Southern Highlands Of Tanzania Research Articles

Impact of dysmenorrhea on urban school girls in Tanzania: the need for a comprehensive menstrual health management guideline

Impact of dysmenorrhea on urban school girls in Tanzania: the need for a comprehensive menstrual health management guideline

Contemporary Agricultural Land Management Practices under Climate Change and Population Increase Scenarios: Insights from Tanzania’s Southern Highlands

This study investigated the impact of population growth and climate change on land management practices. The study was conducted in Mbinga district located in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania. Quantitative and qualitative research approaches were employed. Research data were collected using structured questionnaires, in-depth interviews, physical observation, focus group discussions and literature review. A total of 267 household heads were selected for this study. Also, the study used climate data from Tanzania Meteorological Authority, temperature and rainfall data over the past 40 years were collected (1981-2021). The findings revealed that, the area has experienced increased population and climate change incidences. The trend line for both minimum and maximum temperatures indicate a substantial increased trends at (P= 0.0018, R2=0.0005; P=0.0176, R2=0.02359) respectively. Contrariwise, the area has experienced decrease in rainfall totals at (P= 0.4385, R2=0.0008). It was revealed that, various traditional methods of land management practices including the use of animal manures, mulching, fallowing and the use of crop residues were affected by population increase and climate change. Farmers adopted new agricultural practices including the use of industrial fertilizers and reducing the size of contour terraces as the coping strategies for agricultural production against environmental deterioration caused by population increase and climate change.  However, the sustainability of such practices is uncertain due to continued population increase and climate change scenarios. Therefore, the study recommends for introduction of sustainable land management practices that would instigate for sustainable food production for the changing population.

Sustainable rural electrification: small hydropower stations, electrification and rural welfare improvement in Tanzania

Purpose Tanzania is rich in small hydropower (SHP) potentials. However, many of these potentials have yet to be fully used, and more than two-thirds of its rural population lacks access to electricity. The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of SHP stations in improving rural welfare in the southern highlands of Tanzania. It further explores the history, cost-effective analysis and threats to the sustainability of SHP as one of the renewable energy sources. Design/methodology/approach The study uses a qualitative research design to explore respondents’ views on the role of SHP stations in facilitating rural electrification and welfare improvement. Primary data were gathered using semi-structured interviews with the 27 key informants and beneficiaries of SHP stations from the Southern Highlands of Tanzania. In addition, the study used documentary research to complement the information from the field survey. Findings The findings found that SHP stations enhance rural electrification and welfare by providing electricity in remote areas with sparse populations. They operate as standalone off-grids, often by church communities and individuals. However, the sustainability of SHP stations is hampered by challenges such as climate change impacts, high capital investment costs, heavy siltation of small reservoirs, skilled manpower shortages, limited local manufacturing capabilities and infrastructural issues. Originality/value The study contributes to the ongoing debate on renewable energy supply and uses, focusing on how SHP stations could contribute to sustainable rural electrification and achieve the 2030 United Nations agenda for sustainable development, which, among other things, aims to safeguard access to sustainable and modern energy and alleviate energy poverty.

Extended Childhood Eye Diseases in Southern Highlands of Tanzania: Profile and Patterns from a Tertiary Hospital Over Five Years

Extended Childhood Eye Diseases in Southern Highlands of Tanzania: Profile and Patterns from a Tertiary Hospital Over Five Years

Prescribing patterns of antimicrobials according to the WHO AWaRe classification at a tertiary referral hospital in the southern highlands of Tanzania

