Agricultural Science and Technology

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Quantifying Rooftop Rainwater Harvest Potential: Case of Mbeya University of Science and Technology in Mbeya Tanzania
(Scientific Research Publishing, 2013) Katambara, Zacharia
The advantages that the rooftop rainwater harvesting system has as a source of water supply have been examined. The observed daily rainfall records of 10 years and the current total roof area of the facilities at Mbeya University of Science and Technology as the catchment area were used. Using a water balance model to determine the suitable water use that will cover 100% of the time, the model indicated that for the current roof area a water supply of 120 lts per day can be met when a storage tank whose capacity is 13.5 m3 is installed. When values higher than 120 l/day are simulated, a tank of higher capacity is required to meet the water demand. The study recommends on the necessity of installing rooftop rainwater harvesting system so as to increase the water supply reliability and reduction of cost. The selection of a suit able storage tank capacity should take into consideration the future development plans so as to reduce the construction cost of new storage tank
Estimation of Extreme Flows in Nkana River to Verify the Adequacy of Naming’ongo Bridge Waterway
(Mbeya Institute of Science and Technology,, 2013-02-05) Katambara ,Zacharia; Msambichaka ,Joseph J; Mkisi, Joseph
The response by the government of Tanzania to food security and poverty alleviation in the Naming’ongo area in Mbozi District has been to develop Naming’ongo irrigation scheme as well as construct a bridge across River Nkana to con nect the farms and other parts of the district to facilitate a reliable transportation of the produce to the market. The Aus tralian Water Balance Model was calibrated by using 10 years data from a nearby sub-catchment of Mbarali. The Nam ing’ongo Sub-catchment was delineated form a 30 m digital elevation model. The observed rainfall was obtained from Mbozi Meteorological station. The study approximated the peak flows in River Nkana for a return period of 50 years to be slight above 560 m3 /s. This was considered to be adequate for the proposed structure. The study recommends that when undertaking human activities such as deforestation and cultivation an account for soil and environmental conser vation should be considered. While it is necessary to establish a monitoring system within the catchment, the designs of future hydraulic structures should incorporate stream flow measuring facilities.
Estimation of Extreme Flows in Nkana River to Verify the Adequacy of Naming’ongo Bridge Waterway
(Mbeya Institute of Science and Technology, 2013-02-05) Katambara Zakaria; Msambichaka,Joseph. J; Mkisi Joseph
The response by the government of Tanzania to food security and poverty alleviation in the Naming’ongo area in Mbozi District has been to develop Naming’ongo irrigation scheme as well as construct a bridge across River Nkana to con- nect the farms and other parts of the district to facilitate a reliable transportation of the produce to the market. The Aus- tralian Water Balance Model was calibrated by using 10 years data from a nearby sub-catchment of Mbarali. The Nam- ing’ongo Sub-catchment was delineated form a 30 m digital elevation model. The observed rainfall was obtained from Mbozi Meteorological station. The study approximated the peak flows in River Nkana for a return period of 50 years to be slight above 560 m3/s. This was considered to be adequate for the proposed structure. The study recommends that when undertaking human activities such as deforestation and cultivation an account for soil and environmental conser- vation should be considered. While it is necessary to establish a monitoring system within the catchment, the designs of future hydraulic structures should incorporate stream flow measuring facilities.
Adopting the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) in Tanzania: A Review
(Scientific Research, 2013-07-20) Katambara, Zacharia; Kahimba , Frederick C.; Mahoo, Henry F.; Mbungu, Winfred B; Mhenga, Fikiri; Reuben, Paul; Maugo, Muyenjwa; Nyarubamba, Anthony
The demand of water for irrigation purposes in Tanzania outstrips the amount of water available for irrigation and other demands. On the other hand, the demand for more food to feed the growing population is increasing, calling for the need to have technologies and farming practices that ensure more food production while minimizing water uses. Rice is among cereal crops grown in Tanzania, and it can assist in meeting the food demand for the nation. Majority of rice producers in Tanzania and Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are subsistence farmers and they practice continuous flooding, a technique that requires much water. In addition to using large amounts of water, the conventional practices of growing paddy using local varieties transplanting process are implemented when seedlings are more than 21 days old, and 3 - 4 seedlings are transplanted in one hole. This practice results in low yields, and low water productivity and water use efficiency. The system of rice intensification (SRI) on the other hand, is a promising new practice of growing paddy rice that has proven to be very effective in saving water and increasing rice yields in many parts of the world. SRI practice is spreading fast and it has been adopted in many countries. The SRI practice has been introduced in Tanzania during the last 3 years as such it is not widely practiced. This paper reviews SRI practice at global, regional and country (Tanzania) level, and evaluates the challenges, opportunities and implications for its adoption in Tanzania. Knowledge gaps at each level have been identified and dis cussed as well as suggestions for researchable areas.
