Mtwara Region Research Articles

Community-Centered Approach to Integrated Coastal Management Strategy for Sustainable Development of the Blue Economy in Mtwara Region, Tanzania

This article explores the potential of the Blue Economy and its application for sustainable development, focusing on the Mtwara region in Tanzania. It begins by examining the definitions, drivers, and future trends of the Blue Economy. The study is guided by three primary objectives: assessing current coastal resources and ecosystems in Mtwara, evaluating the effectiveness of existing Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) initiatives, and analyzing policy and governance frameworks related to coastal resource management in Tanzania. The research methodology includes a review of governance frameworks across major Blue Economy sectors and semi-structured interviews to uncover insights, challenges, and policy implications. Guided by the Social-Ecological Systems (SES) framework, the article emphasizes the interconnectedness of human activities and natural processes, essential for sustainable development. The article is structured into sections: background on the Blue Economy, foundational perspectives, discussion, and conclusion.

Optimization of Tannin’s Extraction from Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) Nut Testa for Use in Leather Tanning

Extensive researches have been conducted over the years, focusing on the use of vegetable tannins to reduce pollution caused by mineral tanning. Vegetable tannins have been utilized commercially, but they remain costly and are not easily accessible. The purpose of this study was to optimize the tannin’s extraction from cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) nut testa using water in order to determine their suitability in leather tanning. Samples of cashew nut testa were collected randomly from cashew nut processors in Mtwara region, Southern Tanzania. They were shade-dried and ground into powder. Various ratio of powder/water (1:6, 1:9, 1:12 and 1:15) -on weight basis were made for extraction, maintained at a temperature of 70 0C for 90 minutes. Results showed that, depending on the extract ratios, different tannin concentrations were obtained which had an implication on tannin extracted from powder. Experiment was found solution with ratio 1:9 have shown to extract about 50.73% of total tannins presented on cashew nut testa powder followed by solutions with ratio 1:12, ratio 1:15, and ratio 1:6 extracted about 46.27%, 43.51% and 38.95% respectively. Suitability of various tannins solution extracted from cashew nut testa was tested using conventional tanning process on sheepskins. The physical properties of the resultant leathers were determined using the standard methods (TBS/ISO). Under given condition, it has shown that using the ratios of 1:6, 1:9, 1:12 and 1:15 resulted in leather with tensile strength ranging between 19.41+6.36 MPa and 43.00+8.18 MPa and elongation at maximum load in the range of 34.48+10.12 % to 77.56+10.96 %., average shrinkage temperatures were above 75oC, and flexing test gave no damage of leather at 100,000 flexes. The physical properties of leather recorded have shown to meet the minimum recommended values from the standard (ISO 14931-2021). The mixing ratio 1:9 of cashew nut testa powder/water has been recommended for extracting tannin for vegetable tanning.

Distribution, characterization and chemical management of noxious shrub weed (Dichapetalum stuhlmannii Engl) in cashew in southeastern Tanzania

Weeds are among the limiting factors that influence low production of economically important crops including cashew (Anacardium occidental L.). Shrub weeds attribute to inter-competition for resources, hinder harvesting and ultimately reduce cashew yields in Tanzania. The current study determined the distribution, characteristics and chemical control option of Dichapetalum Engl in Lindi and Mtwara regions, Southeastern Tanzania. The distribution study involved a survey for weed presence along the areas of Lindi and Mtwara regions. The characterization included distilling, and assessing the growth and development properties of shrub weed. Chemical herbicides; glyphosate 480g. ai/l, 2, 4 D - Dichlorirophenoxyacetic 720g. ai/l, triclopyr 160g a.i./l and 1:1 mixture of glyphosate 480g a.i./l plus triclopyr 160g a.i./L at 15, 20 and 25 mls of formulated product/L of water per 4 m2 were tested on tender, mature and blooming growth stages of D. Stuhlmannii and three spraying frequencies. Findings revealed that the D.stuhlmannii, is a widely distributed shrub weed in Lindi and Mtwara regions. The weed was characterized with three main growth stages of seedling, mature and blooming with a long tap root and evergreen throughout the wet and dry seasons. The tested herbicides revealed the potential suppression of D. Stuhlmannii growth. Glyphosate and a mixture of glyphosate + triclopyr at 15 ml/L outperformed triclopyr and 2, 4 D across all the growth stages. Double spraying of glyphosate and its mixture bettered frequencies of triclopyr and 2, 4 D. The delayed regrowth of suppressed shrub weed took 90–120 days after application of herbicides. The current study recommends for single or double applications of glyphosate herbicides at 15 ml/L or 10,700 ml/ha on tender or mature D. Stuhlmannii in cashew farms. Further studies on the economic feasibility and effect on the microbiota of applied fungicides are required.

