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Item Transforming Food Systems: A Review of Sustainable Approaches to Minimize Food Loss and Waste.(WILEY, 2025-10-24) Kilemile, W.; Vulla, K. E.; Mihafu, F.; Chandrasekaran, V.Food loss and waste are significant global issues that have a profound impact on food security, the environment, and the economy. This review examines the magnitude, origins, and consequences of food loss and waste within the food system, emphasizing both technical and socio-political dimensions. Evidence suggests that losses occur at multiple stages, including production, post-harvest handling, retail, and consumption. The causes include inadequate infrastructure, poor handling practices, ineffective supply chains, consumer behaviors, and weak regulatory frameworks. High-income nations generate more waste during consumption, whereas developing regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa experience significant waste post-harvest and throughout distribution. Existing interventions, including the expansion of the cold chain, utilization of digital platforms, and implementation of awareness campaigns, have proven to be inadequately scalable, particularly in resource-constrained environments. Moreover, inadequacies persist in data quality, behavioral research, policy enforcement, and the incorporation of circular economy methodologies. This review is distinctive in that it examines the collective impacts on the environment, health, and economy, correlating them with governance and cultural influences, particularly in developing nations. The findings underscore the need for policies that are transparent, evidence-based, and integrate food loss and waste reduction with national strategies for food security, climate change mitigation, and public health. To achieve SDG 12.3 and enhance the sustainability of food systems, it is crucial to strengthen data systems, promote private sector engagement, and foster innovations in the circular economy.Item Unveiling the Hidden Risks: Heavy Metal Concentrations in Soil and Vegetables Irrigated with Kalobe Wastewater Stabilization Ponds, Mbeya, Tanzania(ELSEVIER, 2025-10-24) Azaria,Stephano Lameck; Mlelwa, Dickson; Chagu, John; Sanga, Victor; Melkizedeck, Hiiti Tsere; Malunguja, Gisandu K.; Mwakalesi, Alinanuswe JoelThis study evaluated the concentrations of heavy metals in wastewater, soil, and tomatoes and Napa cabbage irrigated with effluent from the Kalobe Wastewater Stabilization Pond (KWWSP) in Mbeya, Tanzania. Human health risks were assessed using Chronic Daily Intake (CDI), Target Hazard Quotient (THQ), Hazard Index (HI), and Target Cancer Risk (TCR) indices. The results showed that cadmium (Cd) in all ponds was below the FAO/ WHO permissible limits, while lead (Pb) and chromium (Cr) were below detection levels. Heavy metals in soil were found in the order of Pb (5.95 mg/kg) > Cr (0.63 mg/kg) > Cd (0.25 mg/kg), all within FAO/WHO acceptable limits, indicating suitability for agricultural use. Cd levels in Tomatoes (0.14 mg/kg) and Napa cabbage (0.40 mg/kg) exceeded permissible limits. Cr levels in the Tomato and Napa Cabbage were 1.87 and 2.10 mg/kg, respectively, and were close to the safety threshold, suggesting health concerns with long-term consumption. Cd exposure through vegetable intake was within but near acceptable limits, while Cr exposure, particularly for Napa cabbage, exceeded recommended safety thresholds. This resulted in elevated noncarcinogenic risks (THQ and HI>1) and carcinogenic risks (TCR above the USEPA’s acceptable range). These findings suggest that consuming wastewater-irrigated Tomatoes and Napa cabbage may pose human health risks. Continuous monitoring of heavy metals, safe irrigation alternatives, and cropping restrictions using inadequately treated wastewater is essential to safeguard public health and long-term environmental sustainability.Item Transforming Food Systems: A Review of Sustainable Approaches to Minimize Food Loss and Waste(WILEY, 2025-10-24) Kilemile, Warren; Vulla|, Kelvin E.; Mihafu,|Fabian; Chandrasekaran,VidhyaFood loss and waste are significant global issues that have a profound impact on food security, the environment, and the economy. This review examines the magnitude, origins, and consequences of food loss and waste within the food system, emphasizing both technical and socio-political dimensions. Evidence suggests that