Journal Articles

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Nourishing the peripheries: examining weekly food markets and access to nutritious foods in rapidly growing urban settings – insights from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
(Elsevier, 2025) Kissoly, Luitfred; Ngassa,Claudio; Normana, Fatma; Rutatora, Sabrina; Aluko, Angela
Rapid urbanization and population growth in Sub-Saharan African cities exacerbate challenges in the availability and accessibility of nutritious foods for urban households, particularly in the underserved peripheries of fast-expanding urban areas. Although alternative food retail solutions, such as weekly food markets (WFMs), have emerged to address these issues, their contribution to urban food systems and to food access in rapidly expanding peripheries remains insufficiently examined. This paper examines the role of WFMs in providing nutritious foods, using the case of peripheral wards in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Data from 506 buyers and 381 vendors across 31 WFMs in five municipalities are analyzed through spatial, statistical, and qualitative methods. Results reveal adequate food diversity in WFMs in peripheral wards of Dar es Salaam. These markets comprise of a diverse vendor base and operate during convenient hours. Despite constraints in sanitation, waste management, and formal infrastructure, WFMs remain accessible due to their locations along major roads, facilitating access from residential and workplace areas. They also serve as key sources of nutritious foods at prices perceived as affordable, with informal pricing practices supporting low-income households. These findings demonstrate that WFMs function as primary food access points in underserved urban peripheries, while their temporary and informally governed status limits infrastructure investment and integration into formal planning frameworks. Policy efforts should prioritize integrating WFMs into urban planning and strengthening basic market infrastructure.
A Stochastic Model of East Coast Fever Incorporating a Wildlife–Livestock Interface
(MDPI, 2026-06-09) Chinyoka Mirirai; Muchatibaya Gift; Helikumi Mlyashimbi; Mushayabasa Steady; Jambwa Prosper; Mhlanga Adquate
East Coast Fever (ECF) causes approximately one million livestock deaths annually in sub-Saharan Africa, posing a significant threat to livestock. The wildlife–livestock interface complicates disease management, as wildlife serve as reservoirs. This study developed a Continuous Time Markov Chain (CTMC) model incorporating the wildlife–livestock interface to analyze ECF dynamics. Using the Galton–Watson approximation, we assessed the probability of disease extinction following the introduction of infected hosts or vectors. The probability of disease extinction calculated from the branching process is shown to be in good agreement with the probability approximated from numerical simulations. The disease dynamics of the deterministic model and the CTMC model are compared to ascertain the effect of demographic stochasticity on ECF dynamics. Differences in model predictions and asymptotic dynamics between stochastic and deterministic models were evident. The deterministic and stochastic formulations should therefore be viewed as complementary modeling frameworks, with the deterministic model characterizing average epidemic dynamics and the CTMC model capturing the probabilistic variability and extinction behavior inherent in real transmission processes. These differences are crucial for intervention strategies earmarked to prevent outbreaks. Our analysis revealed a high probability of ECF extinction if the disease emerges from recovered carrier cattle. Finite time to ECF disease extinction is estimated using 10, 000 sample paths, and it is shown that the epidemic duration is shortest if the disease is introduced by infectious cattle. The epidemic duration is longest when the disease is introduced by infectious ticks. Additionally, we observed that host interactions at the wildlife–livestock interface play a critical role in shaping ECF transmission and informing control strategies.
Phytochemical Profiling, Fatty Acids Composition and Antioxidant Potential of Oyster Nut (Telfairia Pedata) Oil.
(DISCOVER, 2026-04-01) Shayo, Philipina F.; Mbegeze, Mussa B.; Ally, Khamis N.