Antimicrobial consumption continues to rise globally and contributes to the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance. This study aimed to evaluate antimicrobial prescribing patterns in a selected tertiary hospital in Tanzania. This cross-sectional study was conducted for one year (September 2021-September 2022) at Mbeya Zonal Referral Hospital, a public hospital in the southern highlands zone of Tanzania. Data on clinical diagnosis, laboratory tests, prescribed antimicrobials, and prescribers' designations were collected through a custom eMedical system, aligning antimicrobials with the WHO's 2021 AWaRe classification. Descriptive analysis was performed to assess the pattern of antimicrobial prescriptions. Of 2,293 antimicrobial prescriptions, 62.41% were ACCESS, 37.42% were WATCH, and 0.17% fell in the RESERVE categories. Metronidazole, accounting for 23.8%, was the most commonly prescribed antimicrobial. More than 50% of the ACCESS and WATCH prescriptions were justified by laboratory diagnosis and were predominantly prescribed by clinicians. A very small proportion of prescriptions (<1%) were informed by culture and sensitivity (C/S) testing. The Paediatric department had the majority of WATCH prescriptions (72.2%). The prescribing patterns at the study hospital generally align with WHO AWaRe guidelines, potentially mitigating antimicrobial resistance. Nevertheless, the scarcity of culture and sensitivity testing is a concern that warrants targeted improvement.

Ambiguity and forest-based bioeconomy: The case of forest fires in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania

The forest-based bioeconomy plays an important role in the transition towards a bio-based economy, also offering solutions for mitigating global climate change. Tanzania has seen a swift expansion of commercial tree growing, especially in the Southern Highlands, since the early 2000s. The increasing demand for timber has attracted both resident inhabitants and small and medium-scale investors from elsewhere to exploit this new investment opportunity. The spread of highly fire-sensitive eucalyptus and pine plantations has radically altered the fire regime in the landscape. The underlying driving forces of forest fires are related to ambiguous and conflicting social processes in land management. We conducted field data collection in the Iringa and Njombe regions to study these uncertainties, mapping a wide array of interpretations related to small and medium-scale plantation forestry in general and to forest fires specifically. Our research methods incorporated individual interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs) and direct observations. The smallholder farmers, urban-based investors, large forest companies and other actors share a common interest in mitigating the impacts of destructive forest fires, yet ambiguity exists in how to manage these fires. This results in a scenario in which both interest in and resources for firefighting are limited. We encourage the co-creation of well-defined, transparent village fire management committees and village fire funds to ensure localised and efficient fire management.

Characterization of Insect–Pollinator Biodiversity in Agrochemical-Contaminated Agricultural Habitats

The extensive application of agrochemicals in agricultural habitats in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania (SHOT) is supposed to negatively impact the biodiversity community of insect–pollinators (INPOs). However, in light of existing knowledge, there are no studies to back up this claim. We carried out field surveys in the SHOT to assess and characterize the INPO biodiversity community in agricultural habitats and compare it with protected habitats. Direct observations, transect counts, sweep netting, and pan trap techniques were used for sampling the INPOs. Overall, the INPOs’ relative abundance (57.14%) and species diversity index in protected habitats were significantly higher compared to agricultural habitats. Similarly, we recorded a higher number of plant–INPO interactions in protected habitats than agricultural habitats. Our results suggest that, in contrast to protected habitats, agrochemicals might have driven out or discouraged INPOs from agricultural habitats, resulting in dwindling species richness, diversity, and abundance. This could be due to agrochemical contamination that impairs the quantity and quality of floral resources (nectar and pollen) required by INPOs. Alternatively, protected habitats seemed healthy and devoid of agrochemical contamination, which attracted many INPOs for foraging and nesting. Thus, in order to maintain healthy agricultural habitats and support INPO biodiversity, conservation agriculture is imperative.

Promoting transparency and accountability towards anti-corruption in pharmaceutical procurement system: does e-procurement play a significant role?