losses occur at multiple stages, including production, post-harvest handling, retail, and consumption. The causes include inadequate infrastructure, poor handling practices, ineffective supply chains, consumer behaviors, and weak regulatory frameworks. High-income nations generate more waste during consumption, whereas developing regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa experience significant waste post-harvest and throughout distribution. Existing interventions, including the expansion of the cold chain, utilization of digital platforms, and implementation of awareness campaigns, have proven to be inadequately scalable, particularly in resource-constrained environments. Moreover, inadequacies persist in data quality, behavioral research, policy enforcement, and the incorporation of circular economy methodologies. This review is distinctive in that it examines the collective impacts on the environment, health, and economy, correlating them with governance and cultural influences, particularly in developing nations. The findings underscore the need for policies that are transparent, evidence-based, and integrate food loss and waste reduction with national strategies for food security, climate change mitigation, and public health. To achieve SDG 12.3 and enhance the sustainability of food systems, it is crucial to strengthen data systems, promote private sector engagement, and foster innovations in the circular economy.Item Spatial Trends of Chlorinated Paraffins and Dechloranes in Air and Soil in A Tropical Urban, Suburban, and Rural Environment(ELSEVIER, 2021) Nipen, Maja; Vogt, Rolf D.; Bohlin-Nizzetto, Pernilla; Borgå, Katrine; Mwakalapa, Eliezer B.; Borgen, Anders R.; Jørgensen, Susanne J.; Ntapanta, Samwel Moses; Mmochi, Aviti J.; Schlabach, Martin; Breivik, KnutThere are large knowledge gaps concerning environmental levels and fate of many organic pollutants, particu- larly for chemicals of emerging concern in tropical regions of the Global South. In this study, we investigated the levels of chlorinated paraffins (CPs) and dechloranes in air and soil in rural, suburban, and urban regions in and around Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Samples were also collected near the city’s main municipal waste dumpsite and an electronic waste (e-waste) handling facility. In passive air samples, short chain CPs (SCCPs) dominated, with an average estimated concentration of 22 ng/m3, while medium chain CPs (MCCPs) had an average estimated concentration of 9 ng/m3. The average estimated air concentration of ∑dechloranes (Dechlorane Plus (DP) + Dechlorane 602 + Dechlorane 603) was three to four orders of magnitudes lower, 2 pg/m3. In soil samples, MCCPs dominated with an average concentration of 640 ng/g dw, followed by SCCPs with an average con- centration of 330 ng/g dw, and ∑dechloranes with an average concentration of 0.9 ng/g dw. In both air and soil, DP was the dominating dechlorane compound. Urban pulses were observed for CPs and dechloranes in air and soil. CPs were in addition found in elevated levels at the municipal waste dumpsite and the e-waste handling facility, while DPs were found in elevated levels at the e-waste handling facility. This suggests that waste handling sites represent important emission sources for these pollutants. Investigations into seasonal trends and environmental fate of CPs and dechloranes showed that monsoonal rain patterns play a major role in governing air concentrations and mobility, particularly for the less volatile MCCPs and dechloranes. This study is the first to report levels of CPs in air from sub-Saharan Africa, and DP, Dechlorane 602, and Dechlorane 603 in soil from sub-Saharan Africa.Item Persistent Organic Pollutants (Pops) And Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (Pfass) in Liver from Wild and Farmed Tilapia (Oreochromis Niloticus) from Lake Kariba, Zambia: Levels and Geographic Trends and Considerations in Relation to Environmental Quality Standards (Eqss)(ELSEVIER, 2023) Simukoko, Chalumba K.; Mwakalapa, Eliezer B.; Muzandu, Kaampwe; Mutoloki, Stephen; Evensen, Øystein; Ræder, Erik M.; Müller, Mette B.; Polder, Anuschka; Lyche, Jan L.The current study was carried out to investigate a wide variety of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in wild and farmed tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in Lake Kariba, Zambia, and assess