Oyster nut (Telfairia pedata (Sims) Hook) is a nutrient-dense nut widely consumed in East Africa, particularly among lactating mothers, due to its reported lactogenic properties. Its nutritional and phytochemical composition is influenced by ecological conditions, which may affect its ethnopharmacological potential. This study evaluated the phytochemical profile, fatty acid composition, and antioxidant activity of Oyster nut oil obtained from Njombe, Tanzania. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) was employed to identify bioactive compounds, while fatty acid composition was determined using Fourier-transform near-infrared spectroscopy (FT-NIR). Antioxidant activity was assessed using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and hydrogen peroxide scavenging assays. GC–MS analysis revealed the presence of seven compounds: 1-isopropylidene-4- methylcyclohexane, oct-5-en-2-yn-4-ol, 3,7,11,15-Tetramethyl-hexadeca-2,6,10,14- tetraen-1-ol, 4-Allyl-2,6-dimethoxy-phenol, 4-Hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxy-benzaldehyde, elemicin and squalene. Among these, only squalene has previously been reported in Oyster nut; the remaining are reported here for the first time. The oil was composed of a high proportion of unsaturated fatty acids (54.7%) while the saturated fatty acids constituted (45.3%). This overall fatty acid composition of the oil was dominated by linoleic acid (45.6%), followed by palmitic acid (32.4%), stearic acid (13.2%), oleic acid (8.5%), and linolenic acid (0.3%). Antioxidant assays demonstrated concentration- dependent activity, with the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) values of 12.99 µg/mL (DPPH) and 99.40 µg/mL (H₂O₂), higher than that of ascorbic acid (11.39 µg/mL). These findings highlight the potential of Oyster nut oil as a functional food with promising health-promoting properties.
Taxonomic and functional variation of carabid beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) diversity in pioneer black pine and secondary broad-leaved Karst forests
(Elsevier B.V, 2026-05-05) Giovanni Bacaro; Federica Fonda; Miris Castello; Fredrick Ojija; Valentina Olmo; Gaia Foltran; Simona Maccherin; Emilia Pafumi; Giorgio Colombetta; Pietro Brandmayr
Carabid beetles are widely used as bioindicators because they respond rapidly to changes in near-ground microclimate, litter and understory structure, and habitat continuity. In the Classical Karst of the North Adriatic region, forest management is shaped by two concurrent trajectories: the aging of Pinus nigra stands established during late 19th-century afforestation and the recovery of secondary thermophilous broad-leaved forests. Pine plantations, although now old and prone to biotic and abiotic disturbances, have played an important role in shaping present forest ecosystems, and their future is currently debated. To evaluate the effectiveness of pioneer pine plantations in reconstructing forest conditions, we assessed differences in carabid species composition and functional structure between the two forest types using long-term pitfall-trap data collected across multiple sites and years. We quantified taxonomic diversity through richness-based comparisons, rarefaction and additive partitioning, and examined compositional turnover using β-diversity contribution metrics and ordination with permutation-based testing. Functional structure was evaluated using distance-based functional diversity indices, functional rarefaction based on expected Rao’s Q and decomposition of functional α-β-γ components, and a ternary framework separating dominance, functional diversity and redundancy. Finally, we used indicatororiented analyses (species-level and trait-informed) to identify taxa associated with each forest type. Overall, broad-leaved and pine stands showed limited divergence in mean richness and in conventional functional indices, whereas clearer differences emerged in turnover, site uniqueness and diagnostic species subsets. Functional rarefaction indicated that expected functional diversity may differ even when aggregate indices appear similar. Overall, results support the contribution of black pine stands to the maintenance of forest grounddwelling biodiversity and functional structure in karst forests and suggest that conversion strategies should prioritise continuity of microhabitat conditions and microclimatic buffering rather than assuming that replacement by broad-leaved stands will automatically increase biodiversity
Photochromic and fluorescence switching behavior of triazole-functionalized fulgimides: Experimental and theoretical study
(Journal of Luminescence, 2026-05-11) Khamis Nassor Ally; Melkizedeck Hiiti Tsere; Said Ali Vuai; Azaria Stephano Lameck; Leyla Oztürk; Mahmut Kos
Integrating photochromism and fluorescence switching within a single molecular platform remains a central challenge in the development of light-regulated functional materials. Here, we report a structure-encoded design strategy based on the direct covalent incorporation of a 1,2,4-triazole unit into the imide framework of fulgimides, yielding three new photoresponsive molecules (4E–6E). Experimentally, all compounds exhibit photochromism based on the interconversion between open and closed forms. This is accompanied by large visiblerange spectral contrast and reversible fluorescence ON/OFF switching under alternating UV and visible light. The open-ring forms are strongly emissive, while photoinduced cyclization produces systematic fluorescence quenching (20–40%) governed by intramolecular energy transfer to the conjugated closed-ring core. Density functional and time-dependent DFT calculations quantitatively reproduce the observed experimental absorption behavior and reveal pronounced π-delocalization and HOMO-LUMO gap narrowing upon ring closure, establishing clear structure–property relationships. Among the series, compound 6E shows the most favorable electronic and optical characteristics. These results identify triazole-imide coupling as a generalizable molecular engineering route for multifunctional organic photo-switches and advance their potential for optical memory, sensing, and adaptive photonic applications.
Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices on Pesticide use among Cucumber and Watermelon Farmers in selected Districts of the Coast Region, Tanzania
(MJRD, 2026-05-21) Kilemile, Warren Henry; Ngungulu, Alex Wenaty; Chove, Bernard E.
Pesticides are indispensable for enhancing agricultural productivity and widely used by farmers to control pests and diseases, with increasing application documented in various studies worldwide. However, mismanagement and misuse pose serious health and environmental risks. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of cucumber and watermelon farmers in selected districts of the Coast Region, Tanzania. Pwani is a key supplier to major marketplaces in the Dar es Salaam region and to foreign markets, particularly Kenya. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 169 cucurbits farmers from seven Wards across three administrative Districts of the Pwani Region. Participants were recruited using a snowball sampling technique. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire administered in Kiswahili. Both SPSS and STATA computer software were used for data analysis and visualisation. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise farmers’ socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge on pesticide use, pests and diseases, safety practices, and attitudes toward pesticide-related health and environmental impacts. The respondents comprised of 89.3% male farmers who farmed cucurbits. The mean age of respondents was 40 years, indicating that the majority fall within the economically active, productive working-age population, as defined by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The education level was generally low, with two-thirds (68.6%) having completed only primary education. Low education was found to be a major factor that affected farmers’ ability to read pesticide labels, understand safety instructions, and apply pesticides correctly, which can contribute to unsafe use and exposure. Only 53.9% of farmers followed label instructions, yet 78.1% read them. Most disposed of empty pesticide containers unsafely by throwing them away (94.7%), while 4.7% used them for fetching drinking water. Pesticide use was high, with 52.7% of farmers spraying weekly and 31.9% twice per week throughout the growth period. It was established that 39.6% harvested between 0-7 days and 57.9% within 8-15 days after spraying. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) was inadequate, indicating a high risk of occupational exposure. The attitude towards pesticide use among farmers was reasonably positive (56.21%). Pesticide use among cucurbit farmers was both extensive and frequent. Safety measures, label compliance, container disposal, pre-harvest intervals, and PPE use still need improvement. Safer and more sustainable pesticide management requires better extension support, regulatory oversight, and farmer training.
Taxonomic and functional variation of carabid beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) diversity in pioneer black pine and secondary broad-leaved Karst forests
(Elsevier, 2026-04-24) Bacaro G., Fonda F., Castello M., Ojija F.
Carabid beetles are widely used as bioindicators because they respond rapidly to changes in near-ground microclimate, litter and understory structure, and habitat continuity. In the Classical Karst of the North Adriatic region, forest management is shaped by two concurrent trajectories: the aging of Pinus nigra stands established during late 19th-century afforestation and the recovery of secondary thermophilous broad-leaved forests. Pine plantations, although now old and prone to biotic and abiotic disturbances, have played an important role in shaping present forest ecosystems, and their future is currently debated. To evaluate the effectiveness of pioneer pine plantations in reconstructing forest conditions, we assessed differences in carabid species composition and functional structure between the two forest types using long-term pitfall-trap data collected across multiple sites and years. We quantified taxonomic diversity through richness-based comparisons, rarefaction and additive partitioning, and examined compositional turnover using β-diversity contribution metrics and ordination with permutation-based testing. Functional structure was evaluated using distance-based functional diversity indices, functional rarefaction based on expected Rao’s Q and decomposition of functional α-β-γ components, and a ternary framework separating dominance, functional diversity and redundancy. Finally, we used indicator- oriented analyses (species-level and trait-informed) to identify taxa associated with each forest type. Overall, broad-leaved and pine stands showed limited divergence in mean richness and in conventional functional indices, whereas clearer differences emerged in turnover, site uniqueness and diagnostic species subsets. Functional rarefaction indicated that expected functional diversity may differ even when aggregate indices appear similar. Overall, results support the contribution of black pine stands to the maintenance of forest ground- dwelling biodiversity and functional structure in karst forests and suggest that conversion strategies should prioritise continuity of microhabitat conditions and microclimatic buffering rather than assuming that replace- ment by broad-leaved stands will automatically increase biodiversity.
