Morogoro Region Research Articles

The Strategies for Involving Community in Sustaining Government-Funded School Projects in Morogoro Region

The main objective of the study reported in this study was to determine the strategies for involving community in sustaining government-funded school projects in Morogoro region. The study used case study research design to determine the strategies from a total sample of 23 comprising of 10 headmasters, 1 ward councillor, 2 Ward educational officers and 10 school board chairmen who were selected using interviews (Semi-structured Interview) and documentary review were technique. Both interviws guide and open ended questionnare were used for collecting qualitative data which were then analzyed using thematic approach which allowed identification of key themes and patterns that emerged from the participants' perspectives on the community engagement strategies. Findings have revealed that community involvement in government- funded school projects is critically low in Morogoro region despite the recognized importance of community engagement in enhancing educational outcomes and project sustainability. It is therefore suggested that the formed project committee members should play a vital role in enhancing community ownership, fostering buy- in, and ultimately contributing to the successful achievement of project objectives.

Tutors’ Perspectives on their Ability to Create Conducive Social Learning Environment for Students with Visual Impairments at Teachers’ Colleges in Morogoro Region

This study focused on determining tutors’ perspectives on their ability to create conducive social learning environments for students with visual impairments at teachers’ colleges in Morogoro Region. A descriptive survey research design and mixed research approach were adopted. The target population included tutors and heads of departments from both colleges. A sample size of 121 respondents was used. Data collection involved questionnaires for tutors, semi-structured interviews for heads of departments, and document reviews for contextual insight. Validity and reliability were ensured through peer reviews and pilot study. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were examined through thematic analysis to provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject. The findings indicate a widespread perception of inadequacy among tutors in promoting interaction, observational learning, imitation, and providing clear demonstrations tailored to visually impaired students. These challenges highlight an urgent need for targeted training, specialized instructional strategies, and resource allocation to better support these students and enhance their educational experiences.

Discovery of Knock-Down Resistance in the Major African Malaria Vector Anopheles funestus.

A major insecticide resistance mechanism in insect pests is knock-down resistance (kdr) caused by mutations in the voltage-gated sodium channel (Vgsc) gene. Despite being common in most malaria Anopheles vector species, kdr mutations have never been observed in Anopheles funestus, the principal malaria vector in Eastern and Southern Africa, with resistance mainly being conferred by detoxification enzymes. In a parallel study, we monitored 10 populations of An. funestus in Tanzania for insecticide resistance unexpectedly identified resistance to a banned insecticide, DDT, in the Morogoro region. Through whole-genome sequencing of 333 An. funestus samples from these populations, we found eight novel amino acid substitutions in the Vgsc gene, including the kdr variant, L976F (equivalent to L995F in An. gambiae), in tight linkage disequilibrium with another (P1842S). The mutants were found only at high frequency in one region and were accompanied by weak signatures of a selective sweep, with a significant decline between 2017 and 2023. Notably, kdr L976F was strongly associated with survivorship to exposure to DDT insecticide, while no clear association was noted with a pyrethroid insecticide (deltamethrin). The WHO prequalifies no DDT products for vector control, and the chemical is banned in Tanzania. Widespread DDT contamination and a legacy of extensive countrywide stockpiles may have selected for this mutation. Continued monitoring is necessary to understand the origin of kdr in An. funestus, and the threat posed to insecticide-based vector control in Africa.

Assessment of Decentralized Decision-Making on Livestock Management in Miombo Woodlands of Tanga and Morogoro regions, Tanzania: Bridging Acts and Practice

Despite legal reforms such as the Local Government (District Authorities) Act of 1982 and the Forest Act of 2002, which decentralize forest management in Tanzania’s villages, the persistent degradation of Miombo woodland forests, primarily due to livestock activities, raises concerns about the effectiveness of these reforms. This study compares the provisions of these acts with on-ground realities through data from 27 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and 45 Key Informant Interviews (KIIs). Thematic analysis using NVIVO 12 software identified four key discrepancies: decision-making structures, decision-making processes, gender involvement, and village collaboration. Findings show that villagers often unknowingly delegate legislative power to leaders, decision-making is politicized with minimal stakeholder engagement, gender inclusivity is minimal, and villages manage forests independently rather than collaboratively. These gaps have led to biased decisions, conflicts among user groups, forest encroachment, and the neglect of women's needs, exacerbating forest degradation. To address these issues, the study recommends capacity building through leadership and technical training for village councils, community education on legal rights, and improved transparency via public forums and accessible reporting. These initiatives aim to empower local communities and foster sustainable management of Miombo woodland forests

