Northeastern Tanzania Research Articles

A new species within the Enteromius kerstenii complex (Actinopterygii, Cyprinidae, Smiliogastrinae) from south-western Ethiopia

A new species of small-sized smiliogastrin barb, Enteromius gamo sp. nov., is described from tributaries to lakes Abaya and Chamo in south-western Ethiopia. The new species belongs to a readily diagnosable group commonly identified as E. kerstenii, exhibiting a thickened and serrated last unbranched ray in the dorsal fin, a low number of scales in the lateral series (≤ 27), and a yellow, orange or reddish blotch on operculum. Pairwise genetic distances between the new species from Ethiopia and specimens of E. kerstenii from close to the type locality in north-eastern Tanzania were 7.5–8.3 % (COI) and 8.9–10.1 % (cytb). Enteromius gamo sp. nov. is morphologically distinguished from E. kerstenii and all examined congeners from Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda primarily by short anterior (15.8–35.1 %, mean 27.4 %, of snout length) and posterior (63.2–95.7 %, mean 81.0 %, of snout length) barbels. The new species is known only from wetlands and side channels of rivers (Hare, Sile, and Sago) along the western shores of lakes Abaya and Chamo.

Factors Associated With Survival Among Patients With Multiple Myeloma in Northeastern Tanzania.

This study sought to delineate the clinical, laboratory, and imaging characteristics during multiple myeloma (MM) diagnosis, outline the treatment modalities administered, and ascertain the survival rates among patients with MM over a comprehensive 5-year span in Tanzania. This retrospective cohort study investigated patients diagnosed with MM at the Cancer Care Clinic, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, between January 2017 and June 2022. Demographic data, clinical profiles, and survival outcomes were collected. The study employed the Kaplan-Meier method to determine overall survival (OS) and survival rates, supported by univariate analysis and a multivariate Cox regression model with significance of P < .05. In this study of 76 patients with MM, bone pain was the most common complaint (76.3%), and patients were age typically older than 50 years (82.5%). Laboratory tests showed frequent abnormalities, such as anemia (51.3%) and hypercalcemia (23.9%). Most patients were at stage III according to Durie Salmon Staging (82.7%), with imaging revealing various bone abnormalities. The median OS was 18.0 months, with 46.1% of patients passing away during the study period. Factors linked to shorter survival included anemia, renal failure, and bone involvement. Infection was the primary cause of death among these patients. The presenting complaint of bone pain significantly affected survival outcomes. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of MM within the Sub-Saharan African context, highlighting age-related disparities in diagnosis, predominant presenting symptoms like bone pain, factors contributing to delayed diagnoses, and the impact on survival rates. The findings underscore the critical need for early recognition, improved diagnostics, and tailored interventions to enhance outcomes for patients with MM in this region.

Gender Roles and Practices in Land Access, Ownership and Utilization in West Usambara, Tanzania

Tanzania's land laws protect and guarantees gender equality in access, ownership, and utilization of land. However, the extent to which these legal frameworks have enabled gender equality in the country regarding access, ownership, and utilization of land is not well known. This paper assessed gender relations in access, ownership, and utilization of land in West Usambara Mountains Lushoto District, Tanga Region, North Eastern Tanzania. A purposive sampling of 100 respondents (49 men and 51 women) was obtained to participate in the study. A structured questionnaire was used to interview respondents and focus group discussions with key informants were conducted. Qualitative data were analyzed through content analysis techniques including thematic analysis of texts and indexing. Results show that despite a progressive legal framework, women are still marginalized in land access, ownership, and utilization. This is because of the co-existence of dissimilar structures (traditional, formal and religious land laws), as well as long-established traditional that continue to perpetuate gender disparity. It is proposed that efforts should be made to empower women to use the existing legal structures to demand and promote own land rights.

Epidemiology and multiple colonization of gastrointestinal pathogens in rural Tanzanian children with and without diarrhea: A case-control study.