Public Perception of Climate Risk and Adaptation in Tanzania: a Systematic Review
(Tanzania Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2023-12-30) Nyinondi, P.S; Sospeter, M.E.
Climate change is a pressing global challenge of the 21st century, with impacts including global warming, drought, famine, floods, tropical storms, and cyclones. One of the biggest challenges to mitigating climate change is people's perception of its risks. This study provides valuable insights on the public perception of climate risk and adaptation in Tanzania through a systematic review of peer-reviewed papers. The search was conducted using keywords related to climate change awareness, knowledge, perception, attitude, and risk adaptation from the Sokoine University of Agriculture Institutional repository (SUAIR) for publications between 2010 and 2022, 48 peer reviewed articles were reviewed. The review found that there is a high level of awareness (87.5%) of climate change, with many (77%) recognizing its impacts on their daily lives in terms of economic activities and gender roles. However, the perception of climate risk varies depending on factors such as gender, location, and socioeconomic status. For example, people living in rural areas perceived climate risks such as floods and drought more than those in urban areas did. Attitudes towards climate change adaptation also vary among different groups, with some people such as farmers more resilient and willing to adapt than pastoralists, people living in urban areas than people living in rural areas. The review identifies knowledge gaps in understanding the causes and impacts of climate change. Overall, this systematic review provides a comprehensive picture of current knowledge and understanding of the public perception of risk adaptation in Tanzania, highlighting areas for further research and policy action.
Land-use/land-cover change in the Ngerengere River Catchment, Tanzania: Insights from 2004 to 2034
(ACCSCIENCE PUBLISHING, 2025-07-21) Nkinda, Rose; Ojija, Fredrick,; Bacaro,Giovanni; Malunguja, Gisandu
Land use and land cover (LULC) surrounding the Ngerengere River, Tanzania, which is a crucial water source, has led to a rapid decline in vegetated areas. Understanding these changes is vital for informed decision- making and sustainable river catchment management. This study assessed historical LULC trends from 2004 to 2024, projected the current trend of change to 2034, and analyzed the human activities driving the trends using Landsat TM imagery. The study utilized both spatial and non-spatial datasets from primary sources (Landsat imagery via Google Earth Engine and field surveys) and secondary sources (literature and government reports). Landsat 5 (2004) and Landsat 8 (2014, 2024) images were processed using Arc-GIS and QGIS to minimize cloud interference. Land cover classification combined unsupervised and supervised methods, validated with ground reference points collected through GPS. A rule-based classification system used spectral indices to identify land cover types. Classified maps were visualized and exported for further analysis. Furthermore, systematic field visits were conducted along the catchment to assess human land use activities, that is, agriculture, settlements, and deforestation. Results revealed a 17.6% decline in sparse vegetation between 2004 and 2014, and a further 27.01% decrease from 2014 to 2024. Bare land increased by 8.58% over the two decades. Built-up areas rose from 0.67% in 2004 to 5.44% in 2014, then dropped to 2.1% in 2024. In contrast, dense vegetation increased from 0.04% in 2004 to 7.13% in 2024. Overall, the land cover projection for 2034 indicates continued ecological transformation within the Ngerengere River catchment. These shifts, primarily driven by agricultural expansion and deforestation, underscore the urgent need for sustainable land management. The significant vegetation cover decline in the catchment is largely due to agricultural encroachment into forested areas.
Development of Internet of Things-Based System for Monitoring and Controlling the Water Quality in Small-Scale Aquaculture.