PurposeUnderstanding the interplay between transparency, accountability and e-procurement and their collective contribution to anti-corruption efforts in public procurement is crucial for developing effective strategies and policies. This research seeks to investigate whether e-procurement plays a significant role in enhancing transparency and accountability and subsequently reducing corruption risks in the public pharmaceutical procurement system.Design/methodology/approachThe study employed a cross-sectional questionnaire survey to gather data from 274 procurement personnel and pharmacists working in 28 government-owned hospitals in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania. The collected data were then analysed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and the Hayes PROCESS macro to test the study hypotheses.FindingsThe study findings revealed a negative and significant relationship between transparency and procurement corruption (ß = −0.117, p &lt; 0.008). Moreover, accountability negatively and significantly affects procurement corruption (ß = −0.162, p = 0.006). Furthermore, the findings indicate that, at a high degree of e-procurement system implementation, transparency and accountability have a stronger impact on procurement anti-corruption measures.Practical implicationsPolicymakers and decision-makers should implement robust mechanisms that enhance transparency, accountability and anti-corruption efforts. These may include providing clear and accessible information on procurement processes, efficient mechanisms for monitoring and reporting procurement irregularities and continuous improvement of e-procurement systems. By incorporating these measures and nurturing collaboration amongst procurement stakeholders, it becomes possible to foster a procurement environment characterised by integrity, fairness, accountability and reduced corruption.Originality/valueWhilst previous studies delved into exploring the effect of transparency and accountability on procurement anti-corruption, the novelty of this study is the inclusion of e-procurement as a moderating variable in the relationship between transparency, accountability and anti-corruption. By so doing, this study adds to the existing body of knowledge regarding anti-corruption measures and offers valuable practical insights for policymakers and professionals aiming to enhance transparency, accountability and ethical conduct within the public pharmaceutical procurement system.

Spatial and Temporal Changes in Taenia solium Cysticercosis Seroprevalence among Pigs in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania.

Taenia solium remains among the major causes of epilepsy in sub-Saharan Africa. Understanding the geospatial distribution of the parasite is important to inform control strategies. This study assessed spatiotemporal changes in the T. solium infection among pigs from a rural area in southwestern Tanzania. Secondary data from a previous repeated cross-sectional study in the Mbeya and Mbozi districts were used, involving sixteen villages, eight from each of the two districts. Serum samples were collected from 482, 460, and 421 pigs in 221, 196, and 139 households, respectively, at seven-month intervals. Ag-ELISA was used to analyse the samples for circulating antigens. Geographic coordinates of the pig corrals adjacent to the households were also recorded using a hand-held GPS device. SatScan v9.7 software was used to perform purely spatial scan analysis, based on the Bernoulli distribution model. Spatial clustering was assumed based on the relative risk of T. solium seropositivity. Statistical significance (set at 0.05) of the cluster was determined by comparing the log-likelihood ratio with the null distribution derived by Monte Carlo simulations. The window with the highest log-likelihood ratio was regarded as a primary cluster. Results showed significant clustering of T. solium cases with the presence of a single primary cluster during each phase. The relative risk of T. solium infection among pigs within the primary cluster areas ranged from 3.0 to 6.7. The radii of the clusters expanded from 1.83 to 27.7 km before shrinking to 1.5 km, and cluster location drifted from north to central and then to the southern part of the study area. These findings suggest that with restricted resources, control measures in the area could be focused on pockets of high transmission. However, changes in the size and location of clusters suggest that to be effective, interventions should be instituted soon after clusters are identified.

Lexical borrowing: the influence of loanwords on the semantics of Kihehe

This paper investigates the influence of loanwords on the semantics of Kihehe as spoken in Iringa in the southern highlands of Tanzania. It provides evidence from 1,152 loanwords collected through spoken texts and focus group discussion in two villages of Nzihi and Ifunda wards, namely Mibikimitali and Kalenga in Iringa District where the central dialect of Kihehe is mainly spoken. The collection and analysis of the data were guided by the Cognitive Lexical Semantic Theory.The findings revealed that, in Kihehe, loanwords have origin in 11 languages which are Kibena, Kikinga, Kikimbu, Cigogo, Kiswahili, English; Arabic, Latin, French, Hindi, and Portuguese. These loanwords fall into five categories. The category which is borrowed most is nouns, while the category which is borrowed least is conjunctions. Nevertheless, the semantics of Kihehe is shown to have been affected whereby the influence is due to importation of loanwords.The influence of borrowing is manifested clearly on semantic broadening, narrowing, shifting, additive borrowing, and innovation. It is, therefore, clear that while the importation of loanwords enriches the language by filling the lexical gap caused by cultural and technological differences between Kihehe and the source languages, it also affects the semantics.