Quantifying Rooftop Rainwater Harvest Potential: Case of Mbeya University of Science and Technology in Mbeya Tanzania
(Mbeya University of Science and Technology Journal of Research and Development (MJRD), 2013-07-21) Katambara, Zacharia
The advantages that the rooftop rainwater harvesting system has as a source of water supply have been examined. The observed daily rainfall records of 10 years and the current total roof area of the facilities at Mbeya University of Science and Technology as the catchment area were used. Using a water balance model to determine the suitable water use that will cover 100% of the time, the model indicated that for the current roof area a water supply of 120 lts per day can be met when a storage tank whose capacity is 13.5 m3 is installed. When values higher than 120 l/day are simulated, a tank of higher capacity is required to meet the water demand. The study recommends on the necessity of installing rooftop rainwater harvesting system so as to increase the water supply reliability and reduction of cost. The selection of a suitable storage tank capacity should take into consideration the future development plans so as to reduce the construction cost of new storage tank.
Characteristics of Rice Produced Under Direct and Indirect SRI Practices in Chimala Area in Mbarali District Tanzania.
(Infinite, 2016) Katambara, Zacharia; Mng’ong’o, Marco; Chambi, Consolatha; Malley, Zacharia
The current status of rice production in Chimala Area in Mbarali is dominated by conventional rice growing practices with limited adoption of the system of rice intensification (SRI), which has been reported of having more advantages. This study evaluated the characteristic of rice produced under SRI and conventional practices in Chimala Area in Mbarali District of Mbeya Region in Tanzania. The evaluation considered the farm management practices, rice yields and the characteristic of the rice grains. The unlevelled characteristics of the farms and the variation of the soil influence the rice yields and the quality of the grains. The transplanting age of the seedling was within the age limit preferred when SRI practices are implemented and the limited water availability for conventional rice growing practice necessitated the intermittent wetting and drying of the rice fields which is preferred for SRI practices. The application of agrochemicals such herbicides limit the aeration of the root system and the development of a healthy roots system. Bird scaring is among the activities which increased the production cost of rice grown under SRI practices. Rice yields under SRI practices where more than 16ton/ha against less than 8ton/ha for conventional rice growing practices. The rice grains grown under SRI practices was observed to be suitable for seeds. With regard to milling, conventionally grown rice produced more good rice (69%) SRI (51%) grown. However, the large percentage of husks (24%) likely suggest that rice grains produced under SRI are more protected and further provide evidence as a good rice seed producing practice. The quality of cooked rice indicate that rice produced under SRI practices has higher aroma and fragrance when compared to that produced under conventional practices. Further studies should consider the effect of the number of seedling per hill, application of herbicide instead of applying push weeder and the suitability of using by-product, rice husks as a source of energy.
Performance evaluation of rainwater harvesting system and strategy for dry season challenge
(IWA Publisher, 2016) Mwamila, Tulinave Burton; Han, Moo Young; Ndomba, Preksedis Marco; Katambara, Zacharia
The extensive application of rainwater harvesting (RWH) projects is inhibited by the challenge posed by the dry seasons. In a case study of Mnyundo Primary School, Tanzania, the performance of the RWH system was eval- uated using a daily water balance model. The methodology is based on defined dry season parameters – no water days (NWDs), rainwater usage ratio (RUR), and water level in local water storages; while the system oper- ational methods involve users adopting either fixed (constant) demand or variable demand (demand varying with respect to available water in the storage tank), throughout the system utilization. Additionally, the cost of instal- ling an RWH system to achieve a substantial reduction of NWDs to zero was calculated. It was established that the existing system cannot achieve zero NWDs under consideration of both operational methods. However, the greater the number of tanks, the lower the NWD, and in the variable demand operational method, better RUR was achieved. For mitigating water shortages in the dry season, the school should adopt RWH in two buildings under the demand scenario (300 demand 900 L/d, for the respective water levels in the storage tanks), yielding 58% RUR. The performance of the system can be improved by monitoring water levels and adhering to demand guide- lines. These are useful strategies for practitioners in water supply.
