SUAIRE (Sokoine Univ. of Agriculture)
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Food safety challenges related to meat, fish, and poultry handling and processing in developing countries
No full textJournal ArticleAnimal-derived proteins, mainly coming from meat, fish, and poultry, are vital for ensuring nutrition security, especially in many developing countries. However, poor handling practices throughout the supply chain pose serious risks of foodborne illnesses. This review explores the safety challenges related to the handling and processing of these items in developing nations. It highlights key shortcomings in pre-harvest management, such as weak veterinary oversight and limited disease control at the primary production stage. It also points out processing and distribution as potential contamination points, often worsened by poor temperature control, inconsistent application of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) systems, and infrastructural issues. Globally, contaminated food causes about 10% of yearly illnesses, leading to roughly 420000 deaths. Therefore, strengthening quality and safety management systems at all stages—from production and processing to distribution and consumer handling—is crucial so stakeholders along the supply chain can effectively reduce these risks and protect public health. This review stresses the need for better veterinary services, improved disease management protocols, and strict safety practices to tackle these ongoing issues. Governments, companies, and NGOs should work on upgrading infrastructure, hygiene standards, and training, along with implementing regulations, to improve food safety management from farm to fork
Food safety challenges related to meat, fish, and poultry handling and processing in developing countries
No full textJournal ArticleAnimal-derived proteins, mainly coming from meat, fish, and poultry, are vital for ensuring nutrition security, especially in many developing countries. However, poor handling practices throughout the supply chain pose serious risks of foodborne illnesses. This review explores the safety challenges related to the handling and processing of these items in developing nations. It highlights key shortcomings in pre-harvest management, such as weak veterinary oversight and limited disease control at the primary production stage. It also points out processing and distribution as potential contamination points, often worsened by poor temperature control, inconsistent application of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) systems, and infrastructural issues. Globally, contaminated food causes about 10% of yearly illnesses, leading to roughly 420000 deaths. Therefore, strengthening quality and safety management systems at all stages—from production and processing to distribution and consumer handling—is crucial so stakeholders along the supply chain can effectively reduce these risks and protect public health. This review stresses the need for better veterinary services, improved disease management protocols, and strict safety practices to tackle these ongoing issues. Governments, companies, and NGOs should work on upgrading infrastructure, hygiene standards, and training, along with implementing regulations, to improve food safety management from farm to fork
Perceived effects of tree planting in Iringa and Njombe regions Tanzania
No full textThe study investigated the perceived effects of tree planting initiatives at a community level within Southern Highlands of Tanzania, addressing
a critical gap in the literature regarding local responses to economic benefits and the pursuit of sustainability goals. Employing a mixed-method
approach, the study integrated quantitative data with qualitative interviews from local stakeholders. Results indicated enhanced economic
benefits from sustainable tree products, which contributed to improved livelihoods and community resilience against climate impacts. The
implications suggest that small-scale afforestation can be a viable solution to environmental degradation while providing economic and social
benefits to local communities. The findings advocate for policy recommendations that support the integration of tree growing into agricultural
practices, promoting sustainability and resilience in small-holder territories
Impacts of climate-smart agroforestry practices on income and food security in two Rwandan agroecosystems
No full textJournal ArticleClimate-smart agroforestry (CSAF) practices offer a sustainable way to improve soil health, increase
farm productivity, enhance biodiversity, and boost farmers’ well-being in low-income
countries. This study assessed the effects of CSAF on income and food security among 381
farmer households in two contrasting Rwandan agroecosystems. Data were collected through
farm-level interviews and analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multivariate
latent variable regression. Results revealed that CSAF practices increased crop yield,