Trends of Plasmodium falciparum molecular markers associated with resistance to artemisinins and reduced susceptibility to lumefantrine in Mainland Tanzania from 2016 to 2021

BackgroundTherapeutic efficacy studies (TESs) and detection of molecular markers of drug resistance are recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) to monitor the efficacy of artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT). This study assessed the trends of molecular markers of artemisinin resistance and/or reduced susceptibility to lumefantrine using samples collected in TES conducted in Mainland Tanzania from 2016 to 2021.MethodsA total of 2,015 samples were collected during TES of artemether-lumefantrine at eight sentinel sites (in Kigoma, Mbeya, Morogoro, Mtwara, Mwanza, Pwani, Tabora, and Tanga regions) between 2016 and 2021. Photo-induced electron transfer polymerase chain reaction (PET-PCR) was used to confirm presence of malaria parasites before capillary sequencing, which targeted two genes: Plasmodium falciparum kelch 13 propeller domain (k13) and P. falciparum multidrug resistance 1 (pfmdr1).ResultsSequencing success was ≥ 87.8%, and 1,724/1,769 (97.5%) k13 wild-type samples were detected. Thirty-seven (2.1%) samples had synonymous mutations and only eight (0.4%) had non-synonymous mutations in the k13 gene; seven of these were not validated by the WHO as molecular markers of resistance. One sample from Morogoro in 2020 had a k13 R622I mutation, which is a validated marker of artemisinin partial resistance. For pfmdr1, all except two samples carried N86 (wild-type), while mutations at Y184F increased from 33.9% in 2016 to about 60.5% in 2021, and only four samples (0.2%) had D1246Y mutations. pfmdr1 haplotypes were reported in 1,711 samples, with 985 (57.6%) NYD, 720 (42.1%) NFD, and six (0.4%) carrying minor haplotypes (three with NYY, 0.2%; YFD in two, 0.1%; and NFY in one sample, 0.1%). Between 2016 and 2021, NYD decreased from 66.1% to 45.2%, while NFD increased from 38.5% to 54.7%.ConclusionThis is the first report of the R622I (k13 validated mutation) in Tanzania. N86 and D1246 were nearly fixed, while increases in Y184F mutations and NFD haplotype were observed between 2016 and 2021. Despite the reports of artemisinin partial resistance in Rwanda and Uganda, this study did not report any other validated mutations in these study sites in Tanzania apart from R622I suggesting that intensified surveillance is urgently needed to monitor trends of drug resistance markers and their impact on the performance of ACT.

Structural Determinants of Tax Revenue in Zambia

Teenage pregnancy is one of the complex health and development problems facing the world. In Tanzania adolescent pregnancy has been identified as one of the reasons for girls dropping out of school. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of school based reproductive health education programmes on teenage pregnancy. The study adopted a cross-sectional explanatory design and was conducted in Mtwara Region, Tanzania covering four secondary schools. Respondents for the study were randomly selected. Data was collected using a pre-structured questionnaire, focus groups discussions and key informant interviews. A total of 156 individuals participated in the study. Findings from the study show that school based reproductive health education programmes were effective in terms of knowledge creation. Generally, the results show a significant (P≤ 0.001) difference in reproductive health education between intervention and non-interventions schools. In addition, significant differences were also observed between rural and urban non-intervention schools. It is therefore concluded that school based reproductive health education programmes are effective in knowledge creation among adolescent girls. Hence, it is recommended that a comprehensive school based reproductive health education programme (SBRHEP) be instituted in schools as a way of reducing teenage pregnancies and spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STI’s). However, for this to be more effective there is need for a standalone subject that only deals with reproductive health education rather than the status quo where it is offered under the biology subject. Keywords: School based Reproductive health education, Teenage pregnancy DOI : 10.7176/DCS/9-1-03

Understanding reticence to occupy free, novel-design homes: A qualitative study in Mtwara, Southeast Tanzania.

