Sokoine University Of Agriculture Research Articles

Human capital development programme for mid-career agricultural extension workers: The case of Sokoine University of Agriculture BSc. agricultural extension and education training programme

Of recent, there is changing work environment for agricultural extension workers as they operate under the multi-stakeholders’ phenomenon. This increasingly poses a challenge to frontline extension workers trained on linear model (extension-researcher-farmer linkage) in extension services delivery. This is because, facilitating the multi-stakeholder processes requires competent agricultural extension workers well-versed in human relations. In recognizing the importance of human capital development for agricultural extension service delivery in Tanzania, Sokoine University of Agriculture established a mid-career agricultural extension training programme in 1998. Informed by the human capital theory, this study employed an evaluative study design to assess the impact of the Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) mid-career BSc. Agricultural Extension and Education training programme on human capital development. The study was conducted in five agro-ecological zones, that is, Eastern, Western, Central, Southern Highlands and Lake zones in Tanzania. The development of the sampling frame was done in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries (MLF) and President’s Office-Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG). A total of 200 respondents-100 alumni and 100 farmers were sampled proportionately. A snowball sampling technique was used to replace the respondents who were selected randomly but could not be reached for interview. Data were collected from respondents through a questionnaire that covered a set of competences through analysis of the mid-career agricultural extension curriculum and consultations with public and private employers. In addition, literature review and observations were also used to supplement the collected information. The findings indicate that the agricultural training programme at Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) equipped graduates with appropriate knowledge, competencies and skills that improved their job performance and productive capacities that enabled them to interact with various stakeholders and facilitate multi-stakeholders’ processes. This is in line with the purpose of establishing the programme. Hence, this points to the need for continuous human capital building and motivations of agricultural extension workers for the improvement of their performance. Key words: Mid-career, Agricultural extension workers, Curriculum, Human capital, Multi-stakeholder processes

Factors Influencing Utilization of ICT Facilities in Teaching and Learning of Agricultural Sciences. (A Case Study of Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania)

This study investigated the factors influencing utilization of ICT facilities in teaching and learning of agricultural sciences at Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), Tanzania. A descriptive survey design was adopted in this study; and a mixed research approach was employed whereby, a questionnaire with a reliability of 0.83 and interview schedule checklist were used for data collection. Data were collected from the College of Agriculture (CoA) at SUA involving a sample population of 65 instructors, 4 Heads of Department and the Head of ICT services who were all purposively selected. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, content analysis and binary logistic model. The findings revealed that institutional factors such as the availability and accessibility of ICT facilities, and technical support influence instructors toward using ICTs in teaching and learning processes. The findings also revealed that, personal factors such as instructors’ positive attitude, sex, age and teaching experience play significant roles in influencing ICT utilization at the university. The study findings also point out that inadequacy of ICT facilities, slow internet connectivity, unreliable power supply, inadequate ICT infrastructures, lack of in-service training, problems of handling large classes, inadequacy of ICT manpower/ technical support, and lack administrative support i.e. provision of funds as challenges that deter instructors from utilizing ICTs. Among other things, it was recommended that, the university should strive to address the existing challenges by at least ensuring alternative source of power is installed, ensuring regular training of instructors is organized and adequate ICT infrastructures are available at the university.

Screening of potential donors for anaerobic stress tolerance during germination in rice.