Women's Barriers to Access Maternal Healthcare Services in Southern Highlands of Tanzania: A Case of Meta Maternity Hospital

The improvement of maternal healthcare (MHC) is a global priority. However, barriers to accessing maternal healthcare services (MHCS) impede progress toward achieving sustainable Development Goals 4 and 5. The demand for maternal healthcare services (MHCS) is especially obvious in underdeveloped countries, where several obstacles restrict access to healthcare.  This study aimed to identify obstacles to accessing maternal healthcare services. The primary objective of data collection questionnaires was to identify the variables influencing women's access to reproductive and maternal healthcare services. Between September 2022 and January 2023, 374 respondents' information was gathered and then thematically examined, the observed obstacles to using and obtaining maternal healthcare services were physical barriers, social obstacles, cultural obstacles, organization obstacles, and financial obstacles. The results of this study show that there must be a way to get around the problems listed above in order to improve access to maternal and reproductive health services

Land-Related Issues and Small Scale Private Forestry in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania

This study aimed at exploring the land-related issues and small scale private forestry in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania. Specifically, the study determined management and conflicts over land. In methodology, the study applied a cross-section research design with both qualitative and quantitative approaches. A sample size of 100 participants were involved in the description of 80 small-scale tree growers and 20 actors (local government, NGOs and investors). Besides, data collection was done by using questionnaire and in-depth interview. Analysis for quantitative data was done descriptively, additionally inferential analysis involved a Binary regression analysis with a chi-square (X2). The qualitative data were analyzed by using a content analysis. The results indicate that land-related issues is associated by; lack of transparency in land acquisition, inadequate security tenure, weak government administration and conflicting policies. All these factors causing conflicts over land. The study concludes that land-related issues affect small scale tree growers. The study recommends that the government and other actors should add efforts to avoid land-related issues at the community level.

Avocado Households Farmers Decision Making in Southern Highlands of Tanzania: A Case of Njombe Urban

This article aimed at gaining understanding of avocado farming among household farmers in Tanzania, in particular in Njombe Urban. Specifically, the article assessed on who and how decisions are made in households about farm utilization in general and avocado farming in particular. In methodology, the article adopted a cross-sectional research design with both quantitative and qualitative approach. Data were collected by using questionnaire to 75 smallholder farmers, and in-depth interview to 5 actors of avocado farming (Avo Africa organization). Analysis of the study was done descriptively, whereas frequency and percentage were used, however inferential analysis involved bivariate analysis with chi-square (X2). The qualitative data analysis was done by using content analysis. The study found that decision making made in households for farm utilization is affected by how and who makes decision on income use from avocado farming, plot size for farming, farm activities or tasks and type of crops to be farmed as most decisions are made by Men. The study concluded that decision making on avocado farming in household have a low or unequal level of decisionmaking on all aspects of avocado growing at the household level. Which leads to bias where mostly decisions are made by men and women are implementers of the decisions made. It is recommended that local government authorities especially sector of agriculture should deliver seminars in local community to emphasize the households to avoid bias in decision making concerning agricultural activities.