The population of Africa set to reach 2 billion by 2050. There is therefore great demand for housing across the continent. Research on modified novel designs for housing is a priority to ensure that these homes are not sites of infection for diseases transmission such as malaria. One trial to assess the protection afforded by novel design houses is underway in Mtwara Region, southeastern Tanzania. After constructing 110 of such homes across 60 villages, project staff encountered a certain reticence of the target population to occupy the homes and were faced with accusations of having nefarious intentions. This article explores these accusations, their impacts on home occupancy and lessons for future housing studies. This qualitative study drew on in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with ten occupants of the intervention homes, six community leaders and a further 24 community members. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and translated to English for qualitative content analysis. In communities around the Star Homes, during construction and handover, project staff were widely associated with 'Freemasons', a term used to practices, secrecy, and other conspiracy theories in rural Tanzania. These connections were attributed to other community members and explained in terms of knowledge deficit or envy, with others hoping to be allocated the home. The stories were embedded in assumptions of reciprocity and suspicions about study motives, linked to limited experience of research. The relationship between the accusations of freemasonry and reticence to occupy the houses was not straightforward, with project staff or relatives playing a role in decisions. The stakes were high, because the recipients of Star Homes were the poorest families in targeted communities. The results indicate the need for long-term and proactive community engagement, which focuses on building relationships and providing information through recognizable voices and formats. Given the stakes at play in housing interventions, research teams should be prepared for the social upheaval the provision of free new housing can cause.

Natural gas extraction activities and host communities concerns in Sub-Saharan Africa: A reflection on the historical riots in Mtwara, Tanzania

This paper examines host community concerns associated with natural gas extraction in Tanzania. Host communities in the Mtwara region in Tanzania have resisted natural gas extraction activities in their area. Using this region as a case study, the research draws on in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, direct field observation, documentary films, and relevant documents to understand the community concerns raised. Through content analysis, five significant themes were identified. Communities report that historical riots were prompted by empty promises, irrational expectations and alienation of communities from participating in and benefiting from natural gas extraction activities. Also, communication hiccups and poor aftermath responses worsened the already fragile situation. Clear communication between host communities and the government that allows participatory dialogue with stakeholders is fundamental for addressing host community concerns before havoc erupts. Likewise, where regulations were not followed adequately, follow-up should be done to resolve emanating circumstances and to hold responsible people accountable for their actions.

Unravelling the genetic diversity of water yam (Dioscorea alata L.) accessions from Tanzania using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers.

Water yam (Dioscorea alata L.) is among the most cultivated species used as a source of food and income for small-scale farmers in Tanzania. However, little is documented about Dioscorea species available in Tanzania, including their genetic diversity. This study used ten polymorphic microsatellite markers to determine the genetic diversity and relationship of 63 D. alata accessions from six major producing regions. Results revealed a polymorphic information content (PIC) of 0.63, while the number of alleles per locus ranged from 4 to 12 with a mean of 7.60. The expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.20to 0.76, with a mean of 0.53, which suggests moderate genetic diversity of D. alata accessions. Kagera region had the highest mean number of (1.5) private alleles. Analysis of molecular variance revealed that 54% of the variation was attributed to within individual, 39% was attributed to among individual while among population contributed 7% of the total variation. The highest Nei's genetic distance (0.43) was for accessions sampled from Kilimanjaro and Mtwara regions. Principal coordinate analysis and cluster analysis using Unweighted Paired Group Method using Arithmetic (UPGMA) grouped D. alata accessions into two major clusters regardless of geographical origin and local names. The Bayesian structure analysis confirmed the two clusters obtained in UPGMA and revealed an admixture of D. alata accessions in all six regions suggesting farmers' extensive exchange of planting materials. These results are helpful in the selection of D. alata accessions for breeding programs in Tanzania.