The rising cost of transplanting rice has made direct seeding an affordable alternative for rice establishment, particularly in Africa. However, direct seeding, while cost-effective, faces crop establishment challenges due to flooding. Uncontrolled water, driven by erratic rains in low-lying areas or uneven fields, limit germination. Rice possesses the unique ability of anaerobic germination, enabling it to sprout and emerge in oxygen-deprived conditions. Understanding rice's response to anaerobic stress during germination is crucial for resilience breeding. Africa, although relying on direct seeding, has made limited progress in addressing flooding during germination compared to Asia. Anaerobic stress tolerance ensures successful crop emergence even in oxygen-limited environments and can help suppress weeds, a significant challenge in direct-seeded rice cultivation. This study aims to contribute by screening for potential rice donors exhibiting anaerobic stress tolerance. We screened 200 rice genotypes at Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) in Morogoro, Tanzania, primarily focusing on landraces with untapped potential. Using an alpha lattice design, we conducted two anaerobic experiments in September and October 2022, adding 7cm of standing water immediately after dry seeding for flooded and maintaining a 2cm water level after germination in the control for duration of 21 days. We identified potential donors based on selection index computed from genomic estimated breeding values (GEBVs) using eight variables: germination at 14 DAS, germination at 21 DAS, seedling height at 14 DAS, seedling height at 21 DAS, shoot dry matter at 21 DAS, root dry matter at 21 DAS, culm diameter at 21 DAS, and root length at 21DAS. Ten genotypes emerged as the most promising, exhibiting at least 70% germination in floodwater at 21 DAS and greater selection indices. These genotypes were like: Afaa Mwanza 1/159, Rojomena 271/10, Kubwa Jinga, Wahiwahi, Magongo ya Wayungu, Mpaka wa Bibi, Mwangaza, Tarabinzona, IB126-Bug 2013A, and Kanamalia with respective percentages of 75, 74, 71, 86, 75, 80, 71, 80, 70, and 73. These findings contribute to global efforts to mitigate the impacts of flooding during germination. These donors, will be potential to enrich the gene pool for anaerobic germination, providing valuable resources for breeding for flooding tolerance.

Performance Evaluation of Different Storage Technologies on Storage Stability of White-Coloured Sweet Potato Roots Under Farmers’ Conditions in Tanzania

Sweet potatoes' high perishability after harvesting is one of the major factors limiting their potential. This is exacerbated by the lack of appropriate storage methods. This study aimed to evaluate different storage technologies for the storage stability of white-coloured sweet potato roots under farmers’ conditions in Tanzania. The study was carried out at the Crop Science laboratory at Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) for 77 days in a completely randomized experimental design. The experiment included four treatments: improved traditional raised, woven Polypropylene Bags, bamboo buckets, and ventilated bags. Each treatment was replicated three times. Physiological loss in weight, hardness, total soluble solids, colour, and beta-carotene content were measured at the Food Science laboratory at SUA during the experiment storage period. Analysis of variance and comparison of means for the sample collection was performed using GenStat® Executable release 16 Statistical Analysis Software. White-coloured sweet potato roots stored in ventilated bags and the improved traditional raised platform resulted in a weight loss of 49.4% and 68.7%, respectively. It was also observed that the improved traditional raised platform had a significantly high total soluble content /concentration, with a value of 21.27% while Ventilated bags resulted in a Total soluble solid content of 17.02 %, which was significantly low. Furthermore, results show that Ventilated bags had the lowest beta carotene content (8.72 µg/g) compared to other treatments. The findings of this study strongly suggest that storing white-coloured sweet potato roots in ventilated bags is an appropriate method. In the context of the current study, further research on different sweet potato roots packaging materials is recommended

Occurrences of Dental Diseases in Dogs in a Teaching Animal Hospital, Morogoro, Tanzania

Dental diseases are common in dogs with a prevalence of more than 80% in some breeds of dogs. They cause damage to oral health and may act as a source of bacteria causing other diseases such as endocarditis, pneumonia and arthritis. A cross section study was conducted to determine the current status on the occurrence of dental diseases in dogs attended at Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) Teaching Animal Hospital in Morogoro, Tanzania. A total of 87 dogs were examined macroscopically for the presence of dental diseases. Dogs examined in this study ranged from medium (93.1%) to large (6.9%) sized, and up to 73.6% were mixed-breed. The minimum and maximum ages of the dogs were 6 and 72 months, respectively, with majority being females (60.9%). The proportions of intact, spayed and castrated were 92%, 5.8% and 2.3%, respectively. Of the 87 dogs examined, 62.1% had different kinds of dental diseases. The frequently observed dental diseases were; dental deposits (43.7%), missing teeth (24.1%), periodontal disease (20.7%), dental attrition (16.1%), and dental abrasion (10.3%). Further, it was noted that none of the dogs had been previous underwent routine dental check-up or anaesthetised for dental cleaning. This study indicates that dental diseases are frequent in dogs attended at SUA Teaching Animal Hospital. Therefore, it is recommended that routine dental examination should be performed in dogs presented at the Teaching Animal Hospital. Further, there is a need for educating dog breeders and owners on the importance of dental home care.