levels of POPs in relation to Environ- mental Quality Standards (EQSs). Concentrations of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyls (PBDEs), and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) were determined in liver samples of tilapia. PFASs compounds PFOS, PFDA and PFNA were only detected in wild fish, with the highest median PFOS levels in site 1 (0.66 ng/g ww). Concentrations of POPs were in general highest in wild tilapia. The highest median ∑DDTs (93 and 81 ng/g lw) were found in wild tilapia from sites 1 and 2, respectively 165 km and 100 km west of the fish farms. Lower DDE/DDT ratios in sites 1 and 3 may indicate relatively recent exposure to DDT. The highest median of ∑17PCBs (3.2 ng/g lw) and ∑10PBDEs (8.1 ng/g lw) were found in wild tilapia from sites 1 and 2, respectively. The dominating PCB congeners were PCB-118, -138, 153 and 180 and for PBDEs, BDE-47, -154, and 209. In 78% of wild fish and 8% of farmed fish ∑6PBDE concentrations were above EQSbiota limits set by the EU. This warrants further studies.Item 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, SamwelDetermination 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.Item 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 , HadijaMango (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.Item Stability Assessment of Papaya and Ginger Blend Meat Tenderizer(MUST Journal of Research and Development, 2024) Kilemile, Warren; Runyogote, Joseph M.The present study was conducted to determine the shelf life of a meat tenderizer formulated from papaya-ginger (1:1) under room temperature (25oC) for six (6) months. The physiochemical properties: colour, pH, and titratable acidity of the tenderizer were assessed on a monthly basis based on the AOAC 988.13 method, AOAC, 2000 method 981.12, and AOAC, 2000 method 942.15, respectively. Furthermore, the microbial quality of the tenderizer was determined based on the ISO 7218:2007 (E) protocol. Based on the collected data, the studied parameters were determined to be: pH ranged from 3.81 to 6.02; titratable acidity (0.0375% to 0.2325%); colour ranged from 0.3005 to 0.339 for yellow and 0.297 to 0.341 for red. The total microbial count ranged between 1.8×102 CFU/ml and 42×103 CFU/ml. The ginger-papaya blend meat tenderizer during the storage period was observed to have significant variation in total bacteria count and physico-chemical properties (titratable acidity and content of reducing sugars). Other studied parameters, such as coliform bacteria, were not significantly different during the storage period. It was determined that the developed meat tenderizer can last up to six months from the day of manufacturing.Item Evaluating the Role of Feedstock Ratios and Binders in the Performance of Faecal-Derived Briquettes(MUST Journal of Research and Development, 2025) Thomas Mkude,IsabelaThe increasing population, demand, and high cost of domestic energy sources such as electricity and gas have heightened reliance on charcoal and other combustion fuels recently. This study analysed the performance of composite briquettes produced through briquetting processes. The briquettes were produced by different quantities of feedstock materials with two types of binders, namely cassava starch and paper pulp. The charred faecal sludge (FS) and sawdust (SD) were utilised as feedstock materials in varying ratios by weight (FS:SD) as 70:30, 60:40, 50:50, 40:60 and 30:70. Feedstock materials were densified by a cold manual press machine aided by two binder materials, namely cassava starch and paper pulp binding materials. Briquette performance analysis methods were deployed, including the water boiling test, the shattering index test, the water absorption resistance test and moisture content. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied to analyse mean differences, and further, Fisher’s LSD test was used as post hoc. Results showed that the binding materials have more impact on fuel characteristics than the feedstock ratio. Cassava starch binder yielded a higher calorific value (24 MJ/kg) compared to paper pulp (13.75 MJ/kg), even though all briquettes met durability standards (shatter resistance >50%). The high calorific value of 24 MJ/kg briquette material was obtained from cassava binder briquettes, while all briquette samples passed through the shatter resistance test of above 50%. The study concluded that the use of faecal sludge-based briquettes for domestic energy applications is viable. However, to meet the same level of heating value as wood charcoal, one will need twice as many briquettes as the amount of charcoal. It is further recommended that the frequent use of briquettes should be in an open air environment to allow air circulation and avoid any potential health effects from air state conversions.Item Detection of Microbial Contaminants in Food and Food Products(IGI Global Scientific Publishing, 2025) Ogwu, Matthew Chidozie; Tonjock, Rosemary Kinge; El Malah, Soumia; Ojija FredrickThe 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 enrichmenItem The role of Rhizobia toward food production, food and soil security through microbial agro-input utilization in developing countries.(ELSEVIER, 2023-05-23) Mng’ong’o, Marco E.; Ojija, Fredrick; Aloo, Becky N.Agricultural inputs such as fertilizers are becoming increasingly expensive and less available in developing countries, leading to decreased land productivity and food availability. Similarly, over-dependence on inorganic fertilizers and pesticides not only increases production costs but also poses a threat to the environment. Hence, alternatives to traditional agricultural inputs are necessary to achieve sustainable land productivity while maintaining environmental quality. Nitrogen (N)-fixing bacteria (rhizobia) are a group of plant growth- promoting bacteria that live in symbiosis with legumes. Their interaction with legume roots results in nodules that provide plants with additional nutrients through N-fixation, making legumes ideal crops due to reduced N fertilizer requirements. Despite their potential to improve land productivity and increase food production and security, the use of rhizobia is limited in developing countries due to limited research and agricultural microbial product production. Therefore, additional efforts are needed to increase the utilization of soil microbes to ensure food and soil security. The present review expounds on the role of rhizobia toward food production, food and soil security through microbial agro-input utilization in developing countries. Included in the review are the diversity of root-nodulating rhizobia, morphology and formation of legume, the role of nodulating bacteria for increased food production in developing countries, the application of nodulating bacterial technologies in food production in developing countries, and the implication of nodulating bacteria toward agricultural sustainability in devel oping countries. The review established that rhizobia are less utilized in developing countries as an option to increase food production and soil security due to limited research and agricultural microbial agro-input product production. Thus, additional efforts are required to increase soil microbes utilization to increase food production and ensure food security.Item Quantitative Risk Assessment for Aflatoxin and Fumonisin from Maize Consumption in Northern Tanzania(Internation Journal of Innovative Research & Development, 2018-09-13) Nyangi, Chacha Joseph; Sasamalo, Mahamudu Mohamed; Runyogote, JosephThe study was on Quantitative risk assessment for population exposure to aflatoxin and fumonisin consuming maize in Northern Tanzania. This kind of assessment allow modelling maize consumption data (kg/kg body weight (bw)/day) using an estimated average weight of an adult of 60 Kg with previously collected data for total Aflatoxin (AF) and Fumonisin (FUM) contamination (µg/kg) maize samples from harvested, sorted, unsorted and maize flour from 2013/14 survey. Consumption was estimated by using national daily maize intake of 365 g/Kg BW/day and the exposure assessment was performed with the @RISK analysis software. Results from this assessment showed aflatoxin exposure was increasing from a mean value of 8.64, 8.96, 10.28 and 8.06 ng/kg BW/day for harvested, sorted, unsorted and maize flour respectively at the lower bound (LB). Maize flour had low exposure followed by sorted maize compared to unsorted and harvested maize. Fumonisin exposure was found to decrease from harvested, sorted, unsorted and maize flour with a mean value of 13.51, 6.87, 3.31 and 1.77 ng/kg BW/day respectively. Margin of Exposure (MoE) from this study were all below 10,000 for all scenarios for both AF and FUM and this is of public health concern. Even though all samples had aflatoxin