Community Participation in the Decentralized Secondary Education in Mtwara Region, Tanzania

This study sought to establish the community participation in the decentralized secondary education in Mtwara Region. The study employed the cross-sectional descriptive design. The population consisted of 627 secondary school teachers, 48 councilors, 48 WEOs, two DEOS, two DSQAOs and 119,952 parents and board members. A total of 129 teachers were sampled using a simple random sampling procedure. In addition, 48 councilors, 48 WEOs, DEOs and two DSQAOs were selected using the census sampling method. Furthermore, 50 parents and board members were selected using the convenient sampling procedure. Therefore, the total sample was 279 individuals who filled questionnaires. Data was analyzed through descriptive statistics. The study revealed that parents and community members perceived to be involved in attending village meetings. They also attended school meetings for education matters but were not effectively engaged in budgeting and decision making. They agreed that they participated in monitoring and implementation of school projects but their involvement in setting priorities was minimal. Furthermore, they raised a concern regarding rare feedback from school administrators. On the contrary, teachers and school managers perceived a high participation of parents and community members. Therefore, much as parents and community members were involved in the decentralized secondary education, their involvement still needs improvement in such areas as budgeting, priority setting and decision making.

Aflatoxin Contamination, Exposure among Rural Smallholder Farming Tanzanian Mothers and Associations with Growth among Their Children

Recently, aflatoxin exposure especially through maize and groundnuts has been associated with growth impairment in children. Infants and children are considered to be more susceptible to toxins because of their lower body weight, higher metabolic rate, and lower ability to detoxify. On the other hand, for women of reproductive age, aflatoxin exposure may not only affect their health but also that of their foetus in the case of pregnancy. This study focused on investigating AFB1 contamination in maize and groundnut from respondent households, exposure among women of reproductive age and associations of aflatoxin contamination with growth retardation among children in Mtwara region, Tanzania. The highest maximum AFB1 contamination levels from all samples obtained were in maize grain (2351.5 μg/kg). From a total of 217 maize samples collected, aflatoxins were above European Union (EU) and East African Community (EAC) tolerable limits in 76.0% and 64.5% of all samples. Specifically, maize grain had the highest proportion of samples contaminated above tolerable limits (80.3% and 71.1% for EU and EAC limits). Groundnut had 54.0% and 37.9% of samples above EU and EAC maximum tolerable limits. The lowest proportion of contaminated samples on the other hand was for bambara nut (37.5% and 29.2% for EU and EAC limits, respectively). Aflatoxin exposure in our surveyed population was much higher than previous observations made in Tanzania and also higher than those observed in Western countries such as Australia and the USA. Among children, AFB1 concentration was associated with lower weight for height z scores and weight for age z scores in the univariate model (p < 0.05). In summary, these results indicate the seriousness of aflatoxin contamination in foods commonly consumed in the vulnerable population assessed. Strategies both from the health, trade, and nutrition sectors should therefore be designed and implemented to address aflatoxin and mycotoxin contamination in diets.

Is the intention to vaccinate enough? Systematic variation in the value of timely vaccinations and preferences for monetary vs non-monetary incentives among pregnant women in southern Tanzania.

Globally, approximately 19.7 million children remain under-vaccinated; many more receive delayed vaccinations. Sustained progress towards global vaccination targets requires overcoming, or compensating for, incrementally greater barriers to vaccinating hard-to-reach and hard-to-vaccinate children. We prospectively assessed pregnant women's valuations of routine childhood vaccinations and preferences for alternative incentives to inform interventions aiming to increase vaccination coverage and timeliness in southern Tanzania. Between August and December 2017, 406 women in their last trimester of pregnancy were enrolled from health facilities and communities in the Mtwara region of Tanzania and asked contingent valuation questions about their willingness to vaccinate their child if they were (a) given an incentive, or (b) facing a cost for each vaccination. Interval censored regressions assessed correlates of women's willingness to pay (WTP) for timely vaccinations. Participants were asked to rank monetary and non-monetary incentive options for the timely vaccination of their children. All women expected to get their children vaccinated according to the recommended schedule, even without incentives. Nearly all women (393; 96.8%) were willing to pay for vaccinations. The average WTP was Tanzania Shilling (Tsh) 3,066 (95% confidence interval Tsh 2,523-3,610; 1 USD∼Tsh 2,200) for each vaccination. Women's valuations of timely vaccinations varied significantly with vaccine-related knowledge and attitudes, economic status, and rural vs urban residence. Women tended to prefer non-monetary over monetary incentives for the timely vaccination of their children. Women placed a high value on timely childhood vaccinations, suggesting that unexpected system-level barriers rather than individual-level demand factors are likely to be the primary drivers of missed vaccinations. Systematic variation in the value of vaccinations across women reflects variation in perceived benefits and opportunity costs. In this setting, nonmonetary incentives and other interventions to increase demand and compensate for system-level barriers hold significant potential for improving vaccination coverage and timeliness. NCT03252288.

