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ENVIRONMENTAL AND METHANE POTENTIAL GAINS FROM VEGETABLE AND
FRUIT WASTES
The Case of Dabaga Canning Industry, Iringa, Tanzania
Elizabeth Benjamin Kiunsi
Master of Science (Environmental Science), October 2008
The anaerobic digestion of the peels of fresh banana, ripe banana, passion fruit, oranges and pineapples
and the waste of vegetable, tomatoes and mixed waste were studied in batch cultures using normal anaerobic
sludge. The various waste materials were examined for digestibility under mesophilic conditions. 264
hours of incubation time, methane production, electricity generated, Volatile Fatty Acids, pH, and buffering
capacity were determined. The methane production of the studied waste showed that the highest value
was obtained from tomato waste and the lowest value from mixed waste. Electricity generated ranged
between 0.277.8 and 0.51.7 Mwh. The Volatile Fatty Acids ranged between 6081 and 852 mg/l, pH
ranged between 7.4 and 5.31, and total alkalinity ranged between 393 and 5728 mg/l CaCO3. The
highest moisture content was 31.4 % from orange peels and the lowest was 5.6 % from tomato waste. The
highest ash content was 43.15 % from orange peels and the lowest ash content was 5.3 % from tomato
waste. The highest Total Solid was 31.4 % from orange peels and the lowest was 5.5 % from tomato
waste. The highest Volatile Solids was 94.06 % from orange peels and the lowest was 82.35 % from ripe
banana peels.
Methane production of the studied wastes increased as incubation time increased and after a certain
maximum it decreased as incubation time increased. The amount of methane produced for all the studied
wastes started with 0.0 ml, to the maximum 34.6 ml, from 0.4 ml for passion peels to a maximum of 22.4
ml, from 0.0 ml for ripe banana peels to a maximum of 33 ml, from 0.1 ml for vegetable waste to a
maximum of 30.5 ml, from 0.0 ml for fresh banana peels to a maximum of 30.8 ml, from 1.8 ml for orange
peels to a maximum of 7.6 ml, from 0.0 ml for Pineapples to the maximum of 39.2 ml, from 0.4 ml to a
maximum of 3.7 ml for mixed waste.
The results of these studied wastes showed that tomato wastes produced relatively high methane
production (143.5ml), while pineapple produced relatively small amount of methane (26.4ml). However,
there was relatively low methane production from mixed wastes (21.2ml) and it was concluded that buffering
capacity and pH should be controlled so as to produce more methane.
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710
University of Dar es Salaam
IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE, VARIABILITY AND ADAPTATION STRATEGIES
ON AGRICULTURE IN SEMI ARID AREAS OF TANZANIA
The Case of Manyoni District in Singida Region
Mary Abihud Lema
Master of Science (Natural Resource Assessment and Management), November 2008
Climate change is among key challenges affecting agriculture in Sub Saharan Africa particularly in semi arid
areas. Impacts of climate change and variability (CC&V) and associated adaptations on agriculture were
studied in semi arid area of Tanzania. The overall objective of the study was to examine the impacts of CC
& V on agriculture and to establish how adaptation and coping strategies could be enhanced. The study
was carried out in two villages of Kamenyanga and Kintinku of Manyoni District that represents different
semi-arid and socioeconomic characteristics. Secondary data were conducted through literature review.
Primary data were collected using PRA methods including; key informant interviews, focus group
discussions, household questionnaires and observation. In each village, a sample size of 10 percent of all
households was interviewed of which 42 households in Kamenyanga and 41 in Kintinku. Results indicated
decreasing rainfall trends and changes in pattern in between 1922 and 2007 while mean maximum and
minimum temperature increased by 1.9 oC by 0.2 oC respectively and average annual temperature increased
by 0.7 oC in between 1984 and 2004. Local people also perceived changes in rainfall and temperature.
The changes have affected crops and livestock in a number of ways resulting in reduced productivity. The
study also demonstrated that variations in social groups reflect different levels of vulnerability to impacts of
CC & V. The study concluded that, the wealth of knowledge on coping and adaption that farmer has
should form a foundation for designing agricultural innovation systems to deal with impacts of CC & V. The
study recommended to agricultural extension officer to organize trainings for farmers so as to strengthening
and develop their knowledge on climate change and adaptation.
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IMPACT OF PARTICIPATORY FOREST MANAGEMENT (PFM) ON POVERTY
REDUCTION AND FOREST GOVERNANCE
The Case of Suledo Forest Reserve, Kiteto District Manyara Region
Alexander Songoro
Master of Science (Natural Resource Assessment and Management), November 2007
This study examines the impact of PFM on poverty reduction and forest governance. Specific objectives
included the assessment of the extent to which forest adjacent communities depend on the forest for
livelihood; and investigating the impact of PFM on poverty reduction; and examining if the PFM has
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improved forest governance at local level. The study was carried out in Suledo Forest Reserve in Kiteto
District Manyara region. Data collection was done through questionnaire interviews and a checklist,
discussion with key informants, direct observation, and documentary review. The results indicated that
about 96 % of respondents were aware of PFM; and about 95 % of them noted that, before the start of
PFM, the forest was used without any proper planning, that led to degradation. About 61 % of the
respondents reported that their income was negatively affected by the introduction of PFM. However,
improvement is seen on non-income poverty including water sources, communication, gender equity and
improved environment in general. Moreover, this research noted weaknesses on governance, especially
on benefit-sharing mechanisms, whereby about 96 % of the respondents had no information about how
revenue from SFR is utilized and handled. Following the above findings it is recommended that, PFM
should go hand in hand with improvement of agriculture and other income generating activities. Funds
obtained from timber harvesting must be handled properly. There is a need also to mobilize funds and
other resources to support PFM. People should be made aware of the importance of PFM on poverty
reduction.
