Zanzibar Research Articles

Pray to the Archive: Abstracting History in Zanzibar

Abstract This article explores the problem of reading architecture as archive, with specific reference to the built environment on the island of Zanzibar. The architecture of Stone Town – Zanzibar's urban centre – is often marshalled by scholars as clear evidence of the island's complex and layered histories. This reading, however, tends to lament an erstwhile Indian Ocean cosmopolitanism at odds with both the Zanzibari past and present. In this article, I trace the contours of the island's divergent political and architectural histories and demonstrate how an archival view of architecture can obscure the very past it seeks to recover. I illustrate this tension through one particular case study: the Khoja Jamatkhana in the heart of Stone Town. I then consider the possible futures of archival readings by exploring the limits of both formal analysis and historical context through the work of contemporary artist Zarina Bhimji. If the Jamatkhana points to the restrictive capacity of archival readings of architecture, Bhimji's work opens up the archive itself as a site of abstraction, bringing into sharp relief the intricate relationship between space and history.

Molecular detection and characterization of tick-borne haemoparasites among cattle on Zanzibar Island, Tanzania

Tick-borne diseases (TBDs) are serious constraints to livestock production in Tanzania and other tropical and subtropical countries and impact the livelihoods of resource-poor farming communities in the region. In Tanzania, detailed studies on tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) in cattle using sensitive molecular detection methods are scarce. The objective of this study was to investigate the occurrence and species composition of bovine TBPs in cattle kept in Zanzibar Island. A total of 236 blood samples were randomly collected in cattle population in June and July 2019. We used polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and gene sequencing to detect and identify pathogens. PCR screening of all 236 samples revealed that 64.5% of animals were infected by TBPs, including Theileria parva (34.3%), T. mutans (38.1%), T. taurotragi (30.9%), Anaplasma marginale (10.2%), Babesia bigemina (5.1%), T. velifera (3.4%) and B. bovis (2.1%). Overall a total of 86 animals (36.4%) were co-infected with up to five pathogens including T. parva, T. mutans, T. taurotragi, A. marginale and B. bigemina. The pathogens mostly involved in the co-infection were T. parva, T. taurotragi and T. mutans. Sequence analysis indicated that T. parva p104 and B. bigemina RAP1a genes are diverse among the sampled animals in Zanzibar Island, with 99.64%–100% and 99.51%–100% nucleotide sequence identity value respectively. In contrast, the A. marginale MSP-5, T. mutans 18S rRNA V4 region and B. bovis SBP-2 genes are conserved, with 100%, 99.05%-100% and 99.66%-100% nucleotide sequence identity values respectively. The phylogenetic analyses revealed that T. parva p104 and B. bigemina RAP1a gene sequences showed significant differences of genotypes, as they appear in different clades. Meanwhile, A. marginale MSP-5, T. mutans 18S rRNA V4 region and B. bovis SBP-2 gene sequences appear in the same clade with other sequences extracted from the NCBI GenBank. The epidemiological findings revealed in this study will provide important information on tick-borne diseases in Tanzania and will be used as scientific basis for planning future control strategies.

Management of Sacred Heritage Places in Tanzania: A Case of Kuumbi Limestone Cave, Zanzibar Island

The use and management of sacred sites that are still in use provide challenges to site managers since visitors fail to abide by rules established for the sacred area. In this study, it was revealed that there are ritual practices, strict taboos and customary laws put in place to control access to cave areas which are regarded as sacred to the locals. The habit of visitors not adhering to the established regulations when visiting caves and their areas have created a disconnection between people and their traditional religions and actually caused some of them to join mainstream religions such as Islam. The article proposes measures to be adopted by the antiquities authority, and other heritage managers in Zanzibar and Tanzania, in general, to provide the best practice for cave visitors and enable the communities to continue using the caves as a crucial part of their religious life without any molestations.