Diarrheal diseases are important causes of morbidity and mortality, worldwide. The occurrence of multiple pathogens in stool samples of symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals in resource-limited countries have been repeatedly described. In this study, we assessed the differentiated effects of combined pathogen detections on recorded symptoms. A case-control study was conducted among 620 under-five-year-old children in rural northeastern Tanzania with emphasis of multiple detection. The median age of children was 11 months (IQR = 7, 20), and 52.1% were male. Cases (50.2%, n = 157) were less likely than controls (64.5%, n = 198) to have multiple colonization with gastrointestinal tract (GIT) pathogens. The children's age was positively associated with the likelihood of harboring multiple GIT pathogens [OR, 1.02, 95% CI = 1.01, 1.04]. Shigella spp./enteroinvasive Escherichia coli (EIEC) [OR = 2.80, 95% CI 1.62, 4.83] and norovirus [OR = 2.04, 95% CI 1.23, 3.39] were more common in cases and were strongly associated with diarrhea, while enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC) [OR = 0.23, 95%CI 0.17-0.33] were more common in controls. Diarrheal diseases in under-five children from rural Tanzania are likely to be due to infections with Shigella spp./EIEC, and norovirus with strongly age-dependent associations.

Lack of selection of antimalarial drug resistance markers after intermittent preventive treatment of schoolchildren (IPTsc) against malaria in northeastern Tanzania

ObjectiveIntermittent Preventive Treatment of schoolchildren (IPTsc) is recommended by WHO as a strategy to protect against malaria; to explore whether IPTsc with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP) or artesunate-amodiaquine (ASAQ) cause a selection of molecular markers in Plasmodium falciparum genes associated with resistance in children in seven schools in Tanga region, Tanzania. MethodsSNPs in P. falciparum genes Pfmdr1, Pfexo, Pfkelch13, and Pfcrt and copy number variations in Pfplasmepsin-2 and Pfmdr1 were assessed in samples collected at 12 months (visit 4, n=74) and 20 months (visit 6, n=364) after initiation of IPTsc and compared with the baseline prevalence (n=379). ResultsThe prevalence of Pfmdr1 N86 and Pfexo 415G was >99% and 0%, respectively without any temporal differences observed. The prevalence of Pfmdr1 184F changed significantly from baseline (52.2%) to visit 6 (64.6%) (χ2=6.11, P=0.013), but no differences were observed between the treatment arms (χ2=0.05, P=0.98). Finally, only minor differences in the amplification of Pfmdr1 were observed; from 10.2% at baseline to 16.7% at visit 6 (χ2=0.98, P=0.32). ConclusionsThe IPTsc strategy does not seem to pose a risk for the selection of markers associated with DP or ASAQ resistance. Continuously and timely surveillance of markers of antimalarial drug resistance is recommended.

Distribution of magmatic intrusions and key petroleum system elements in the Pliocene–Holocene Pangani Rift Basin, Northeastern Tanzania

The sedimentary fills in the Pangani rift basin (PRB) of northeastern Tanzania have not yet been studied in detail and their petroleum potential is poorly understood. This study aims at assessing distribution of magmatic intrusions and key petroleum system elements in the PRB based on 2D seismic, remote sensing, and aeromagnetic data interpretations. Results show that evolution of the basin fill was influenced by sediment supply, magmatism, and tectonics. The PRB contains Pliocene–Holocene clastic, magmatic, and volcaniclastic deposits. The clastic sediment was sourced from the north-northeast and east-southeast of the PRB. The magmatic and volcaniclastic rocks were formed during Pleistocene–Holocene and are increasing in frequency toward the north and northeast of the basin. Tectonics and faulting created depocenters and magma conduits; magmatic intrusions and fault systems form potential petroleum traps. Seismic interpretation has shown that PRB contains potential reservoir and seal rocks for possible petroleum accumulations. Fault systems dissecting the PRB provided petroleum migration pathways from deep buried source rocks to potential reservoirs. For the first time, this study has shown that the PRB contains key petroleum system elements for petroleum accumulations to occur. Our results will be of interest to researchers working in different East African Rift basins.

Adaptive adjustment to the needs of families caring for children and adolescents with physical disabilities in north-eastern Tanzania: a grounded-theory study