Aflatoxins and Fumonisin Contamination of Marketed Maize, Maize Bran and Maize Used as Animal Feed in Northern Tanzania.
(AFRICAN SCHOLARLY SCIENCE COMMUNICATIONS TRUST, 2016-07) Nyangi Chacha; Mugula J.K; Beed F.; Boni S.; Koyano E.; Sulyok, M.
The objective of this study was to investigate the occurrence of total aflatoxin and total fumonisin in maize and maize-based products in Babati, northern Tanzania. A total of 160 samples were collected in 2013-14. Quantification for total aflatoxin and fumonisin was done using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Reveal AccuScan® Neogen, USA) and the results were confirmed using Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometer. Aflatoxin was detected in 32% of maize samples (mean 3.4 ± 0.3 µg/kg; range 2.1–16.2 µg/kg) and fumonisin in 39% of samples (mean 5.6 ± 1.40 mg/kg; range 0.4–62.0 mg/kg). Among marketed products, maize bran (used for animal feed) was the most contaminated (2.4 µg/kg aflatoxin and 1 mg/kg fumonisin), followed by whole maize in market stalls (1.9 µg/kg aflatoxin and 0.4 mg/kg fumonisin) and then maize flour (1.4 µg/kg aflatoxin and 0.3 mg/kg fumonisin). Un-marketed maize sorted out by farmers as “bad” and intended for animal feeding was the most contaminated (overall mean aflatoxin and fumonisin levels of 1.7 µg/kg and 7.4 mg/kg, respectively). The results indicate that levels of aflatoxin and fumonisin contamination in marketed maize were within tolerable limits.
Assessment of Pre-Harvest Aflatoxin and Fumonisin Contamination of Maize in Babati District, Tanzania.
(AFRICAN SCHOLARLY SCIENCE COMMUNICATIONS TRUST, 2016-07) Nyangi C.; Beed F.; Mugula J.K; Boni S.; Koyano E,; Mahuku G.; Sulyok M.; Bekunda M.
A survey was conducted in 2013 to establish total aflatoxin and total fumonisin in maize, as well as farmers’ practices relating to maize cultivation and awareness of mycotoxins, in three villages of Babati District, northern Tanzania. Quantification of total aflatoxin and fumonisin was done using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Reveal AccuScan® Neogen, USA) and the results were confirmed using Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometer. The mean aflatoxin was 2.94 µg/kg and all samples (n=440) were within the East African Community (EAC) standard of 10 µg/kg for total aflatoxin, but the mean fumonisin was 5.15 mg/kg, more than double the EAC standard of 2 mg/kg, and 35% of samples exceeded this standard. Maize samples obtained from farmers in the village in the mid altitude, dry zone had significantly higher mean aflatoxin (3.32 µg/kg) and significantly lower mean fumonisin (3.17 mg/kg) than maize from the other two villages (in the high and mid altitude, high rainfall zones). Most farmers (n=442) were male (72%), educated to primary school level (77%) and aware of mycotoxins (62%). As well as participating in a development program, Africa Research in Sustainable Intensification for the Next Generation, most (86%) farmers had experience of working with other development programs. All farmers used flat planting, most used improved seeds (98%), ox ploughing (78%), insecticides (78%) and early planting (36%). Practices associated with mycotoxins were planting time, tillage methods, previous season planted crops, and use of insecticides. Awareness of mycotoxins and climatic conditions were also associated with mycotoxin prevalence. In conclusion, good practices are associated with acceptable aflatoxin levels and should be continued. However, the high level of fumonisins warrants further investigation.
