Books and Book Chapters

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://repository.must.ac.tz/handle/123456789/69

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    10 Invasive Plant Impacts on Soil Macrofauna through Allelopathy and Environmental Modification
    (MJRD, 2026) Ojija, Fredrick; Bacaro, Giovanni; Ogwu, Matthew Chidozie
    Soil macrofauna taxonomic groups such as annelids (earthworms), arthropods (insects and crustaceans) and molluscs (gastropods/snails) play an essential role in soil ecosystems (van Hengstum et al., 2014; Zulu et al., 2022; Mamabolo et al., 2024). These organisms help convert organic matter into forms that can be utilized by plants, ultimately supporting soil fer¬tility (Sofo et al., 2020; Mamabolo et al., 2024). They influence soil structure, organic matter decomposition, nutrient cycling, soil aeration and ecosystem functioning (van Hengstum et al., 2014; Ibrahima et al., 2017). Thus, their presence and diversity are integral to maintain¬ing soil fertility and productivity, making them important bioindicators for assessing soil health (Rousseau et al., 2013; Sofo et al., 2020). Soil macrofauna physically and biologically alter the soil structure, enhancing the permeability of the soil and improving water infiltration (Zhou et al., 2022). Besides, they contribute to the creation of microhabitats for other organisms, promoting biodiversity conservation (Huerta and van der Wal, 2012). For instance, earthworms, through their burrowing and feeding activities, not only recycle nutrients but also create channels in the soil that facilitate the movement of water and air (Ibrahima et al., 2017; Yang et al., 2024). Soil macrofauna – ants, termites and beetles – are involved in the breakdown of organic matter, including plant litter and animal remains, thereby playing a role in nutrient cycling (Jouquet et al., 2011; Ibrahima et al., 2017; Mamabolo et al., 2024). The presence and activity of these macrofauna can also influence the abun¬dance and diversity of soil microorganisms, further enhancing nutrient cycling (Zhou et al., 2022). Research conducted by Liu et al. (2020) and Singh et al. (2019) reveals
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    The Status, Strategies, and Consequences of Focusing on National Examinations in Secondary Schools’ Curriculum Implementation: The Case of Mbeya City, Tanzania
    (MUST Journal of Research and Development (MJRD), 2024) Msangi, Emmanuel R.
    Effective curriculum implementation enhances lifelong learning and is cemented by a holistic education practice. However, previous studies indicated the prevalence of an examination-focused approach to education delivery among secondary schools in Mbeya City, Tanzania. As such, the present study aimed to examine the current status, strategies, and consequences of secondary schools’ focus on national examinations. The study used a qualitative research design, purposively sampling twenty-four (24) well-informed respondents from four (4) secondary schools in Mbeya City. The findings revealed that secondary schools are still emphasising success in national examinations, adopting strategies that include conducting extra-class sessions, administering weekly and monthly tests, and establishing temporal dormitories. Consequently, these strategies deprive students of holistic learning and fail to align with secondary education objectives. The study recommends that regulators and secondary schools should consider adherence to curriculum objectives and the