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WETLANDS RESOURCES AND THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS TO LOCAL LIVELIHOODS
IN THE RUFIJI BASIN, RUFIJI DISTRICT
Hamudu Idd Hamisi
Masters of Science (Natural Resources Assessment and Management), November 2007
Knowledge on the contribution of wetlands resources to the livelihoods of the rural people is insufficient in
Rufiji wetlands. In order to improve this knowledge, the study was carried out in Rufiji wetlands in the
villages of Mbunju-Mvuleni and Mtanza-Msona of Mkongo and Mwaseni wards respectively to understand
the significance of the Rufiji wetlands resources to the livelihoods of the local communities and their implication
on the integrity of the wetland ecosystems. Data were collected through PRA, focus group discussions,
key informant interviews and participatory transect walks and supplemented by detailed household
questionnaires administered to 112 randomly selected households in the two villages. Data were analysed
using SPSS, MS-excel and Instart. Results revealed that wetland resources have significant contribution to
the livelihoods of the local communities adjacent to the wetlands. Wetland agriculture and fishing are the
main livelihood activities for more than 96% of the wetland adjacent communities. Harvests from wetland
farming, worth more than 1500 USD are accrued per household each year whereas non-wetland farming
provides less than 400 USD only a year per household. Fisheries from the wetlands provide more than
94% of the household protein requirements. Wetland resources contribute about 65% of the direct household
annual income amounting to about 1700 USD million per household each year. About 40% of the poorest
households obtain about 41% of their food requirements from non-wood wetland resources a year. More
than 76% of the population depend on medicinal plants from wetlands and about 43% use them as the only
reliable source of medication. It is recommended that wetland development undertakings should explicitly
understand and take into account the role of wetland resources to rural community’s’ livelihoods. In addition,
there is a need of having a properly organised process in wetland resources utilisation.
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712
University of Dar es Salaam
IMPACT OF PARTICIPATORY FOREST MANAGEMENT (PFM) ON POVERTY
REDUCTION AND FOREST GOVERNANCE
The Case of Suledo Forest Reserve, Kiteto District Manyara Region
Alexander Songoro
Master of Science (Natural Resource Assessment and Management), November 2007
This study examines the impact of PFM on poverty reduction and forest governance. Specific objectives
included the assessment of the extent to which forest adjacent communities depend on the forest for
livelihood; and investigating the impact of PFM on poverty reduction; and examining if the PFM has
improved forest governance at local level. The study was carried out in Suledo Forest Reserve in Kiteto
District Manyara region. Data collection was done through questionnaire interviews and a checklist,
discussion with key informants, direct observation, and documentary review. The results indicated that
about 96 % of respondents were aware of PFM; and about 95 % of them noted that, before the start of
PFM, the forest was used without any proper planning, that led to degradation. About 61 % of the
respondents reported that their income was negatively affected by the introduction of PFM. However,
improvement is seen on non-income poverty including water sources, communication, gender equity and
improved environment in general. Moreover, this research noted weaknesses on governance, especially
on benefit-sharing mechanisms, whereby about 96 % of the respondents had no information about how
revenue from SFR is utilized and handled. Following the above findings it is recommended that, PFM
should go hand in hand with improvement of agriculture and other income generating activities. Funds
obtained from timber harvesting must be handled properly. There is a need also to mobilize funds and
other resources to support PFM. People should be made aware of the importance of PFM on poverty
reduction.
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A STUDY ON THE EFFECT OF DOMESTIC SEWAGE LOADING AND INUNDATION
TIME ON POLLUTANTS REMOVAL EFFICIENCY OF TWO MANGROVES SPECIES
(Avicennia marina and Rhizophora mucronata)
Ally Kassim Kondo
Master of Integrated Environmental Management (MIEM), November 2007
A bucket experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of domestic sewage loading and inundation time
on pollutants removal efficiency of Avicennia marina and Rhizophora mucronata mangroves species.
Domestic sewage from the University of Dar es Salaam primary facultative waste stabilization pond was
used to load onto buckets planted with the two mangroves species and unplanted buckets (bare sediment)
were used as a control unit. Sea water was used to dilute the sewage to make desired sewage strength of
25%, 50%, 75% and 100%. Inundation times of 1 week, 24 hours and 12 hours were used in this
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experiment. Based on the obtained results, both planted and unplanted units showed maximum removal of
phosphates, total phosphorous and ammonium-nitrogen at 100% domestic sewage concentrations when
inundated for 1 week. Moreover, a significant reduction in concentration of phosphorous, total phosphorous
and ammonium-nitrogen was observed in planted units. While Avicennia marina units removed phosphorous,
total phosphorous and ammonium-nitrogen by 94.49%, 93.25% and 94.76% respectively, removal
efficiency of the same pollutants by Rhizophora mucronata units were 94.00%, 92.82% and 94.05%
respectively. Generally, the removal percentage of phosphorous, total phosphorous and ammonium-nitrogen
were significantly higher in 1 week inundation time than in both 24 hours and 12 hours inundation time. The
overall results showed that, the two mangrove species could be used as phytoremediators of domestic
wastewater in mangroves constructed wetlands in coastal areas. However, Avicennia marina units performed
better than Rhizophora mucronata units in the phytoremediation of domestic wastewater.
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INVESTIGATION ON THE PROPAGATION POTENTIAL OF DALBERGIA
MELANOXYLON GUILL. & PERR. (AFRICAN BLACKWOOD) PROVENANCES AND
THEIR GENETIC DIVERSITY FROM SELECTED AREAS OF TANZANIA
Ezekiel Amri
Doctor of Philosophy (Botany), September 2009
The objective of this study was to investigate means of optimizing both vegetative and seed propagation
techniques and evaluation of genetic diversity of Dalbergia melanoxylon Guill. & Perr. (African Blackwood)
provenances from the Eastern part of Tanzania. The effect of cutting position, age of donor plant, rooting
media and provenance were investigated. The effect of timing of seed collection on seed germination was
also investigated. Randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis was used to determine the
genetic diversity of D. melanoxylon populations. Significantly (p< 0.05) high rooting ability 71.11% was
achieved for basal cutting position from juvenile donor plant treated with IBA at 300 ppm. River sand was
significantly (P < 0.05) ranked the best rooting media for stem cuttings. Germination capacity and germination
energy were significantly high for seeds collected 12 and 16 weeks after maturity. Significant variation in
rooting ability and seed germination were revealed among the provenances of D. melanoxylon. RAPD
primers amplified 87 scored bands which revealed 73·6 % polymorphism and cluster analysis using UPGMA
formed four major clusters. The genetic diversity within populations was 63.6% and among population
was 36.4%. It was concluded that basal position cuttings of the juvenile donor plants and river sand
rooting media should be used for vegetative propagation. Timing of seed collection in D. melanoxylon
should be from 12th to 16th week maturity to obtain seeds with high viability and germination capacity.
Genetic diversity revealed in D. melanoxylon is still high, therefore domestication and sustainable utilisation
was recommended for preservation of genetic diversity of this economically important tree.
