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Mbeya University of Science and Technology Repository (MUST Repository) is an open-access digital platform dedicated to the collection, preservation, management, and dissemination of the University’s official scholarly and institutional resources. Authorized by the University and aligned with national academic and research objectives, the repository ensures that valuable institutional knowledge remains securely preserved and easily accessible to researchers, students, staff, and the wider public.
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Untapped potentials of Ganoderma species: a neglected fungal resource in Tanzania
(MJRD, 2026-06-05) Mwambulambo, Rehema; Shayo, Philipina F.; Malunguja, Gisandu K.
Ganoderma species are common wood-decaying and medicinally important macrofungi utilized by Miombo woodland communities, yet the linkage between their ethnomycological values and nutraceutical profile remains poorly explored in Tanzania. This study integrated ethnomycological surveys and nutraceutical profiling to assess their medicinal and nutritional relationship. We documented eight species with 1828 individuals. Ganoderma lucidum was the most abundant and culturally important species, while Ganoderma mbrekobenum was highly localized. Ethnomycological surveys revealed that 95.7% recognized Ganoderma species being used for local medicinal purposes, particularly for treating pain, digestive disorders, respiratory infections, kidney complications, and inflammatory conditions, whereas 4.3% reported food-related utilization. The highest ethnomedicinal significance was recorded for G. lucidum and Ganoderma applanatum, both of which were associated with elevated content of K, Fe, Zn, vitamin C, flavonoids, crude fibre, and phenolic compounds, indicating notable antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory potential. Furthermore, Ganoderma arbiforme exhibited the highest Ca, Mg, and total phenolic content, whereas Ganoderma australe had the highest protein content. The observed interspecific variation in nutritional and antinutritional composition was strongly aligned with patterns of ethnomycological utilization. Principal component and cluster analyses further demonstrated strong associations between ethnomedicinal utility and phytochemical, proximate composition and antinutritional compounds, particularly among phenolic and flavonoid-rich species, suggesting potential trade-offs between ethnomedicinal utility, medicinal value and nutrient bioavailability. Integrating ethnomycological knowledge with nutritional and phytochemical profiles highlights their substantial nutraceutical and pharmacological potential, providing a scientific basis for therapeutic development and incorporation into local healthcare systems.
Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices on Pesticide use among Cucumber and Watermelon Farmers in selected Districts of the Coast Region, Tanzania
(MJRD, 2026-05-21) Kilemile, Warren Henry; Ngungulu, Alex Wenaty; Chove, Bernard E.
Pesticides are indispensable for enhancing agricultural productivity and widely used by farmers to control pests and diseases, with increasing application documented in various studies worldwide. However, mismanagement and misuse pose serious health and environmental risks. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of cucumber and watermelon farmers in selected districts of the Coast Region, Tanzania. Pwani is a key supplier to major marketplaces in the Dar es Salaam region and to foreign markets, particularly Kenya. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 169 cucurbits farmers from seven Wards across three administrative Districts of the Pwani Region. Participants were recruited using a snowball sampling technique. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire administered in Kiswahili. Both SPSS and STATA computer software were used for data analysis and visualisation. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise farmers’ socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge on pesticide use, pests and diseases, safety practices, and attitudes toward pesticide-related health and environmental impacts. The respondents comprised of 89.3% male farmers who farmed cucurbits. The mean age of respondents was 40 years, indicating that the majority fall within the economically active, productive working-age population, as defined by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The education level was generally low, with two-thirds (68.6%) having completed only primary education. Low education was found to be a major factor that affected farmers’ ability to read pesticide labels, understand safety instructions, and apply pesticides correctly, which can contribute to unsafe use and exposure. Only 53.9% of farmers followed label instructions, yet 78.1% read them. Most disposed of empty pesticide containers unsafely by throwing them away (94.7%), while 4.7% used them for fetching drinking water. Pesticide use was high, with 52.7% of farmers spraying weekly and 31.9% twice per week throughout the growth period. It was established that 39.6% harvested between 0-7 days and 57.9% within 8-15 days after spraying. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) was inadequate, indicating a high risk of occupational exposure. The attitude towards pesticide use among farmers was reasonably positive (56.21%). Pesticide use among cucurbit farmers was both extensive and frequent. Safety measures, label compliance, container disposal, pre-harvest intervals, and PPE use still need improvement. Safer and more sustainable pesticide management requires better extension support, regulatory oversight, and farmer training.