ABSTRACT Background Family interactions, which are always multi-faceted, are complicated further by family members with disabilities. In resource-poor settings, policies and programmes that address the needs of and challenges faced by families are often inaccessible or unavailable. Approximately 13% of the families in Tanzania have at least one member with a disability, yet family-centred research on caring for disabled children and adolescents is scarce in this context. Objective The aim is to explore the needs and challenges faced by families that care for children and adolescents with physical disabilities in the Kilimanjaro Region of north-eastern Tanzania. Methods This qualitative study had a constructivist grounded-theory design. In-depth interviews, using a semi-structured interview guide based on the social-capital framework, were conducted with 12 female participants aged between 24 and 80. A conceptual model of family needs, inspired by Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, informed the analysis. Results Challenging needs were grouped into five categories, which were linked to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and related to the central concept of ‘adaptive adjustment’: (1) ‘barely surviving’; (2) ‘safety needs in jeopardy’; (3) ‘sociocultural protection’; (4) ‘self-esteem far beyond reach’, and (5) ‘dreaming of self-actualisation’. Conclusion Families caring for children and adolescents with physical disabilities in north-eastern Tanzania have needs that extend beyond the available and accessible resources. Families can adjust and adapt by avoiding certain situations, accepting the reality of their circumstances and exploring alternative ways of coping. A sustainable support system, including social networks, is essential for meeting basic needs and ensuring safety.

Do WHO criteria for gestational diabetes fit a rural population in Tanzania? – A follow-up study assessing mother and child health six years after a pregnancy diagnosed with gestational diabetes

Aims and MethodsIn low- and middle- income countries (LMICs) consequences of gestational diabetes (GDM) is understudied. Using a prospective cohort of mothers (n = 197)and children (n = 251), from rural north-eastern Tanzania, we assessed prediabetes and type 2 diabetes (T2D) prevalence six years after a pregnancy with/without GDM. ResultsThe prevalence of prediabetes (49.4 % vs. 46.4 %) orT2D (20.0 % vs. 16.1 %), p ≥ 0.36, based on fasting plasma glucose (FPG) or HbA1clevels (prediabetes: 16.9 % vs. 13.8 % and T2D 1.2 % vs. 0 %, p = 0.47), andcardio-metabolic health parameters,weresimilar between women with/without previous GDM. These results were supported by similar perinatal outcomes and child health at follow-up.The overall prevalence ofprediabetes/T2D was high, but no differences in other cardio-metabolic risk markers were observed in women with prediabetes/T2D compared to women with normal glucose tolerance. ConclusionsDespite high prevalence of GDM amongTanzanian women, the diagnosis was not associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, nor with increased risk of prediabetes or T2D at follow-up. FPG and HbA1c may be poor markers for diabetes in this population, and further follow-up studies with longer time intervals are warranted to evaluate which GDM diagnostic criteria are most optimal for women in rural Tanzania and similar LMIC settings.

Immunoglobulin G Responses to SARS-Cov-2 and Patterns of Adverse Vaccination Effects Among Health Care Workers in North-Eastern Tanzania: A Retrospective Longitudinal Study

Immunoglobulin G Responses to SARS-Cov-2 and Patterns of Adverse Vaccination Effects Among Health Care Workers in North-Eastern Tanzania: A Retrospective Longitudinal Study

Salient features and ecosystem services of tree species in mountainous indigenous agroforestry systems of North-Eastern Tanzania

Indigenous agroforestry systems in tropical mountainous environments provide crucial ecosystem services, but these ecosystems are also facing some challenges. A loss of diversity and native tree species in the overstory layer has been a growing concern in agroforestry worldwide, yet the drivers behind it remain inadequately understood. We hypothesize that the choice of overstory tree species is closely linked to the ecosystem services required by farmers, their livelihood strategy, and the salient features of each system. We, therefore, investigated four different farming systems in the mountains of northeastern Tanzania, i.e., the Kihamba on Mt. Kilimanjaro, Ginger agroforestry in the South Pare mountains, and Miraba and Mixed spices agroforestry in the West and East Usambara. In 82 farms, we collected data on the structure, tree species composition (both native and non-native), diversity, and associated provisioning ecosystem services as identified by smallholder farmers. Our results indicate that although all studied systems are multi-layered with three or four vertical layers, they have notable differences in their salient features concerning structure, composition, and diversity. The unique climate, landscape setting, soil, historical background, and economic opportunities that exist in each region contribute to those differences. Our findings indicate that the Kihamba system had the highest number of native tree species, and the largest diversity in species used for provisioning services, followed by Ginger agroforestry. No native species were used in Miraba or Mixed spices agroforestry, where a limited number of non-native tree species are planted mainly for fuel and timber or as a crop, respectively. Our findings regarding reported provisioning ES corroborate our hypothesis and imply that policies to increase resilience and restore the native tree species cover of the agroforestry systems of Tanzania can only be successful if knowledge of the ES potential of native species is increased, and interventions are tailored to each system’s ES needs for conservation as well as livelihood.