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University of Dar es Salaam
WILDLIFE UTILISATION AND LIVELIHOODS IN ENDUIMET WILDLIFE
MANAGEMENT AREA, LONGIDO DISTRICT, TANZANIA
Sospeter Charles
Master of Science (Natural Resources Assessment and Management), November 2009
Community Based Conservation (CBC) represents a significant potential opportunity for rural people to
diversify their livelihood portfolios. However, CBC in Tanzania, as elsewhere, has been criticised as generally
designed with a view to securing conservation gains rather than maximising benefits and devolving decisionmaking powers to rural communities. This has led to plenty of disagreement on whether or not the CBC
option is economically viable in terms of livelihoods diversification and devolution of power and authority
of wildlife management from central government to local communities. The study employed the political
ecology approach to: examine the way local communities of Enduimet have been involved in decision
making in relation to wildlife utilisation in CBC programme; investigate the competing interest of actors
and; assess the implication of wildlife utilisation for local livelihood in Enduimet Wildlife Management Area
(EWMA). A combination of qualitative and quantitative research paradigms were employed where direct
observation, key informant interview, Focus Group Discussion (FGD), documentary review and
questionnaire were used. Data were collected from a sample of 143 out of 1,787 households, randomly
selected in four villages with a sampling intensity of 8%. The findings have revealed that, despite a considerable
part of the income going into individuals’ pockets, there were significant benefits realised by villagers from
photographic tourism investors. The benefits included improvement of social services such as classrooms
and health facilities. Although 69.2% of the respondents reported being excluded from the decision-making
process resulting in conflicts, the majority (74%) had a positive perception of the CBC programme. They
still hope that things might be rectified and in the long run they would derive more benefits from their natural
resources as expected. The study recommends that all impediments, including lack of community involvement,
corruption and inadequate awareness of WMA, should be addressed immediately by the responsible
ministry in collaboration with the community members. The DW should work together with the respective
conservation NGOs, the District Council and representatives from villages forming EWMA in planning of
the benefit sharing scheme which will satisfy local people’s needs and expectations for the purpose of
sustainability of wildlife, tourism, people’s livelihoods and economic gains to the country.
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GROWTH AND REPRODUCTION OF PALAEMONID SHRIMP PALAEMON
CONCINNUS AND MORPHOMETRIC DIFFERENTIATION OF THE SESARMID
CRAB PERISESARMA GUTTATUM IN SELECTED MANGROVES ALONG THE
COAST OF TANZANIA
Jairos Mahenge
Master of Science (Aquatic Science), November 2009
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Population structure and reproductive potential of Palaemon concinnus in Ruvuma estuary and the
application of geometric morphometrics techniques to differentiate the carapace shape of Perisesarma
guttatum for assessing connectivity for populations found in Dar es Salaam and those in Mtwara were
studied. Samples of P. concinnus were collected on a monthly basis from May 2006 to April 2007 and
once for P. guttatum. Samples were preserved in 70% ethanol. P. concinnus individuals were sorted into
ovigerous, non-ovigerous and sexed. The carapace length and body weight were measured and embryo
developmental stage examined prior to counting the eggs. The carapace for each sex of P. guttatum was
photographed and the file utility program Tps was used to record landmarks followed by a series of
analysis. The carapace length and body weight of P. concinnus ranged from 1.71 mm to 9.18 mm and 15.8
mg to 401.3 mg respectively. The slopes (b-values) of the carapace length–body weight relationship for
males (2.42), females (2.64) and combined sexes (2.56) were significantly different from the isometric
value (b = 3) hence negative allometric growth. Sex ratio was found to be 0.78:1 (male: female) and
significantly different from 1:1 ratio (?2 = 40.611, p < 0.001). Fecundity ranged from 34 to 312 eggs and
correlated positively with carapace length (p < 0.0001). The carapace shape of P. guttatum in females and
males was found to be significantly different in both sites and stations (p < 0.001). However, some stations
from the two sites did not show differences indicating possible connectivity of the gene pool.
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CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS AND ADAPTIVE STRATEGIES IN THE RUFIJI DELTA
Ronald Ndesanjo
Master of Science (Natural Resource Assessment and Management), November 2009
The study aimed at investigating Climate Change impacts and adaptive strategies in the Rufiji Delta. The
specific objectives included the following; to establish the local perceptions on climate and its associated
changes, to establish evidences and/or indicators of climate change, to examine impacts of climate change
on livelihood activities and to determine coping and adaptation strategies by local communities and other
parties. The study employed descriptive design, together with qualitative and quantitative techniques of
data collection. The data collection methods included interviews, questionnaires, Focus Group Discussions
(FGDs) and documentary evidence. The study also took in a sample of households and Village Executive
Officers. Findings of the study showed that livelihood activities in the study area particularly farming and
fishing are already impacted by climate change. It was observed that most of the crops used to be grown
have been abandoned with the exception of paddy that depend on irrigation. Similarly, fish catch was
noted to have declined with disappearance of some of the species. On the other hand the study noted the
increasing scarcity of basic household necessities especially food and water that was associated with the
current frequent dry spells as well as altered rainfall patterns. The study also noted the impacts of sea water
rise to settlements, underground aquifers and soils. Therefore, it is evident that the community is already
impacted by climate change, a situation that calls for institutionalisation of such means as dry land agriculture,
advanced fishing methods as well micro-crediting to enable such communities sustain their economies by
engaging in secondary economic activities rather than relying upon nature.
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University of Dar es Salaam
CLIMATE CHANGE AND ITS IMPACTS ON COASTAL TOURISM
A Case of Bagamoyo District
Roland Sylvester Mushi
Master of Science (Natural Resource Assessment and Management), November 2009
This study assessed the impacts climate change on coastal tourism along the coast of Bagamoyo including
Dunda and Kaole villages. It identified potential impacts on coastal resources that are used as tourist
attractions, and assessed the vulnerability of coastal tourism, how it is adapted to climate change impacts.
Further, the study examined the existing policies that are addressing mitigation and adaptation to climate
change in Tanzania. The methodologies employed in this study include GIS and remote sensing analysis;
this helped in detecting the vegetation covers change and shoreline change along the coast which showed
that there is a gradual decrease of beach areas as well as landward recession. Purposive samplings for key
informants as well as random sampling were used in the collection of data on local communities’ perceptions
on the climate change impacts. Participant observation and literature reviews were extensively used.