ASSESSMENT OF PRE-HARVEST AFLATOXIN AND FUMONISIN CONTAMINATION OF MAIZE IN BABATI DISTRICT, TANZANIA
(AFRICAN SCHOLARY SCIENCE TRUST, 2016-07) NYANGI, C; BEED, F
A survey was conducted in 2013 to establish total aflatoxin and total fumonisin in maize, as well as farmers’ practices relating to maize cultivation and awareness of mycotoxins, in three villages of Babati District, northern Tanzania. Quantification of total aflatoxin and fumonisin was done using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Reveal AccuScan® Neogen, USA) and the results were confirmed using Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometer. The mean aflatoxin was 2.94 µg/kg and all samples (n=440) were within the East African Community (EAC) standard of 10 µg/kg for total aflatoxin, but the mean fumonisin was 5.15 mg/kg, more than double the EAC standard of 2 mg/kg, and 35% of samples exceeded this standard. Maize samples obtained from farmers in the village in the mid altitude, dry zone had significantly higher mean aflatoxin (3.32 µg/kg) and significantly lower mean fumonisin (3.17 mg/kg) than maize from the other two villages (in the high and mid altitude, high rainfall zones). Most farmers (n=442) were male (72%), educated to primary school level (77%) and aware of mycotoxins (62%). As well as participating in a development program, Africa Research in Sustainable Intensification for the Next Generation, most (86%) farmers had experience of working with other development programs. All farmers used flat planting, most used improved seeds (98%), ox ploughing (78%), insecticides (78%) and early planting (36%). Practices associated with mycotoxins were planting time, tillage methods, previous season planted crops, and use of insecticides. Awareness of mycotoxins and climatic conditions were also associated with mycotoxin prevalence. In conclusion, good practices are associated with acceptable aflatoxin levels and should be continued. However, the high level of fumonisins warrants further investigation.
Aflatoxin and Fumonisin Contamination of at-harvest and Storage Beans in Babati District, Northern Tanzania
(Greener Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2016-11) NYANGI,CHACHA
The natural occurrence of total aflatoxin and fumonisin was determined in 38 bean at-harvest samples and 106 storage beans samples in the year 2013 in Babati District Northern Tanzania. Quantification for total aflatoxin and fumonisin was done using Enzymes Linked Immunosorbent Assay - ELISA (Reveal AccuScan® Neogen, USA), and the results were confirmed using Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometer (LC-MS/MS). Eighteen percent (7/38) of bean at harvest samples were contaminated with up to 3 µg/kg aflatoxins and no bean sample was contaminated with fumonisins. There was a significant correlation (p < 0.05) between the concentration of aflatoxins and fumonisins with climatic zones and agronomic practices. Only bean samples from the high-altitude high rain zone were contaminated with aflatoxins (mean level of 1.53 µg/kg). For storage beans, samples from Seloto village were associated with higher aflatoxin concentration (mean of 3.74 µg/kg) and those from long village were associated with higher fumonisin levels (mean of 9.0 mg/kg). These results indicate that beans consumers in the study area are exposed to the danger of chronic exposure to aflatoxin and fumonisin poisoning. Thus, those practices that reduce contamination should be adopted by all farmers in the study area to reduce the health hazards associated with consumption of contaminated beans. This also calls for further research to investigate human exposure to aflatoxin and fumonisin in the study area.
Integrated Agricultural Landscape Management: Case Study on Inclusive Innovation Processes, Monitoring and Evaluation in The Mbeya Region, Tanzania.
(SAGE, 2017-06-08) Malley, Zacharia J.; Hart, Abigail; Buck, Louise; Mwambene, Pius L.; Katambara, Zacharia; Mng’ong’o, Marco; Chambi, Consolatha
Integrated landscape management is a process for achieving multiple objectives related to agricultural production, ecosystem conservation, and sustainable natural resource management. These multiple livelihood functions are important features of an agricultural landscape in Mbeya, Tanzania. Due to environmental damage caused by agricultural expansion and charcoal burning, a process called integrated agricultural landscape management (IALM) was implemented to address this problem. This encompassed the identification and involvement of a range of key landscape actors and processes like awareness creation and joint problem analysis, solution framing, learning, planning and implementation of actions, and monitoring and evaluation. A multistakeholder innovation platform was formed for creating a coordination mechanism, common understanding, vision and goals, and networking. Fifty IALM ideas were identified and six selected by the stakeholders. Outcomes of using the IALM process included policy recommendations, joint learning, and innovative actions and were codeveloped, implemented, monitored, and evaluated with the local communities.
