultimately inactive as they
end leaving their beneficiaries poor and food insecure due to unsustainability of the projects.
The study on which this paper is based assessed sustainability of agricultural technologies and
factors affecting it. The study employed cross-sectional research design. Data were collected from
90 respondents using a questionnaire. Descriptive and ordinal logistic regression analyses were
done. Factors like market availability (p=0.000), training (p=0.021), and cost of the agricultural
technologies (p=0.000) significantly predicted the likelihood of sustainability of agricultural
technologies at 5% level of significance. It is concluded that training, market availability, and cost
of introduced agriculture technologies are crucial factors influencing sustainability of agricultural
technologies. For increased sustainability of agricultural technologies, it is recommended that
introduction of agricultural technologies should utilizing locally available resources to minimize
cost of the technologies
Metagenomics analysis of pathogens in rodents in selected human-wildlife Interfaces in Tanzania
No full textDegree of Masters of Science in Public Health Pest ManagementRodents belongs to the order Rodentia, which comprise the largest proportions of all of the terrestrial mammals in the world. In Africa, rodents occur in 14 families, 89 genera and 290 species, East
African region contains 14 families, 62 genera and 161 species of rodents. Over decades, rodents have been reported to harbor more than 60% of emerging zoonotic pathogens including viruses,
bacteria and a number of parasites. Several human diseases including the most devastating in the history of mankind Plague‖ have been reported to have originated from rodents. Rodent borne
diseases are transmitted either directly (Hantavirus, Lassa fever, Lymphocytic choriomeningitis) or indirectly through consumption of foods and water contaminated with rodent feces and urine
(Leptospirosis, tularemia) or through ectoparasites carried by rodents (leishmaniasis, Lyme disease). Risks of human infection is linked to the possibility of contact between rodents, humans and
animals, along with the closeness between rodent and human lives. Since there is constant interaction between humans, animals and rodents; it is therefore, essential to understand patterns of pathogen
diversity and focusing surveillance in rodents in order to identify zoonotic potential pathogens prior to spill over to humans. Rodents were captured in Kibondo, Kyerwa and Uvinza in 2018. Trapping of
rodents was done in peri-domestic areas by using Sherman box and Tomahawk traps added with peanut butter mixed with maize bran as baits. They were anaesthetized by using Isoflurane, and species
identification was done by using morphological identification keys. In metagenomics sequencing a total of 116 rodents archived oral- pharyngeal and rectal swabs were subjected to RNA extraction and
the products were pooled into twelve pools based on species of rodents, locations and swab types. There were eleven pools of oral- pharyngeal swabs and a single pool of rectal swabs. Pooled samples were sequenced on oxford Nanopore MinIon sequencing platform. This study employed 16S rRNA metagenomics sequencing analysis. Sequences were analyzed by using Kraken 2 classification and Kaiju software. A total of 5263 small mammals were trapped
from Kibondo, Uvinza and Kyerwa during the three years of data collection. Majority (87.6%, n=4613) were rodents and 650 (12.4%) were shrews. Among the rodents, rats were the majority (70.0%;
n=3683) while mice were 873 (16.6%) and squirrels were only 44 (0.8%). The dominant species in the group of rodents were Mastomys natalensis which constituted 63.6% (n=3346). Among the
mice, Arvicanthis spp. were the majority as they constituted 7.1% (n=373) of all small mammals trapped. A total of 13 (0.3%) small mammals identified as rodents their genus was not established. In a
metagenomics analysis, 44 bacteria species of public health, veterinary and environmental health importance were identified. They were detected in eight pools, while there was no detection in four pools. A total of 10 (22.7%) bacteria species including H. pylori were detected in the rectal swabs pool and the remaining 34 (77.3%) were distributed among the pools of oral-pharyngeal swabs.
A total of 15 potentially pathogenic, zoonotic and bacteria of unknown zoonotic potential including Mycobacterium tuberculosis,
Helicobacter pylori, Vibrio cholerae, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella pneumonae, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, Escherichia coli, Chlamydia psittaci,
Campylobacter sputorum, Acinetobacter baumannii and Acinetobacter pitti were identified in this study. The findings of this study are in line with several previous studies that have reported a number of rodent species in western Tanzania; also, citing rodents as reservoirs of disease-causing agents; and has the potential to spread and maintain transmission cycles of human and livestock
diseases. This study presents the first reports of natural infection of rodents with Helicobacter pylori and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. These findings provide baseline information to inform surveillance systems and the public in general on potential health risks that are associated with interaction between rodents, humans and livestock. Furthermore, it gives insight on the potential of using a unified approach One Health‖ between sectors in order to achieve better
health and a safer community. However, since the findings of this study do not explain pathogen transmission from rodents to humansand vice versa, we recommend further studies to characterize them
and understand their transmission dynamics.The African Centre of Excellence for Innovative Rodent Pest Management and Biosensor Technology Development (ACE IRPM and BTD
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
Factors influencing farmers’ participation in the beef market chain: the case of Arusha city and Longido district, Tanzania
No full textJournal ArticleThe performance of the beef industry in Tanzania is heavily dependent on the participation of
a few actors in it. The decision to participate in the beef market chain is likely to be influenced by
several factors. However, there is a paucity of knowledge on the determinants of farmers’ decisions
to participate in the beef market chain. Therefore, this paper assesses factors that influence farmers’
participation in the beef market chain in Longido District and Arusha City. Data for this study
were collected from 270 respondents in Longido District and Arusha City. Quantitative data were
analyzed using SPSS software. The number of cattle sold used as a proxy variable for participation
in the beef market chain. Data were analyzed using the linear regression model. Factors that were
identified to have a significant positive influence on the famers’ participation in the beef market
chain were distance to the nearby auction (p = 0.026), number of cattle owned by the household
(p = 0.05), plot size for improved pasture development (p = 0.000), and repeated transaction (p =
0.008). Meanwhile, a farmer’s age had a significant negative influence on the farmers’ participation
in the beef market chain (p = 0.097). The results show that 56.4% of the respondents kept cattle,
39.1% kept shoats, 1.8% were self-employed providing veterinary services and 2.7% were casual
labourers. The results also show that distance positively influenced participation in the beef market
chain because farmers from a distance villages once they reached the auction were forced to sell
whatever stocks they brought. The opportunity cost was too high for them to return with their
animals if they do find the price at the auction too low. In conclusion, policies should emphasize
equipping the auction with infrastructure that shall reduce transaction costs to all actors. This will
enable a fair price determination in which each actor will have a commitment and participate to
get a good price based on live weight