Journal Articles

Permanent URI for this collection

https://repository.must.ac.tz/handle/123456789/64

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 73

Accumulation and Distribution of Mercury in Agricultural Soils, Food Crops and Associated Health Risks: A Case Study of Shenda Gold Mine-Geita Tanzania
(ELSEVIER, 2023) Sanga, Tumikia R.; Maseka, Kenneth K.; Ponraj, Mohanadoss; Tungaraza, Clavery; Mng’ong’o, Marco E.; Mwakalapa, Eliezer B.
Contamination of the environment and foodstuffby potentially harmful elements (PHEs) has become a serious concern due to the associated health risks to the population. In the present study total mercury (Hg) levels in soil and food crops from farms around Shenda gold mine in Geita Tanzania was determined by Cold Vapor Atomic Fluorescence Spectrometry (CVAFS). Generally, it was found that there was significant different of Hg content in soil and food crops ( P < 0.05) among studied sites. The total Hg concentrations determined were in the ranges of; soils (0.003-0.1220 mg/kg), rice (0.0752-0.1587 mg/kg) and vegetables (0.0556-0.3439 mg/kg) all measurement were based on dry weight basis (dw). Total Hg levels in soil were compared with the maximum allowable concentration (MAC) set by Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) and United Kingdom (UK). All studied soil samples were within acceptable range (2 mg/kg) set by TBS and UK (1 mg/kg). Total Hg contents in food crop samples were compared with Chinese MAC of Hg (0. 01 and 0.02 mg/kg for leafy vegetables and grains respectively in a fresh weight basis). It was observed that Hg contents in potato leaves, pumpkin leaves and Chinese cabbage were within the MAC while Hg levels in cassava leaves and rice grains exceeded the MAC. In addition, Hg associated health risks to consumers of contaminated foods for residents around Shenda gold mine were estimated. The estimated weekly intake (EWI) of Hg due to consumption of rice grain was above the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) set by FAO/WHO (1.6 mg/kg bw/week) while the EWI due to consumption of leafy vegetables were below the PTWI. Target hazard quotient (THQ) was < 1 due to consumption of vegetables while THQ value for rice was > 1, indicating a potential non-carcinogenic risk to adult population from the consumption of rice grain from the study area. Therefore, people living near Shenda goldmine might be potential victim of Hg accumulation in soil and food crops, thus necessary management options have to be in place
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.
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.
Allelopathic Effects of Sphaeranthus suaveolens on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Phaseolus vulgaris and Oryza sativa
(Hindawi, 2021-02-15) Laizer, Hudson C; Chacha, Musa N; Ndakidemi, Patrick A
Weeds with allelopathic effect have been reported to cause significant damage in agriculture particularly in smallholder farming systems. ,is study assessed the allelopathic effects of different concentrations of crude extract of a noxious weed Sphaeranthus suaveolens on seed germination and seedling growth of Phaseolus vulgaris and Oryza sativa by examining germination, seedling height, and total chlorophyll content after seven and fourteen days of crude extract treatment, respectively. Results showed that seed germination and seedling growth were significantly (p<0.001) decreased with increase in concentration of crude extract, signifying concentration dependency. Highest concentration (100%) of S. suaveolens crude extracts resulted in 90% and 100% inhibition of P. vulgaris and O. sativa seed germination, respectively. Chlorophyll content, fresh weight, and root and shoot length of both P. vulgaris and O. sativa were also significantly (p<0.001) affected by highest concentration (100%) of S. suaveolens crude extracts. Results from this study suggest that the extract of S. suaveolens contains water-soluble allelochemicals which significantly reduce growth and productivity of P. vulgaris and O. sativa.
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.