The Influence of Electronic Banking on Customer Satisfaction in the Tanzanian Banking Industry: A Case of NMB Bank Branches in Morogoro Region, Tanzania

The Influence of Electronic Banking on Customer Satisfaction in the Tanzanian Banking Industry: A Case of NMB Bank Branches in Morogoro Region, Tanzania

Determinants of Internal Audit Effectiveness in Local Government Authorities (LGAs): Evidence from Morogoro Region of Tanzania

This study examines the determinants of internal audit effectiveness in Local Government Authorities (LGAs), addressing the growing importance of robust Internal Audit Function (IAF) in public sector governance. The study employed the descriptive research design based on a mixed research approach integrating both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Data were collected from 45 purposively selected respondents with extensive auditing experience. A multiple linear regression model was used to assess the impact of these factors on internal audit effectiveness. The empirical results indicate that the four factors account for 65.7% of the variance in internal audit effectiveness, with IT utilization being the most significant contributor (R² = 0.657, Adjusted R² = 0.616). The ANOVA results further validate the model, showing a statistically significant F-statistic of 3.2976 with a p-value of 0.001, indicating the robustness of the findings. Top management support was found to be critical in fostering a culture of accountability, while the independence of internal audit ensures objectivity and unbiased assessments. IT utilization was identified as a key driver in enhancing the efficiency and reliability of audit processes. Finally, the competence of internal auditors was shown to significantly influence the quality and accuracy of audit outcomes. The study recommends the need for institutionalizing top management support, safeguarding auditor independence, advancing IT utilization, and promoting continuous professional development for auditors. These measures are essential for improving governance and accountability within LGAs, thereby contributing to more effective and reliable internal audit practices.

Occurrence and unlimited spread of Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae) in Tanzania: A potential economic threat to the citrus industry

Citrus production is a cornerstone of Tanzania's agricultural sector, supporting economic development and food security. However, the industry faces a critical threat from the Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri Kuwayama), the primary vector of the destructive Huanglongbing (HLB) disease. This study investigates the distribution, abundance, and environmental drivers of D. citri and the African citrus triozid (Trioza erytreae) in major citrus-growing regions of Tanzania. Surveys conducted between March and May 2023 revealed the presence of D. citri in the Tanga and Morogoro regions, including the first documented occurrence in the Tanga region. Conversely, T. erytrae was confined to the Arusha region. Altitude emerged as a significant factor influencing psyllid abundance. D. citri populations decreased with increasing altitude, while T. erytrae exhibited the opposite trend. Temperature also showed correlations with psyllid populations, though additional research is needed to fully elucidate these relationships. Citrus variety significantly influenced D. citri abundance, with Late Valencia (Kitenesi) being the most susceptible. Importantly, several varieties showed no presence of D. citri, offering potential sources of resistance. The intensity of new flush growth was strongly correlated with psyllid abundance. These findings highlight the urgent need for region-specific and altitude-tailored citrus pest management strategies. The identification of potentially HLB-resistant citrus varieties provides a promising avenue for breeding programs. This research offers critical insights to protect Tanzania's citrus industry and ensure the sustainable production of this vital economic crop. Keywords: Citrus, Citrus greening, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, Huanglongbing, Trioza erytreae, Distribution, Altitude, Tanzania

Determinants of Inorganic Fertilizer Use by Smallholder Rice Farmers in Mbeya and Morogoro Regions of Tanzania

Determinants of Inorganic Fertilizer Use by Smallholder Rice Farmers in Mbeya and Morogoro Regions of Tanzania

The Ocular Findings among Patients with Leprosy in South-Eastern Region, Tanzania