Impact of Self-Monitoring Blood Glucose on Glycaemic Control Among Insulin-Treated Patients With Diabetes Mellitus in Northeastern Tanzania: A Randomised Controlled Trial.

Introduction: Tracking of blood glucose levels by patients and care providers remains an integral component in the management of diabetes mellitus (DM). Evidence, primarily from high-income countries, has illustrated the effectiveness of self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) in controlling DM. However, there is limited data on the feasibility and impact of SMBG among patients in the rural regions of sub-Saharan Africa. This study is aimed at assessing SMBG, its adherence, and associated factors on the effect of glycaemic control among insulin-treated patients with DM in northeastern Tanzania. Materials and Methods: This was a single-blinded, randomised clinical trial conducted from December 2022 to May 2023. The study included patients with DM who had already been on insulin treatment for at least 3 months. A total of 85 participants were recruited into the study and categorised into the intervention and control groups by a simple randomization method using numbered envelopes. The intervention group received glucose metres, test strips, logbooks, and extensive SMBG training. The control group received the usual care at the outpatient clinic. Each participant was followed for a period of 12 weeks, with glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and fasting blood glucose (FBG) being checked both at the beginning and at the end of the study follow-up. The primary and secondary outcomes were adherence to the SMBG schedule, barriers associated with the use of SMBG, and the ability to self-manage DM, logbook data recording, and change in HbA1c. The analysis included descriptive statistics, paired t-tests, and logistic regression. Results: Eighty participants were analysed: 39 in the intervention group and 41 in the control group. In the intervention group, 24 (61.5%) of patients displayed favourable adherence to SMBG, as evidenced by tests documented in the logbooks and glucometer readings. Education on SMBG was significantly associated with adherence. Structured SMBG improved glycaemic control with a HbA1c reduction of -1.01 (95% confidence interval (CI) -1.39, -0.63) in the intervention group within 3 months from baseline compared to controls of 0.18 (95% CI -0.07, 0.44) (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Structured SMBG positively impacted glycaemic control among insulin-treated patients with DM in the outpatient clinic. The results suggest that implementing a structured testing programme can lead to significant reductions in HbA1c and FBG levels. Trial Registration: Pan African Clinical Trials Registry identifier: PACTR202402642155729.

Caretaker's Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding the Causes, Treatments, and Risks of Diarrhea Among Under-Five Children in North-Eastern Tanzania: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background. Pediatric diarrhea remains a public health concern. This study explored caretaker's knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding the causes, treatments, and risks of diarrhea among under-fives in Korogwe and Handeni districts, north-eastern Tanzania. Methods. We conducted a qualitative, cross-sectional study. Participants were selected through purposive sampling. Data were gathered through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, and they were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results. Most participants had good knowledge about the risks of diarrhea among under-fives. However, most participants had poor knowledge of the causes and treatments of diarrhea. A significant proportion of participants had negative attitudes and poor practices about the treatment of diarrhea. A small percentage of participants possessed positive attitudes and appropriate practices for managing diarrhea. Conclusion. To bridge the knowledge gaps among caretakers and promote positive attitudes and behaviors about the management of diarrheal diseases, health authorities are urged to strengthen health education in the study communities.

The Tonology of Simple and Complex Infinitives in Meru Language of the Northeastern Tanzania

The Tonology of Simple and Complex Infinitives in Meru Language of the Northeastern Tanzania

Efficacy of 3D screens for sustainable mosquito control: a semi-field experimental hut evaluation in northeastern Tanzania