Analysis of Machine Learning Technique to Predict Eggs Production in Poultry Farms
(MUST Journal of Research and Development (MJRD), 2022-09-01) Magemo Award, Minga Lusajo,and Kusyama, Sadiki Lameck
Machine learning techniques have emerged as a great tool for improving agriculture's economic activities. Machine Learning has specifically been applied in chicken farming to forecast egg output, enhancing both the economies of the farmers and the nation. In this research, we present a study devoted to the analysis of machine learning approaches to forecast egg output. The study looked at four (4) machine learning algorithms, the quantity of features utilized as input, and the strengths and weaknesses of each method. A number of features with a mean value of more than 6 are employed by an Artificial Neural Network, yet this network is unable to extract features from the dataset. Fuzzy logic uses many features with a mean value of more than 4.5 but few datasets. Few datasets and features with a mean value of less than 4 are used by Random Forest and Support Vector Machine. Compared to other techniques, Artificial Neural Network is the most popular and has a high mean value of features, but it is unable to extract core features from the dataset. Additionally, it only employs small datasets. The model's stability is reduced when limited features and datasets are used. Deep learning is built on the Artificial Neural Network, but so far only feedforward and backward architecture have been applied. It is obvious that poultry farmers would benefit from using machine learning to manage both their marketing and production processes. This study recommends the use of deep learning techniques with the best architecture due to the drawbacks of the currently existing techniques. These techniques will be able to employ numerous features and a large number of datasets, improving the stability of the model.
Argemone Mexicana’s Leaf Crude Extract Suppresses Phaseolus Vulgaris And Zea Mays Germination And Growth
(Zibeline International, 2023-10-30) Ojija ,Fredrick
The Argemone mexicana plant species is invading many habitats in Tanzania. Nevertheless, there have not been many studies to assess how it affects crops. In petri dishes and pot experiments, we investigated the suppressive effects of A. mexicana on Phaseolus vulgaris and Zea mays germination and seedling growth. Different concentrations of A. mexicana leaf (AmL) crude extract was applied to the seeds and seedlings of P. vulgaris and Z. mays. At higher concentrations (>70%), AmL crude extract concentrations reduced the germination and growth of P. vulgaris and Z. mays seeds. The fresh biomass, root lengths, stem diameters, and heights of P. vulgaris seedlings were reduced at higher concentrations (>75%) of AmL, which had a negative impact on their growth vigour. Although this study shows that P. vulgaris and Z. mays germination and growth were inhibited by A. mexicana crude extract, field research experiments should investigate the suppressive effects of this invasive weed on native plant species. The study recommends further management of A. mexicana to protect native biodiversity. It is expected that these results will be helpful in developing policies and programs for managing invasive plants while taking into account the effects on people's livelihoods
Assessment of Current Post-Harvest Handling Techniques for Mango and Avocado in Mbeya Region, Tanzania
(Elsevier, 2025-07-31) Mng’ong’o , Marco E.; Komanya, Absalom.; Maro, Lilian.; Mshora , Abubakar M.; Matimbwa , Hadija
Mango (Mangifera indica) and avocado (Persea americana) are valuable fruits in Tanzania, known for their nutritional and economic importance. However, their perishability leads to significant post-harvest losses, especially for smallholder farmers in Mbeya. The limited knowledge about post-harvest handling identifies a research gap. This study assessed practices and challenges among mango and avocado farmers to improve handling techniques. A survey of 150 smallholder farmers in Kyela and Rungwe districts (August–September 2024) examined harvesting, storage, transportation, and post-harvest challenges. Data analysis revealed that 64 % of farmers use traditional harvesting methods that lead to mechanical damage. While 68.8 % manually hand-harvest, others rely on tree shaking (8.3 %) and sticks or stones (18.8 %), further increasing fruit damage. Storage at ambient temperature (46 %) fails to extend shelf-life, causing rapid quality deterioration. Trans- portation by motorcycle (44 %) and head carrying (34 %) exposes fruits to damage. Key challenges included fruit drop (36 %), rotting before harvest (28 %), and insect infestation (24 %). Only 23.4 % of farmers had reliable market access, highlighting a major constraint. Education level influenced challenges, with lower-educated farmers facing more rotting and pest issues. Findings indicate current post-harvest practices are inadequate, leading to major losses. Simple, cost-effective technologies like edible coatings and training on improved har- vesting, storage, and transportation are necessary. Investment in affordable cold storage and better transport infrastructure is crucial. This study provides actionable insights for policymakers and stakeholders to enhance mango and avocado value chains in Tanzania.
