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Trends in Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology Research in Tanzania.
(African Journal of Biotechnology, 2007-12-28) Mtui, Godliving Y. S.
This paper reviews the trends in industrial and environmental biotechnology research in Tanzania for the past 20 years. Researches on production of bio-energy, enzymes and organic acids are reviewed. Furthermore, researches related to wastewater treatment systems including water stabilization ponds and constructed wetlands are covered. Brief highlights are made on researches related to bioprospecting and molecular biology techniques used in identification of organisms. In critically reviewing the research done so far, an attempt is made to pinpoint significant research gaps in areas such as single cell protein, biomining, biocomposting and bioengineering. This paper, therefore, provides an overview of the renewable raw materials available in the developing countries and outlines the researches that have been done to convert them to bio-products, while reducing bio-wastes. The identified gaps will serve as guidance to scientists who are interested in doing research in untapped areas of biotechnology
Characterization of MSW and related waste-derived compost in Zanzibar municipality
(wm&r, 2010) Vuai, Said Ali Hamad
The spread of municipal solid waste (MSW) in Zanzibar municipality has been associated with environmental pollution, unpleasant city conditions, contamination of water sources and coastal areas together with harbouring of malaria vectors. The contamination has a close relationship with eruption of diarrhoea, cholera and typhoid which claim the lives of the residents. Most of the wastes are of domestic and market origin and have the potential for compost production. This study examined the possibility of composting MSW from Zanzibar municipality as an alternative way of SW management and assessed the nutrient contents of the compost for application in agricultural production. Two major classes of SW were selected for the study: munic ipal solid waste and rice milling by-products. The samples were composted aerobically and anaerobically. The results showed that aerobic composting reduced about 60% of the waste volume. This volume reduction suggests that composting can be a promising SW management technique by reducing the large demand of space for landfilling. Municipal solid waste composted under anaerobic conditions produced compost with relatively higher concentrations of dissolved species than that produced under aerobic conditions. The trace metal contents were higher in MSW than in rice milling by-products. It was found that the unmanaged compost collected from the dumping site had low nutrient contents and was enriched with trace metals. Generally, physico-chemical characteristics, nutrients and trace metal levels suggest that Zanzibar municipal solid waste can produce high quality compost for application to a wide range of soil types to improve their fertility, under proper management.
Involvement of Biotechnology In Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation: Improving Agricultural Yield and Food Security
(International Journal for Biotechnology and Molecular Biology Research, 2011-10-31) Mtui, Godliving Y. S.
In the context of climate change adaptation and mitigation, biotechnology can respond positively towards reducing vulnerability of natural and human systems to climate change effects. This paper reviews different approaches in which both conventional and modern biotechnology can be employed to address climate change adaptation and mitigation for improved crops adaptability, productivity and food security and contributing to the reduction of the greenhouse gases. The current challenges and future perspectives of biotechnology for climate change adaptation and mitigation are highlighted. The negative effects of climate change on agricultural productivity and food security as a result of extreme temperature, drought, salinity and infectious disease vectors include low yield, hunger and malnutrition. Conventional agricultural biotechnology methods such as energy-efficient farming, use of biofertilizers, tissue culture and breeding for adaptive varieties are among feasible options that could positively address the potential negative effects of climate change and thereby contributing to carbon sequestration initiatives. On the other hand, the adoption of modern biotechnology through the use of genetically modified stress-tolerant, energy-efficient and high-yielding transgenic crops also stand to substantially counter the negative effects of climate change. Safe application of biotechnology will greatly complement other on-going measures being taken to improve agricultural productivity and food security. Both conventional and modern agricultural biotechnologies will significantly contribute to the current and future worldwide climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts
Lignocellulolytic Enzymes from Tropical Fungi: Types, Substrates and Applications
(Scientific Research and Essays, 2012-04-23) Mtui, Godliving Y. S.