Results observed from TMA rainfall data from 1950-2007 showed that, the rainfall trend has been
decreasing over the years and this has affect farmers as well. Temperature increased by approximately
0.50C and 2°C (for mean maximum and minimum temperature respectively) whereas the average annual
temperature increases of 1°C for over 30 years since 1978 which cause discomfort to tourists as well as
local communities. Findings from the study showed that, coastal natural resources are vulnerable to the
increased temperature, sea level rise and drought. The threats from sea level rise and coastal erosion is of
significant which increases vulnerabilities to coastal tourism activities in the areas. Further, the study revealed
that existing policies and institutional frameworks do not explicitly address the mitigation and adaptation
strategies to coastal tourism activities. And several adaptation strategies such as construction of sea walls,
re-planting of mangroves trees and piling up of sand bag were noted to be applied by Antiquity Department
and hotels. It is therefore, recommended that emphasis should be on adaptation strategies including
institutional capacity building, re-afforestation programme, and enhancing public awareness and provision
of education on climate change impacts to the local communities, tourism stakeholders and government
officials.
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ASSESSMENT OF TYPES AND LEVELS OF PESTICIDE RESIDUES IN SOME
COMMONLY GROWN VEGETABLES IN TANZANIA
Mary Mkony Meela
Master of Science (Chemistry), November 2009
This study was conducted on the types and levels of pesticide residues found in florisil cleaned 144 extracts
of cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capital capitata), tomato (Lycopersicon esculenta,) amaranths
(Amaranthus spp), Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa), carrots (Daucus carota) and nightshades (Solanum
vilosum), collected from Arusha, Iringa, Morogoro and Tanga Regions of Tanzania; which were analyzed
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by GC-ECD and GC-NPD; and confirmed by GC-MS. The types of pesticide residues (and their percentage
frequency of detection) were as follows: cabbage: ?endosulfan (35%), ? HCH (34%) and fenitrothion
(21%); tomato: ? HCH (40%), fenitrothion (30%), ? endosulfan (20%) and ?DDT (10%); amaranths:?HCH
(57%), fenitrothion (36%) and ?endosulfan (7%); chinese cabbage: ?endosulfan (33%), ? DDT (33%),
?HCH (22%) and (11%); carrot recorded frequency of detection of ? HCH (11%), ?DDT (44%)
?endosulfan (33%) and dieldrin (9 %). Cabbage samples showed a Codex MRL non-compliance of 50%
whereas tomato recorded 8% non-compliance (due to the endosulfan in Iringa samples that was detected
at concentration of 1.8 ?g/g against 0.5 ?g/g MRL); Chinese cabbage had a non compliance of 45%.
While carrot had all samples (100%) being codex MRL non compliant, Amaranths and nightshade, both of
which have no Codex MRL had residues above the detection limit in all the samples. There was significant
variation in the concentrations of pesticide residues detected in different samples from different sites in
both the dry and wet seasons.
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VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT OF RAIN-FED AGRICULTURE TO CLIMATE
CHANGE AND VARIABILITY IN SEMI-ARID AREAS OF TANZANIA
The Case of Tabora Urban and Uyui Districts
Hector John Mongi
Master of Science (Natural Resource Assessment and Management), November 2009
This study assessed vulnerability of rain-fed agriculture to climate change and variability in four clustered
villages, three from Uyui District and one from Tabora Urban District. Villages studied in Uyui were Mbola,
Isila and Mpenge while in Tabora urban was Tumbi. Both secondary and primary data on biophysical and
socio-economic aspects were collected using different approaches including structured interviews, focus
group discussion, documentary review and field observations. Structured interviews were administered to
7% of all farmers selected at random from the four villages and 30 research and extension officers obtained
through accidental purposeful sampling. Simple regression and t-test analyses of numeric data for rainfall
and temperature collected over the last 35 growing seasons were performed using MS Excel and SAS
respectively. Non-numeric data were coded, summarized and analyzed using SPSS spreadsheet. Results
showed that overall rainfall amount was declining and distribution was varying both in time and space.
Inter-seasonal dry spells between January and February appeared to increase both in duration and frequency.
Increase in temperature was highly significant (p<O.Ol), however, with minimum temperature increasing
much faster than maximum. Farmers, research and extension officers also perceived these changes by the
help of a series of indicators. Nevertheless, perception on the climate change indicators varied depending
on the type of livelihood activity most affected. Major implication on rain-fed agriculture included possible
shrinking of the growing season, increasing moisture and heat stress to common food and cash crops,
increased insects and disease pests and eventually low income and food security. Basing on the results
above, this study concludes that there is strong evidence demonstrating the vulnerability of rain-fed agriculture
to negative impacts of CC&V in the study area. Among recommendations made is a need for multi-level
interventions on adaptation to climate change and variability taking into account a wide range of stakeholders’
involvement.
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University of Dar es Salaam
BIOACTIVITY OF SECONDARY METABOLITES FROM MICROBES ISOLATED
FROM IDUNDI, TRADITIONALLY FERMENTED BANANA FROM TANZANIA
Amina Msonga
Master of Science (Molecular Biology), September 2009
Idundi is a traditionally fermented banana food usually consumed by women in North-eastern Tanzania
soon after child birth, believed to help in the healing of their wombs. This study was aimed at investigating
the in vitro bioactivity of secondary metabolites produced by microorganisms associated with idundi.
Activity was investigated by agar well and paper disk diffusion methods and broth microdilution method.
A total of 3 bacteria and 6 filamentous fungi were isolated from the traditional fermentation process of
bananas in Mbaga village, Same, Kilimanjaro. Out of these, 4, (44%) produced bioactive medium polar
extracts with a varying degree of antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus,
Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger and Cryptococcus neoformans known to be human pathogens. Two
of the bacterial isolates producing bioactive extracts were identified to be Klebsiella oxytoca and Kluyvera
cryocrescens on the basis of their 16S rDNA sequences. Two of the filamentous fungal isolates producing
bioactive extracts were identified to be Trichoderma aureoviride and Rhizopus stolonifer on the basis of
their ITS region sequences. Two yeast isolates namely; Candida pyralidae and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa
were found to produce bioactive extracts which were active against the test organisms. Chemical profiling
of the extracts revealed the presence of alkaloids, terpenoids, phenolics and sterols from the bacterial and
fungal isolates and alkaloids and terpenoids from the yeasts isolates. In conclusion, antimicrobial activity of
secondary metabolites from microbes associated with idundi provides scientific corroboration for its
therapeutic value.
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FEASIBILITY OF BLACKLIP OYSTERS (Pinctada margaritifera, Linnaeus, 1758) HALFPEARL CULTURE IN TANZANIA
Edson Ishengoma
Master of Science (Marine Biology), July 2009
There was a need for some ecological and biological information on which the feasibility of pearl culture in
Tanzania could be assessed. The major objective of the project focused on where, when and how to
obtain pearl oyster spat (Pinctada), where to grow them and trial production of half-pearls.