Assessment of Current Post-harvest Handling Techniques for Mango and Avocado in Mbeya region, Tanzania: Challenges and Opportunities for Improvemen
(Elsevior, 2025) Mng’ong’o, Marco E.; Matimbwa,Hadija; Komanya,Absalom; Maro, Lilian,; Mshora Abubakar, M
Mango (Mangifera indica) and avocado (Persea americana) are valuable fruits in Tanzania, known for their nutritional and economic importance. However, their perishability leads to significant post-harvest losses, especially for smallholder farmers in Mbeya. The limited knowledge about post-harvest handling identifies a research gap. This study assessed practices and challenges among mango and avocado farmers to improve handling techniques. A survey of 150 smallholder farmers in Kyela and Rungwe districts (August–September 2024) examined harvesting, storage, transportation, and post-harvest challenges. Data analysis revealed that 64 % of farmers use traditional harvesting methods that lead to mechanical damage. While 68.8 % manually hand-harvest, others rely on tree shaking (8.3 %) and sticks or stones (18.8 %), further increasing fruit damage. Storage at ambient temperature (46 %) fails to extend shelf-life, causing rapid quality deterioration. Trans portation by motorcycle (44 %) and head carrying (34 %) exposes fruits to damage. Key challenges included fruit drop (36 %), rotting before harvest (28 %), and insect infestation (24 %). Only 23.4 % of farmers had reliable market access, highlighting a major constraint. Education level influenced challenges, with lower-educated farmers facing more rotting and pest issues. Findings indicate current post-harvest practices are inadequate, leading to major losses. Simple, cost-effective technologies like edible coatings and training on improved har vesting, storage, and transportation are necessary. Investment in affordable cold storage and better transport infrastructure is crucial. This study provides actionable insights for policymakers and stakeholders to enhance mango and avocado value chains in Tanzania.
Assessment of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices in relation to Mycotoxin Contamination in Tanzania
(East African Journal of Health and Science, 2024-03-16) Nyangi, Chacha; Siyame, Prisca; Hussein, Zaharan
This study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of the population in three districts in Tanzania on issues related to mycotoxin contamination and exposure. The study employed a cross-sectional design. Data were collected using a questionnaire survey, which was administered to gather quantitative data in 180 randomly selected households in three districts of Tanzania. In addition, qualitative data were collected using key informant interviews (KIIs) of 12 purposively selected respondents and 6 focus group discussions (FGDs) of six to twelve participants. Quantitative data were analysed in SPSS version 20 for Windows using descriptive statistics and a chi-square test. While the qualitative data were analysed in ATLAS.ti 8 for Windows. A majority of respondents (25.1%) had never heard of mycotoxins, 20.1% were not aware of how mycotoxins are acquired, and none (0%) of the respondents claimed to never become sick after eating moulded/contaminated crops. The majority, 14.5% and 2.8% of the respondents, were not aware of prevention measures for animals and humans from mycotoxins, respectively. Only 8.9% agree that they are at risk of getting mycotoxins, 14% agree that it is safe to eat contaminated food, and 52.5% do not discard the mycotoxins contaminated food. The majority, 81.6%, dry their crops on top of the floor or bare grounds, almost 42.5% do not sort their crops before storage, and 28.5% agree to consume the defective/sorted crops. Therefore, it is recommended that health education interventions to create awareness among the public should be a priority and should be integrated into the existing control strategies.
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.