Lignocellulolytic enzymes constitute a large group of mainly extracellular proteins including ligninolytic enzymes (peroxidases and oxidases) and hydrolytic enzymes (cellulases, hemicellulases, pectinases, chitinases, amylases, proteases, esterases, and mannases). These enzymes have attracted a wide range of industrial and environmental applications including pulping, de-inking, decolourization and detoxification of textile wastes, wastewater treatment and bioremediation of polluted soils. This work gives an updated review and summarizes the main fungal strains, substrates, lignocellulosic enzymes and their applications with an emphasis on tropical fungi. The main groups of lignocellulolytic enzymes and their applications are summarized in a manner that provides a useful reference for both enzyme scientists and technologists. Moreover, current debates and significant gaps in the lignocellulolytic fungal enzymes’ research have been highlighted. Future prospects in lignocellulolytic enzymes research are directed towards bioprospecting of robust novel fungal enzymes to overcome the challenge of recalcitrant substrates, physiological regulations of enzymes, use of novel inducers to enhance production, use of multiple fungal strains or mixture of enzymes, gene cloning to screen for new generation of enzymes and nanobiotechnologal applications in enzymology. This review revealed that for the past seven years, lignocellulolytic enzymes research and development have been steadily advancing from cellular to molecular; and from micro- to nano- levels, and more efforts should be directed to new research frontiers including molecular cloning, sequencing and functional genomics
Aluminum, Silicon and Nutrients Characteristics in Precipitation of Semi-Arid Area in Dodoma Municipality, Tanzania
(International Invention Journals, 2015) Vuai, Said Ali H.
Dodoma region is a semi arid area experiencing long dry season accompanied with very strong wind. This condition results into suspension of particles in the atmosphere originating from the blown soil dust which may transport nutrients and other metals and causing negative consequences to the ecosystem. Contribution of this phenomenon to the atmospheric aluminum, silicon and nutrients is not well understood. The study was conducted to assess atmospheric deposition of aluminum, silicon and nutrients in Dodoma Municipality. The samples of rain water were collected in event basis from three different areas reflecting a combination of natural and anthropogenic activities and analyzed for aluminum, silicon, ammonium, nitrate and phosphate. The results show that there is strong variation in rainfall intensity within Dodoma Municipality caused by niches of micro meteorological factors. The concentration of nutrients showed that NO3 ->NH4 +>PO4 3- with volume weighted mean concentrations 500, 210 and 160μgL-1, respectively. Nutrients deposition in Dodoma Municipality show clear spatial variation due to nature and intensity of anthropogenic activities. It was also found that annual deposition flux of the nitrogen based nutrient is low compared to the other reported area with similar rainfall intensity reflecting less industrial activities and relatively low population density. However phosphorous deposition is relatively high due to burning of biomass during land preparation and dissolution from soil particles. Silicon and aluminum in the precipitation around Dodoma Municipality was significantly high showing clear spatial variation as results of variation of rainwater pH. It was concluded that strong wind during dry condition disperse nutrients and bring soil dust which results into high concentrations of aluminum and silicon and low concentrations of nitrogen in the wet precipitation
Analysis of Qater Quality Parameters and Ecosystem Services of Nzovwe Stream
(IJBLST, 2015) Ojija, Fredrick
This paper presents analyzed physico-chemical parameters and assessed ecosystem services of Nzovwe stream. Physico-chemical parameters were analyzed using methods and procedures as prescribed by American Public Health Association and Tanzania Bureau of Standards. Whereas, ecosystem services were assessed qualitatively using households survey questionnaires. In average the water sample from Nzovwe stream had the following measurement; pH was 8.14(±07SD), Temperature 24.7(±0.2SD)0C, Turbidity 320(±20SD)NTU, Total alkalinity 202(±2SD)mg/L, Total hardness 58(±8SD)mg/L, Electrical conductivity 540(±20SD)μs/cm, Total suspended solids 314.027(±73.19SD)mg/L and Total dissolved solids 361.8(±13.4SD)mg/L. Field observations revealed that the stream is in danger of being polluted due to human activities (i.e. washing clothes and bathing, cultivation or gardening, irrigations) and dumping of wastes from households. Physico-chemical parameters showed no or little evidence of a stream being polluted because almost all parameters were within permissible range of Tanzania Bureau of standards (TBS). About 90% of interviewed households said that Nzovwe stream supply them with provisioning services (fresh water for drinking, washing, bathing, or sanitation purposes and other domestic uses); 3% said that they extract building materials (soil and pebbles); 5% specified that they use stream water for irrigation of crops (banana trees, maize) and gardens (vegetables); while 2% obtain pastures to feed livestock. This study recommends that future studies must include biological parameters instead of using only physico-chemical parameters to assess the quality of water in Nzovwe stream. Moreover, local authority must ensure that the stream is well protected by establishing stream management committees which will incorporate individuals from households adjacent the Nzovwe stream.