Three spat collection sites were selected randomly and these were Tawalani, Bweleo and Nyamanzi.
Seasonal variation (wet and dry) of the spat settlement was determined by establishing the long-line at
each site, and spat collectors deployed and harvested during wet and dry season of the year. The quantities
of spat settling on spat collectors both in wet and dry season were compared. In just the same experiment,
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the effectiveness of spat collection methods was determined by deploying at the same moment three
different spat collector materials (coconut shells, rubber slides and spat bags) and comparing which of
these had better spat number. Spat growth was experimented and responses compared at 2 m and 6 m..
And mature and health oysters were implanted with two different sizes (small and big) of the nuclei to
determine the effect of the size of the nuclei on the survival of oysters and on the quality of resulting halfpearls.
The spat collection experiment produced in total of 4263 Pinctada margaritifera spat over a year among
the selected sites. Seasonal variation in spat “yield” was observed at each studied site, the dry season
yielding higher number of spat than the wet season and the Nyamanzi site yielding significantly poor number
of spat in total compared to the other sites (P < 0.05). Coconut shells were significantly the least effective
method at collecting spat, compared to spat bags and rubber slides (P < 0.01).
Spat growth response in terms of dorso-ventral height (DVH) was significantly better at 6 m than at 2 m
(P < 0.05) after 90 days of rearing. The survival of implanted oysters was significantly better with oysters
implanted with small nuclei (0.297± 0.244) than oysters implanted with big nuclei (0.619± 0.209) during
the initial 30 days. The percentage of quality and non-quality half-pearls in small and large nuclei did not
differ significantly (P > 0.05).
The findings of this study indicated that it is feasible to obtain pearl oyster spat, grow them successfully
and produce relatively good quality half-pearls within a short period of 9 months using P. margaritifera.
However, there is a requirement for further research to appraise the consistency of spat availability over a
long term and the feasibility for round pearl production.
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INVESTIGATION OF THE GENETIC DIVERSITY OF MORINGA OLEIFERA
PROVENANCES AND OTHER MORINGA SPECIES FOUND IN SELECTED COASTAL
REGIONS OF TANZANIA.
Mariam Mgendi
Master of Science (Botany), August 2009
Knowledge of population genetic diversity is one of the prerequisites for development of plant species
conservation strategies. It is also fundamental to the understanding of ecology and evolutionary forces that
affect them. In the case of wild species that represent the genetic resources for cultivated plants, the
understanding of their genetic diversity is essential as they are the source of genetic material that are used
to improve elite varieties. This study was conducted to investigate the morphological and genetic variations
between and within cultivated and non-cultivated provenances of Moringa oleifera Lam. and to explore
possible existence of other Moringa species in selected coastal regions of Tanzania. Ninety and ninety six
individuals from cultivated and non-cultivated populations were assessed for morphological and molecular
analysis respectively. The morphological and genetic relationships were analyzed using NTSYS-pc and
UPGMA programme. Morphological analysis revealed six clusters with similarity ranging from 66% to
100% while Genetic analysis using 12 selected RAPD primers revealed five clusters with similarity ranging
from 54% to 96%. Genetic distance within M. oleifera group ranged from 65% for most divergent individuals
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University of Dar es Salaam
to 95% for most related individuals. The genetic distance within the majority of cultivated populations
ranged from 76% to 93% and 80% to 96% in the majority non-cultivated populations. Both morphology
and RAPD data partly separated individuals based on the status of individuals whether cultivated or noncultivated. Furthermore, genetic separation between M. oleifera and M. stenopetala supports the occurrence
of two species of Moringa in Tanzania.
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MATHEMATICAL ANALYSIS OF A CHOLERA MODEL WITH CONTROL MEASURES
Mwasa Abubakar
Master of Science (Mathematics), July 2009
Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal illness caused by infection of the intestine with bacterium Vibrio cholerae (V.
cholerae). The aim of this study is to use mathematical modeling to analyze the dynamics of cholera disease
with and without control measures.
The mathematical features such as the epidemic threshold, equilibria and stabilities are determined for
different sub-models and for the full model (with control measures). A Lyapunov functional approach is
used to analyze the stabilities of equilibria. We qualitatively analyze existence and positivity of solutions.
The possibility of backward bifurcation is investigated and it is observed that the model does not exhibit
such phenomenon. We use the model to study the effects of public health educational campaigns, Vaccination
as control strategies in curtailing cholera disease.
The education-, vaccination-, treatment-induced reproductive numbers RE, RV , RT respectively and
combined reproductive number RC are compared with the basic reproduction number R0 for cholera in
the absence of any intervention to assess the possible community benefits of these control measures. We
perform sensitivity analysis on the key parameters that drive the disease dynamics in order to determine
their relative importance to disease transmission and prevalence.
We also use numerical simulations to validate the model and qualitatively show the benefits of these
control measures, and we investigate the effect of seasonal variation of the contact and contamination rates
_ and ‘, respectively. We conclude from the study that in settings where education and vaccination are
effective and with reasonable provision of clean drinking water and clean environment, the average number
of infected humans may be reduced.
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A MATHEMATICAL MODEL OF RIFT VALLEY FEVER WITH HUMAN HOST
Saul Chilongola Mpeshe
Master of Science (Mathematics), July 2009
We formulate and explore a deterministic SEIR model of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) with mosquitoes,
livestock, and human host using a deterministic system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations. We
analyse the model to find the basic reproduction number, 0
, the stability of the disease-free-equilibrium
•
(DFE) and endemic equilibrium (EE), and to test which model parameters are more sensitive to 0
which
•
is the measure of initial disease transmission and EE which is the measure of disease prevalence through
sensitivity analysis.
We find that the DFE is locally asymptotically unstable when 1 0 
, and the EE islocally and
• •
globally asymptotically stable when 1 0 
. Both 0 and the disease prevalence in mosquitoes are
• •
•
more sensitive to the natural death rate of mosquitoes, m d , and this suggest the use of mosquito treated
bednets and sprays to increase m d , and hence a reduction of 0 
• and the disease prevalence. The
disease prevalence in livestock and humans are more sensitive to livestock recruitment rate, l 
, and
•
human recruitment rate, h  , respectively, thus suggesting an isolation of livestock from human population.
•
The sensitivity indices of 0 
and EE with respect to the parameters l  and h  calls for thorough
•
•
•
diagnosis and treatment strategies for infectious individuals to reduce disease prevalence. Finally, we perform
numerical simulations to explore the behaviour of RVF when introduced in a system with constant recruitment
rate in both populations.