Awareness, Habitats and Population Status of the Endangered Rungwecebus kipunji in Mt. Rungwe Nature Reserve, Tanzania
(MUST Journal of Research and Development, 2022) Ojija, Fredrick; Maijo, Simula P.; Mwidege, Asheri
The Mount Rungwe Nature Reserve in Tanzania is a significant ecological area that protects the endangered Rungwecebus kipunji. The goal of the study was to analyze the ecological habitat and population of R. kipunji in Mount Rungwe Nature Reserve. During our study, we recorded 412 (mean: 41.2 ± S.E: 5.7) R. kipunji individuals in the reserve. The R. kipunji population was found in a comparatively low abundance at sites with a significant number of anthropogenic activities. Human activities were observed to occur less frequently (χ2 = 40.76, p = 0.0001) inside the nature reserve (n = 33, 17.19%) than outside and/or along the border zones (n = 159, 82.81%). Respectively, the peeling of tree bark and firewood collection were the most common anthropogenic indicators found inside and outside the forest reserve. We also found that >40% of male and > 30% of female respondents were aware of R. kipunji’s presence. We found that 30% of female and 32% of male respondents had previously received conservation education. In comparison to other age groups, >25% of respondents aged > 45 years old claimed to have already learned about R. kipunji. Furthermore, 48% of the respondents claimed that Mount Rungwe Nature Reserve helps them live by providing fuelwood and building materials. People aged 31–43 and > 43 years old collect fuelwood and building materials, respectively, while those under 31 years old collect food resources. In summary, our findings imply that, to improve R. kipunji, local residents surrounding the forest reserve should be made aware of the species to reduce anthropogenic activities within and along the reserve's buffer zones. Thus, our findings suggest that the R. kipunji populations and habitat quality in Mount Rungwe Nature Reserve could be used as a benchmark for the conservation of other endangered species elsewhere.
Bio-Concentration and Translocation of Chromium in Soil-Plant System: Health Risks in Usangu Agro-Ecosystem
(ELSEVIER, 2023) Mng’ong’o, Marco E.; Mshora, Abubakar M.; Msigwa, Christopher; Komanya, Absalom; Shimo, Samwel
Determination and analysis of total chromium (Cr) in soil and plant tissues help estimate the associated health risk; however, this might overestimate the risk because not all Cr from the soil is transported to above-ground plant tissues, mainly the edible part of most plants. Here we present the analysis of Cr partition in soils and paddy rice plant samples which currently missing in Usangu agro-ecosystem. The bio-concentration (BF) and translocation factors (TF) estimating the distribution and partitions of Cr in plant tissues (roots, straws, and grains), and associated environmentally and health risks were determined in Usangu agro-ecosystem. The Cr concentration in soils ranged from 4.58 to 42.76 mg/kg which was within maximum permissible limits (100 mg/ kg), with the total Cr in plants samples ranging from 12.88 to 57.34 mg/kg. It was found that straws and roots had higher Cr concentrations than grains indicating a less health risk in edible parts. The BF > 1 was observed in 83.3% of the studied sites indicating higher Cr uptakes by plants. Furthermore, TF < 1 was observed in 67.33% of the studied sites indicating more Cr accumulated in below-ground biomass (roots) than above-ground biomass (straws and grains) (33.33%), thus less risk to edible plant parts. This study indicates that high Cr in agricultural soils may accelerate Cr accumulation in plant tissues or above-ground plant biomass leading to health risks.
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
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.
Characterization of land use influence on soil phosphate bioavailability in Usangu agro-ecosystem-Tanzania
(ELSEVIER, 2021) Mng’ong’o, Marco; Munishi, Linus K.; Ndakidemi, Patrick A.
Phosphorus (P) is an important nutrient required for plant growth. Land use influences concentration and bioavail- ability of P in agricultural soils. About 198 soil samples (0-30 cm soil depth) were collected from three land-use types (maize, paddy, and conserved areas) in Usangu basin located in Southern Highland Tanzania. The con- centration of soil P determined were compared among different land-use types and locations. The total P (TP), complexed (Po), and bioavailable P (B-P) were measured. The concentration of TP and B-P was determined by acid digestion and Mehlich 3 method, respectivelly, The Po concentration in soil extract was obtained by subtract- ing B-P from TP. TP, B-P and Po concentration in collected soils samples were in range of; Total P (63.12-1350.9 mg/kg), Bioavailable P (0.52-49.87 mg/kg), and complexed P (62.60-1301.03 mg/kg). The cropping area had high TP but very low B-P, especially in paddy farming areas indicating cropping and associated activity decrease bioavailable P in agricultural soils. Furthermore, soils from cropping areas had higher Al, Fe, and Mg concentra- tions than conserved areas, which caused a substantial reduction in B-P due to increased P fixation and adsorption. It is important to note that converting natural land to farming land could potentially influence soil P dynamics thus affecting P bioavailability, crop productivity, and environmental safety.