High seroprevalence and associated risk factors for hepatitis B virus infection among pregnant women living with HIV in Mtwara region, Tanzania

BackgroundHepatitis B virus (HBV) infection continues to be a global public health problem. As of 2019, there were 296 million people chronically infected with HBV, resulting in nearly 1 million deaths from decompensated cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. The seroprevalence of HBV infection among pregnant women in Tanzania was reported to range between 3.8 and 8.03%. However, data on HBV infection in HIV-infected pregnant women is limited. We aimed to determine the seroprevalence and associated risk factors for HBV infection among HIV-infected pregnant women in selected health facilities in the Mtwara region. This was a health facility-based quantitative cross-sectional study conducted for three months (from February to April 2022). A structured questionnaire was used to collect information from the study participants. A total of 4 ml of blood was collected for HBV screening and confirmatory tests using rapid diagnostic tests and automated Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) tests, respectively. The logistic regression model was used to identify significant variables for HBV infection.ResultsTwo hundred and twenty (n = 220) pregnant women living with HIV were enrolled in this study, with a median age of 32.7 years (Interquartile range (IQR) 27.6–37.6). The seroprevalence of HBV, chronic, and acute HBV infections were 10.5%, 10.0%, and 0.5%, respectively. We found that the multiparous women [aOR 11.99: 95% CI 1.11–129.01, p = 0.040], being infected with syphilis [aOR 27.65: 95% CI 9.07–84.30, p < 0.001], and having HIV viral load of 1000 copies/ml and above [aOR 16.00: 95% CI 1.70–150.63, p = 0.015], are factors independently associated with HBV infection.ConclusionsThe overall seroprevalence of HBV infection among pregnant women was 10.5%, which is high endemicity. Furthermore, the study revealed that having more than four children, a high HIV-1 viral load of ≥ 1000cp/ml, and being infected with syphilis are significant risk factors associated with HBV infection among pregnant women living with HIV in the Mtwara region.

Assessment of Histamine Levels and Histamine-producing Bacteria in &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Euthynnus affinis&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Marketed in Tanga and Mtwara Coastal Areas, Tanzania

Histamine (scombrotoxin) food poisoning is a community health risk associated with consumption of some marine fish species and it has been proposed that some anaerobic bacteria contribute to this form of food poisoning. However, histamine levels and histamine producing bacteria in fish marketed in Tanzania have not been appraised. This study was conducted to determine histamine levels and histamine-producing bacteria in the <i>E. affinis</i> (tuna) value chain in Tanga and Mtwara regions. High-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) was used to determine histamine levels, Bacteriology and biochemical tests were employed to determine histamine-producing bacteria. A total of 64 tuna fish samples were collected from deep sea fish market and Sahare Tanga and ferry market, Mtwara coasts. The mean level of histamine was found to be 86.4±43.9 in Tanga and 64.8±47.5 in Mtwara and the overall mean was 77.1±46.4. All fish 64 samples were positive for histamine; however, the mean level was within the recommended limit for consumed fishery products according to European Union regulation of 200 mg/kg (m) to 400 mg/kg (m) (EC, 2005).<i> Klebsiella spp, pseudomonas spp, </i>and <i>proteus spp</i> were isolated and confirmed as histamine-producing bacteria based on bacteriology and biochemical characteristics. It concluded that although within the recommended levels, all fish samples were positive to histamine and three bacterial species associated with its production isolated. To prevent raising histamine to concern levels, maintenance of hygiene and low temperature along the production chain should be observed.

Availability and functionality of neonatal care units in healthcare facilities in Mtwara region, Tanzania: The quest for quality of in-patient care for small and sick newborns.