Screening for resistance of the common bean genotypes to common bacterial blight, and bean common mosaic virus

Common bacterial blight (CBB), and bean common mosaic (BCMV) limit common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) production worldwide. This study was carried out to perform phenotypic screening and asses the leaf reaction of a resistant line to CBB and BCMV. The experiment was conducted using a Completely Randomized design with three replications under screen-house conditions. Four improved bean genotypes for bruchid resistance were collected from bean improvement projects at the Sokoine University of Agriculture and one commonly cultivated susceptible cultivar was collected from a local market. Bean seeds were sown in a pot with sterilized soil and Xap inoculated by spraying with a bacterial suspension at 18 days after planting, while mechanical inoculation was performed for BCMV on 10 days old leaves. Disease severity of CBB was assessed three times at 14, 21, and 35 days after inoculation using a 1-9 CIAT scale, while for BCMV, symptoms were assessed at 15 days after inoculation. Results show significant differences (p≤0.001) on resistance to both diseases among the common beans genotypes tested. 13A/59-98-3x3-3A (scored 1.3 for CBB; no infected plant with BCMV), AO 29-3-3A (scored 2.0 for CBB; no infected plant with BCMV) and KT020 (scored 1.3 for CBB; only 1 plant was infected with BCMV) had resistance to both diseases while BR59-63-10 was resistant to BCMV and intermediate resistance (scored 3.5) to CBB. Kablanketi was susceptible to both diseases (scored 8 for CBB; 2 plants infected with BCMV). This study verified the resistance against CBB and BCMV in three lines obtained from SUA used for breeding multiple disease resistant cultivars.

First record of parasitoids Megastigmus sp. and Quadrastichus mendeli as potential biological control agents of eucalyptus gall inducers in Tanzania

Leptocybe invasa and Ophelimus maskelli (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) are serious pests causing damage to eucalypt plantations in Tanzania. Biological control is considered the best alternative to other control methods, both ecologically and economically. Thus far, no parasitoid of the eucalyptus gall wasps documented or reported. Likewise, the number of parasitoid species and their parasitic capacities are unknown. Therefore, the study investigated the parasitoids of the eucalypt gall inducer from October 2021 to April 2022. Galls were collected from E. tereticornis and E. grandis x E. camaldulensis clones and reared until wasps emerged. The emerged wasps were sorted and identified at the Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania, and the Insect Biosystematics Laboratory at IPB University, Indonesia. Two species of parasitoids of eucalyptus gall-inducers in Tanzania were first collected and identified as Megastigmus sp. (Torymidae) and Quadrastichus mendeli (Eulophidae). In Korogwe, North Ruvu, and Morogoro plantation areas, the percentages of parasitization for the two parasitoids combined were 29.7%, 64%, and 33.3%, respectively. A higher parasitization rate was observed from L. invasa galls in the E. grandis x E. camaldulensis clones. These parasitoids can be potential biological control agent candidates to control the pest. However, future monitoring is needed to determine their distribution, host specificity, interactions, and efficacy.

Examining the efficacy of Electronic Document Management System and Employees’ Perceptions of its Usefulness at Sokoine University of Agriculture

This study was conducted at the Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) to assess the efficacy of Electronic Document Management System (EDMS) in the accessibility and use of records at the Sokoine University of Agriculture. Specifically, the study sought to assess employees’ perceptions of the use of the Electronic Document Management System at the Sokoine University of Agriculture and identify the challenges facing employees in accessing and using EDMS at the Sokoine University of Agriculture. The study used a cross-section research design whereby the data were collected at one time based on two approaches which are qualitative and quantitative. The study involved 100 SUA staff. These were selected from a population of 1308 SUA staff by using purposive, sampling simple random, and systematic random sampling techniques.  Results indicate that the majority of the respondents agreed that the use of SUA–EDMS fostered efficiency in management decisions, and perceive that the use of SUA–EDMS increases accountability. Among all the independent variables, duration at work and rating on effectiveness were found to have a unique contribution to a variation in the perceived usefulness of EDMS. It was concluded that the use of EDMS is very essential for the well-functioning of the organization in terms of faster access to records and which spearheads effective and efficient delivery of services to customers in the organization. The study recommends improving internet speed as one measure to improve the EDMS.