Plant parasitic nematodes occurrence and genetic diversity of banana cultivars grown in Tanzania

The genetic diversity of bananas (Musa spp.), one of the most economically important crops in Tanzania, is underestimated with scarce reports available. In addition, cultivation of banana is severely constrained by plant parasitic nematodes (PPN). We assessed genetic diversity and population structure of 159 banana varieties from four agro-ecological zones (Northern, Southern highlands, Lake and Zanzibar islands) of Tanzania using 20 SSR markers analysed with UPGMA method. We also, assessed the PPN occurrence through isolation and counting of PPN from each banana genotype where leaf samples were collected. SSR primer pairs were polymorphic; and generated 63 distinct reproducible bands. The polymorphic information content values of each SSR marker ranged from 0.50 to 0.75 indicating high level of genetic diversity among banana varieties. The 159 banana varieties were grouped into two clusters: A and B, based on UPGMA cluster and population structure analysis. A total of 128 independent and 31 overlapping genotypes were identified. Higher kinship among genotypes was observed in cluster A compared with cluster B. Some of the clusters in A and B genotypes showed high genetic distance. The most prevalent and abundant nematode species was Pratylenchus goodeyi with a mean count of 63%, followed by Radopholus similis (31%) and P. coffeae (6%). The results from this study provides a foundation for understanding genetic variability of bananas existing in Tanzania and PPN occurrence that will be valuable information for breeding disease and pest-resistant bananas with high yield traits.

Whole-Genome Characterization of a Shewanella algae Strain Coharboring bla CTX-M-15 and armA Genes on a Novel IncC Plasmid

Multidrug-resistant Shewanella spp. strains are emerging worldwide (1, 2).….

An Assessment of the Seasonal Rainfall and Its Societal Implications in Zanzibar Islands during the Season of October to December, 2019

The assessment of the performance of the October to December (OND), 2019 rainfall season in Zanzibar (Unguja and Pemba) with reference to local downscaled Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) forecast, and regional (Intergovernmental Authority on Development Climate Prediction and Application Center (IGAD-ICPAC) weather forecasts were assessed by comparing the long term average of OND rainfall data and previous OND rainfall seasons of 2016, 2017 and 2018 as well as extreme positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) during OND seasons of 1961, 1994, 1997, 2006 and 2019 for Zanzibar. The study assessed zonal (u) and meridional (v) winds at 850 and 200 mb, monthly and dekadal sea surface temperature (SST); the Madden Julien Oscillations (MJO) forecast reports and the ocean heat content data. Both gridded and observed datasets were processed into dekadal, monthly and seasonal averages and then analysed. The results revealed that, based on the observations, above normal rainfall of 936 and 908 mm were reported at stations of Kisauni (Unguja) and Karume airport (Pemba) during 2019 OND season. This amount was the first and second ever recorded for the extreme positive IOD during OND seasons of 1961, 1994, 1997, 2006 and 2019, and also the first for the previous higher OND rainfall seasons of 2016, 2017 and 2018 which was highly variable. Moreover, these values were second ever-recorded highest OND rainfall since 1916 to 2019 where the first one was observed in 1961. Furthermore, the results revealed that 2019 OND seasonal rainfall had the highest amount of contribution based on historical climatology. For instance, the 2019 OND rainfall for Kisauni, Pemba airport and Matangatuani contributed to 198%, 303% and 231% of the long term (1987-2016) mean OND rainfall in Zanzibar. Indeed, the results show that the presence of the MJO during OND and the enhanced positive IOD was among the causes for the observed wetness of the 2019 OND in Zanzibar and most parts of the country. Moreover, the dominant easterly, southeasterly and northwesterly onshore winds during 2019 OND also contributed to heavy rainfall. The monthly rainfall variability among stations had the highest amount of rainfall which ranges from 400 to 500 mm which was observed during October in Kisauni and Karume airport, while the lowest amount ranging from 150 to 180 mm was observed during November in Matangatuani and the surrounding stations. Based on the comparison of the forecasted reports issued by ICPAC and TMA, the results revealed that irrespective of not considering the likelihood of occurrence of MJO and strong positive IOD both forecasts has performed well with that of ICPAC being leading. Conclusively, since the 2019 OND season has been uniquely characterized by the presence of MJO and IOD polarities it would be worthful to consider the two as input parameters during the OND rainfall forecast over the region.