Harvest and Postharvest Factors Affecting Bruise Damage of Fresh Fruits
(CSHS, 2019) Hussein, Zaharan; Fawole, Olaniyi A.; Opara, Umezuruike L.
Fresh fruits are susceptible to bruising, a common type of mechanical damage during harvest and at all stages of postharvest handling. In quest of developing and adoption of strategies to reduce bruise damage, it is of utmost importance to understand major factors influencing bruise susceptibility of fresh produce at these stages. This review presents a critical discussion of factors affecting bruising during harvest and postharvest handling of fresh fruits. Excessive compression forces during harvesting by handpicking or machines, and a series of impacts during harvesting, transport and packhouse operations can cause severe bruise damage. The review has further revealed that bruising is dependent on a number of other factors such as produce maturity, ripening, harvest time (during the day or season) and time lapse after harvest. The susceptibility to bruising is partly dependent on how these factors alter the produce physiological and biochemical properties, and the environ- mental conditions such as temperature, humidity and several other postharvest treatments. Hence, the successful applications of harvesting techniques by use of trained personnel and proper harvesting equipment are essential to reduce both the incidence and severity of bruising. Furthermore, the careful selection of postharvest handling temperature and other treatments can increase resistance of fresh produce to bruise damage.
Effect of Chia Seeds (Salvia Hispanica) on Postprandial Glycaemia, Body Weight and Hematological Parameters in Rats Fed A High Fat and Fructose Diet
(IFG, 2020) Mihafu, Fabian D.; Kiage, Beatrice N.; Kimang’a, Andrew N.; Okoth, Judith K.
Chia seeds (Salvia hispanica) are currently consumed by varied populations as superfoods due to their protective, functional and antioxidant properties. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of ground chia seeds/extracts on postprandial glycaemia, body weight, hematological parameters and cellular morphology in rats. Twenty male Wistar rats were assigned into three experimental groups and a control (n =5). Each experimental group received 10 g/20 g fructose/lard. Additionally, 90 g rat pellet was fed to group 1 and 3 which was supplemented with 20 g chia seed extract, group 2 received ground chia seeds only. Control group received 90 g rat pellet only for 28 days. The results on body weight changes indicated a gradual increase in body weight of chia seeds/extract fed rats as compared to fructose/lard group. There was an increase in postprandial blood glucose levels in group 1 from week I to IV contrary to groups supplemented with chia seeds/extract. Complete blood counts showed a significant increase (p = 0.008) in mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, basophils (p = 0.035), platelets (p = 0.025) and red cell distribution width (p = 0.008) in experimental groups compared to control. These results pinpoint the benefits of chia seeds
Challenges and Opportunities Toward Sustainable Consumption and Value Addition of Cashew Apples in Tanzania
(SAGE, 2020) Dimoso, Noel; Aluko, Angela; Makule, Edna; Kassim, Neema
Cashew apple is an important healthy fruit due to its high nutrient contents, particularly vitamin C. However, its full potential is yet to be realized in low technological countries. This paper explores farmers’ consumption habits, processing methods, and utilization constraints faced. Also, osmotic-solar dried product was developed. In an exploratory survey, 600 farmers across the surveyed districts were interviewed. The study revealed that the majority of farmers consume raw cashew apples, with 61.9% consuming more than five fruits a day and about 56.0% consuming almost every day during the season. About 43.7% of farmers traditionally process cashew apple porridge and alcohol. Lack of knowledge on post harvest handling (86.2%), and processing technologies (82.7%) were mostly claimed to hamper the utilization. The developed dried products retained 59.4% of total acidity, 37.4% of total ascorbic acid, and 68.5% tannins. In addition, the product received better sensory scores and overall acceptability. Though solar drying relies heavily on weather condi tions, where possible it could be a better alternative to traditional methods. The combination of blanching, osmotic dehydration and solar drying could provide economically feasible value added products to both urban and rural settings and ultimately reduce the post-harvest losses and unleash their economic potential
Climate change mitigation through carbon dioxide (CO2) sequestration in community reserved forests of northwest Tanzania
(Agriculture and Environmental Science Academy, 2020) Malunguja, Gisandu K.; Devi, Ashalata; Kilonzo, Mhuji; Rubanza, Chrispinus D.K.