Objective: To assess ocular findings among patients with leprosy and ex-leprosy at Nazareth Leprosy Center. Methodology: An analytical cross sectional study was conducted at Nazareth Leprosy Center in Morogoro region, from June to December 2021.All patients with leprosy and ex-leprosy patients who were available at Nazareth during the study period were interviewed and examined. A total of 88 participants were enrolled in the study and their socio-demographics, clinical history and ocular examination findings were analysed. Results: There were 53 (60.2%) males and 38 (43.2%) of participants were between the age of 54 to 70 years with a median age 64 years. Majority, 66 (75%), were unemployed and 46.6% had no formal education. Participants with multibacillary type of leprosy were 72.7% and forty three (48.9%) resided at the leprosarium Center. Ocular findings were present in 69% of study participants. Cataract was the most common (45.5%), 15.6% had lagophthalmos, 9.1% had keratitis and 9% uveitis. There were 19 (21.6%) patients who were blind with the best corrected visual acuity of less than 3/60 in the better eye. Conclusion: Patients with leprosy and ex-leprosy have significant prevalence of ocular pathologies which affects their vision. Patients with low socio-economic status and Multibacillary type of leprosy are more affected. Cataract is the most common cause of visual impairment, however other sight threatening conditions like lagophthalmos, exposure keratitis and uveitis are also common.

Phylogenetic analysis of virulent strains of the Newcastle disease virus isolated from deceased chickens in Tanzania's Morogoro and Iringa regions

BackgroundNewcastle disease (ND) is a viral disease affecting a wide range of bird species and has a considerable financial impact on the world's poultry market. The ND virus (NDV) strains currently circulating in poultry throughout Africa, and especially in East Africa, exhibit significant genetic variation.ObjectivesThe primary objective of the present investigation was to investigate the NDV genotypes in chickens raised in backyards in Tanzania's Morogoro and Iringa districts, which were associated with ND outbreaks.MethodsTwo tissue samples from chickens taken during a suspected ND outbreak in Tanzania's Morogoro (Eastern zone) and Iringa (Southern highlands zone) were subjected to reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction targeting the fusion (F) and hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) genes, followed by sequencing.ResultsBased on comprehensive analysis of the entire F and HN gene sequences, the viruses were categorized as genotype VII and displayed significant genetic similarity with NDV strains previously identified in Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Southeast Asia, and China. The uniformity in the amino acid cleavage site motif of the F protein across the examined NDV isolates, characterized by 112R–R–Q/K–K–R–F117, indicates their classification as virulent strains.ConclusionRegularly characterizing circulating strains and expanding the study to other parts of Tanzania may help to enhance disease control by giving a more precise picture of the situation regarding ND, especially in light of the issues posed by NDV genotype VII elsewhere.

The Impact of Religious Influence on Humanitarianism: Evidence from Local Communities Affected by Floods in Kilosa, Tanzania

This article aims to elucidate the impact of religion on humanitarian practices within local communities affected by floods and the resulting contributions to community survival. Empirical data derived from interviews and focus group discussions conducted with community members in Msowero and Mbigiri wards, Kilosa District, in Morogoro Region, forms the basis of the study findings. Both Muslims and Christians perceive assisting the needy as a divine directive and command, with Holy Scriptures such as the Bible and Quran affirming that those helping their fellow humans will receive divine reward. The act of helping the needy is identified as a means of validating one’s faith, expiating sin, demonstrating respect for others, engaging in worship, and fulfilling a duty to God. The study reveals that individuals in flood-affected local communities actively engage in humanitarianism by helping victims. These acts encompass providing basic necessities such as food, clothing, and shelter, facilitating education services by covering school fees and acquiring uniforms for students, and offering health-related services. Such humanitarian practices significantly contribute to community survival by ensuring the availability of essential resources for victims, promoting good health and well-being, and facilitating access to social services, particularly education for children. This article not only highlights how religiously influenced humanitarianism is pivotal for community survival but also underscores the essential role played by individual local community members as crucial contributors to government and development partners’ endeavours in safeguarding people’s well-being during and after natural disasters like floods.