and fumonisin contamination below maximum tolerable limit (MTL) of 10 µg/kg and 2 mg/kg respectively for East Africa standards, there is still a serious long-term health implication due to high levels of maize consumption in the study region. Meeting MTL will not by itself guarantee food safety, but using the data collected and available on various health effects from AF, FUM and other mycotoxins, it is important to incorporate them into a risk assessment and show how excessive consumption of foods meeting MTLs can still carry significant health risks.Item Strategy to Overcome Barriers of Rainwater Harvesting, Case Study Tanzania(Scientific Research Publishing, 2016-09-12) Burton, Mwamila Tulinave; Young, Han Moo; Katambara, ZachariaThere are Socio-Technological Challenges Towards Extension of The Application of Rainwater Harvesting (RWH) Practicesin Developing Countries. an Attempt to Ad- Dress this was Done Using the Mnyundo Primary School, Tanzania, as A Study Area For Evaluating the Technical, Economic, and Social Challenges of RWH Practices. A Sto- Rage Water Level Monitoring Gauge was Used so as to Simplify Rainwater Quantity Con- Trol and Utilization Strategy. Basic Quality Control Components Such as First Flush Tank Were Incorporated so as to Reduce the Particle Load Flowing Into The Storage. Cost Re- Duction Strategies Such As The One (1) Company One (1) Community Campaign Were Applied To Address The Cost Implication. To Enhance Ownership, Participatory Ap- Proach Of The Beneficiaries In All Stages Including Planning, Designing And Imple- Mentation Was Adopted. In Order To Ensure Project Sustainability, Training On How To Operate And Maintain Were Provided As Well As A Maintenance Manual To Impart A Sense Of Ownership. For The Challenges Of Imparting RWH Practices In Tanzania, 19 Solutions Have Been Identified And They Include Provision Of RWH Manuals, Guide- Lines And Regulations, Government Incentives, And Promotion Of Self-Financing Initia- Tives. For Developing Countries, The Study Proposes The Following Strategies: Estab- Lishing Relevant Regulations And Research Centers, Enhancing Individual And Commu- Nity Financial Stability, Conducting Demonstration Projects, And Increased Investment By Government On Promotion. PrivateItem Does Tanzania Social Action Fund Intervention a Panacea to Food Insecure Vulnerable Rural Poor People?(IJRSS, 2014-08) M, Mwidege Asheri; Mlambiti, M.E.; Damas, PDevelopment intervention is increasingly reported as a means of improving the livelihoods of the vulnerable poor people. However, little information on what could have been happened if there could be no intervention is available. This study was conducted to assess the livelihood impact of Tanzania Social Action Fund intervention in Agriculture for vulnerable communities in Makete and Rungwe Districts. This research examined whether intervention in food security is a panacea for the vulnerable communities. A quasi-experimental design was used to collect a sample of 239 and 115 recipient and non-recipient households and triangulation approaches were employed, respectively. Pairedt -test, chi-square test and phi-coefficient were used to ascertain the significance of the means of differences, comparing sample variance and strength of relationship between qualitative variables, respectively. Results showed that recipients were food insecure than non recipients. Based on these findings, it is concluded that intervention on food security through participation is not a panacea to vulnerable communities. Therefore, it is recommended that intervention should be on prevention basis rather than coping strategies.Item Zero-valent Iron-aluminium Co-corrosion: A potential Comprehensive Low-cost Method for Water Defluoridation(Tanzania Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2023) Lema, E.S.; Mwakabona, H.T.Climate change coupled with population increase has forced communities in fluoride rich areas to turn to fluoride contaminated groundwater to fill in the water deficit created by drying of water sources and increasing water demand. Application of low-cost materials such as iron and aluminium hydroxides in the field is limited by expensive preparation steps involved. This study investigated the applicability of Fe and Al, in their metallic states, in water defluoridation by allowing simultaneous corrosion of zero-valent aluminium (ZVA) and iron (ZVI) to form