improved food security, and diversified income sources. Livestock contributed the highest income,
while tree products contributed the least. Smallholder farms (<1 ha) reported the highest
profits, averaging Rwf 68,975,000 (US$ 52,175.46). Food security was higher in Bugesera (46.7
%) than in Rulindo (42.5 %). Among CSAF practices, shelterbelts and multipurpose trees
significantly influenced income and profit, while silvopasture enhanced food security. Despite
these findings, latent variables – factors related to farmers’ attitudes towards adopting CSAF
practices – have a small impact (if any) on well-being outcomes. This is important information for
policymakers, as it signals the extension education needed for the farmers’ understanding of the
influence of CSAF adoption on improved household wellbeing. Moreover, these results suggest
that CSAF practices can lead to increased income, enhanced food security, and greater resilience
to climate change. This information can inform policies and guide agricultural researchers in
developing and promoting more effective interventions, ultimately leading to wider adoption of
CSAF
Dynamics of adjusted net National income per Capital and its determinants application of ARDL and vector error correction models to Sub-Saharan Africa
No full textjournal ,articleOver the past few decades, the Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) region has experienced a myriad
of economic challenges, including highly dynamic trade trends, fluctuating commodity prices,
stagnating capital accumulation trends, varying levels of foreign investment, and rapid population
growth. These, coupled with the region's unique socio-economic landscape, necessitate a
comprehensive understanding of how different variables interact to shape income outcomes. This
paper employs the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) and Vector Correction Models (VECM)
to analyse the dynamics of Adjusted Net National Income Per Capita (ANNIPC). The results show
complex interdependencies of capital formation, trade, inflation, and demographics indicating that
increased gross capital formation and manageable inflation positively affect ANNIPC. This
underscores the need for policymakers in SSA to prioritise capital investment strategies, such as
infrastructure development and enhanced financial access, to spur sustainable economic growth.
Additionally, improving export capacities and trade balances for elevating income levels and paying
attention to population dynamics is essential. Similarly, integrating human capital enhancement
through education and skills training into economic policies remains one of the important focal areas.
We also found a quick adjustment to long-run equilibrium among variables that underscores the need
for proactive policymaking to mitigate short-term economic shocks. A comprehensive approach,
considering these interconnected factors, will be critical for SSA's governments to create a stable
economic environment, ultimately fostering resilience and prosperity in the region
Contribution of revenue enhancement plans to fiscal performance: A study of Local Government Authorities in Tanzania
No full textJournal articleThis study investigates the impact of Revenue Enhancement Plans (REPs) on fiscal performance—
primarily revenue collection—within Tanzanian Local Government Authorities (LGAs), focusing on
three representative councils: Mwanza City Council, Manyara Urban Council, and Mbeya City
Council. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study integrates quantitative and qualitative data
collected from 400 respondents using a multistage sampling technique. Quantitative data were
analyzed using a Multivariate Ordered Probit model, which enabled the assessment of four key revenue
performance dimensions: effectiveness, increment, reliability, and efficiency. Findings indicate that
reducing revenue leakage and improving revenue forecasting accuracy significantly enhance revenue
performance. Revenue leakage exhibited a strong negative association with effectiveness (coefficient:
-1.221, p<0.01) and increment (-1.59, p<0.01), while accurate forecasting had a positive impact on
effectiveness (1.390, p<0.01) and increment (0.516, p<0.01). High implementation costs were
negatively associated with revenue growth (-1.634, p<0.05). In contrast, compliance positively
influenced reliability (1.533, p<0.01) and efficiency (1.029, p<0.01), reinforcing the importance of
regulatory adherence. These findings reflect persistent fiscal decentralization challenges in LGAs, such
as weak systems, limited institutional capacity, and inadequate planning. Policy recommendations
include implementing digital revenue management systems to curb leakages, strengthening forecasting
capabilities through staff training and data analytics, and promoting compliance through awareness
programs and enforcement mechanisms. Addressing these areas can improve fiscal performance,
enhance financial sustainability, and strengthen service delivery at the local level