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DYNAMICS OF FISHERIES WITH PREY RESERVE AND HARVESTING
Sara Abdulla Khamis
Master of Science (Mathematics), July 2009
A model for two fish species (preys) and one predator in a patchy environment is formulated using non
linear differential equations to study the dynamics of marine fishery resources in two homogeneous patches;
one is a free fishing zone and the other is a refuge for prey reserve in which fishing is prohibited. Biological
behavior of the system is examined, the system is analyzed around non-negative steady states and the
criteria for local and global stabilities are derived. The possibility of existence of bionomic (biological as
well as economic) equilibrium of the system is determined and the conditions for their existence are derived.
The optimal harvesting policy is studied by using the Potryagin’s maximal principle and the optimal equilibrium
solution is obtained when the total user’s cost per unit effort equals the steady state effort level.
The sensitivity analysis is carried out and it is observed that the populations are more sensitive to
growth, dispersal and predation rates and least sensitive to the catchability coefficient. Statistical analysis
(Markov Chain Monte Carlo) is employed to estimate the parameters and to assess both the uncertainty
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University of Dar es Salaam
in the model parameters and the uncertainty in the model-based predictions. Some graphical representations
of the numerical simulations using MatLab are presented to illustrate and complement the analytical results.
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AN ASSESSMENT FOR THE HYBRIDIZATION POTENTIAL OF WILD COTTON WITH
CULTIVATED COTTON AS A PRELUDE TO THE INTRODUCTION OF TRANSGENIC
COTTON
Oshingi Shilla
Master of Science (Biotechnology), February 2009
To increase cotton production and improve the national economy, Tanzania wants to revive cotton production
in Southern Highlands (SH). The SH was quarantined since 1968 as a management strategy against the
Red bollworm. Genetically modified (GM) cotton with insecticidal properties is a potential solution to the
bollworm infestation. GM crops pose environmental concerns warranting ecological risk assessment (ERA)
be done prior to their introduction. In Tanzania, draft Biosafety regulations (Tanzania, 2007) call for ERA
to be conducted prior to GM cotton introduction. ERA inputs include baseline information on diversity and
distribution of wild /feral relatives of cotton and reproductive mechanisms that Tanzania is presently lacking.
This study assessed feral Gossypium barbadense diversity and distribution in the SH through a field
survey and assessment of interrelationship by controlled hybridization with cultivated Gossypium hirsutum.
A literature review from two herbaria and cotton research stations revealed scanty diversity and distribution
of wild/ feral cotton. The field survey, identification and clustering revealed that G. barbadense, originated
from Brazil and is compatible to G. hirsutum. However, the evaluation showed some phenotypic variations
within plants collected suggesting that G. barbadense may have hybridized with cultivated varieties.
Regardless of the variations, feral G. barbadense had great affinity to cultivars producing fertile F1. The
hybridization was significant at X2 of 234.6 for test of independence and 157.4 for a trend both at P <
0.0001. The parent-offspring relationship was confirmed by Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) molecular
markers. SSR markers have shown to be useful in detecting paternity and are recommended for similar
studies.
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ROLE OF SMALL SCALE COMMUNITY-BASED MARINE NO-TAKE AREAS IN
CONSERVATION OF Anadara antiquata LINNAEUS 1758 (PELECYPODA: ARCIDAE) IN
FUMBA PENINSULA, UNGUJA ISLAND
Redfred Geofrey Ngowo
Master of Science (Aquatic Science), May 2009
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Cockle population is threatened by higher dependence of community members as they are used as potential
source of food and income. This study was assessing the role of small scale community – based marine notake areas in conservation of cockles (A. antiquata) was through before - after (BA) and Reserve –
Adjacent – Control (RAC) pairs method in three sites of Nyamanzi, Bondeni and Chaleni in Unguja
Island. Biological studies on morphometry and reproduction of A. antiquata were also conducted to assess
their reproductive output and factors affecting them. The mean density of cockles ranged between 2.27
 0.41 SE in reserves, 1.85  0.34 SE in adjacents and 0.76  0.07 SE in control sites. A. antiquata
•
•
•
were found to attain their length at first maturity at 33 mm, 32 mm and 37 mm for female, male and
hermaphrodites respectively. Examination of gonads of fully matured female showed that a mean fecundity
was 2,840,000
1
1   SE eggs per individual, and the number of eggs was found to increase with
the increase in total length of A. antiquata.
Small scale community based marine no-take areas is important tool for management of A. antiquata
and other molluscan bivalves. For effective protection of bivalve stocks and species biodiversity, this study
is recommending having an integration of management strategies through establishment of communitybased no-take areas, and protection of brood stocks by setting 48 mm SL as minimum size for the cockle
to be collected.
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AUDITING OF FISH WASTES GENERATED ALONG LAKE VICTORIA AND
ENHANCEMENT OF ANAEROBIC DIGESTION OF FISH PROCESSING WASTEWATER
Robert Gumisiriza
Master of Science (Biotechnology), January 2009
In East Africa, Nile perch processing into fish fillet for export generates large proportions of both solid and
liquid fish wastes, which are improperly utilized and/or disposed off untreated leading to environmental
pollution problems especially on Lake Victoria. Through auditing, it was estimated that 36,000 tonnes of
fish solid waste and 1,838,000 m3 of Nile perch fish processing wastewater (FPWW) were generated
annually. The FPWW was of high strength with total chemical oxygen demand (COD) of 12,400 mg/l and
Total solid content of 5,580 mg/l. The wastewater contained 6,160 mg/l of lipids and 2,000 mg/l of
proteins. The FPWW generated annually contained 10,290 tonnes of total solids, of which 9,820 tonnes
(95 % TS) were volatile solids (VS). Batch wise anaerobic digestion (AD) of FPWW at laboratory scale
yielded 560 m3 CH4/ton VS added; implying that the total annual wastewater generated can potentially
yield 5,498,960 m3 CH4/year. Extrapolation from the methane yield indicated that the total annual FPWW
generated had diesel oil and electricity production potentials of 5,498,960 m3 and 55 Gwh, respectively.
Co-digestion of the residue with 10 % gVS of brewery wastewater optimally enhanced methane yield to
an increment of 66 % while pretreatment of FPWW with aerobic microbial strains locally isolated from a
fish waste stabilization pond enhanced methane yield to an increment of 76 % after 12 hours of incubation
with mixed cultures. Results of this study indicate that fish processing can be energy self –sufficient through
biomethanation of FPWW and substrate pre-treatment enhances the AD process. Further investigations
on the effect of substrate pretreatment at a scaled up level are encouraged.