Determinants of Control over Usage of Women’s Cash Earnings in the Households of Rural Areas: A Case of Wanging’ombe District Council in Tanzania

The study was conducted in the Wanging’ombe district council in the Njombe region, Southern highlands of Tanzania. The objective of the study was to assess the determinants of women’s control over their earnings. The study employed a cross-section research design. Data were collected from 150 women who engaged in various economic activities. The structured interview method was used to collect data using a structured questionnaire. Data were processed and analysed using IBM SPSS statistics version 20 and Stata version 11. The analysis involved descriptive analysis in exploring the characteristics of women in the study area, a chi-square test for association, and a binary logistic regression to explore the predictors. The results revealed that more than half (54.7%) of women reported that their husbands/partners decide for them on the use of money earned. Three factors, namely ownership of the house, kind of earning activity (source of income), and amounts of money earned per month are predictors of the control over women’s cash earnings in the household. The study concluded that, although husbands have less chance to decide on income earned by women who engage in economic activities other than farming and those who earn a higher income, household resources including women’s earnings are controlled by husbands to a large extent. The local government authorities in Wanging’ombe and non-government organisations interested in women’s empowerment should intensify efforts to address violence against women, especially economic abuse. This will enable women to engage in different economic activities and be employed in informal and formal sectors

From timber rush to avocado rush? Insights and areas for research on restoration and development initiatives in Southern Highlands, Tanzania

The fast-emerging avocado farming raises concerns for restoration and development initiatives in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania. This comes after years of growing timber demands (dubbed ‘timber rush’) that has stimulated private forest plantations and contributed to national forest restoration pledges and local livelihoods. However, the economic viability of private forest plantations has sharply declined, giving rise to an 'avocado rush'. Little attention has been given to the implications of the avocado rush, which could signal a possible end to the timber rush. Through field observations, interviews with Njombe district officials, and a review of literature, this article shows that avocado farming has been gradually replacing tree plantations in the district through two main ways: (i) the uprooting and replacement of young trees with avocado trees, and (ii) the establishment of avocado farms on most newly cleared land. The high global market value, the high price of avocado fruits, and relatively shorter harvest time (3–4 years, compared to 10–20 years for timber) are driving the avocado rush. We argue that the rapidly increasing acquisition of land for avocado, which has implications for both landscape restoration and rural development targets in Tanzania, requires critical research and scholarly attention. We conclude by proposing the following research areas: avocado farming vis-à-vis food (in)security, ecological sustainability, land ownership, global food systems and the avocado value chain and implications to national pledges on forest and landscape restoration.

On-farm evaluation of growth performance and nutritional values of Brachiaria hybrid and Pennisetum purpureum cultivars in Southern Highlands, Tanzania

Abstract Improved cultivars (cvs.) of Brachiaria hybrid and Pennisetum purpureum forages have been studied extensively in research settings but still there is a paucity of information about their on-farm performance. This study was therefore set to evaluate the on-farm performance of Brachiaria hybrid cvs. Cayman and Cobra, and Pennisetum purpureum cvs. ILRI 16835 and Ouma in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania. A total of 30 smallholder dairy farmers who cultivated these improved forage grasses were involved in this study. A 2 m × 2 m sub-plot was marked in established pasture plots and a standardised cut at a 5–7 cm stubble height was done at the beginning of this study. The forage growth performance was conducted from April–July, 2021 (dry period) in two phases of 6 weeks each. These cultivars were evaluated for their above-ground growth performance and nutritional values at the end of each phase. Plant height, leaf length, leaf widths, and number of tillers per plant among cultivars varied significantly (p &lt; 0.05) while above-ground forage biomass did not vary among cultivars (p &gt; 0.05). Crude protein values did not vary significantly among cultivars (p &gt; 0.05), they were 131–141 g kg−1 dry matter (DM). These values were not able to meet the nutritional requirements of the lactating dairy cow. Brachiaria hybrid cv. Cayman had the lowest (p &lt; 0.05) neutral detergent fibre (NDF, 539 g kg−1 DM) compared to other cultivars (545–571 g kg−1 DM), hence high digestibility. It was concluded that Cayman was the best cultivar for forage production in the Southern Highlands, Tanzania due to its low NDF content. However, lower biomass warrants mixing of Cayman with other feeds to meet the daily requirements of a lactating dairy cow.

Heart girth best predicts live weights of market-age pigs in Tanzania.