The role of AfCFTA in enhancing capital accumulation through vegetables and fruits trade: a case of Tanzania
No full textJournal articleTanzania's ratification of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presents an
opportunity to enhance regional trade and stimulate capital accumulation in the fruits and vegetables
sectors. This paper is based on a study that explored how trade liberalization driven by AfCFTA can
promote capital accumulation through increased net exports, the reinvestment of trade surpluses, and
improved financial linkages. Using the Dynamic Equilibrium Model for Economic Development,
Resources, and Agriculture (DEMETRA)—a single-country computable general equilibrium (CGE)
model—and the Modular Applied General Equilibrium Tool (MAGNET), a global multiregional
CGE model, the study simulated two trade liberalization scenarios: (i) tariff-only reductions and (ii)
reductions combining both tariff and non-tariff measures (NTMs). These scenarios were evaluated
across four trade schedules: Revenue from Tariff (REV), which focused on optimizing government
revenue; Agricultural Trade (AGR), which prioritized food security and market access; Intermediate
Inputs Trade (INT), which supported industrialization through supply chain enhancements; and
Revealed Comparative Advantage (RCA), which targeted competitive export sectors. The study
findings indicate that the Tariff + NTM scenario yielded be er trade outcomes, with net exports for
fruits projected to reach 115.79 billion TZS and for vegetables 86.26 billion TZS by 2035, compared
to 112.25 billion TZS and 83.48 billion TZS, respectively, under the Tariff-only scenario. The RCA
and INT schedules generated the most significant trade surpluses, highlighting the importance of
strategic tariff reductions and targeted trade facilitation. Key policy recommendations include
reducing NTMs through streamlined customs procedures, investing in export-support infrastructure
such as cold storage and transport networks, and enhancing competitiveness through value addition
and regional market integration. These measures would maximize the benefits of AfCFTA in
strengthening Tanzania's agricultural trade, fostering capital reinvestment, and ensuring long-term
economic resilience
Studies on the Influence of altitude on abundance of fall armyworm (Spodoptera Frugiperda (Je Smith)) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Tanzania
No full textResearch articleFall armyworm (FAW) (Spodoptera frugiperda) is one of the most devastating
polyphagous field crop pests in many parts of the world, including Tanzania.
Influence of altitude on the abundance of S. frugiperda was studies by using
Pheromone (Frugilure S. frugiperda, Chemtica international, S.A) embedded cup
traps. The study was conducted along sites of Mt. Uluguru slopes including; SUA
(525 masl), Mlali (579 masl), Mgeta (1050 masl) and Nyandira (1691 masl) located
in Morogoro Region, Tanzania. A total of 16 cup traps (four at each site equidistantly
arranged at 100 m apart) were used. Weather data were recorded using Hygrocron
i-button hung on a tree at equidistant from the four traps. Data on S. frugiperda
counts and weather variables were recorded weekly for duration of six months
from January to June 2020. Results showed that S. frugiperda was abundantly
recorded across he tested altitude albeit at varied abundance. There was significant
difference (p < 0.001) among altitude on S. frugiperda abundance, whereby at low
altitude, S. frugiperda abundance was high compared to medium and high altitude.
Rainfall had positive correlation on S. frugiperda abundance (r = 0.16, r = 0.04) for
SUA and Mlali and negative correlation (r = -0.44) and (r = -0.03) for Mgeta and
Nyandira. Temperature had positive correlation (r = 0.21) on S. frugiperda
abundance at Nyandira while SUA (r = -0.03), Mlali (r = -0.35) and Mgeta (r = -0.28)
had negative correlation. Relative humidity for all four locations showed negative
correlation with S. frugiperda abundance. Thus, appropriate and effective
management practices of S. frugiperda should be considered throughout maize
production areas and across crop production seasons regardless of the altitude
Management and governance of African rivers
No full textBook chapter 21, pp. 561-584Over the years, there has been an outcry over the decline in ecosystem services (ES) that watersheds and rivers provide
(Costanza et al., 1997; Kremen, 2005; De Groot et al., 2012; Ferreira et al., 2023; Masese and Dalu, 2024, Chapter 1). This
situation has been witnessed in different parts of the world where dramatic declines in ES have posed serious challenges to
watershed and river basin conservation (Kulindwa, 2005). While the capacity of watersheds and rivers to provide ES has
become erratic, and sometimes increasing arithmetically, watershed and river basin degradation has been increasing
exponentially (Brauman et al., 2014), necessitating the need for effective management and governance structures.