<p><strong><em>Lithophyllum longense</em></strong><strong> (Corallinales, Rhodophyta): a </strong><strong>species with a widespread Indian Ocean distribution</strong></p>

Lithophyllum longense is characterized from Long Reef, Western Australia, Australia and from Chwaka Bay, Zanzibar Island, Tanzania. Both plastid markers psbA and rbcL confirm that L. longense is a distinct species despite its being morpho-anatomically nearly indistinguishable from several other fruticose Lithophyllum species, differing in only one (from L. atlanticum, L. platyphyllum, L. sublicatum, L. yemenense) or two (from L. affine, L. incrustans, L. kotschyanum, L. neocongestum, L. kaiseri, L. pseudoplatyphyllum, L. subreduncum) character states. This is only the second tropical Lithophyllum species and the fourth tropical species confirmed by DNA sequencing to be widely distributed in the Indo-West Pacific.

‘Siendi’ (I won’t go): concubines’ activism in the abolition of slavery in the Zanzibar Protectorate

ABSTRACTBetween 1897 and 1909 British officials debated over whether, when and how to fully abolish slavery in the Zanzibar Islands, particularly the emancipation of enslaved women claimed as concubines. These debates offer insight into the gendered aspects of abolition as well as the activism by enslaved women who worked with Friends missionaries to demand the British completely abolish slavery in the islands. Abolition was not bequeathed by a magnanimous colonial power but rather claimed and demanded by young women who sought their freedom by challenging the perception that their enslavement made them immoral.

Perceptions of Local Government Leaders on Appreciative Inquiry Approach towards Human Resource Capacity Building: A Case of Zanzibar Islands’ Local Government

Perceptions of Local Government Leaders on Appreciative Inquiry Approach towards Human Resource Capacity Building: A Case of Zanzibar Islands’ Local Government

Heavy metals in farmed and wild milkfish (Chanos chanos) and wild mullet (Mugil cephalus) along the coasts of Tanzania and associated health risk for humans and fish

In 2016, farmed milkfish (Chanos chanos) from Tanzania mainland (Mtwara), and Zanzibar islands (Pemba and Unguja) and wild milkfish and mullet (Mugil cephalus) from the Indian Ocean were collected for analyses of heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Hg, As, Al, Fe, Zn, Cu, Ni, Co and Cr) in muscles and livers. High concentrations of Pb were detected in muscles and livers from wild and farmed milkfish and wild mullet from all sites. The highest concentration of Pb was detected in wild milkfish liver from Mtwara (47.4 mg/kg ww). The Pb concentrations in fish muscle exceeded maximum levels (ML) set by FAO/WHO (0.3 mg/kg ww) in 100% of the analysed fish. Concentrations of Pb were higher in wild fish than in farmed fish. Cd concentrations were generally low. The comparison of the Hg concentration with EQSBiota indicated that Hg might pose potential health risk to 22% of the analysed fish. Median concentrations of Fe in livers from farmed milkfish from Jozani and Shakani, Zanzibar, were 40–80 times higher than the other sites. Assessment of human health risk and exposure to heavy metals indicated no potential risk from consuming the fish from the present study locations. However, the Pb concentrations exceeding ML in the fish suggests that Pb may affect the health of fish. Future investigations should include regular monitoring of heavy metals in farmed and wild fish in Tanzania for further development of sustainable aquaculture and the welfare of the wild fish stock in the coastal waters.

