Browsing by Author "Treydte, Anna C."

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    Effect of Fire Timing on The Regeneration Capacity of Helichrysum Species in Tanzania.
    (John Wiley & Sons Ltd, 2024-02-11) Mgimba, Christopher A.; Ngondya, Issakwisa B.; Treydte, Anna C.
    1. Shrub encroachment poses a significant challenge in many grassland ecosystems, particularly where disturbances such as heavy livestock grazing and uncontrolled fires are prevalent. Fire is frequently employed as a management tool to mitigate shrub encroachment and preserve native vegetation, as it influences both resprouting and seed germination. However, few studies have examined the effects of fire timing on resprouting and seed germination both in the field and ex situ. 2. We investigated the resprouting ability of Helichrysum shrubs after being completely, partially or not at all burned. In addition, we collected soil seed bank samples from each early burned, late burned and unburned area at depths of 0–2, 2–4 and 4–6 cm to assess plant species recruitment via seedlings. The data were analysed using a generalized linear regression model with a Gaussian link function. 3. We found significant differences in the number of resprouts and seedling abundance across early burned, late burned and unburned sites. Resprouting of both partially burned and completely burned shrubs was more abundant compared to unburned shrubs. The surface soil in unburned sites contained a greater abundance of Helichrysum seedlings compared to that of burned sites, suggesting that fire negatively affects seed germination, particularly in the upper soil layers. Overall seedling recruitment was lower in early and late burned areas, whereas resprouting was higher in areas burned later in the season. 4. Practical implication. The findings highlight the significance of fire timing in grassland management. We advocate for the implementation of planned early burning to mitigate shrub encroachment, promote biodiversity and save ecologically sensitive grasslands.
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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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    Underutilised Oyster Nut (Telfairia pedata): Farmers’ Knowledge, Practices and Utilisation in Northern Tanzania.
    (MUST Journal of Research and Development (MJRD), 2025-05-01) Shayo, Philip.; Treydte, Anna C.; Mbega, Ernest R.
    Oyster nut [Telfairia pedata (Smiths ex Sim)] Hook is a regularly cultivated crop in East African countries such as Tanzania (including Zanzibar Island), Uganda, Angola, Mozambique, and along Kenya’s coast, which is regarded to be underutilised. Despite its relevance to small-scale farmers in terms of conservation, income creation and food security, little is known about the farmer’s knowledge, practices and utilisation in Northern Tanzania. Therefore, this study aimed at investigating aspects of its production, including farmers’ practices, utilisation and preferences. Data collection was carried out through semi-structured questionnaires in the regions of Arusha, Kilimanjaro and Tanga. Descriptive analysis was done whereby frequencies, means and percentages were calculated using SPSS from the farmers’ responses. The results on oyster nut preferences, knowledge, cultivation and utilisation were presented in the form of tables and graphs. The findings revealed that 87% of respondents who were knowledgeable about oyster nuts were female, 89% of interviewed farmers grew the nuts on inherited family lands, 24% of respondents stored oyster nuts in perforated plastic bags, and 90% of the farmers used recycled seeds as their primary method of propagation without the use of any agricultural inputs. Conclusively, the study gives significant baseline data for future research on oyster nuts and development projects in Tanzania to enhance its conservation and sustainable usage while ensuring nutritional security for the majority of resource-poor people.
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    Underutilised Oyster Nut (Telfairia pedata): Farmers’ Knowledge, Practices and Utilisation in Northern Tanzania.
    (MUST Journal of Research and Development (MJRD), 2025-03-31) Shayo, Philipina F.; Treydte, Anna C.; Mbega, Ernest R.
    Oyster nut [Telfairia pedata (Smiths ex Sim)] Hook is a regularly cultivated crop in East African countries such as Tanzania (including Zanzibar Island), Uganda, Angola, Mozambique, and along Kenya’s coast, which is regarded to be underutilised. Despite its relevance to small-scale farmers in terms of conservation, income creation and food security, little is known about the farmer’s knowledge, practices and utilisation in Northern Tanzania. Therefore, this study aimed at investigating aspects of its production, including farmers’ practices, utilisation and preferences. Data collection was carried out through semi-structured questionnaires in the regions of Arusha, Kilimanjaro and Tanga. Descriptive analysis was done whereby frequencies, means and percentages were calculated using SPSS from the farmers’ responses. The results on oyster nut preferences, knowledge, cultivation and utilisation were presented in the form of tables and graphs. The findings revealed that 87% of respondents who were knowledgeable about oyster nuts were female, 89% of interviewed farmers grew the nuts on inherited family lands, 24% of respondents stored oyster nuts in perforated plastic bags, and 90% of the farmers used recycled seeds as their primary method of propagation without the use of any agricultural inputs. Conclusively, the study gives significant baseline data for future research on oyster nuts and development projects in Tanzania to enhance its conservation and sustainable usage while ensuring nutritional security for the majority of resource-poor people.