(MUST Journal of Research and Development (MJRD), 2022-12-28) Nyoni, Abbas; Minga, Lusajo; Kusyama, Sadiki Lameck
Water quality is an essential factor for any successful aquaculture project. For high productivity from aquaculture, critical water quality parameters such as temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, salinity, and turbidity must be kept in the optimum range. Temperature is the second-most critical water quality parameter after dissolved oxygen. Tropical fish prefer temperatures ranging from 250c to 320c. This study designed and implemented a system prototype for monitoring and controlling water temperature in an aquaculture environment based on the Internet of Things (IoT). The system comprises temperature sensors, a NodeMCU Esp8266 Microcontroller, a 2-channel relay switch, a liquid-crystal display, a cooling fan, a water heater, and a mobile application. The temperature sensor immersed in a fish pond collects the pond's temperature. The collected temperature data from fish ponds is sent to the microcontroller, a NodeMCU Esp8266, for processing and transmission to the cloud server. The Blynk Cloud IoT platform was used for data visualisation and controlling actuators. The system users could access data through the Blynk Mobile application installed on a smartphone. The system automatically switches ON the cooling fan to cool the water when the temperature is above 32oc and switches ON the water heater when the temperature is below 25oc. The system was tested both in the laboratory and in field to evaluate the system's performance in detecting pond temperature and data dissemination to the users. This study's findings have proved the system's capability in data acquisition with accuracy and efficiency. In addition, the results have shown that the system can effectively control pond temperature.
What Happens After Conservation and Management Donors Leave? A Before and After Study of Coral Reef Ecology and Stakeholder Perceptions of Management Benefits
(CrossMark, 2015-10-15) McClanahan, Timothy R.; Muthiga, Nyawira A.; Abunge, Caroline.; Kamukuru, Albogast T.; Mwakalapa, Eliezer.; Kalombo, Hassan
The coral reefs of Tanga, Tanzania were recognized as a national conservation priority in the early 1970s, but the lack of a management response led to damage by dynamite, beach seines, and high numbers of fishers until the mid 1990s. Subsequently, an Irish Aid funded IUCN Eastern Africa program operated from 1994 to mid 2007 to implement increased management aimed at reducing these impacts. The main effects of this management were to establish collaborative management areas, reduce dynamite and seine net fishing, and establish small community fisheries closures beginning in 1996. The ecology of the coral reefs was studied just prior to the initiation of this management in 1996, during, 2004, and a few years after the project ended in 2010. The perceptions of resource users towards management options were evaluated in 2010. The ecological studies indicated that the biomass of fish rose continuously during this period from 260 to 770 kg/ha but the small closures were no different from the non-closure areas. The benthic community studies indicate stability in the coral cover and community composition and an increase in coralline algae and topographic complexity over time. The lack of change in the coral community suggests resilience to various disturbances including fisheries management and the warm temperature anomaly of 1998. These results indicate that some aspects of the management program had been ecologically successful even after the donor program ended. Moreover, the increased compliance with seine net use and dynamite restrictions were the most likely factors causing this increase in fish biomass and not the closures. Resource users interviewed in 2010 were supportive of gear restrictions but there was considerable between-community disagreement over the value of specific restrictions. The social-ecological results suggest that increased compliance with gear restrictions is largely responsible for the improvements in reef ecology and is a high priority for future management programs
Aflatoxin production mechanisms and management in the maize cropping systems of sub-Saharan Africa
(CAB International, 2025-09-11) Kwigizile, Owekisha H.; Mng’ong’o ,Marco E.; Mushongi , Arnold; Mbega Ernest; Mashamba,Philipo
In sub-Saharan African countries, the maize crop is a major staple food crop, providing up to 70% of the population’s total caloric intake. Aflatoxins, toxic secondary metabolites primarily produced by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, pose significant threats to food safety, public health, and agricultural economies in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where maize is a staple crop. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the mechanisms of aflatoxin production and its management within maize cropping systems of SSA. The occurrence and severity of aflatoxin contamination are influenced by multiple factors, including high temperatures, drought stress, insect damage, poor post-harvest handling, and inadequate storage conditions. Maize has been linked to being contaminated by roughly eighteen (18) different forms of aflatoxins, which are severely poisonous, and contribute to public health issues. The review explores the biological and environmental triggers of aflatoxin biosynthesis, highlighting molecular pathways and fungal-host interactions. Additionally, it evaluates integrated management strategies encompassing host resistance, good agricultural practices, biocontrol agents (such as Aflasafe), proper harvesting, drying, and storage techniques. Socio-economic and institutional barriers to effective aflatoxin control are also discussed, along with policy and research recommendations. The review also emphasizes on the necessity to apply novel and existing techniques to prevent aflatoxin. The study featured the need for a multidisciplinary and region-specific approach to sustainably mitigate aflatoxin risks in SSA. Best bet recommendations are provided given different levels of scenarios at the farmer, farm plot, maize farming systems, and eventually the nodes across the entire maize value chain.