10 Invasive Plant Impacts on Soil Macrofauna through Allelopathy and Environmental Modification
(MJRD, 2026) Ojija, Fredrick; Bacaro, Giovanni; Ogwu, Matthew Chidozie
Soil macrofauna taxonomic groups such as annelids (earthworms), arthropods (insects and crustaceans) and molluscs (gastropods/snails) play an essential role in soil ecosystems (van Hengstum et al., 2014; Zulu et al., 2022; Mamabolo et al., 2024). These organisms help convert organic matter into forms that can be utilized by plants, ultimately supporting soil fer¬tility (Sofo et al., 2020; Mamabolo et al., 2024). They influence soil structure, organic matter decomposition, nutrient cycling, soil aeration and ecosystem functioning (van Hengstum et al., 2014; Ibrahima et al., 2017). Thus, their presence and diversity are integral to maintain¬ing soil fertility and productivity, making them important bioindicators for assessing soil health (Rousseau et al., 2013; Sofo et al., 2020). Soil macrofauna physically and biologically alter the soil structure, enhancing the permeability of the soil and improving water infiltration (Zhou et al., 2022). Besides, they contribute to the creation of microhabitats for other organisms, promoting biodiversity conservation (Huerta and van der Wal, 2012). For instance, earthworms, through their burrowing and feeding activities, not only recycle nutrients but also create channels in the soil that facilitate the movement of water and air (Ibrahima et al., 2017; Yang et al., 2024).
Soil macrofauna – ants, termites and beetles – are involved in the breakdown of organic matter, including plant litter and animal remains, thereby playing a role in nutrient cycling (Jouquet et al., 2011; Ibrahima et al., 2017; Mamabolo et al., 2024). The presence and activity of these macrofauna can also influence the abun¬dance and diversity of soil microorganisms, further enhancing nutrient cycling (Zhou et al., 2022). Research conducted by Liu et al. (2020) and Singh et al. (2019) reveals
Refining final-year engineering outcomes at Mbeya University, Tanzania
(MJRD, 2026-05-20) Katambara, Zacharia
Tanzania’s Vision 2025 agenda emphasise rapid industrialisation, necessitating a technically proficient workforce, particularly in mechanical engineering, to sustain growth in manufacturing, mining, and infrastructure. This study evaluates the academic performance of 117 final-year mechanical engineering students at Mbeya University of Science and Technology (MUST), employing Exploratory Analysis (EA) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to uncover performance patterns and assess curriculum alignment with industrial competencies. Descriptive statistics revealed notable variability in course performance, while correlation analysis identified strong positive associations between GPA and key technical modules, notably ME 8401 (Fluid Power and Control) and ME 8411 (Automation and Robotics). PCA extracted five principal components, explaining 58.2% of the total variance, with Component 1 alone accounting for 30.4%, suggesting a dominant academic structure driven by technical proficiency. High factor loadings for ME 8411, ME 8401, and ME 8415 underscored their central role in student success. At the same time, low-loading courses such as ME 8408 (Industrial Practical Training III) and ME 8413 highlighted potential curricular misalignments. Based on these insights, the study concludes that academic success in mechanical engineering at MUST is tightly linked to performance in core technical subjects. To align educational outcomes with Tanzania’s industrial goals, the study recommends targeted curriculum refinement of underperforming modules, enhancing high-impact courses with structured academic support, routine application of multivariate analytics for curriculum monitoring, faculty training in educational data analysis, and the establishment of formal industry-academic partnerships. These data-driven reforms aim to foster a technically adept graduate pool that meets the evolving demands of Tanzania’s industrial landscape.
Tanzanian University Libraries' Approaches for Promoting Access and Use of Electronic Information Resources
(MJRD, 2026-03-31) Lwankomezi J., Samzugi A.,Mambo H.
This study examines the approaches used by Tanzanian university libraries to promote access to and use of electronic information resources. Although universities have increasingly invested in electronic databases, e-books, and e-journals to support teaching, learning, and research, evidence suggests that these resources remain underutilized. This underutilization is largely attributed to limited user awareness, ineffective promotion strategies, and persistent accessibility challenges. The study therefore sought to identify the types of electronic resources available in Tanzanian university libraries and to evaluate the strategies employed to promote their access and use. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, supported by a mixed-methods approach. Data were collected through questionnaires and interviews from a sample comprising 357 postgraduate students, 141 library staff, and 7 library directors across seven universities. This design enabled efficient data collection from a geographically dispersed population while allowing for both quantitative and qualitative insights. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics with SPSS version 23, whereas qualitative data were subjected to content analysis. The findings indicate that Tanzanian university libraries have established a strong base in providing core electronic resources, particularly online databases, e-books, and e-journals. Promotion strategies such as user orientation programs and the use of university and library websites were perceived as the most effective in enhancing awareness and encouraging usage. However, the study also identified gaps, including limited availability of supplementary resources and a lack of coordinated, multi-channel promotion strategies. The study concludes that while significant progress has been made, further improvements are necessary to maximize resource utilization. It recommends expanding underrepresented electronic resources through subscriptions and collaboration with the Consortium of Tanzania University and Research Libraries (COTUL), strengthening access systems, promoting open-access materials, and implementing integrated, user-centered promotion and monitoring strategies to enhance accessibility and effective use.