Reliability Analysis of Roof Rainwater Harvesting Systems in a Semi-arid Region of Sub-Saharan Africa: case study of Mekelle, Ethiopia
(Tailor and Francic, 2015-06-05) Taffere ,Getachew Redae; Beyene, Abebe; Vuai,Said A.H; Gasana ,Janvier; Seleshi Yilma
Curbing water scarcity problems in semi-arid regions is a top priority for economic and social devel opment. Alternative strategies for sustainable domestic water supply are therefore required to augment water supply with affordable cost and technology. Scant research findings in sub-Saharan Africa have, however, reported inefficiency in adapting to water scarcity problems in the region. Therefore, an investigation of domestic rainwater harvesting (RWH) reliability is important to identify factors affecting the system. We found that rainwater harvesting with the existing traditional RWH systems in Mekelle city was unreliable. Unreliability was attributed to inefficient design (the systems were installed without considering deterministically the stochastic nature of rainfall), family size, water demand, rooftop area and storage tank size
A Preliminary Study on Abundance and Diversity of Aquatic Macro Invertebrates of Nzovwe Stream, in Mbeya, Tanzania
(Research Publish Journals, 2016) Ojija, Fredrick; Kavishe, Regan
The purpose of this current study was to determine the diversity, species richness, dominance and evenness of macroinvertebrates fauna found in Nzovwe stream. The study was carried out from 02 November to 28 December 2015. A total of 584 aquatic macroinvertebrate from 7 orders and 16 species were recoded. They belonged to 22 families. This study shows that Odonata (35.96%) was the most dominant order according to total number of individuals, followed by Hemiptera (25.514%), Coleoptera (19.007 %), Diptera (12.842%), Plecoptera (5.137%), Gastropoda (1.027%) and Ephemeroptera (1.027%). The most abundant species were Dragonflies (27.226%), Water striders (13.185%), and Creeping water bugs (10.274%), whereas the least abundant species were Giant water bugs and Backswimmers (0.514%). The Shannon-Wiener Index diversity and Evenness index (Pielou’s index) was higher in order Coleoptera (1.33) and Diptera (0.940) respectively. Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Gastropoda (Shannon’s, H’ = 0.00) were the lowest. Simpson’s Reciprocal Index diversity was highest in order Coleoptera (3.400) while Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Gastropoda (1/D = 1.000) were the lowest. The species richness of macroinvertebrates was calculated by using Margalef’s Index. Moreover, it was found that the stream is poorly managed and threatened by pollution from domestic wastes.
Assessment of Current State and Impact of REDD+ on Livelihood of Local People in Rungwe District, Tanzania
(Forest Research Open Access, 2016-01-18) Fredrick, Ojija
A climate change mitigation mechanism, Reducing Emission from Deforestation and forest Degradation (REDD+) is anticipated to affect livelihoods of forest dependent communities. This study was conducted to establish this impact on livelihoods of local people in Rungwe District, Tanzania. Data were collected through questionnaires, group discussions, and interviews from three villages: Syukula, Ilolo and Kibisi. Results showed that households annual income and crop production are higher after REDD+ implementation. The older respondents (> 40 years old) considered REDD+ to be important for forest management compared to younger generation (<40 years old) (p< 0.05). Similarly, the older respondents considered wood forest products such as fuelwood, charcoal, timber and poles to be reduced. There was a widespread awareness about REDD+’s objectives among household respondents. Therefore, REDD+ proponents should implement alternative sources of livelihoods to help local people improve their income and reduce dependence on the forest resources and eventually decrease deforestation and forest degradation.
Macro Invertebrates as Bio Indicators of Water Quality in Nzovwe Stream, in Mbeya, Tanzania
(JSTR, 2016-06-06) Ojija,Fredrick.; Laizer, Hudson.