Market Performance of Avocado Fruits among Smallholder Farmers in Southern Highlands of Tanzania
(Scientific Research Publishing Inc., 2025-02-28) Mlengera, Ndabhemeye.; Katunzi, Adolph.; Marijani, Issaya.; Nzilano, Billes.; Mng’ong’o, Marco.; Mvile, Baraka.
This study was designed to determine factors that influence market performance of avocado fruits among smallholder farmers in Mbeya and Songwe regions. A cross section research design entailing 209 farmers from five (5) districts of two (2) regions and 15 key informants; 5 local service providers (LSP), 5 traders/brokers and 5 district extension officers (DEO) were involved in the study. Random selection procedures were used to select avocado producers and purposive selection procedures were used to select key informants. The study employed survey questionnaires to collect data from avocado farmers and structured interview to collect data from key informants. Collected data were analyzed with an aid of descriptive statistics and linear regression model was used to determine significant factors that determine market prices of avocado fruits among smallholder farmers. The demographic characteristics of avocado farmers showed that; 61.2% of farmers had age between 36 to 59 years old, 84.7% were married, 74.6% had primary education level, average number of 5 members of the family, average 4.3 acres of owned land and 1.8 acres planted with avocado. Moreover, findings showed that 90.9% grew improved avocado varieties. Farm gate (88.5%) was the major market outlet chosen by avocado farmers. Local merchants and processors were the major buyers of the produced avocado. Results from linear regression analysis showed that variety grown (P < 0.05), location (P < 0.05), farm size (P < 0.05) and farmers experience (P < 0.05) were factors that statistically influenced market prices for avocado fruits. The study concluded that despite the remarkable contributions to livelihood of the farmers yet, it is highly fragile on market prices. Therefore, the study recommends the need to establish market systems that will govern avocado fruits marketing for sustainability of the sub-sector.
Assessment of Heavy Metals in Wild and Farmed Tilapia (Oreochromis Niloticus) on Lake Kariba, Zambia: Implications for Human and Fish Health
(Taylor & Francis Group, 2021-08-20) Simukoko, Chalumba Kachusi.; Mwakalapa, Eliezer Brown.; Bwalya, Patricia.; Muzandu, Kaampwe.; Berg, Vidar.; Mutoloki, Stephen.; Polder, Anuschka.; Lyche, Jan Ludvig
The aim of this study was to assess the levels of heavy metals in both wild and farmed tilapia on Lake Kariba in Zambia and to evaluate the impact of intensive fish farming on wild tilapia. Three sites for wild fish (2 distant and 1 proximal to fish farms) and two fish farms were selected. One hundred fish (52 from distant sites; 20 near fish farms; 28 farmed fish) were sampled and muscle tissues excised for analysis of heavy metals (Mg, Fe, Zn, Al, Cu, Se, Co, Mo, As, Cr, V, Ni, Hg, Pb, Li, Cd, and Ag) by acid (HNO3) digestion and ICP-MS. All metals were found to be below the maximum limits (MLs) set by WHO/EU. Essential metals were higher in farmed tilapia, whereas non-essential metals were higher in wild tilapia. Significantly higher levels of essential metals were found in wild fish near the fish farms than those distant from the farms. Estimated weekly intake (EWI) for all metals were less than the provisional tolerable weekly intakes (PTWI). Target hazard quotients (THQ) and Hazard Indices (HI)<1 were indicating no health risks from a lifetime of fish consumption. Selenium Health Benefit Value (HBVSe) was positive for all locations, indicating protective effects of selenium against mercury in fish. Total cancer risk (CR) due to As, Cr, Cd, Ni and Pb was less than 1 × 10−4, indicating less than 1 in 10,000 carcinogenic risk from a lifetime consumption of tilapia from Lake Kariba. Hg levels (0.021 mg/kg) in wild tilapia at site 1 were higher than the Environmental quality standard (EQS = 0.020 mg/kg) set by EU, indicating possible risk of adverse effects to fish. Except for Hg, levels of metals in fish were safe for human consumption and had no adverse effects on fish
Non-genetic Factors Influence Birth Weight of Friesian and Friesian x Fipa Cattle Calves in One Highland Farm of Tanzania
(Asian Journal of Research in Animal and Veterinary Sciences, 2024-11-27) Mwaipopo, Lokoo C.; Mpemba, Charles H.; Chang’a, Edwin P.; Guni, Fadhili S.; Mutabazi, Gryson K.; Mng’ong’o, Marco E.