Exploring the Constraints and Mitigation Measures in the Teaching and Learning of Environmental Education in Selected Teachers’ Colleges in Tanzania

This paper explored the constraints and measures needed to address the obstacles to quality teaching and learning of environmental education (EE) in teachers’ colleges. The data were gathered from two teachers’ colleges, one in the Morogoro region and the other in the Coast region. This paper employed a qualitative research approach and a case study design. The information was collected through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. The sample size was 34, comprising 14 tutors and 20 teacher trainees. The findings revealed major constraints, including resource shortages, inadequate training, insufficient integration of EE content into the curriculum, and limited knowledge among tutors. Conversely, identified mitigation strategies encompassed ongoing training, outdoor educational activities, increased educational resources, and fostering partnerships among community education stakeholders. These findings underscore the critical role of well-prepared teachers in enhancing the effectiveness of environmental education in Tanzanian primary schools.

Non-typhoidal Salmonella contributes to gastrointestinal infections in Morogoro: Evidence from patients attending Morogoro regional referral hospital in Tanzania.

Salmonella is one of the most common causes of food-borne outbreaks and infection worldwide. Non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) infections are common and remain a significant public health problem among important bacterial foodborne diseases. The current study aimed to establish the Non typhoidal Salmonella infection and antimicrobial resistance status among selected patients at Morogoro Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH), Morogoro Region, Tanzania, to inform clinical care management and public health interventions. A cross-sectional study was conducted using medical records and samples were collected from hospitalised and outpatients between October and December 2021. A total of 153 participants were enrolled in the study and 132 consented to being sampled. The collected samples were analysed using standard microbiological techniques. The isolates were subjected to molecular genotyping, where Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was performed targeting the 16S rDNA gene. PCR products were then submitted for sequencing to establish phylogenetic relatedness. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing and resistance genes screening were also conducted. The phylogenetic analysis identified two Salmonella serovars; Salmonella Enteritidis and Salmonella Typhimurium. The isolates were from four adults and seven children patients. The isolates were tested against six antimicrobial agents: tetracycline, trimethoprim, gentamycin, ciprofloxacin, ampicillin and cefotaxime. Further antimicrobial assays were performed by screening 10 antimicrobial resistance genes using PCR. Overall, the highest resistance was observed in ampicillin (100%), whereas the lowest resistance was recorded for ciprofloxacin and gentamicin (9.1%). In addition, four (36.4%) of the isolates were resistant to cefotaxime and three (27.3%) to tetracycline and trimethoprim. The isolates also exhibit the presence of resistance genes for sulfamethoxazole 1&2, tetracycline (tet) A&B, Beta-lactamase CTXM, Beta-lactamase TEM, Beta-lactamase SHV, Gentamycine, Acra and acc3-1 in different occurrences. The overall prevalence of Salmonella species in Morogoro region was 8.3% (11/132) with Salmonella Enteritidis and Salmonella Typhimurium being the only serovars detected from adults and children stool samples. Our investigation showed that both children and adults had been exposed to Salmonella spp. However, the occurrence of NTS was higher in children (5.3% (7/132) compared to adults (3.0% (4/132). To stop zoonotic infections and the development of antimicrobial resistance in the community, this calls for Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) and stewardship programmes on rational use of antimicrobials in both health facilities and at the community level.

Farmer-Agropastoralist Conflict Escalation in Morogoro Region, Tanzania: A Structural and Process Analysis