Level of Selected Elements in <i>Hibiscus sabdariffa</i> Calyces and <i>Lippia asperifolia</i> Leaves and Their Possible Effects on Human Blood Pressure

The levels of selected elements in Hibiscus sabdariffa calyces and Lippia asperifolia leaves were determined for possible effects on human blood pressure. The aim was to determine the level of selected elements in each species and comparing the iron level, while investigation of their possible effects on human blood pressure was also highlighted. Ten samples each from Hibiscus sabdariffa calyces and Lippia asperifolia leaves were collected from four areas of Zanzibar Island (Bububu and Mtoni for Hibiscus sabdariffa, and Kombeni and Fuoni for Lippia asperifolia). The X-ray fluorescence method of analysis was used using EDXRF equipment at TAEC, Arusha, Tanzania. The summary of the analyzed elements is; Ca in L. asperifolia ˃ Ca in H. sabdariffa; Fe in L. asperifolia ˃ Fe in H. sabdariffa; P in L. asperifolia ˃ Fe in H. sabdariffa; K in L. asperifolia ˂ K in H. sabdariffa. Human blood pressures (fifty participants) were investigated before and after providing each participant with 300 mL of the extracted juice. The participants’ blood pressures were recorded at 30-minute intervals after oral intake of the juice, which was done using clinically validated blood pressure arm monitor. The results obtained show that, the provision of juices caused participants’ Systolic blood pressures (SBPs) as well their Diastolic Blood Pressures (DBPs) to drop remarkably. Following data analysis, the use of juices made from H. sabdariffa calyces and L. asperifolia leaves could be a good source of raising the level human hemoglobin (high iron content present in these plant species). Comparatively, L. asperifolia (due to high iron content present) could be a good and preferred source for increasing human blood level than H. sabdariffa. However, both plant species have negative relationship with SBPs and DBPs. Nevertheless, people are obliged to seek medical advice before their frequent and long consumption of these plant materials, this due to their significant impact on human blood pressure.

Livelihood Assets and Activities in Two East Coast Communities of Zanzibar and Implications for Vulnerability to Climate Change and Non-Climate Risks

Climate variability related events such as drought and associated food shortages are not new along the coast of Zanzibar, but are projected to increase with the impacts of global climate change. This paper examines the ‘internal’ characteristics that make Zanzibar’s coastal communities vulnerable to these and other changes, focusing on the factors that affect adaptive capacity (i.e. household and community assets) and sensitivity (i.e. livelihood activities and diversification). The sustainable livelihood approach and framework, especially the five capitals or assets, provided a lens to examine households’ capital stocks and the factors influencing access to these, as well as the outcomes for livelihood activities. Access to different capitals and assets were found to affect the range and choices of livelihood activities available to households as well as their ability to cope and adapt to existing and new risk. Our analysis shows how households on the drier and harsher east coast of the Zanzibar islands are particularly sensitive to climate variability and change in concert with other livelihoods challenges. This is primarily due to their high dependence on natural-resource based livelihood activities, which are already facing pressures. Moreover, low levels of most livelihood capitals limit the choices households have and undermine their adaptive capacity and ability to bounce back from climate and other shocks and stressors.

From baraza to cyberbaraza: interrogating publics in the context of the 2015 Zanzibar electoral impasse

ABSTRACTAn attentive analysis of the dynamics of communication and its contents through digital media reveals the multiple publics and counterpublics shaped and constituted in online fora. They develop through a ‘networked sociality’, which is both local and global, involving also diasporic Zanzibaris who debate and participate in common public concerns. Drawn from the notion of baraza as a relevant example of Zanzibari’s public sphere, cyberbaraza is a ‘locally’ grounded concept forged to understand the construction of publics on the Zanzibar islands through digital media. Focusing on online public discussions that contested or legitimized official decisions concerning the 2015 elections, the study critically examines how the cyberbaraza comes into being a public, as part of a multiplicity of existing public spheres.

Long-term Trends in Terrestrial and Marine Invertebrate Exploitation on the Eastern African Coast: Insights from Kuumbi Cave, Zanzibar

The nature and trajectory of coastal and maritime adaptations, and the complex ways foraging economies have been structured to include both marine and terrestrial resources, are becoming key topics of interest in African archaeological research. There is, therefore, an increasing need to understand the longer-term context for more recent shifts in coastal economies, and for greater attention to be paid to the role of a broader spectrum of resources. This is particularly the case for terrestrial and marine molluscs, which have been somewhat overlooked in discussions centered on past economies in the region. The relative importance of these comparatively small-bodied faunal resources requires evaluation, particularly given their ubiquity within the archaeological record, and their potentially important contribution to dietary and economic practices. Kuumbi Cave, located in the southeast of Zanzibar (Unguja) Island, provides the ideal opportunity to investigate long-term trends in invertebrate use on the eastern African coast and islands. Here we discuss not only the trajectory of coastal resource exploitation and coastal economic adaptations in the region from the late Pleistocene, but also the significance of Kuumbi Cave as one of the few sites in eastern Africa that represents significant levels of exploitation of large terrestrial gastropods.