Calving records were extracted from record books at TALIRI Uyole farm from 2013 - 2022, to study and determine the influence of breed, sex, season of birth, and year of birth on weight at birth of pure Friesian and its crosses (F1 Friesian x Fipa and 75% Friesian x Fipa) calves which, are grazed under natural pasture. The least squares mean of BWT in Friesian, F1 and 75% calves were 25.51±0.98 kg, 26.45 ± 1.23 and 25.26 ± 0.94, respectively. It was observed that sex of calf and year of birth had significant (P0.05) with variation in mean birth weight of its crosses at birth, whereas variations on BWT at birth were noted in F1, which had higher BWT compared to other breed/cross, and calf born in the wet season showed slightly higher BWT than calves born in the dry season. Under natural pasture grazing, the available fodder was of poor quality, and no agronomic management practices were followed, whereas it was reverse in the wet season, thus the nutrient demand for body maintenance, reproduction, and production activities are impaired
Advances and Trends in Ecological Organic Agriculture (EOA) Technologies and Research on Fruit Vegetables Produced in Tanzania
(CAB International, 2022-05-17) Shango, Abdul J.; Maswi, Philip B.; Malya, Rashid B.; Maro, Janet F.; Mwaipopo, Rehema E.; Majubwa, Ramadhani O.; Kilewa, Ramadhan A.; Philipo, Mashamba L.
Ecological organic agriculture (EOA) is a holistic production management system that can solve many problems in the vegetable crops’ value chain (VC). It is, however, unclear about the EOA technologies for the fruit vegetable VC that have already been validated or are in process of validation in Tanzania. A systematic literature search on EOA technologies relevant in Tanzania was conducted for research articles from 2010 until 2021. Most 10(30.4%) studies on fruit vegetables were equally distributed each 5(15.2%) in the years 2019 and 2020, respectively. A total of 33 records on fruit vegetables covered eight (8) regions of mainland Tanzania and one (1) region from the island of Zanzibar. Most 18(55%) studies were conducted in the Morogoro region. Based on the fruit vegetable VC, 26(68.4%) studies were for field establishment and management. Nine (9) key areas were identified, where most 9(27.3%) studies were on crop productivity and protection. Seventeen (17) EOA technologies were applied in fruit vegetables, mostly biocontrol 7(21%) in tomatoes. Overall, 27(81.8%) studies only researched the EOA technologies, while 3(9.1%) studies validated the EOA technologies, 2(6.1%) researches were in progress, and 1(3.0%) was progressing validation. Few 3(9.1%) studies portrayed the involvement of youth and women using the principles of participatory action research (PAR) during the validation. Generally, the EOA technologies are readily available, require minimal skills and labour, are cost-effective, sustainable, easily implementable in the fruit vegetable VC and can be simply accessed and utilized in cultivating organic fruit vegetables.
Underutilised Oyster Nut (Telfairia pedata): Farmers’ Knowledge, Practices and Utilisation in Northern Tanzania
(MJRD, 2025-03-31) Shayo,Philipina F; Mbega,Ernest R; Treydte,Anna C
Oyster nut [Telfairia pedata (Smiths ex Sim)] Hook is a regularly cultivated crop in East African countries such as Tanzania (including Zanzibar Island), Uganda, Angola, Mozambique, and along Kenya’s coast, which is regarded to be underutilised. Despite its relevance to small-scale farmers in terms of conservation, income creation and food security, little is known about the farmer’s knowledge, practices and utilisation in Northern Tanzania. Therefore, this study aimed at investigating aspects of its production, including farmers’ practices, utilisation and preferences. Data collection was carried out through semi-structured questionnaires in the regions of Arusha, Kilimanjaro and Tanga. Descriptive analysis was done whereby frequencies, means and percentages were calculated using SPSS from the farmers’ responses. The results on oyster nut preferences, knowledge, cultivation and utilisation were presented in the form of tables and graphs. The findings revealed that 87% of respondents who were knowledgeable about oyster nuts were female, 89% of interviewed farmers grew the nuts on inherited family lands, 24% of respondents stored oyster nuts in perforated plastic bags, and 90% of the farmers used recycled seeds as their primary method of propagation without the use of any agricultural inputs. Conclusively, the study gives significant baseline data for future research on oyster nuts and development projects in Tanzania to enhance its conservation and sustainable usage while ensuring nutritional security for the majority of resource-poor people.