Bibliometric Analysis of Climate Change Publications in Tanzania from 1964 to 2021

Climate change has affected lives of all human beings around the globe making it a growing area of research concern among scientists worldwide. Researchers have used bibliometrics to analyse research productivity and the impact of climate change research output. This study aimed at analysing the trends of research output on climate change in Tanzania from 1964 to 2021. Specifically, the study investigates the growth of publications and citation impact on climate change in Tanzania during the period under study. Data were searched, retrieved and analysed from Dimensions.ai. The results show that the trend of publications on climate change in Tanzania is growing with peak production in 2020 and 2021. Researchers in developed nations like USA, UK, and Germany have significantly contributed to the production of publications on the subject and so are their citations. Renowned public universities and research institutions in Tanzania have contributed more publications on the subject. Research outputs published in Open Access are increasingly contributing to climate change scholarly research output. Researchers from developed countries are highly cited compared to local researchers. Comparing the productivity of research institutions in Tanzania, the University of Dar es Salaam, Sokoine University of Agriculture, and the Nelson Mandela Institute of Science and Technology have a large share of publications and citations on climate change. Publications from high Impact Factor open-access journals are highly cited. This study recommends further studies on climate change using bibliometrics including assessing the impact of climate change publications on policy influence in the country.

Diversity Among Yellow Seeded Common Beans in Tanzania

Common bean is globally the most important leguminous crop for direct human consumption. In Tanzania, it is the most inter-cropped leguminous crop especially with maize. Characterization of common beans is important for genetic improvement and ex-situ germplasm conservation since it allows identification and awareness of key features of the genotypes. The common beans grown in Tanzania are of different seed colours such as red, red mottled, grey, white, yellow, brown etc. Yellow bean is one of the most traded bean types in Tanzania but there is limited information on diversity of the varieties cultivated across the country. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the diversity of yellow seeded common beans found in Tanzania. The study was carried out at Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania in 2022. Thirty-two yellow bean genotypes collected from different regions of Tanzania were assessed for diversity using quantitative and qualitative traits. The trials were carried out in the screen house and on the open field. The data collected were subjected to analysis of variance, cluster, principal component, and correlation analyses. Sixteen genotypes were characterized as determinate plant type while the remaining sixteen were classified as indeterminate. About 75% of the genotypes had cuboid shape while 12.5% had kidney and oval shapes. About 78% of the genotypes were dominated by green cotyledon colour while 90% had white hypocotyls colour. The cluster analysis grouped the genotypes into five groups in both field and screen house. The first four principal components accounted for 51.8% of the variation observed on the field and 61.9% in the screen house. There were strong correlations among many important traits which will allow indirect selection for some complex traits. The positive correlation observed between number of locules and number of seed per pod (r = 0.87) indicates that number of locules can be used to determine the density and seed yield. There was high level of diversity among the yellow bean genotypes evaluated in this study for quantitative and qualitative traits. The scientific information obtained from this study will be useful in breeding programmes for improvement of yellow seeded beans in Tanzania for the traits.

Effects of Liming on Nodulation, Nitrogen Fixation and Seed Protein Content in Soybean