Forests play a key role in climate change mitigation through sequestering and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. However, there is inadequate information about carbon accumulation and sequestered by community reserved forests in Tanzania. A study was carried to quantify the amount of carbon sequestered in two forests namely; Nyasamba and Bubinza of Kishapu district, northwestern Tanzania. A ground-based field survey design under a systematic sampling technique was adopted. A total of 45 circular plots (15 m radius) along transects were established. The distances between transect and plots were maintained at 550 and 300 m, respectively. Data on herbaceous C stocking potential was determined using destructive harvest method while tree carbon stocking was estimated by allometric equations. The collected data were organized on excel datasheet followed by descriptive analysis for quantitative information using Computer Microsoft Excel and SPSS software version 20, while soil samples were analyzed based on the standard laboratory procedures. Results revealed higher carbon sequestration of 102.49±39.87 and 117.52±10.27 for soil pools than plants both herbaceous (3.01±1.12 and 6.27±3.79 t CO2e/yr) and trees (5.70±3.15 and 6.60±2.88 t CO2e/yr) for Nyasamba and Bubinza respectively. The study recorded a potential variation of soil carbon sequestration, which varied across depths category (P < 0.05). However, there was no difference across sites (P >0.05) and species (P > 0.05) for herbaceous and trees. The findings of this study portrayed a significantly low value for carbon stocking and sequestration potential for enhanced climate change mitigation. Therefore, proper management of community reserved forest is required to accumulate more C for enhancing stocking potential hence climate change mitigation through CO2 sequestration offsets mechanism.
An Assessment of the Current Status and Regeneration Potential of the Traditional Conserved Forests (Ngitili) in Kishapu District, Tanzania
(TROPICAL PLANT RESEARCH, 2020) Malunguja, Gisandu K.; Rubanza, Chrispinus K. D.; Devi, Ashalata
The current study was carried out in the community forests conserved under the indigenous knowledge known as “Ngitili” in Kishapu district of Tanzania. The aim was to assess the current status and determines its regeneration potential in terms of plant species diversity, herbaceous productivity and tree stocking. A field survey was conducted for recording the current status while the phytosociological was carried to recognize vegetation composition and diversity. Regeneration potential was determined based on the population size of seedlings, saplings and adults. Disturbance index was used to calculate the level of disturbances while herbaceous productivity and tree stocking were estimated based on allometric models. Descriptive statistics for quantitative data was analysed using SPSS version 20. The study recorded a total of 10 Ngitili in Kishapu district, out of which, 9 still existing but highly threatened and disturbed, only 1 Ngitili was recorded to be dead (not existing). A total of 66 plant species were recorded of which 20 were grasses, 18 were forbs, and 28 species (17 genera and 13 families) were trees and shrubs. The dominant grass species were Aristida funiculata (28.9%) and Cynodon dactylon, while Monechma debile (4.6%) was the dominant forb. Similarly, Acacia drepanolobium (45.4) and Balanites aegyptiaca (42.9) trees dominated the area. The majority of tree species exhibited a “not regenerating” condition (51.8%) only a few (2.11%) showed a “good regeneration” condition while “newly regeneration” condition recorded 0.00%, with a diversity ranging from 1.86–2.44. Herbaceous and tree stocking potential was 1.23±0.05 t DM ha-1 and 5.66±0.21 t Cha-1 respectively, with a standing stem density (stems ha-1) of 512.07±193.86. The study observed great degradation of the Ngitili characterized by low diversity and poor regeneration conditions. This signified that these community forests are currently threatened and its sustainability is highly at risk unless strong initiatives take place.
Experimental evaluation of drying of banana using a double-pass solar collector (DPSC) and theoretical analysis using a CFD model
(TAYLOR & FRANCIS, 2020-07-13) Mutabilwa, Philemon X.; Nwaigwe, Kevin N.