The aim of this study was to use linear body measurements to develop and validate a regression-based model for prediction of live weights (LW) of pigs reared under smallholder settings in rural areas in the southern highlands of Tanzania. LW of 400 pigs (range 7 to 91 kg) was measured, along with their heart girths (HG) and body lengths (BL). BL was measured from the midpoint between the ears to the tail base. HG was measured as chest circumference just behind the front legs. LW was determined using a portable hanging scale. An analysis of covariance was performed to test for differences in LW between male and female pigs, including age, HG and BL as covariates. LW was regressed on HG and BL using simple and multiple linear regressions. Models were developed for all pig ages, and separately for market/breeding-age pigs and those below market/breeding age. Model validation was done using a split-samples approach, followed by PRESS-related statistics. Model efficiency and accuracy were assessed using the coefficient of determination, R2, and standard deviation of the random error, respectively. Model stability was determined by assessing 'shrinkage' of R2 value. Results showed that HG was the best predictor of LW in market/breeding-age pigs (model equation: LW = 1.22HG-52.384; R2 = 0.94, error = 3.7). BL, age and sex of pigs did not influence LW estimates. It is expected that LW estimation tools will be developed to enable more accurate estimation of LW in the pig value chain in the area.

A Qualitative Exploration on Perceived Socio-Cultural Factors Contributing to Undernutrition Among Under-Fives in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania.

Objective: Under nutrition especially among under-fives is a major public health challenge in Tanzania. However, the contribution of cultural practices to child under nutrition is often overlooked. This study aimed to explore the perceived socio-cultural factors contributing to the persisting under nutrition among under-fives in Tanzania. Methods: The study applied focus group discussion (FDGs) with forty practitioners to examine the sociocultural factors contributing to under nutrition during early childhood. The study participants were purposively selected and thematic analysis was used to identify themes within the data. Results: This study revealed that, under nutrition for under-fives is caused by a number of socio-cultural factors including existence of gender inequality related to dietary practices and qualities, women's excessive workload, patriarchy social-norm, excessive alcohol use and cultural taboos prohibiting women and girls from eating certain types of nutrient dense foods. Conclusion: The study highlights the multiplicity of factors including socio-cultural perspectives contributing to under nutrition among under-fives, and calls for a concerted efforts in developing and implementing issue-specific and culturally sensitive strategies towards elimination of child under nutrition.

The International Missionary Council and Mission Cooperation in Tanzania’s Southern Highlands, 1916–28

AbstractHealthy mission cooperation between Scottish and German missions around the northern end of Lake Malawi was a feature of the period from 1891, when the German missions were establishing themselves in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania. This happy collaboration was shattered by the outbreak of the First World War in 1914, which led to the internment of the German missionaries and the cream of the local church leadership. In this context, the Continuation Committee of the Edinburgh 1910 World Missionary Conference, which took permanent form as the International Missionary Council (IMC) from 1921, played a critical role as broker. It first negotiated a caretaker role for British missions in regard to the “derelict” German missions and later facilitated the return of the German missionaries. While European missionaries held centre stage in the international discussions, on the ground, the decisive role was played by Malawian evangelists and Tanzanian church leaders – a case of mission from the margins. At the same time, the supra‐national understanding of mission championed by the IMC enabled it to exercise a highly influential role in facilitating the mission cooperation that ultimately overcame the division, suspicion, and mistrust that had arisen during the war.

Teacher ethics in the Tanzanian context and their implications

Evidence about how teachers' unethical practices shape and reshape their professional lives is scarcely available. This study employed a qualitative approach in order to gain insights into the extent to which the ethical scandals of teachers affect their profession. Document analysis was undertaken, and 18 respondents from one of the regions in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania were interviewed. Findings indicated that teachers’ misconduct compromised their social positioning in terms of their trust and respect, as well as their image of teaching. The article proposes strategies that can enhance the perceived professional well-being of teachers and areas for further investigation.