Evidence shows that delivery of prompt and appropriate in-patient newborn care (IPNC) through health facility (HF)-based neonatal care and stabilization units (NCU/NSUs) reduce preventable newborn mortalities (NMs). This study investigated the HFs for availability and performance of NCU/NSUs in providing quality IPNC, and explored factors influencing the observed performance outcomes in Mtwara region, Tanzania. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a follow-up explanatory mixed-methods approach. HF-based records and characteristics allowing for delivery of quality IPNC were reviewed first to establish the overall HF performance. The review findings were clarified by healthcare staff and managers through in-depth interviews (IDIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs). About 70.6% (12/17) of surveyed HFs had at least one NCU/NSU room dedicated for delivery of IPNC but none had a fully established NCUs/NSU, and 74.7% (3,600/4,819) of needy newborns were admitted/transferred in for management. Essential medicines such as tetracycline eye ointment were unavailable in 75% (3/4) of the district hospitals (DHs). A disparity existed between the availability and functioning of equipment including infant radiant warmers (92% vs 73%). Governance, support from implementing patterns (IPs), and access to healthcare commodities were identified from qualitative inquiries as factors influencing the establishment and running of NCUs/NSUs at the HFs in Mtwara region, Tanzania. Despite the positive progress, the establishment and performance of NCUs/NSUs in providing quality IPNC in HFs in Mtwara region is lagging behind the Tanzania neonatal care guideline requirements, particularly after the IPs of newborn health interventions completed their terms in 2016. This study suggests additional improvement plans for Mtwara region and other comparable settings to optimize the provision of quality IPNC and lower avoidable NMs.

Determinants of adoption of enhanced cashew production technologies among smallholder farmers in Mtwara region, Tanzania

The appropriate use of improved technologies in cashew production can lift cashew productivity and income amongst cashew growing countries including Tanzania. The major motive of this study was to assess the adoption determinants of improved technologies in cashew production for enhancing country’s effort of attaining 1,000,000 MT of cashewnut production by 2025 from the current 238,576 MT. Multistage sampling was used to collect cross-sectional data from 760 cashew growers using a semi-structured questionnaire in Tandahimba and Masasi districts. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the adoption rates whereas a Cragg Double hurdle model was used to analyze the determinant of enhanced cashew technologies. Results showed that the overall adoption of enhanced cashew technologies in Mtwara region was 58%. The findings revealed that the adoption intensity of pesticides application, recommended spacing, and the area under improved cashew trees were 88%, 32%, and 41% respectively. The outcomes revealed by Double Hurdle model indicated that the choice and extent of adoption were influenced by education, off-farm income, farm size, extension contacts, group affiliation, and credit access. Furthermore, cashew tree age, gender, asset endowment, and location influenced only the adoption decision of cashew production technologies. Therefore, the study urges for the inclusive policy agenda that will escalate land allocated for cashew production and off-farm earnings to enhance the adoption and intensity of enhanced cashew technologies. Moreover, results suggest the requirement for policy mediations that will accentuate the extension support and input credit services to heighten espousal of enhanced cashew technology in Tanzania.

Smallholder farmer's awareness and determination of aflatoxins in sesame seeds of southern district of Tanzania

Consumption of aflatoxins contaminated foods has led to detrimental health effects worldwide, with even more severe cases in African countries including Tanzania. A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess awareness and aflatoxins contamination of sesame seeds in Lindi and Mtwara regions. Subsequently, a total of 70 sesame seed samples were randomly purchased from local markets for aflatoxin determination using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Qualitative data were analyzed using SPSS 20 for descriptive and correlation analysis. Results show that 82.4% of the respondents were not aware of aflatoxin contamination of agricultural produce. Awareness was negatively correlated to the levels of education (p=-0.309) and positively correlated with gender whereby men were more aware than women (p=0.03). On the other hand, 37 out of 70 sesame seed samples were contaminated with total aflatoxins at a range of 0.009 ng/g to 5.557 ng/g. Although none of these samples exceeded the Tanzania maximum limits of 10 ng/g for total aflatoxins, 2 samples exceeded the maximum limit of 4 ng/g set by the European Union. Furthermore, Aflatoxin B1 was detected in 13 samples moreover the concentration was below the Tanzania and EU maximum limits of 5 ng/g and 2 ng/g respectively. Though the contamination was below the national maximum limits and limited to one agro-ecological zone and season, these findings provide useful insights on aflatoxins contamination of sesame seeds from the two main growing regions in Tanzania.