This study was carried out to assess the water quality of Nzovwe stream using macroinvertebrates as bioindicators. Biological monitoring working party (BMWP) scoring system was the index used to assess the ecosystem health of Nzovwe stream. A total of 584 aquatic macroinvertebrates were identified from Nzovwe stream. They belonged to 22 families. The most abundant taxa were Odonata (35.959%), Hemiptera (25.514%), Coleoptera (18.493%), and Diptera (12.842%). Whereas the least abundant taxa were Ephemeroptera and Gastropoda, each constituting 1.028% of all macroinvertebrates. The most abundant macroinvertebrates were Dragonflies (27.226%), Water striders (13.185%), and Creeping water bugs (10.274%), whereas the least abundant were Giant water bugs (0.514%) and Backswimmers (0.514%). The BMWP score of Nzovwe stream was 115. Based on this score, the water of Nzovwe stream is neither very clean nor significantly altered aquatic environment. Hence the Nzovwe stream is moderately polluted due to non-point source pollution from several sources. Moreover, it was found that agricultural activities, washing and bathing could alter physico-chemical parameters of the stream and hence changing the abundance of macroinvertebrates as well as the quality of water. This study, therefore, recommends that the source of pollutants should be controlled and the stream regularly monitored by the relevant authorities. Additionally, biological indicators and their indices are suggested to be used in assessing the condition of a stream ecosystem.
Diversity and Abundance of Arthropods at Mbeya University of Science and Technology, Tanzania.
(INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC & TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH, 2016-09-06) Ojija, Fredrick
Despite the high abundance of arthropods in many terrestrial environments, our understanding of their ecological diversity and abundance remain unknown in some habitats. The aim of this study is to assess the abundance, diversity and species richness of some arthropods found in grassland and woodland habitats at Mbeya University of Science and Technology in Tanzania. A total of 1719 arthropods belonging to 63 species under 12 orders and 46 families were collected. Parameters such as Shannon index, Simpson index, Margalef index, Evenness index and Sorenson similarity index were used to analyse the diversity of arthropods. Result showed that, Hymenoptera (33.101%), Coleoptera (28.098%) and Orthoptera (17.510%) were the most dominant orders, whereas the least abundant order were Diptera (0.814%) and Scolopendromorpha (0.291%). The grassland showed high species richness, Margalef index (D = 6.930), abundance (n = 1177), Evenness (E = 0.854) and Shannon diversity (H = 3.339) of arthropods. The abundance of arthropod groups between grassland and woodland differed significantly(p<0.05). Sorensen similarity index in both habitats showed 53.5% similarity. Therefore, result indicates that the grassland habitat has the potential to support arthropod diversity and act as effective refugia for some arthropods from woodland.
Diversity and Abundance of Arthropods at Mbeya University of Science and Technology, Tanzania
(IJSTR, 2016-09-09) Ojija, Fredrick
Despite the high abundance of arthropods in many terrestrial environments, our understanding of their ecological diversity and abundance remain unknown in some habitats. The aim of this study is to assess the abundance, diversity and species richness of some arthropods found in grassland and woodland habitats at Mbeya University of Science and Technology in Tanzania. A total of 1719 arthropods belonging to 63 species under 12 orders and 46 families were collected. Parameters such as Shannon index, Simpson index, Margalef index, Evenness index and Sorenson similarity index were used to analyse the diversity of arthropods. Result showed that, Hymenoptera (33.101%), Coleoptera (28.098%) and Orthoptera (17.510%) were the most dominant orders, whereas the least abundant order were Diptera (0.814%) and Scolopendromorpha (0.291%). The grassland showed high species richness, Margalef index (D = 6.930), abundance (n = 1177), Evenness (E = 0.854) and Shannon diversity (H = 3.339) of arthropods. The abundance of arthropod groups between grassland and woodland differed significantly (p<0.05). Sorensen similarity index in both habitats showed 53.5% similarity. Therefore, result indicates that the grassland habitat has the potential to support arthropod diversity and act as effective refugia for some arthropods from woodland.
Analysis of Kick Detection Methods in the Light of Actual Blowout Disasters.
(Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 2017) Lindi, Oltingey
Kicks or formation fluid influxes pose persistent challenges and operational costs during drilling, workover, completion and sometimes after temporary abandonment operations. Despite of presence of variety of kick detection methods, oil and gas wells still experience undetected kicks and detected kicks which sometimes becomes uncontrolled and results into blowout. Kicks that evolved into blowout stage cost billions of dollars, human lives and damage to the environment. For instance Macondo well incident that occurred in 2010 cost about $40 billion and 11 fatalities, Piper alpha in north sea that occurred in 1988 cost about $3.4 billion and 167 fatalities, and Petrobras 36, Brazil, that occurred in 2001 cost about $350 million and 11 fatalities (Tabibzadeh & Meshkati, 2014a). So it’s better to incur cost to detect and control kicks rather than healing its consequences. The available methods for kick detection has its strength and weaknesses. These weaknesses give a loop for kicks to flow to surface undetected and hence it might bring about blowout disasters. Therefore the main goal of this thesis will be to analyse kick detection methods to recognise the loop holes for the occurrence of blowout disasters and suggest the means of improvement. The critical evaluation will be based on blowout cases selected which occurred due to late or failed kick detection. Therefore earlier kick identification and controlling is crucial for the development of petroleum industry in general but in particular avoidance of blowouts. The mains causes of blowouts has been categorized into human errors, technological deficiencies, cost cutting and kick detection techniques problems Conclusion from this thesis suggests the extension of kick detection method beyond drilling operations to the completion, workover or completion operations and establishment of advisory program that could automatically be advising the crew working in the rig is paramount. This will enable quick decision making. Also advisory program will reduce the probability of human errors occurrence that leads to blowout. Apart from advisory program also change in mud returning volume method could be developed into sensors that can be used beyond drilling operations
Potential of Genomic Approaches in Conservation of Plant and Animal Biodiversity in Africa: A Review.
(International Journal of Environment, Agriculture and Biotechnology (IJEAB), 2017-08) Ojija, Fredrick; Chisanga, Kafula; Nasari, Sayuni P.; Garko Mikaila B.A.; Mbugi, Nicolaus O.
In Africa, status of biodiversity conservation of many plants and animals is questionable as this is considered to be caused by limited and lack of authentic information concerning genetic diversity. This has led to a considerable compromise of conservation decisions in Africa. As a result, lack of reliable information continues to cause a great effect on the long-term security of species of plants and animals. Current advancement in genomics has proved to play a vital role in conservation of plant and animal biodiversity. It produces genetic data that helps researchers to understand the interaction between ecosystem and organisms, also among organisms themselves. The information extracted from plants and animals via genomics techniques can be used to develop good approaches for biodiversity conservation. Despite its usefulness, there is a limited awareness on the application of potential genomics in plants and animals conservation in many developing countries, especially in Africa. The aim of this review is to raise awareness and catalyse the application of genomics techniques in rejuvenation and conservation of plants and animals in Africa. Precisely, the paper addresses the efficacy of potential genomics in plants and animals conservation; and seeks to show how Africa can benefit from genomics technology. About 62 peer-reviewed articles were reviewed. This current review has shown that genomics helps to identify good genes for fitness, and develops tools to monitor and conserve plants and animals biodiversity. The review recommends that regardless of the limitation of genomics application in biodiversity conservation in Africa, African researchers must consider using this technology for better conservation of plants and animals biodiversity.
The Impact of Climate Change on Agriculture and Health Sectors in Tanzania: A review
(International Journal of Environment, Agriculture and Biotechnology (IJEAB)., 2017-08) Ojija, Fredrick; Abihudi, Siri; Mwendwa, Beatus; Leweri, Cecilia M.; Chisanga, Kafula
The impact of climate change in Tanzania is dynamic and differs among regions as they are impacted in different ways. While other regions experience normal rainfall and temperature patterns, others have continued to experience temperature extremes, severe droughts, decline in crops production coupled with food insecurity, extreme weather episodes of heavy rainfall associated with floods, loss of lives and infectious disease outbreaks. Despite the effects of climate change being recognized in the country, awareness is limited among local people, in particular the vulnerable communities. Thus, this review aims to raise awareness by giving a broader picture of impacts of climate change on agriculture and health sector. It reveals that in many parts of Tanzania, agriculture and health sectors may continue to suffer from the effects of climate change aggregated with limited awareness among communities. It is expected, that outbreaks of infectious diseases including malaria and cholera may increase as they correlate positively with high temperatures and rainfall. As a result, health problems and deaths of people, and reduced crops production will continue. Therefore, it is recommended that, the best way to overcome climate change is to invest effectively on the irrigation agriculture; and the health sector’s budget should be enough to improve health care services and prepare for outbreaks of climate change sensitive diseases. Most importantly, provision of climate change awareness to the vulnerable communities must be seriously considered. About 50 peer-reviewed articles, government and international reports published between 2000 and 2017 were reviewed.