Soil acidity is influenced by high levels of aluminium, iron, manganese and low levels of Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC), plant nutrients availability such as phosphorus, affect the growth of symbiotic-fixing bacteria in soybean which is detrimental to nodule formation and functioning. In an attempt to evaluate liming effects on soil pH, nitrogen fixation and seed protein content, an experiment was set up using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) layout in a split-plot with four replications at the Crop Museum, the Sokoine University of Agriculture in Morogoro, Tanzania. Soybean genotypes (Bossier, Laela and Uyole soya-1) were used as the main plot, while lime levels (1560, 936 and 624 kg/ha) were used as the subplot. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed a significant influence of lime levels on soil pH, quantities of nitrogen fixed and seed protein content. There was a significant difference (P = 0.001) observed among soybean genotypes with the application of 1560 kg/ha of lime (pH 6.5), recording the highest (7.6) nodule counts and nodule dry weight (19.26). Among the different varieties used in the study, Bossier was observed to have a fixed 24.46 kgN/ha, while Laela produced the highest (10.60%) seed protein content. Application of 1560 kg/lime observed a significant increase in kgN/ha (35.71) as well as a minimal increase (15.66%) in seed protein content at pH 6.5. Interaction effects (P = 0.05), however, observed Laela has fixed the highest nodule (7.6) counts, nitrogen fixation (44.90 kgN/ha), with Bossier recording the highest (20.22%) seed protein. The study revealed that the physiochemical properties of acid soil, as well as soybean yield components such as nodules, N2 fixation and seed protein content, can be maximally improved when limed with CaCo3

Effects of Liming on Acid Soil to Improve Growth and Yield in Soybean (Glycine max L. Merill)

Soil acidity limits crop productivity and affects food security, household income as well as the environment. Given the consequences of soil acidity, appropriate measures such as sustainable use of agricultural lime could be an option to enhance the productive capacity of acid soils. The study was conducted to assess the growth, yield, and yield components of soybean response to liming in acid soil. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot with four replications at the Crop Museum, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania. Three soybean varieties (Bossier, Laela, and Uyole soya-1) were used as the main plot, and four levels of lime (L0:0, L1:1560; L2:936, and L3:624 kg/ha) were used in the subplot. The analysis of variance revealed that the variety Uyole soya-1 had the highest average number of filled pods per plant, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, and 100 seed weight. The variety Laela had the highest grain yield (kg/ha) of all the varieties used in the study. The results also showed that the application of 1560 kg/ha of lime in acid soil raised the soil pH from 5.0 to 6.5 thus having a significant influence on growth, yield and yield components.

Data preservation practices for enhancing agricultural research data usage among agricultural researchers in Tanzania

The objective of this study was to investigate the role of research data preservation for enhanced data usage among agricultural researchers in Tanzania. Specifically, the study aimed to examine the data preservation methods used by agriculture researchers, find out how long agriculture researchers preserve their agriculture research data, and determine factors that influence agriculture researchers on their choice of data preservation methods for use. The study employed a cross-sectional research design. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative approaches. A survey was conducted to collect data in 11 research institutions. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 204 respondents from the study area while purposive sampling techniques were used to select 11 agriculture research institutions including 10 Tanzanian Agricultural Research Institution (TARI) centers, and Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA). Also, 12 respondents were selected purposively for an in-depth interview as key informants. The study adopted Data Curation Centre (DCC) Lifecycle Model to explain data preservation process. Findings indicated that a majority of more than 90% of researchers preferred to preserve their data using different storage devices such as field notebooks, computers, and institutional libraries. Moreover, findings indicated that about 74% of agricultural researchers preferred to preserve their data for more than 6 years after the end of the project. Findings also indicated factors that influence researchers in the choice of data preservation methods to be easy to reach, cost-effective storage devices, support to use the devices, adequate infrastructure for data preservation, and reliable power supply. It can be concluded that there is yet a great role of research data preservation in enhancing data usage among researchers in Tanzania. It is recommended that the government should establish an agricultural research data bank to guarantee permanent availability of data at all times when needed.

Influence of Temperature Variability on Survival and Development of Citrus Leaf Miner, Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton (Lepidoptera: Gracilariidae) in Tanzania