In Africa, access to natural resources such as land, water, forest, and wildlife reserve areas is a key factor for socio-economic development. The scarcity and degradation of these resources in rural environments threaten human security, leading to conflicts. Conflicts between agropastoralists and farmers are increasing in Tanzania. This research deployed the Social Conflict Theory that embeds structural and process elements to address the question of why and how the conflict between farmers and agropastoralists has escalated into deadly violence in the Morogoro region, Tanzania. Qualitative and ethnographic research methods were used. Results demonstrate that the way farmers lose their land by illegal means (e.g., bribes, force and coercion, and deception and stealth) is a critical factor that contributes more to land resource conflicts. We argue that land resource-related conflicts in Tanzania cannot be explained solely by a single driver (e.g., limited land resources), but by a combination of drivers including the illegal mechanisms used to control access to land resources. Conflicts between farmers and agropastoralists in the Morogoro region escalated to violence following the general patterns and transformation dynamics (i.e., process variables) described in Social Conflict Theory. These process variables involve tactics shifting from light to heavy, goals shifting from specific to general, and involvement shifting from few to many. The analysis of conflicts by focusing on process variables (conflict dynamics) enabled the identification of new factors (culture and age of participant in the conflict) that helped explain why some conflicts between farmers and agropastoralists escalate to deadly violence. The study recommends the formation of a loose coalition (e.g., Elders’ Tribunal) which includes equal representation of members from the farmer and agropastoralist communities which may help solve the current conundrum caused by top-down administrative procedures and practices, which often leads to outcomes that are ineffective and unsatisfactory to all parties

Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used in management of COVID-19 in Dar es Salaam and Morogoro Regions, Tanzania

Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used in management of COVID-19 in Dar es Salaam and Morogoro Regions, Tanzania

Prevalence and predictors of residual antibiotics in children's blood in community settings in Tanzania

ObjectivesChildren account for a significant proportion of antibiotic consumption in low- and middle-income countries, with overuse occurring in formal and informal health sectors. This study assessed the prevalence and predictors of residual antibiotics in the blood of children in the Mbeya and Morogoro regions of Tanzania. MethodsThe cross-sectional community-based survey used two-stage cluster sampling to include children aged under 15 years. For each child, information on recent illness, healthcare-seeking behaviour, and use of antibiotics, as well as a dried blood spot sample, were collected. The samples underwent tandem mass spectrometry analysis to quantify the concentrations of 15 common antibiotics. Associations between survey variables and the presence of residual antibiotics were assessed using mixed-effects logistic regression. ResultsIn total, 1742 children were surveyed, and 1699 analysed. The overall prevalence of residual antibiotics in the blood samples was 17.4% (296/1699), the highest among children under the age of 5 years. The most frequently detected antibiotics were trimethoprim (144/1699; 8.5%), sulfamethoxazole (102/1699; 6.0%), metronidazole (61/1699; 3.6%), and amoxicillin (43/1699; 2.5%). The strongest predictors of residual antibiotics in the blood were observed presence of antibiotics at home (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.9; 95% CI, 2.0–4.1) and reported consumption of antibiotics in the last 2 weeks (aOR = 2.5; 95% CI, 1.6–3.9). However, half (145/296) of the children who had residual antibiotics in their blood, some with multiple antibiotics, had no reported history of illness or antibiotic consumption in the last 2 weeks, and antibiotics were not found at home. DiscussionThis study demonstrated a high prevalence of antibiotic exposure among children in Tanzanian communities, albeit likely underestimated, especially for compounds with short half-lives. A significant proportion of antibiotic exposure was unexplained and may have been due to unreported self-medication or environmental pathways. Incorporating biomonitoring into surveillance strategies can help better understand exposure patterns and design antibiotic stewardship interventions.

Mineral composition and heavy metal risk assesment of selected geophagic soils from Tanzania

