Browsing by Author "Shayo, Philipina F."

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    Drivers of Anthropogenic Threats to Tree Species Volume, Diversity, and Plant Species Richness, Within the Vegetation Types of Mramba Forest Reserve in Mwanga District, Northern Tanzania
    (East African Journal of Environment and Natural Resources,, 2025-04-09) Kayombo, Canisius John; Shayo, Philipina F.; Nchimbi, Grace A.; Mgogo, Andambike T.
    Plant species evaluation is a panacea for a sustainable management plan of forest reserves. An assessment of anthropogenic threats to tree species volume, diversity, and plant species richness, at Mramba Forest Reserve was conducted in December 2022. Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographical Information System (GIS) were used to mark the plots together with the available shape files to produce the map of the study area. Plots of 20 m x 20 m were established, and trees with a diameter ≥ 5cm were measured at 1.3 m from ground level. 2 m x 5 m nested plots were set to determine woody non-trees, and 1 m x 1m sub-plots for determining the non-woody plants. Anthropogenic threats were recorded. The described vegetation types were; dry montane forest, shrubland with emergent trees, bushland, woodland, and wooded grassland. The calculated volume per diameter class was the highest in the fewer stems but with the largest trunk diameter. The diameter class of >50 cm got the largest volume (m3) of all (36,420 m3), followed by the diameter class of ≤30 -≥20 cm (11,617.14 m3), ≤40 - ≥31 cm (8,448.42), ≤20 - ≥11 cm (3,727.31 m3), ≤10 - ≥5 (659.617 m3). The woodland got the largest volume (44,450.85 m3) with 58 tree species, followed by dry montane forest (11,976.89 m3) with 29 tree species, bushland (6,430.64 m3) with 56 species, and wooded grassland got the least volume (153.99 m3) with 4 species. This implied that the difference in volume was contributed by the differences in the diameter sizes, heights, and the number of the measured tree stems. A total of 245 plant species were recorded, and of those 102 were trees with H' of 4.0318 implying high diversity tree diversity for MRAFR. The non-tree woody plants richness (S) was 70, and the non-woody plants richness (S) was 73. The recorded anthropogenic threats to the tree species volume, and plant S of MRAFR were; firewood collection, livestock grazing, charcoal making, poles and rods cutting. MFR comprises high plant taxa of different growth forms disturbed by anthropogenic activities, thus calling for further studies, regular patrols, alternative sources of energy provision, awareness creation and cons education to the community.
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    Growth performance of the neglected crop Telfairia pedata across elevation and climate gradients in Northern Tanzania
    (Elsevier, 2022-02) Shayo, Philipina F.; Mbega, Ernest R.; Treydte, Anna C.
    Herbaceous vines, including the neglected crop Telfairia pedata, play a key role in small-holder livelihoods of Eastern Africa. Despite this species’ importance in enhancing agro-biodiversity, little is known about its distri- bution and growth performance in relation to environmental variables. We collected biophysical and environ- mental data, i.e., on climate and elevation, for 346 T. pedata vines across four districts of Northern Tanzania from September, 2019, to February, 2020. The four sites included Same, Lushoto, Muheza and Arumeru districts. We found that plants of T. pedata were mainly grown in elevations ranging between 900 to 1800 m above sea level with annual rainfall regimes of 1000 to 1400 mm. We recorded large abundance of T. pedata in Lushoto (46%) and Arumeru (28%) and observed that the number of fruits and fruit diameter were both positively correlated with elevation across the study districts. There was a significant effect of elevation on number of seeds, with Same district having more seeds across the studied districts. Rainfall had a significant effect on fruit diameter and number of seeds in the study districts. Furthermore, the tree species Albizia schimperiana was most commonly (in 40% of the cases) associated with T. pedata, followed by Persea americana (14%), and Croton macrostachyus (9%). We highlight that mountainous regions are ideal for this highly nutritious crop, and that native trees are of high importance for enriching this vine to current agro-ecosystems. Our findings will increase awareness on the importance of raising T. pedata crop, livelihood diversification, and increasing biodiversity through production of this orphan crop in small-holder farms.
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    Nutritional Insecurities in Rural Communities of Tanzania: The Roles of Wild Edible Foods (Wefs) in Supplementing Household Nutrition
    (ELSEVIER, 2025-07-19) Malunguja, Gisandu K.; Luflenge, Lulu.; Shayo, Philipina F.
    Wild edible foods (WEFs) are currently consumed in various local communities in Tanzania. Despite their prevalence, there is a lack of comprehensive information regarding their nutritional profile. To address this gap, a study was conducted to assess their role in supporting local dietary. We identified 36 WEFs, including 12 wild fruits, 18 vegetables, and 6 wild edible mushrooms. The majority of participants (74.9 %) indicated that WEFs are regularly consumed within households. Laboratory analysis identified significant nutritional variability among WEFs, with Justicia heterocarpa exhibiting the highest Ca (863.5 mg/100 g) and Mg (430.8 mg/100 g). Solanum nigrum highest K (984.7 mg/100 g) and Fe (44.4 mg/100 g). Proximate analysis revealed that Justicia heterocarpa had the highest moisture content (87.9 %) and crude protein (5.3 %). Passiflora edulis displayed the highest ash content (8.9 %), whereas Cyphomandra betacea had the highest crude fibre (39.4 %). Phenolic, f lavonoid, and tannin contents were highest in S. nigrum (8.15 mgGAE/g), J. heterocarpa (147.12 mgQE/g), and A. spinosus (58.29 mgTAE/g), respectively. Vitamin C, B1, and B2 were highest in C. betacea (27.2 mg/100 g), S. nigrum (0.59 mg/100 g), and G. paviflora (22.15 mg/100 g), respectively. The noted nutritional profile of the studied WEFs indicates their potential to supplement basic dietary needs, offering alternative source of nutrients.
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    Sensory Evaluation of Butter and Milk Derived from Oyster Nut
    (MUST Journal of Research and Development (MJRD), 2025-03-31) Shayo, Philipina F.; Emmanuel, John; Oscar, Allen; Balole, Paul; Mlowe, Diana; Sangiwa, Veronica; Runyoro, Joan; Aluko, Anjela
    This study explores the sensory evaluation of butter and milk made from oyster nuts (Telfairia pedata), a lesser-known but nutritionally rich seed. The evaluation involved a panel of trained assessors who assessed the products on the basis of key sensory attributes, such as appearance, texture, flavour, aroma, and overall acceptability. The oyster nut milk added with strawberry and oyster nut butter with cocoa, sugar, pumpkin seeds and chocolate had higher scores of 7.57 and 6.52, respectively, on overall acceptability. However, as a dairy-free product alternative, oyster nut milk and butter scored highly on sensory evaluations, suggesting a significant market potential and positive benefits for cardiovascular health. The two products exhibit potential, though further refinement in processing could enhance its acceptability. These findings suggest that oyster nut-derived products could serve as viable alternatives in the growing market for plant-based dairy substitutes, especially for consumers seeking unique and allergen-free options