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.
Detection of Microbial Contaminants in Food and Food Products
(IGI Global Scientific Publishing, 2025) Ogwu, Matthew Chidozie; Tonjock, Rosemary Kinge; El Malah, Soumia; Ojija Fredrick
The detection of microbial contaminants in food and food products is a cornerstone of public health protection and food safety assurance. As foodborne diseases con- tinue to pose a global burden, with pathogens such as Salmonella, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, and norovirus accounting for millions of illnesses annually, the need for robust and reliable detection methodologies has become increasingly urgent. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the evolving landscape of microbial detection in food systems. It begins by exploring the sources and path- ways of microbial contamination across the “farm-to- fork” continuum, highlighting critical control points and microbial risk factors. Emphasis is placed on sampling strategies, including representative sampling, sample preparation, and enrichmen
Development and rapid assessment of Community-Based Health Education Package for the Control of Taenia solium Taeniasis/Cysticercosis in Tanzania
(Private, 2024-07-03) Nyangi, Chacha.; Mkupasi, Ernatus M.; Mahonge,Christopher; Churi, Ayubu J.; Winkler, Andrea S.; Ngowi, Helena A.
Background: We conducted this study to develop and rapidly assess a community-based health education package (CHEP) to serve as a guide to improving knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) for controlling T. solium cysticercosis Taeniasis (TSCT) in endemic areas in Tanzania. Methods: Data for the development of the (CHEP) was collected through a questionnaire and observation of household infrastructure. We conducted and analyzed 12 focus group discussions (FGDs) and 38 key informant interviews (KIIs) using ATLAS.ti 8. A household survey using a questionnaire was conducted on 480 respondents and analyzed using SPSS by conducting a chi square test. Results: The developed CHEP included the following key messages: (1) improving knowledge and attitudes towards TSCT transmission, causes, health effects, treatment, and control measures, (2) proper pork preparation and general food handling practices, (3) good pig husbandry practices, and (4) improving water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) practices. The CHEP developed comprises a Training of Trainers (TOT) manual, a leaflet/brochure, a poster, and a handbook. The results from the rapid assessment reported a statistically significant improvement in knowledge regarding the link between epilepsy and cysticercosis (p
Development of Whey Beverages from Paneer Preparation Using Fruit Coagulants: A Comparative Study on Physicochemical and Sensory Properties.
(Mbeya University of Science and Technology, Mbeya, Tanzania., 2024-05-09) Ahmed, Amina; Bajwa, Usher
Whey is a by-product of milk generated during the preparation of coagulated milk products. However, whey disposal results in serious environmental pollution due to its high biological oxygen demand. Therefore, whey generated from the preparation of Indian soft cheese (paneer) by coagulating heated milk with 2% citric acid solution (control) lemon or Indian gooseberry (amla) extracts was collected and mixed with sugar, colour, and flavour were used to develop whey beverages. The whey and whey beverages were analysed for physicochemical and sensory properties. Whey from lemon extract contained higher total solids, fat and protein content than citric acid and amla extract. The ascorbic acid content was higher in amla (56.5 mg/100g) than in lemon whey (6.76 mg/100g) and was not detected in control. The total phenols (GAE mg/100g) and tannins (mg/100g) respectively were higher in amla (550; 394.45) than in lemon (69.23; 4.08) and citric acid (5.86; 0.00). The antioxidant activity was higher in whey from lemon extract (88.77%) than amla (81.38%) and citric acid (14.39%). The whey beverages from both fruit extracts were highly acceptable. Therefore, whey generated from paneer preparation can be used to make beverages with improved health benefits, hence minimising environmental pollution.

Browse

Browsing Journal Articles by Title

Results Per Page

Sort Options