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724
University of Dar es Salaam
DEVELOPMENT OF A FLEXIBLE WEB-BASED EXPERT SYSTEM FOR DIAGNOSIS
OF ANIMAL DISEASES IN TANZANIA
Ntwa Andalwisye Katule
Master of Science (Computer Science), August 2009
This research investigates how a flexible web based expert system for diagnosis of animal diseases should
be developed to allow domain experts in the field of veterinary medicine to modify the knowledge base i.e.
editing existing knowledge, removing obsolete knowledge, or integrating new knowledge into the knowledge
base. It also investigates how knowledge should be inferred from the dynamic knowledge base when end
users consult an expert system with intention of seeking for an advice. The developed system is a prototype
of flexible web based expert system for diagnosis of animal diseases based on symptoms.
The methodology involves elicitation of first hand knowledge from veterinary experts, which was required
for modelling of the knowledge base shell. Object oriented analysis and design approaches were used to
model and design an expert system shell specific to the domain of animal diseases’ diagnosis. The System
was implemented in Java, which is an object oriented programming language, and in Prolog, which is an
artificial intelligence programming language. The knowledge base was implemented by using Myoodb
database management system. An inference engine uses facts loaded dynamically from the knowledge
base to deduce the diagnosed disease. By using a simple Bayesian belief network, an expert system
consultation part has the capability of reasoning with uncertainty knowledge hence improving its intelligence.
All user interfaces are web-based. A Knowledge acquisition subsystem has been included to allow
maintenance of the knowledge base. The system was verified by veterinary doctors as end users. The
developed prototype can be extended to become a full functioning system to support veterinary extension
services.
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THE ROLE OF INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE IN ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
AND VARIABILITY
A Case of Bagamoyo District, Tanzania
Berlinson Andrew
Master of Science (Natural Resources Assessment and Management), November 2009
This study investigated the role of indigenous knowledge (IK) in adaptation to climate change and variability
in two villages selected from two agro-ecological zones in Bagamoyo district. Data was collected by using
key informants interviews, focus group discussions, household survey as well as review of secondary data.
The Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) and Excel were used to analyze quantitative data.
Qualitative data were analyzed by cross tabulation and comparison of different views. Results were presented
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in descriptive forms: tables, figures, graphs, maps and photographs. The study found out that through IK,
the communities studied have developed several indigenous adaptation strategies that have enabled them
to reduce their vulnerability to past and present climate change and variability. These strategies were
particularly evident in farming, fishing, food preservation and storage and in dealing with natural disasters
like droughts and famine. It is concluded that the communities studied have a high awareness of climate
issues and through their IK, these communities have managed their resources and livelihoods in the face of
challenging environmental and socio-economic conditions. Therefore, there is a need of recognizing and
actively promoting IK through incorporating it into climate change policies and modern knowledge.
Incorporating IK can add value to the development of sustainable climate change adaptation strategies
that are rich in local content, and planned in conjunction with local people.
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COMMUNITY-BASED FOREST MANAGEMENT WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF
INSTITUTIONAL DECENTRALIZATION: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN
UPPER SONGWE RIVER BASIN
Kayonko Juma
Master of Science (Natural Resources Assessment and Management), December 2008
This study was undertaken to assess community-based forest management (CBFM) within the context of
institutional decentralized: challenges and opportunities in upper Songwe River basin (USRB). The results
contribute to the understanding of the needs for sound forest management in USRB where anthropogenic
catchment damage has caused severe erosion and downstream siltation into Lake Nyasa/Malawi. Satellite
image interpretation was used to establish land use and cover change in USRB. Information on the dynamics
of forest management was obtained through interviews and focus group discussions.
Satellite image interpretation revealed substantial degradation and decline of natural forests in the USRB,
from 3,564ha in 1991 to 2,252ha in 2004, due to agricultural and settlement expansion. Lack of effective
forest management plans, mismatch between ecological and administrative boundaries, and wrecked
inheritance of traditional environmental knowledge and practices caused by change in population composition
and characteristics poses extended challenges for the establishment of formal CBFM. Opportunities are
rather rare but perceived future ecological and socioeconomic benefits revealed a significant relationship
(x²=33.913, df=18, a=0.05) with the support of formal CBFM of the remaining natural forests in the
USRB.
Such findings go in front of the conclusion that the scaling up of CBFM will depend not only on a
supportive policy and legislative environment, but also on suitable socioeconomic conditions embedded in
the history of forest management of a given community. Sustainable CBFM interventions ought to go with
the development of additional income-generating community-based projects so as to improve the
socioeconomic well-being of the people while at the same time reducing pressure to allow the recovery of
the natural forest ecosystem in the USRB.
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726
University of Dar es Salaam
A GIS-AIDED AEROGEOPHYSICAL, GEOLOGICAL AND GEOCHEMICAL
INVESTIGATION OF LATE ARCHAEAN GRANITOIDS IN THE MUSOMA-MARA
GREENSTONE BELT, NORTH EAST TANZANIA
Elisante Elisaimon
Master of Science (Geology), August 2008
The Musoma Mara Greenstone Belt (MMGB) is intruded by syn-to-post orogenic suites of granitoids
which range in composition from Tonalite Trondhjemite Granodiorites (TTG) to granite.
High resolution aerogeophysical survey by the Geological Survey of Tanzania in 2003 has provided
aeromagnetic and radiometric data that were used in this study to classify various granitoids existing in the
MMGB. Based on the analysis and interpretation made on airborne radiometric and magnetic data as well
as previous geological maps, a geophysical interpretation map was obtained. This map broadly categorized
the MMGB granitoids into two types, the first granitoid type is characterized by high contents of K, U and
Th and magnetic intensity < 33997 nT. The second granitoid type is characterized by high K relative to U
and Th, and magnetic intensity >33997 nT. The aerogeophysical interpretation map was used as a base
map for ground follow-up whereby the granite types were sampled accordingly for geochemical analysis.
The two granitoid types identified on the basis of geophysical data can further be subdivided into three
types based on geochemical data i.e. biotite granites, calcic granites and TTG. The more abundant biotite
and calcic granites correspond to the aerogeophysical high K, U and Th contents whereas the TTG
correspond to the high K relative to U and Th concentrations.
On the basis of compositional similarity with the northern MMGB high-K and Na-rich granitoids, that
were previously studied by Manya et al (2007a, b), the biotite and calcic granites are inferred to have been
generated by partial melting of pre-existing materials including TTG and intermediate to felsic volcanic
rocks whereas the TTGs were generated by partial melting of hydrous basaltic crust that had been
metamorphosed to garnet amphibolite.