BackgroundA three-dimensional window screen (3D-Screen) has been developed to create a window double-screen trap (3D-WDST), effectively capturing and preventing the escape of mosquitoes. A 2015 laboratory study demonstrated the 3D-Screen's efficacy, capturing 92% of mosquitoes in a double-screen setup during wind tunnel assays. To further evaluate its effectiveness, phase II experimental hut trials were conducted in Muheza, Tanzania.MethodsThree experimental hut trials were carried out between 2016 and 2017. Trial I tested two versions of the 3D-WDST in huts with open or closed eaves, with one version using a single 3D-Screen and the other using two 3D-Screens. Trial II examined the 3D-WDST with two 3D-Screens in huts with or without baffles, while Trial III compared handmade and machine-made 3D structures. Mosquito capturing efficacy of the 3D-WDST was measured by comparing the number of mosquitoes collected in the test hut to a control hut with standard exit traps.ResultsTrial I showed that the 3D-WDST with two 3D-Screens used in huts with open eaves achieved the highest mosquito-capturing efficacy. This treatment captured 33.11% (CI 7.40–58.81) of female anophelines relative to the total collected in this hut (3D-WDST and room collections) and 27.27% (CI 4.23–50.31) of female anophelines relative to the total collected in the control hut (exit traps, room, and verandahs collections). In Trial II, the two 3D-Screens version of the 3D-WDST captured 70.32% (CI 56.87–83.77) and 51.07% (CI 21.72–80.41) of female anophelines in huts with and without baffles, respectively. Compared to the control hut, the capturing efficacy for female anophelines was 138.6% (37.23–239.9) and 42.41% (14.77–70.05) for huts with and without baffles, respectively. Trial III demonstrated similar performance between hand- and machine-made 3D structures.ConclusionsThe 3D-WDST proved effective in capturing malaria vectors under semi-field experimental hut conditions. Using 3D-Screens on both sides of the window openings was more effective than using a single-sided 3D-Screen. Additionally, both hand- and machine-made 3D structures exhibited equally effective performance, supporting the production of durable cones on an industrial scale for future large-scale studies evaluating the 3D-WDST at the community level.Graphical

Medicinal plants for treatment of diarrhoeal diseases among under-five children: experience from traditional healers in North-eastern Tanzania

BackgroundRight through history, humans have relied heavily on plants for sustenance and the healing of different ailments. One of the long-standing traditions that communities have inherited from earlier generations is the use of herbal medicines for the treatment of paediatric ailments, including diarrhoea. This study showcased medicinal plants used by traditional healers for the treatment of diarrhoeal diseases among under-five children in North-eastern Tanzania.Methods and designA qualitative research approach and a narrative research design were employed. The research was carried out in the districts of Korogwe and Handeni in North-eastern Tanzania, with 52 in-depth interviews performed with participants (traditional healers). Purposive sampling method was used to select participants, and a thematic analysis framework was used to analyze the data.ResultsStudy results indicate that traditional healers had enormous insights and were well informed about medicinal plants that were perceived to be efficacious in treating diarrhoeal diseases among under-five children. A total of 54 medicinal plants were reported by the participants to be effective in healing diarrhoeal diseases among under-five children. However, out of 54 medicinal plants, 15 were predominantly disclosed by the majority of participants. Those medicinal plants include Psidium guajava, Rhus natalensis, Ozoroa insignis, Tamarindus indica, Ocimum suave, Combretum molle, Zanha africana, Solanum incanum, and Ximenia americana. Other medicinal plants mentioned by most participants include, Ochna holstii, Elaeodendron schlechterianum, Albizia anthelmintica, Commiphora pteleifolia, Salacia stuhlmanniana, and Zenkerella grotei.ConclusionAll traditional healers seemed to have a clear understanding regarding the medicinal plants that were used to treat diarrhoeal diseases among under-five children. The participants acknowledged to treating under-five children with diarrhoeal diseases using herbal medications on multiple occasions. The findings of this study should inspire more in-depth botanical research to determine whether the medicinal plants reported in this study have anti-diarrhoeal properties.

U–Pb dating of gem-quality vanadium-bearing grossular garnet (var. tsavorite) from north-eastern Tanzania

U–Pb dating of gem-quality vanadium-bearing grossular garnet (var. tsavorite) from north-eastern Tanzania

A further new species of Isoglossa (Acanthaceae) from the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania

SummaryIsoglossa pareensis I.Darbysh. & Hemp (Acanthaceae), from submontane moist forest at Mwala in the South Pare Mountains of northeastern Tanzania, is described and illustrated. This species is considered to be related to I. gregorii (S.Moore) Lindau and I. punctata (Vahl) Brummitt & J.R.I.Wood, which are widespread in the montane forests of eastern Africa, but it clearly differs from these species in inflorescence structure and indumentum and in anther morphology. Notes on the habitat requirements and extinction risk of this new species are provided; it is considered to be Vulnerable under IUCN criterion D2 because of its extremely limited range and a plausible future threat from wildfires. The recent discovery of the Critically Endangered acanthaceous herb Asystasia masaiensis Lindau at lower, drier elevations at the same site is also reported and the first known photograph of that species is reproduced

Cord Blood FGF-21 and GDF-15 Levels Are Affected by Maternal Exposure to Moderate to Severe Anemia and Malaria.