Africa is endowed with extensive river basins that offer a wide variety of ES for inland and coastal communities (Dube
et al., 2024, Chapter 2; O’Brien et al., 2024, Chapter 3; Mwaijengo et al., 2024, Chapter 4; Muvundja et al., 2024, Chapter
5; Dalu et al., 2024a,b, Chapters 6 and 7). The continent has many valuable large rivers, including the Congo, Limpopo,
Niger, Nile, Okavango, Orange, Senegal, Volta, and Zambezi whose waters and catchments are habitats for endemic and
threatened species of aquatic flora and fauna. Most of these river basins have socio-economic and cultural importance not
only at the local, regional and national levels but also at the global scale. They support small-scale and large-scale
agriculture, commercial and artisanal fisheries, livestock production and range management, industrial growth, hydro-
power development and biodiversity.
Unfortunately, the sustainability and well-being of these rivers and their basins face several challenges, including
depletion of water resources through excessive abstractions, land use change, barriers to flow and connectivity caused by
dams and weirs, failure to invest adequately in river protection, restoration and monitoring, and unsustainable financing of
investments in water supply and sanitation (see Mpopetsi et al., 2024, Chapter 25; McClain and Masese, 2024, Chapter
28). The management and governance structures already in place also seem to be inadequate and ineffective. These threats
and inadequacies impinge on the sustainable management of rivers, escalating competing demands for basic water supply
and sanitation, food security, economic development and river-related ES.
In this chapter, we provide an overview of the status of African river basins, existing policy and legal frameworks, and
institutional structures established to facilitate their management and governance. The chapter also explores the challenges
that have been experienced in the management and governance of river basins in Africa and we propose strategies for their
effective management and governanc
Assessment of knowledge, attitudes, and practices of community health workers on household sanitation and hygiene in rural Tanzania
No full textJournal articleBackground: Access to improved sanitation, adherence to good hygienic practices, and adequate
supply of safe water are very crucial factors for the health and well-being of people within the
household and the entire community. Household sanitation and hygiene promotion has largely been
done by community health workers in most places in Tanzania and worldwide, especially in rural
and marginalized areas. Despite the presence of community health workers in Tanzania as primary
health providers, WASH-sensitive indicators such as diarrhea, stunted growth, and typhoid are still
high. However, little has been done to assess their knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding
household sanitation and hygiene.
Aim: This study aimed to assess knowledge, attitude and practices among community health
workers on household sanitation and hygiene at Mbarali and Mbeya rural districts in Mbeya region,
south-west highlands of Tanzania.
Methods: The study used a descriptive cross-sectional design. The sample size was estimated by
using Yamane formula for calculating sample size. Data for the study were collected for one month,
questionnaire guide and observation checklist were used as data collection methods. Data were
entered in STATA version 15 databases by two research assistants, and then data were cleaned,
validated and analyzed. Descriptive analyses included frequencies and percentages of socio-
demographic characteristics such as age, sex, education, knowledge, attitude, and practice of
hygiene and sanitation. To determine the association between socio-demographic characteristics
and respondents 'KAP, a bivariate chi-square test was conducted. A threshold of 0.05 p-values was
used for statistical significance.
Results: A total of 391CHWs were recruited. Out of 391CHWs, 184 (47.1%) had adequate
knowledge regarding household sanitation and hygiene, while 207(52.9%) CHWs had inadequate
knowledge. 74.4% of the CHWs had a positive attitude towards, whilst 25.6% of the participants
had a negative attitude regarding household sanitation and hygiene. A total of 128 (33.0%) had
good practices, while (67.1%) of the participants had poor practices regarding household sanitation
and hygiene. High education level and the short period from the last training on sanitation and
hygiene were found to be associated with adequate knowledge (p=0012) and (p=0.008)
respectively. Female participants were found to have good practices (p=0.015) than their
counterparts. The observation checklist revealed that, of the total 391CHWs, 206(52.7%) CHWs
didn’t receive the needed cooperation from the community members, though they had all the
necessary equipment for home visits. On house-to-house visits, only 28 CHWs had all the
necessary equipment. None of the CHWs had allowance at the end of the visit.
Conclusion: The findings of this study underscore the need to check CHW programs to match their
needs as per their roles to strengthen the knowledge, attitude, and practices hence ensuring
efficiency in their provision of primary health services and promotion of improvement in household
sanitation and hygiene particularly in household sanitation and hygiene