Implementation of Learner-Centered Approach Among Teachers in Ordinary Level Secondary Schools in Tanzania a Case of Mbinga District Council
(Mbeya University of Science and Technology, 2018) Daliko Cosmas Mhule
This study aimed to explore the implementation of Learner-Centred Approach (LCA) among teachers in ordinary level secondary schools in Tanzania. The specific objectives were: to find out the teachers’ understanding on LCA, to explore how teachers practice LCA, to determine facilities for the implementation of LCA and to assess the administrative support for effective implementation of LCA. Constructivism theory and holistic case study design were employed in the study where qualitative approach was largely used but supplemented by quantitative approach through which qualitative and quantitative data were gathered. The 80 respondents for the study were purposeful and voluntarily sampled from four ordinary level secondary schools in Mbinga District Council comprising 4 school heads, 20 teachers and 56 students. Data collection instruments used include questionnaires, semi-structured interview, observation and documentary review from which qualitative data were analysed through content analysis by the aid of ATLAS Ti 7 while quantitative data were analysed by SPSS version 20. Findings were presented in tables, charts and statements. The study found that LCA is partially implemented in schools due to some constraints including shortage of teachers, inadequacy teaching and learning resources and infrastructures, large number of students in classes, lack of training among teachers on curricula change, language barrier and lack of awareness on education among students. Regarding the findings, the study recommends to the central government and various stakeholders to emphasize, monitor and evaluate the implementation of LCA, increase of resources in schools, involve teachers in curricula development and changes, and foster health community-school linkage for the success of LCA in schools
The Linguistic Impact of Kiswahili on Kinga Language in Makete District
(Ruaha Catholic University, 2018) Mbilinyi, Obadia
This study is about the impact of Kiswahili on Kikinga language as the result of their contact. The objective is to identify lexical impact of Kiswahili on Kikinga, to find out morphophonological processes emerging as a result of the contact and to identify semantic impact resulted by the contact. The study gives answers to questions such as; which lexical impact does Kiswahili cause? What morphophonological processes affect Kikinga borrowed word? And which semantic impact does Kiswahili have on Kikinga? The study used a constructivism paradigm. Approaches used were the qualitative approach and a quantitative approach. The study used a descriptive design. The sampling techniques used were probability and non-probability sampling. Research instruments used in the study were interview and documentary review. The study identified some morphophonological processes such as epenthesis, prosthesis, vowel lengthening, consonant substitution, consonant strengthening, devoicing, deletion, assimilation and vowel substitution. The study unveiled that the contact between Kiswahili and Kikinga had impact on the lexicon of Kikinga, In all categories of words grouped by the study there were intrusion of Kiswahili lexicon into Kikinga, in here, the shift stood usual (unmarked) because Kiswahili lexicon seemed to be easily adopted by native speakers of Kikinga. The findings showed that the contact between Kikinga and Kiswahili caused various morphophonological processes such as epenthesis, prosthesis, vowel lengthening, consonant substitution, consonant strengthening, devoicing, deletion, assimilation and vowel substitution. The contact was also found to have semantic impact where new lexical items with new concepts were brought to Kikinga. Such new concepts were found to exist in the fields of religion (specifically Christianity), education, agriculture, and transport, clothing and home utensils. Other semantic aspects which arose were the changes of meanings and extension of meanings. The study convincingly found that Kikinga native speakers are shifting to Kiswahili. The new generation of the Kinga is likely to have many youths whose first language is no longer Kikinga but Kiswahili. The study finally recommends further studies to be conducted to see the danger in which native languages are in as a result of their contact with Kiswahili.