Geophagy or Pica is the unintentional traditional behavior of eating soil by indigenous people in different countries. practiced in many countries due to nausea among pregnant women and mineral deficiencies without knowing the associated health risks. In this study the mineral composition of geophagic soil and its associated health risk among consumers was determined. Dry soil sticks consumed by women were obtained from open markets in Morogoro, Njombe and Mwanza regions in Tanzania. The elemental concentration of geophagic soil was analyzed using Flame Atomic Absorption spectrophotometer. Health risk assessment methods were used to obtain health information after chronic exposure to geophagic soils. The tests used were Target Hazard Quotients (THQ), Total Target Hazard Quotients (TTHQ) and Cancer Risks (CR). The concentration range of metals in samples obtained from three different regions were 16,335.7–47,773.7 mg/kg for Fe, 46.2–1073.5 mg/kg for Ca, 155.3–514.9 mg/kg for K, 44.5–112.4 mg/kg for Zn, 40.7–95.1 mg/kg for Na, 2.4–66.7 mg/kg for Cu, 109.5–572.6 mg/kg for Mn, 3.8–6.85 mg/kg for Pb, 3.1–93 mg/kg for Ni, 62.7–638.6 mg/kg for Cr and 0.4 mg/kg for Cd. The Provisional Daily Intake (PDI), THQ, TTHQ and CR ranged between 3.0 × 10−3 –34.12 mg/kg/day bw, 0.043–48.75, 34.52–77.36 and 2.55×10−5- 0.23 respectively. The TTHQ>1 was evident for metals in all sampling sites which is indicative of non-carcinogenic health effects. Prolonged exposure to Pb at low concentrations in samples from all the sites can cause pathological effects. The cancer risk values for Pb, Ni, Cr and Cd were <1 in which the consumer is likely not to develop cancer in a life time. Essential minerals – Fe, Ca, Zn, Na, K and toxic metals Pb, Cr, Ni and Cu were detected in all the samples. Cd occurred only in samples from Mwanza region that was below the tolerable daily intake. According to WHO/FAO expert’s joint committee any amount of Pb consumption is not permitted. Given the presence of essential minerals in the geophagic soils which are however accompanied by toxic minerals in some cases which might have carcinogenic effects, prolonged consumption should be discouraged to avoid risks of serious adverse effects to the health of the general population.

Effect of Foliar Fertilizer and Irrigation Levels on Carrot Productivity

Effect of Foliar Fertilizer and Irrigation Levels on Carrot Productivity

Evaluation of Lab-on-a-Disc Technique Performance for Soil-Transmitted Helminth Diagnosis in Animals in Tanzania.

Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are caused by roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and thread worms. Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment, prevention, and control of these infections. This study evaluates a new diagnostic method called Single-image Parasite Quantification (SIMPAQ), which uses a lab-on-a-disc (LoD) technique to isolate STH eggs into a single imaging zone for digital analysis. The study evaluates the purification performance of the SIMPAQ technique for detecting STH eggs in animal samples. This was a cross-sectional study conducted among 237 pigs and 281 dogs in the Morogoro region in Tanzania. Faecal samples were collected and processed with the LoD technique, as well as flotation and McMaster (McM) methods for comparison purposes. The overall prevalence of STH infections was high as per the LoD technique (74%), followed by McM (65.44%) and flotation (65.04%). Moreover, the overall performance of the LoD technique, using McM as the gold standard, was 93.51% (sensitivity), 60.89% (specificity), 81.91% (PPV), and 83.21% (NPV). The LoD technique exhibited high prevalence, sensitivity, and NPV, which demonstrates its value for STH egg detection and its crucial role in the era of accurate STH diagnosis, promoting proper management of the infection.

Predictors of health workers' knowledge of maternal and perinatal deaths surveillance and response system in Morogoro region, Tanzania: An analytical cross-sectional study.

This study aimed at assessing the predictors of knowledge about the Maternal and Perinatal Deaths Surveillance and Response (MPDSR) system among health workers in the Morogoro region. It was an analytical cross-sectional study, conducted from April 27 to May 29, 2020. A multistage sampling technique was used to recruit 360 health workers. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS v.20) software was used for data entry and analysis. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to assess factors associated with knowledge of MPDSR. A total of 105 (29.2%) health workers in the Morogoro region had adequate knowledge of the MPDSR system. After controlling for confounders, predictors of knowledge on the MPDSR system were the level of health facility a health worker was working (n [hospital [adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.668 at 95% confidence intervals [CI] = 1.497-4.753, P = .001]), level of education of a health worker (diploma [AOR = 0.146 at 95% CI = 0.038-0.561, P = .005]), and status of training on MPDSR (trained [AOR = 7.253 at 95% CI = 3.862-13.621, P ≤ .001]). The proportion of health workers with adequate knowledge about the MPDSR system in the Morogoro region is unacceptably low. Factors associated with adequate knowledge were those working in hospitals with higher levels of professional training and those who had ever had training in MPDSR. A cost-effective strategy to improve the level of knowledge regarding MPDSR in this region is highly recommended.