Preservation of banana through drying is a recommended method for improving the shelf life. In this study, an experimental and theoretical evaluation of a developed forced-convection indirect solar drying system with a double-pass solar collector (DPSC) was undertaken. Experimentation using banana slices of 4 mm thickness was carried out. The DPSC achieved an optimal peak outlet temperature of 72°C with a maximum operational efficiency of 72.5%. A computational fluid dynamic (CFD) model was developed for prediction of the dryer temperature and 3D airflow distribution within the dryer unit using ANSYS 18.2. The CFD model was validated using experimental data and good agreement was achieved. The devel oped dryer demonstrated improved efficiency over similar dryers, and this is attri butable to the unique arrangement of component parts. Dried banana chips were evaluated for quality through taste, color and shape and the results indicated good quality products. This was attributed to the pretreatment of banana chips with lemon juice prior to drying.
Climate Change Mitigation Through Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Sequestration in Community Reserved Forests of Northwest Tanzania.
(Agriculture and Environmental Science Academy, 2020-09-19) Malunguja Gisandu K.; Devi Ashalata; Kilonzo Mhuji; Rubanza Chrispinus D.K
Forests play a key role in climate change mitigation through sequestering and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. However, there is inadequate information about carbon accumulation and sequestered by community reserved forests in Tanzania. A study was carried to quantify the amount of carbon sequestered in two forests namely; Nyasamba and Bubinza of Kishapu district, northwestern Tanzania. A ground-based field survey design under a systematic sampling technique was adopted. A total of 45 circular plots (15 m radius) along transects were established. The distances between transect and plots were maintained at 550 and 300 m, respectively. Data on herbaceous C stocking potential was determined using destructive harvest method while tree carbon stocking was estimated by allometric equations. The collected data were organized on excel datasheet followed by descriptive analysis for quantitative information using Computer Microsoft Excel and SPSS software version 20, while soil samples were analyzed based on the standard laboratory procedures. Results revealed higher carbon sequestration of 102.49±39.87 and 117.52±10.27 for soil pools than plants both herbaceous (3.01±1.12 and 6.27±3.79 t CO2e/yr) and trees (5.70±3.15 and 6.60±2.88 t CO2e/yr) for Nyasamba and Bubinza respectively. The study recorded a potential variation of soil carbon sequestration, which varied across depths category (P < 0.05). However, there was no difference across sites (P >0.05) and species (P > 0.05) for herbaceous and trees. The findings of this study portrayed a significantly low value for carbon stocking and sequestration potential for enhanced climate change mitigation. Therefore, proper management of community reserved forest is required to accumulate more C for enhancing stocking potential hence climate change mitigation through CO2 sequestration offsets mechanism.
Usage and Consumption of Spices in Milk Preservation: A Case Study of Zanzibar
(MUST Journal of Research and Development (MJRD), 2020-10-04) Ahmed Amina and Mdegela Robinson H
Abstract Milk, as a highly nutritious food, serves as an ideal medium for the growth, and multiplication of spoilage microorganisms in areas with limited cooling storage and irregular supply of electricity in Tanzania. On the other hand, consumers are concerned about possible health effects from the use of chemical preservatives. However, nnumber of plants have been used in food and in natural remedies for food preservation and curing various diseases for many eras, respectively. Nevertheless, there are many natural plant extracts rich in several phytochemical compounds including antioxidants which play important roles in both food system and human body tissues (Jayasinghea et al., 2013). Zanzibar is known as a spice island in Africa due to favourable climatic condition and soil. Therefore, the preliminary study was conducted assessing usage, consumption and effect of spices and herbs in milk. A cross sectional study involving direct observation and in-depth interviews was conducted in Zanzibar. Results show that 96.4% (P < 0.05) of the respondents use spices and herbs in milk for food and traditional medicinal purposes. The most commonly spices and herbs added in milk were cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, lemon grass, clove, turmeric and vanilla. Normally, the spices and herbs are purchased from markets and shops 87.5% (P <0.05). 75% of respondents did not experience side effects of spices and herbs used in milk while 25% did. The majority reported microorganisms (73.2%) and poor storage (39.3%) are the major causes of milk spoilage. Respondents were aware with causes of milk spoilage. Most of the households, used refrigeration (55.4%), boiling (42.9%), freezing (23.2%), thermos (21.4%) and only few (7.1%) used spices to control spoilage. Therefore, the effect of the spices and herbs on preservation of milk could be studied scientifically to explore their potential in milk preservation.

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