Impact of Anthropogenic Habitat Changes on Insects: A Case Study of Mount Loleza Forest Reserve
(International Journal of Entomology Research, 2018-07-04) Leweri, Cecilia; Ojija, Fredrick
This study assessed the impact of anthropogenic activities on the abundance, diversity and composition of insect species on Mt. Loleza forest reserve in Mbeya, Tanzania. Insects were collected in disturbed, less disturbed and undisturbed habitats using pitfall traps, sweep nets and beating sheets. Data were analysed using one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Tukey's post hoc test and Kruskal Wallis. Shannon and Simpson diversities were compared using diversity t-test. Bray-Curtis similarity index was used to group families and species based on the number of individuals. In total, 3058 insect specimens belonging to 21 families and 40 species were collected. Insect abundance was highest in undisturbed habitats (50.10%). The Shannon diversity differed significantly between disturbed and undisturbed habitats (p < 0.05); and between less disturbed and undisturbed habitats (p < 0.05). Results of this study are vital toward effective conservation and management of the global insect species and other animals.
The Influence Of Free Education Policy On Motivation Of Teachers: A Case Of Public Secondary Schools In Dodoma Municipality
(The University Of Dodoma, 2018-10-30) Toto,Stella Fulgence
This dissertation reports the findings of the study on the influence of free education policy decision on teachers‘ motivation in secondary schools. The study was conducted in four public secondary schools of Dodoma Municipal, Tanzania. Guided by Herzberg theory of motivation and a conceptual framework the study employed a qualitative approach and a case study design. The study used different tools for data collection i.e interviews, focus group discussions, observations and documentary review, data were generated from 49 informants who were sampled through purposive and snowball sampling. These included the DEO, heads of schools and heads of departments, who were sampled purposively, and teachers and students who were sampled using the snowball sampling technique. The qualitative analysis of the data generated revealed that the Free Education Policy in Tanzania demotivates teachers. It was further revealed that teachers were not ready to implement this policy due to lack of awareness of the policy and the challenges they faced during the policy implementation. The challenges which teachers faced include lack of enough fund, poor working environment, interference of politicians during implementation, overcrowded classes, the dictatorship of leaders towards them and poor cooperation from parents to mention a few. Stakeholders gave their views on how free education could motivate teachers to work effectively. The views included the need to increase funds for policy implementation, improved teachers work environment, awareness creation to parents, engagement of teachers in policy and decision making, avoiding interfere of politics in education issues, establishment of education board to deals with education issues and the need for research before introducing any implementation of any policy. This study will be of a great help to the policy makers when formulating new policies the issues of teachers‘ motivation will be considered. It will also add knowledge to educational managers on how to motivate teachers. The study is also expected to improve practice in education.
Impacts of Alien Invasive Parthenium Hysterophorus on Flower Visitation by Insects to Co‑Flowering Plants
(Springer, 2019-05-11) Ojija, Fredrick.; Arnold, Sarah E. J.; Treydte, Anna C.
The exotic invasive plant Parthenium hysterophorus is invading many tropical habitats. While much work has been done on its interactions with other native plants, little is known about its interaction with insect floral visitors and how it impacts pre-existing pollination networks when it invades a site. We carried out surveys on sites with and without P. hysterophorus (invaded and uninvaded, respectively) to investigate its impact on plant–pollinator interactions with two common indicator or target plants (Ocimum gratissimum and Ageratum conyzoides) in Tanzania. During multiple 15 min observation periods in quadrats, the number of arriving flower visitors, duration of visits and visitation rate were measured and compared between sites. Visitation networks of flower visitors were developed by observing flower visitor taxonomic groups and plants visited across both invasion categories. Parthenium hysterophorus was heavily visited by a diversity of flies as taxonomic groups. Indicator plants received fewer flower visitors overall in the invaded site, implying P. hysterophorus may be disrupting pol-len flow. Foraging behavior and flower visitation by Apis mellifera and flies on target plants were particularly negatively affected in the invaded quadrats. Flower visitation rate to target plants was significantly lower in invaded quadrats than in uninvaded quadrats. This study supports work in other parts of the world demonstrating that invasive species can strongly disrupt pollination networks. By attracting flower visitors that could otherwise serve as pollinators of native plant species, P. hysterophorus which is rapidly spreading in eastern African ecosystems could have complex deleterious effects on the wider ecosystem.

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