in situ hydroxides. The effect of time, dose, concentration and pH was studied by varying one parameter at a time while controlling others. Findings reveal that, mixing the two materials in their metallic state have the same synergistic effect on their fluoride removal properties as their corresponding (hydr)oxides. Whereas in their pure metallic states, iron and aluminium lowered the concentration of fluoride from 15 - 13.09 mg/L and 15 - 14.9 mg/L respectively, their mixture lowered fluoride levels from 15 - 7.74 mg/L in the period of seven (7) days. Spiking the fluoride solution with Fe3+ ions was found to enhance fluoride removal by lowering Fluoride levels from 15 - 0.8 mg/L in the same period. This could imply that a fluoride removal mechanism in this process involves precipitation of fluoro-complexes of iron rather than those of aluminium. These findings, therefore, suggest that a step involving conversion of ZVA and ZVI into their (hydr)oxides can be skipped in water defluoridation without significantly affecting their fluoride removal capacities.Item Forestland tenure systems in Tanzania: an overview of policy changes in relation to forest management(Norwegian University of Life Sciences, 2009-12-28) Eliakimu Zahabu; Tron Eid; George Kajembe; Lawrence Mbwambo; Cellina Mongo; Anthony Sangeda; Rogers Malimbwi; Josiah Katani; Japhet Kashaigili; Emmanuel LuogaA review of the role of forestland tenure systems in Tanzania, and how different forestland tenure approaches and reforms have influenced forest management is presented. The complexity of land reforms and processes that have taken place in Tanzania during the pre-colonial, colonial and post-independence periods is discussed. The pre-colonial period, though not much is written, was characterised by forest management through traditional institutions, low population and low forest resources exploitation. Colonial governments undermined the role of local traditions in managing the forests related to for example burial areas and springs. They also established forest reserves and in some areas cleared indigenous forests to establish tea, coffee and exotic fruit and timber plantations. Different land reforms that were geared towards sustainable development occurred after independence, forests depletion continued, however. Currently, it is observed that there coexists state, village, private and collective rights on forests without clear ownership. This is greatly linked to the ongoing deforestation and forest degradation in the country. In this situation, sustainable forestland use may be attained through establishing an enabling environment that allows effective local communities’ participation in forest management. Sustainable management, however, always presupposes effective control of harvesting and other activities to secure the carrying capacity of forests and woodlands, whether it is undertaken by central authorities or local people. Studies on forestland tenures and rights, and the impact of changes in tenures and rights on forest resources and rural livelihoods are therefore important. Such studies are required for the provision of facts for the establishment of proper future policy means that aim at reducing forest degradation and improving livelihoods in Tanzania.Item Periodic Flooding and Land Use Effects on Soil Properties in Lake Victoria Basin(Academic Journals, 2011-09-19) Nancy Mungai W.; Njue A. M.; Abaya Samuel G.; Vuai Said A. H.; Ibembe John D.Frequent periodic flooding and land use changes taking place in the Lake Victoria basin (LVB) in east Africa may cause soil deterioration and further exacerbating food insecurity. Surface (0 to 20 cm) soil samples were collected at three locations along Sondu Miriu (Kenya) and Simiyu-Duma (Tanzania) rivers. Samples were collected from fields that were periodically flooded (1-28 d) and those that never flood, either under grass or crops. Samples were analysed for soil texture, organic carbon (OC), total nitrogen (TN), pH, extractable phosphorus (P), exchangeable potassium (K) and -glucosidase activities. -glucosidase activities, clay and P contents were higher in some of the soils that flood, while OC, exchangeable K and sand contents were lower at P< 0.05 in flooded soils. Observed differences account for 11% of comparisons in the two river basins. Soils under grass had higher -glucosidase activities and silt content but lower sand