English

There is a scarcity of research-based data on the factors associated with skin irritation due to algal blooms in seaweed farming. Changes in temperature with an increase in nutrients levels lead to the growth of harmful algal blooms, which produce many active metabolites, some of which induce toxic responses in human including skin irritation. The objective of this study was to identify health problems experienced by seaweed farmers and the seasons when they occur, and how these are treated. A cross-sectional study design was used to gather data using structured questionnaire, focus group discussions and key informant interviews. The study was conducted between June and August 2015, in six villages, two from Mainland, and four from Zanzibar Islands, Tanzania. Study revealed that seaweed more than 50% of farmers experienced skin irritation problem, followed by 30.4% who had eye related problems, and only 19.6% had respiratory disorders as the most serious. Hot season, which is associated with algal blooms, was the period with the highest occurrence of skin irritation. No specific medication was used to treat the health problems reported. In some severely affected areas, farmers could not tend to their farms for months, a situation which affected their income. It is suggested that the findings from this study would reduce this knowledge gap and motivate stakeholders especially the policy makers to implement measures, which reduce the health problems observed due to algal blooms in the seaweed farmers. Key words: Algal blooms, cyanobacteria, seaweed farming, seaweed farmers, skin irritation, Tanzania.

Mapping cassava food value chains in Tanzania's smallholder farming sector: The implications of intra-household gender dynamics

A gendered mapping of the structure and coordination (functioning) of traditional cassava value chains is important for marginalized groups such as women in rural development. In contrast to global high value chains, traditional food value chains and associated gender relations as well as power dynamics within households have received little attention. We conducted a cross sectional study in Kigoma, Mwanza, the coastal region, and Zanzibar Island in Tanzania. Data were collected through structured interviews conducted with 228 farmers, combined with key informant interviews, direct observations, repeated household visits, and literature review. The results of the study revealed that there are weak linkages within the cassava value chain, which is highly gendered. While production and processing nodes of the chain, which commenced from villages, were dominated by women and children, women were not well-integrated within high value nodes such as marketing in urban areas and cross-border trading, which were dominated by men. Transportation of cassava to highly lucrative markets was also dominated by men. Cassava processing was conducted at the household level as well as within small-scale cooperatives, with the major portion of this work being done by women. Supporting institutions were found to be involved in the supply of planting material, training, and the provision of processing equipment. In general, men played a prominent role in the control of resources, marketing, and income. In conclusion, the mapping of cassava value chains could help to identify avenues for understanding of poverty, enhancing food security, upgrading capacities, reducing gender inequality, and enhancing women's participation in marketing and income control in the cassava value chains.

Adoption of the new highly efficient cooking stoves by urban households in Zanzibar, Tanzania

The study was aimed at ascertaining the adoption of New Highly Efficient Cooking Stoves (NHECS) imported from China by Zanzibar’s urban households for reducing cooking costs, health impacts and environmental degradation. Both primary and secondary data were used. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaires, key informant interviews and field observation, and secondary data were collected from government reports and research documents associated with this study. Based on the research plan, 200 participants were purposely selected for questionnaire interview. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyze the data. The findings of the study indicated that charcoal remain the primary cooking energy used in urban Zanzibar. It was found to be used in traditional cooking stoves, although some households combine them with NHECS. Despite the significant benefits of NHECS in terms of lower use of charcoal, adoption of them is very limited, due to some constraining factors. The stoves’ characteristics, household characteristics and awareness were acknowledged as the main reasons for the failure of NHECS adoption. Also, it was found that the presence of NHECS does not guarantee that they will be used comprehensively since some NHECS adopters still cook the majority of their meals on traditional stoves. In order to better influence diffusion and adoption of cooking innovation such as NHECS, the perception of the adopters on the characteristics of the innovation and other factors that may constrain adoption should be integrated within the plan intended to influence mass adoption. Key words: Adoption, charcoal, efficient, perception, stoves, Zanzibar.