Patterns of fish community structure in protected and non-protected marine areas of mainland Tanzania

Information on the benefits of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) for the condition of fish stocks is not well documented in Tanzania. Fish landing sites located in Tanga and Mtwara regions were surveyed to assess patterns of fish community structure; particularly fish abundance, species diversity, growth patterns, and maturity stages, based on catches landed at sites with different protection status. Fish abundance in the catch from protected areas was significantly lower than in non-protected areas (p=0.002). Species diversity was relatively higher in catches from non-protected (H=2.742) compared to protected areas (H=2.232). A high percentage of species (63.24 %) exhibiting negative allometric growth was observed in catches from non-protected areas. Further, a large number of mature fish was observed in catches from protected areas compared to non-protected areas (p&lt;0.01). These indices are useful indicators of the performance of MPAs. The observed negative allometric growth and reduced number of mature fishes in the non-protected areas suggest that extractive pressure and disturbances from fishing gears have negative impacts on the fish stock. Continued high extraction may induce a decline in general fish size due to the constant selection for large-trait fish specimens, potentially causing evolutionally change in morphological traits. In contrast, the lower abundance and species diversity from the protected areas reflected low catch effort as a result of regulated fishing pressure in MPAs, rather than indicating the actual diversity in the fish stocks in these protected waters. Based on these findings it is recommended that more regulatory strategies are implemented in non-protected waters to allow more time for fish to attain appropriate harvest sizes and to ensure the effective protection of marine resources.

Perceptions on Early and Expected Effects of Natural Gas Investments on the Coastal Communities of Mtwara and Lindi Regions in Tanzania

This paper examines the early and expected effects of a natural gas investment in the regions of Mtwara and Lindi in Tanzania. Using information from the survey and focus groups, the paper examines the perceptions of the communities and finds mixed social and economic effects. In general, the initial investment in Songosongo pipeline shows some positive outcomes as compared the new investment in the Mtwara-Dar es Salaam pipeline. More of the positive effects are on social services such as the provision of water and health services. Some of the positive outcomes on casual employment were reported in the initial stages of investments in Mtwara. Whereas quantitative data shows that the effects are generally positive, qualitative results show some communities have grievances due to the fact that their earlier expectectation have not been met. In Songosongo, the results show some pecuniary benefits, yet communities reported some environmental pollution, with flourishing seaweeds and dying fish and social problems, such as prostitution due to population increase. In Mtwara, the communities still have high expectations. These preliminary findings call for a follow-up study since the effects are likely to change with time, which justifies the need for a large-scale study in these regions.

Perceptions on Early and Expected Effects of Natural Gas Investments on the Coastal Communities of Mtwara and Lindi Regions in Tanzania

Perceptions on Early and Expected Effects of Natural Gas Investments on the Coastal Communities of Mtwara and Lindi Regions in Tanzania

Evaluation of diagnostic x-ray equipment performance in lindi and mtwara regions - Tanzania

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the quality control (QC) tests results of general radiography x-ray equipment in order to assess the performance of the x-ray equipment in comparison to the acceptance limits, hence advise on measures to provide quality diagnostic imaging at optimized dose. QC tests results from health facilities in Mtwara and Lindi regions were evaluated. The QC results from 2015 to 2021 were analyzed for selected QC parameters which included kV accuracy, kV reproducibility, mAs linearity, beam quality, collimation and beam alignment. All x-ray units passed the kV accuracy, kV reproducibility, and beam quality and beam alignment tests. It was noticed that the collimation test surfaced among the failed parameters, though the performance of all the tested parameters were within 76.9 %. to 100% of the acceptable limits. Furthermore, lack of QC and maintenance plan was noted. Generally, the performance of most of the x-ray units were in compliance with regulatory requirements. However, improvement is desirable especially in the areas of QC plan, preventive maintenance and repair. Managers of the facilities need to take heed that optimum equipment performance is vital if quality imaging at optimized radiation dose is to be realized.