The Role of Conservation Agriculture in Enhancing Biodiversity and Common Beans Productivity
(Elsevier B.V, 2026) Mng’ong’o, Marco E.; Mwaipopo, Rehema E.; Ojija, Fredrick.; Matimbwa, Hadija.
Conservation of biodiversity in agricultural landscapes is vital for maintaining ecosystem stability and resilience. Conservation agriculture, a sustainable farming approach that involves minimum tillage and reduced use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and growth promoters, has gained attention as a potential strategy to enhance biodiversity and reduce production costs. This study investigated the role of conservation agriculture in enhancing biodiversity and common bean productivity in Tanzania. The study compared plots practicing conservation agriculture (minimum tillage and reduced agrochemical use) with those using conventional farming methods. Biodiversity metrics, that is, earthworm populations, bird species richness, bird nest abundance, bird species diversity, bee visitation rates, and bean yield were assessed. The results showed significant positive effects of conservation agriculture on biodiversity, emphasizing its potential role in promoting sustainable agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and household improvement due to reduced production costs and increased yield per unit area. Earthworms per meter square observed to increase from 12 in the non-conservation plots to 34 in the conservation plots, which is likely to improve nutrient cycling and productivity. Furthermore, conservation plots had a higher number of bird species flying around (36− 76) compared with 14–32 in nonconservation plots (4000 m2 ) at 50 % bean flowering. The number of bird nests observed in the two plots during bean harvesting varied significantly (P
Is The Hybrid Tiger Trout A Suitable Recipient for the Transplantation of Salmonid Spermatogonia?
(Elsevier B.V., 2025-04-17) Marinovi, Zoran.; Luji, Jelena.; Hoitsy, Gyorgy.; Hoitsy, Boglarka.; Hoitsy, Marton. s.; Scekic, Ilija.; Balogh Reka Eniko.; Shimo, Seleman Samwel.; Lefler, Kinga Katalin.; Kovacs, Balazs.; Urbanyi, Bela.; Horvath, Ako
In this study, we tested the utility of sterile tiger trout, an interspecific hybrid of a brown trout (Salmo trutta m. fario) female and a brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) male primarily bred for aquaculture, as a potential recipient for the surrogate production of other salmonid fish. The sterility of adult tiger trouts was confirmed as spermatogenesis progressed further from the mitotic phase in only one male, while only a few females contained vitellogenic oocytes. We transplanted spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) from rainbow trout into larvae (total of 371 recipients) and adult (total of 15 recipients) tiger trout. Recipients were reared up to 3 years posttransplantation (ypt), and transplantation success was tested by (1) the production of functional gametes, (2) development of recipient gonads past the baseline development assessed through histological analyses and (3) detection of donor cells inside of recipient gonads through molecular analyses. Gametes were produced only by one male recipient in which SSCs were transplanted as a larva. This male displayed clear signs of a developed testis, and rainbow trout DNA was detected in the testicular samples. Rainbow trout DNA was detected in three additional male recipients (injected as larvae), however, none of these individuals displayed signs of gametogenesis progression at 3 ypt. Furthermore, recipients injected as adults did not show any progression of gametogenesis, nor the presence of rainbow trout DNA in the gonads at 2.5 ypt. Milt obtained by the mentioned recipient was used to fertilize rainbow trout eggs which led to the production of donor-derived offspring. All viable offspring displayed phenotypical characteristics of rainbow trout which was further corroborated by molecular analyses. In conclusion, we display that the hybrid tiger trout can be used for the surrogate production of other salmonid fish, especially trout species which are closely related.
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 Inc., 2023-05-22) Simukoko, Chalumba Kachusi.; Mwakalapa, Eliezer Brown.; Muzandu, Kaampwe.; Mutoloki, Stephen.; Evensen, Øystein.; Ræder, Erik Magnus.; Müller, Mette Bjørge.; Polder, Anuschka Lyche,; Jan Ludvig.
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 Environmental 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

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