Due to limited information on Phyllocnistis citrella’s Biology, study was aimed to examine the effects of different temperature levels on biology of citrus leaf miner under controlled laboratory conditions at the Entomology laboratory of Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), Tanzania from December 2011 to September 2012. Leaf samples (1,985 leaf samples) considered to contain larvae in serpentine mines were collected and individually incubated at room temperature. The emerging adults were wet preserved in 70% ethanol while some dry preserved using special micro pins under microscope for future identification. A Monterey LG8920 pheromone trap was set in every 10m2 at SUA citrus orchard to trap adult moths to supplement sample sources. Citrus leaf miners species collected were identified and four different temperature levels (20, 25, 30 and 35°C) were monitored at each developmental stage. Results revealed longer development time (egg to adult) at 200C and shorter at 300C in 28 and 10 days while the total mortality was 26.67% at 200C and 6.67% at 300C respectively. Oviposition period and rate were negatively and positively influenced by temperature (from 9.26 days at 200C to 6.21 days at 300C and 15.2 eggs/ female/ day at 300C and 6.8 eggs/ female/ day at 200C respectively). The overall fecundity was 28.2 eggs/ female at 200C and 57.1 eggs/ female at 300C. High larval mortality rate was recorded compared to the egg stage while no mortality observed at pupa stage. Conclusively, the pest on this temperature range (200C, minimum to 300C, maximum) has high fecundity, low mortality rate and the developmental time was positively correlated with high temperature, therefore considered optimum temperature range for its survival and development. Other researches especially Integrated Pest management are imperative for sound management package as per the pest in Tanzania and beyond.

The threat of viral haemorrhagic fevers in Tanzania

The threat of viral haemorrhagic fevers in Tanzania The SACIDS Foundation for One Health looks toward a better understanding of viral haemorrhagic fevers across Tanzania, covering exposure to diseases brought on by unsanitary animal contact, in research conducted by Sima Rugarabamu at the Sokoine University of Agriculture. Here, Professor Gerald Misinzo catalogues how a national contingency plan has been developed to identify strategic directions for preventing and controlling the spread of viral haemorrhagic fevers in the country. Establishing high-level national intersectoral committees for VHF, strengthening epidemiological and laboratory surveillance capacities, and initiating or strengthening implementation of adequate infection control practices in health care settings through the development of an institutional safety climate and strong infection control training programs are among these.

Classroom support for students’ digital literacy skills for learning in Tanzania’s public universities

ABSTRACT This paper explores classroom support for students’ acquisition of digital literacy skills for learning at the University of Dar es Salaam and Sokoine University of Agriculture in Tanzania. The paper contains qualitative data collected through questionnaires and informal discussions. The study found limited classroom support for students’ digital literacy skills for learning because instructors are not prepared for it. Teaching activities that instructors implement do not reflect the attributes of digital literacy skills students should possess. Therefore, the paper challenges universities to mainstream students’ digital literacy skills and train instructors to assume the skills support role.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Toward Over-the-Counter Medication Use; Among Selected Students at Sokoine University of Agriculture

Every day, we are practicing self-medication (SM) with over-the-counter (OTC) drugs within the frame of self-care for our wellbeing. This study aimed to assess knowledge, attitude, and practices on OTC medication use among selected students at Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) in the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (CVMBS). A cross-sectional study was carried out at CVMBS, in Morogoro included veterinary students and non-veterinary students. A simple random sampling technique was used to select samples and the data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire with structured and open-ended questions. Data entry, cleaning, and analysis were done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The study revealed that the majority of the students 100 (64%) practice SM. Fever 69 (80.2%), emergency illness 46.0%, healthy facility charges 16.0%, distance to the health facility 12.0%, taking a long time of waiting for 11.0%, the proximity of the pharmacy shop 5.0%, no medicine in the health facilities 4.0%, 3.0% emergency illness and health facility charges, and emergency illness and takes a long time of waiting for 3.0%. The most commonly used OTC for SM in this study was painkillers (35%) and antibiotics (30%). The study revealed that community pharmacies were the major source of medicines for those who practiced SM with OTC drugs 67.0%, followed by medicines from relatives/friends 21.0%. The study also showed that there is optimal knowledge among CVMBS students, also study showed that most students have a negative attitude about SM where 38.0% strongly disagree and 37.0% disagree that SM can be practiced for all medicines. Malpractices were observed such as using remains from previous illnesses and using expired medications.