content than cultivated soils in 6% of samples in the two basins. However, conversion of natural ecosystems to grassland or cropped lands resulted in a 17 to 113% reduction in OC, TN, and exchangeable K in Sondu, and a 129% decline in TN in Simiyu. Soil properties exhibited clear but different patterns from upstream to downstream in the two basins. OC, TN, clay and -glucosidase activities were higher in Sondu upstream, while OC, TN, extractable P and exchangeable K were lower in Simiyu upstream. Observed difference across each basin underscore the importance of inherent soil characteristics in influencing soil properties compared to short-term flooding or short duration changes in land use.Item 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, MMango (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.Item Monthly Water Level Forecasting of the Diani River Using a Hybrid ICEEMDAN-SE-ARIMA Model in Southern Guinea(Sciepub, 2025-07-21) Agbazo, Noukpo M.; Keita, Oumar; Camara, Lonsenigbè; Rwabona, Gideon E.; Sylla, AbdoulayeFlood control and water resources management are two critical tasks for hydrologists, and both heavily depend on accurate river water level forecasting. However, due to the intrinsic characteristics of water level series, it is difficult to achieve good forecasting accuracy. In Guinea, the forecasting of water level by physical models, and mathematical or data-driven models remains scarce. This study aims to implement for the first time in Guinea, the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model and propose the improved complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise (ICEEMDAN) coupled with sample entropy (SE) and combined with ARIMA model namely as ICEEMDAN-SE-ARIMA to forecast Diani River monthly water level in southern guinea. The water level data of Diani hydrological station from 2000 to 2022 were used, in which the water data from 2000 to 2019 were used to build the models, and the data from 2020 to 2022 were used for validation. Seven statistical indices like Pearson’s coefficient, Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Mean Absolute Error (MAE), Symmetric Mean Absolute Percentage Error (sMAPE), Nash-Sutcliffe coefficient (NSCE), BIAS and Kolmogorov-Smirnov coefficient (DKS) are adopted to measure and compare the performance of the single ARIMA and ICEEMDAN-SE- ARIMA hybrid models. The results indicate that: (1) during the study period, six pseudo-periodic functions and one nonlinear trend contribute differently to Diani water level series forecasting, indicating their complexity; (2) Compared to the single ARIMA model, the Pearson’s coefficient, DKS, BIAS, NSCE, RMSE, MAE and SMAPE of ICEEMDAN-SE-ARIMA were improved by 84.52%, 84.70%, 80%, 84.52%, 86%, 91%, 93%, and 80%, respectively; (3) ICEEMDAN-SE-ARIMA model outperformed the single ARIMA model. However, it seems that ICEEMDAN-SE-ARIMA model could be improved by combining ICEEMDAN-SE by other data-driven models. These findings are essential to enhance water resources management and flood mitigation in Guinea, mainly under climate change.Item Extracellular enzymes from brown-rot fungus Laetiporus sulphureus isolated from mangrove forests of coastal Tanzania(2008) Mtui, Godliving; Masalu, RoseA brown-rot fungus, Laetiporus sulphureus (Fr.) Murr., was isolated from Mbweni, Oyster Bay and Mtoni Mangove Forests in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and the biochemical properties of its extracellular enzymes were investigated. The crude culture filtrate was concentrated by ultrafiltration. Protein content and lignocellololytic enzyme activities were measured by photometric methods. The crude enzyme extract was purified by gel chromatography and characterized by sodium docecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The fungal filtrate had maximum manganese peroxidase (MnP) of 2.5 U/mL and lignin peroxidase (LiP) of 1 U/mL, but showed no laccase (Lac) activity. The enzyme extracts were able to oxidize rhemazol brilliant blue-R (RBB-R) dye and phenol, and could remove up to 90% color from raw textile effluent in immobilized culture. The purified peroxidases showed that the MnP from S. sulphureus has a molecular weight of 48 kDA. The study elucidated the extracellular enzymes profile of facultative marine L. sulphureus and provided basic information on their potential for biological wastewater treatment systems