Sporolithon indopacificum sp. nov. (Sporolithales, Rhodophyta) from tropical western Indian and western Pacific oceans: First report, confirmed by DNA sequence data, of a widely distributed species of Sporolithon

Sporolithon indopacificum sp. nov. is characterized from Zanzibar Island, Tanzania. rbcL and psbA markers indicate that the species is unique compared to all other Sporolithon species that have thus far been sequenced. The species previously had been collected at Nukulau, Suva, Fiji and identified as S. episporum. The two species bear a close morpho-anatomical resemblance differing only by degree in three measured tetra/bisporangial characters. This is the first Sporolithon species confirmed to be widely distributed in the Indo-West Pacific based on DNA sequences.

Potential of Periophthalmus sobrinus and Siganus sutor as bioindicator fish species for PAH pollution in tropical waters

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous class of toxic organic compounds in coastal waters. The aim of this study was to assess the potential of goby fish (Periophthalmus sobrinus) and rabbit fish (Siganus sutor) as bioindicators for PAH pollution in Zanzibar coastal waters. The fish samples were collected from four sites along the coasts of Zanzibar between February to July, 2016. The analysis of PAH metabolites from bile was conducted using Synchronous Fluorescence Scanning (SFS) spectroscopy. The parent PAH compounds (naphthalene; fluorene; phenanthrene; pyrene; fluoranthene; anthracene; benzo (a) pyrene) in the fish muscle tissues were analyzed using Gas Chromatography with Mass Spectrometric detection (GC/MS). The levels of PAH metabolites in bile of goby fish (P. sobrinus) ranged from 100 ng mL−1 to 690 ng mL−1. The PAH contents in goby tissues fish ranged from 0.028 ± 0.008 ng g−1 ww to 0.037 ± 0.005 ng g−1 ww with the average of 0.032 ± 0.005 ng g−1 ww. PAH metabolites were not detected in the bile samples from rabbit fish (S. sutor) in any sampled areas. The results suggest that the goby fish (P. sobrinus) could be promising PAH biondicator in coastal waters of tropical regions including Zanzibar islands. This is the first study applying biliary PAH metabolites in bioindicator fish species to trace PAH pollution conducted in West Indian Ocean region that can serve as a baseline information of biliary PAH metabolites as biomarkers of fish PAH pollution in the regional waters.

Prevalence of bovine subclinical mastitis and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of major mastitis pathogens isolated in Unguja island of Zanzibar, Tanzania.

A cross-sectional study was conducted between January and July 2014 in Unguja island of Zanzibar to establish prevalence of subclinical mastitis (SCM) in smallholder dairy cows and patterns of antibacterial susceptibility of major mastitis pathogens isolated. A total of 416 dairy cows from 201 farmers were randomly selected from three districts of Unguja Island to participate in the study. Questionnaire interview, field observation, individual cow examination, California Mastitis Test (CMT) and bacteriological examination were carried out. Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion technique was used to test drug sensitivity for common bacteria isolated. Based on CMT results, the overall prevalence of SCM was 28.6, 48.8 and 64.7% at quarter, cow and farm level, respectively. Prevalence of bacterial infection was recorded at 42.9, 70.9 and 78.6% at quarter, cow and farm examined, respectively. The common bacteria isolated included Staphylococcus aureus (36.8%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (17.8%), Staphylococcus epidermidis (16.1%), Klebsiella spp. (9.5%), Micrococcus spp. (6.3%) and Escherichia coli (4.9%). In conclusion, findings of this study demonstrated high level of subclinical mastitis at farms, cows and quarters levels with both contagious and environmental bacterial pathogen involved. Therefore, efforts should be directed to the decreased subclinical mastitis by improving sanitary measures and proper milking practice.