Iringa Dipping Scheme in Mufindi 1940s -1958; ‘Development’ Resisted by Peasants

This paper discussed the history of Iringa Dipping Scheme in Mufindi during the British colonial administration in the post Second World War period. Different schemes were introduced in Tanganyika. Among them were Sukumaland Development Scheme 1947, Uluguru Land Usage Scheme 1949, the Mbulu Development Scheme 1949 and Iringa Dipping Scheme 1951 to mention just a few. Most of these schemes were established with the main concern of land improvement and soil conservation which apparently was the result of colonial policies of overexploitation of resources. The colonial government claimed that Iringa dipping scheme was introduced to prevent cattle against tick borne diseases but the implementation was associated with compulsory state repression. Forceful implementation of the dipping scheme in Mufindi prompted peasant resentment to the scheme. However, the findings of this paper revealed that the establishment and development of Iringa Dipping Scheme was a response towards the economic crisis which was manifesting in the growing demands of beef and other raw materials in Britain and Tanganyika in the meat and related industries. The intensification of peasant resentment to the exploitative scheme through fees which they were forced to pay and the bother entailed in bringing their cattle to the dips. Peasant’s resistance and resentment culminated into the collapse of the dipping scheme of Mufindi in 1958. Should be grasped within the context of peasant struggle against exploitative system which was developed in post-war period. This paper employed historical research design utilizing qualitative approach. Primary and secondary sources were integrated together. Archival data were generated from Tanzania National Archives, University of Dar es Salaam, Sokoine University of Agriculture and Mufindi District. Oral histories were generated from the indigenous people to corroborate the archival data. Political economy theory was used to inform the study.

Reviewer Acknowledgements for Environmental Management and Sustainable Development, Vol. 11 No. 1

Environmental Management and Sustainable Development (EMSD) would like to thank the following reviewers for reviewing manuscripts from November 1, 2021, to February 1, 2022. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Many authors, regardless of whether EMSD publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Macrothink Institute appreciates the following reviewers’ rigorous and conscientious efforts for this journal. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review during this period. Christiane do Nascimento Monte, Universidade Federal Fluminense, BrazilChuck Chuan Ng, Xiamen University Malaysia, MalaysiaDastun Gabriel Msuya, Sokoine University Of Agriculture, TanzaniaDilek Kaya-Akyüzlü, Ankara University, TurkeyGiacomo Chiesa, Politecnico di Torino, ItalyHayssam Mohamed Ali, King Saud University, EgyptJoão Fernando Pereira Gomes, Instituto Superior de Engenharia de Lisboa, PortugueseSyakir Amir Ab. Rahman, International Islamic University Malaysia, MalaysiaTaina da Silva Rocha Paz, Federal Fluminense University, Brazil

Environmentally Friendly Approach of Controlling Insect Pests in Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

Experiments were conducted at the Sokoine University of Agriculture in Tanzania, located at latitude 06'50'S', longitude 37'39'E and 526 m above the sea level during the short and long rainy seasons December 2016 and March 2017 and was repeated December 2018 and March 2019. Bio-pesticides were applied at interval of 2 nd , 3 rd , 4 th and 5 th week after transplanting. The field was characterized by sandy loam soil with a pH of 5.16 and annual rainfall ranging from 750 to 1050 mm. During the season the temperature ranged from 26 0 C to 32 0 C. The experiment was carried under Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications and three bio-pesticides as treatments (Castor oil plant, Garlic, Ginger and the Control). The crop was spaced at 90 cm x 60 cm and each plot sized with area of 13.5 m 2 had three rows and six plants per row. The objectives of the study were to determine the most significant pest species affecting the crop and test for the efficacy of selected bio-pesticides in controlling the observed insect pests on tomato crop. Obtained results suggested that whiteflies ( Bemisia tabaci ) were the most abundant pest followed by Aphids ( Aphis gossypii ) while Tuta absoluta and Leaf miners ( Liriomyza trifolii ) were the least abundant. Garlic, castor oils, and ginger significantly (P<0.05) suppressed the pest population. This study suggests that 25% of tomato yield loss was much influenced by insect pests and organic protectants have potential to grossly minimize pest problems to allow the realization of substantial yield and conserve the environment. Keywords: Bio-pesticides; Insect pests; Tomato; Yield. DOI: 10.7176/JEES/12-2-02 Publication date: February 28 th 2022