Anemia and malaria are global health problems affecting >50% of pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa and are associated with intrauterine growth restriction. The hormones fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF-21) and growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) are involved in metabolic regulation and are expressed in the placenta. No studies exist on FGF-21 and GDF-15 responses to exposures of malaria and anemia in pregnancy. Using a prospective, longitudinal pregnancy and birth cohort of women with an average age of 26 years from a rural region in northeastern Tanzania, we examined if FGF-21 and GDF-15 levels in maternal blood at week 33 ± 2 (n = 301) and in cord blood at birth (n = 353), were associated with anemia and malaria exposure at different time points in pregnancy and with neonatal anthropometry. Among mothers at gestation week 33 ± 2, lower FGF-21 levels were observed after exposure to malaria in the first trimester, but not anemia, whereas GDF-15 levels at week 33 ± 2 were not associated with malaria nor anemia. In cord blood, moderate to severe anemia at any time point in pregnancy was associated with higher levels of FGF-21, whereas malaria exposure in the third trimester was associated with lower FGF-21 levels in cord blood. Negative associations were observed between cord blood FGF-21 and GDF-15 levels and neonatal skinfold thicknesses and birthweight. Our results suggest that moderate to severe anemia throughout pregnancy associates with higher FGF-21 levels, and malaria in last trimester associates with lower FGF-21 levels, in the neonates, thereby potentially affecting the future cardiometabolic health of the child.

Community perceptions on the effectiveness of herbal medicines and factors associated with their use in managing diarrhoea among under-five children in North-eastern Tanzania

BackgroundThe demand for herbal medicines continues to increase globally. However, community perceptions on their effectiveness and factors influencing their use have not been extensively investigated, notably in the Tanga Region, North-eastern Tanzania, where their use in treating various diseases, including paediatric diarrhoea, has flourished. According to studies, Tanga Region has a high prevalence of diarrhoea among under-five children. This study explored community perceptions on the effectiveness of herbal medicines and factors associated with their use in managing diarrhoea among under-five children in North-eastern Tanzania.MethodsA qualitative approach and a narrative design were employed by the present study since they had the potential to reveal unrecognized or unreported research problems. Focus group discussions and in-depth interviews were used to facilitate data collection from June 2022 to February 2023. The methods were chosen since they are the most common sources of qualitative data in health research. Purposive sampling method was used to select 247 participants, which included 171 caretakers, 52 traditional healers, and 24 paediatric health workers. Interviews were conducted until the saturation point was reached. The purposive technique was considered since it was a method that enabled the researcher to select participants who were knowledgeable about the study topic. Data analysis was performed using thematic analysis.ResultsEconomic hardship, culture and heritage, superstitious beliefs, failure to recover after receiving hospital medication, easy accessibility of herbal medicines, and long distance to the health facility were the factors perceived to be potentially associated with persistent use of herbal medicines among caretakers. The majority of participants believed that herbal treatments were harmless and effective in treating diarrhoea.ConclusionSuperstitious beliefs, culture, and heritage were the primary justifications for using herbal medicines. It is vital for the relevant authority to educate the community on the risk of using unproven herbal medicines in order to diminish the effects that may arise from using uninvestigated herbs. As things stand, the use of herbal medications will continue owing to their relevance to the lives of people in the study setting.

Material assemblages and percolating pasts in Zigua households, north-eastern Tanzania

The material culture and dwellings of the Zigua villages of Kwa Fungo and Kwengoma, in north-eastern Tanzania, bear the traces of complex social and historical dynamics. In this paper, we analyse household inventories and ethnographic interview data originally collected in 1991 by a team from the University of Dar es Salaam and the National Museum, Tanzania. We rely on oral histories as well as on Zigua epistemologies and ideas of percolating pasts to historicise and contextualise the processes that shaped the material world of these two village communities. The paper focuses on investigating the shift from round ( msonge) to rectangular ( banda) house-types, the household material changes generated by labour migrations and Nyerere’s Ujamaa, the materialisation of healing practices, and the formation of specific aspects of identity.