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ASSESSMENT OF PHYSICO-CHEMICAL PARAMETERS AND THEIR IMPACTS ON
THE WATER QUALITY AT IGOMBE RESERVOIR, TABORA, WESTERN TANZANIA
Jacqueline Mwendwa
Master of Science (Environmental Sciences), October 2007
Assessment of physico-chemical parameters and their impacts on water quality at Igombe reservoir was
done by investigating the influence of anthropogenic activities on water quality during wet and dry seasons.
Standard methods were used to determine the levels of physico-chemical parameters from the water
samples. Physical parameters including temperature, turbidity, alkalinity, dissolved oxygen
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(DO), electrical conductivity (EC), and pH, were determined in situ. Chemical parameters such as NO3, SiO2, PO43-, Fe2+, SO42-, Cl-, and major cations were determined in the laboratory. Data show higher
concentration of physico–chemical parameters during the wet season than during the dry season at various
sampling sites. This has been attributed to reservoir-increased input of the physico- chemical parameters
by surface runoff. The mean variation of NO3-, SiO2, PO43-, Fe2+, SO42-, and Cl- concentrations ranged
from 0.7 to 2.9 mg/l, 11.38 to 34.9 mg/l, 0.02 to 0.27 mg/l, 0.04 to 0.86 mg/l, 6.3 to 7.8 mg/l, and from
5.2 to 6.5 mg/l respectively. Data have shown that processes including dissolution, diffusion, adsorption,
absorption, nitrification, denitrification, mixing and reduction along with anthropogenic activities explain the
variation of physico-chemical parameters in the reservoir. It has been concluded that human activities
impacts significantly on the water quality of the reservoir. It is recommended that continuous monitoring
and surveillance of anthropogenic activities taking place around the Igombe reservoir should be conducted
in order to control pollution from both point and non point sources to ensure sustainable water resource at
the reservoir
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GENETIC VARIABILITY AND PHYLOGENY OF YEASTS FROM SEDIMENTS OF
SELECTED MANGROVE ECOSYSTEMS OF COASTAL REGIONS OF TANZANIA
Eva M. Sosovele
Master of Science (Molecular Biology), November 2008
The aim of this thesis was to improve the understanding of the types of yeasts associated with mangrove
sediment along the Coast of Tanzania and how they have been impacted by sewage pollution. Molecular
techniques such as Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) PCR and analysis of base sequences of
ribosomal DNA (rDNA) were used to establish the taxonomy, phylogeny, genetic variability and impact of
anthropogenic activities on isolated yeasts. A total of 43 morphologically different yeast isolates from
various mangrove sediment samples from Dar es Salaam, Lindi and Tanga regions were investigated in this
study. RAPD PCR results revealed closer genetic affinities between Tanga and Lindi yeast genotypes.
This study has also observed that, the anthropogenic activities have modified the relative variability of
mangrove yeasts genotypes. Phylogenetic analysis of the yeasts in this study based on rDNA sequences
revealed that, the yeasts such as Candida species (typically found in polluted mangrove sediments) appear
to have evolved earlier and clustered with other Candida species from elsewhere in the world. When the
Rhodotorula mucilaginosa and Galactomyces geotrichum (isolated from unpolluted regions of Tanzania)
were subjected to the phylogenetic analysis, they also clustered together with other respective yeast species
from other parts of the world, and they evolved earlier than most of Rhodotorula species and Galactomyces
species from other parts of the world. This study established that, the yeast species isolated from Tanzanian
mangrove sediments are similar with those found in mangrove sediments of other parts of the world and the
sewage pollution affects their genetic structure.
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University of Dar es Salaam
ASSESSMENT OF GENDER RELATIONS IN IRRIGATED AGRICULTURE IN KILOSA
DISTRICT, MOROGORO REGION, TANZANIA
Tumaini Allan
Master of Science (Natural Resource Assessment and Management), November 2008
The study on gender relations in irrigated agriculture was undertaken at three irrigation schemes in Kilosa
District. The main objective of the study was to assess gender relations in irrigated agriculture for equitable
access to resources in selected irrigation schemes. The methodology utilized key informant interviews,
focus group discussion and questionnaire interviews. The sample consisted 3 irrigation schemes whereby
20 men and 20 women were selected randomly from each scheme. Quantitative data were analyzed using
SPSS and Microsoft Excel program while ANOVA test was done for statistical analysis. On average, the
proportion on water committees was 29% women and 71% men, which influenced decision-making on
water allocation in favour of men in the irrigation schemes. Statistical analysis showed that the difference
between mean acreage owned by men and women at P=0.033 was statistically significant different. Analysis
of roles and responsibilities of men and women showed that were gendered. Men were doing land
preparation, watering, collecting crops from farm and selling crops. Women were responsible for sourcing
seeds, planting and scaring birds including wild animals (monkeys) on the farm. Joint activities included
weeding and harvesting. Men were involved in cash crop farming for sale while women were greatly
involved in food crop farming for household consumption. Hence, income earned from farming and nonfarming activities differed between men and women (P=0.019). Factors causing existing gender roles in
farming activities were grouped into categories such as socio-cultural, economic, educational and accessibility
of information and political factors. To mainstream gender in irrigated agriculture, there is a need to ensure
democratic election of leaders in village government and in other resource allocating committees. Apart
from gender-related attributes, other cross-cutting factors crucial for improving irrigation agriculture include,
increased water availability through infrastructure improvement, rainwater harvesting, improved market
and credit facilities for farmers. Farming and resource management skills of both genders are critical so as
to attain sustainable development on an equal footing as per Millennium Development Goals.
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POPULATION DISTRIBUTION AND DIFFERENTIATION OF MANGROVE AND
ROCKY SHORE GASTROPODS (LITTORARIA SPP.) IN DAR ES SALAAM, MNAZI
BAY-RUVUMA ESTUARY AND INHACA ISLAND IN MOZAMBIQUE
Rose Ephraim Sallema
Master of Science (Aquatic Science), November 2009
This study assessed population distribution and differentiation of mangrove and rocky shore littorinid species
(Littoraria scabra, L. pallescens, L. subvittata, L. intermedia and L. glabrata) in Dar es Salaam,
Mnazi Bay-Ruvuma Estuary and Inhaca Island. Nested sampling design was employed in assessing spatial
scale variation of Littoraria species. For littorinids distribution study, sampling was conducted in wet and
dry seasons whereas in population differentiation study, sampling was done only once.
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The current study revealed a significant difference in littorinid population distribution and differentiation at
both low and high spatial scales. Distribution of mangrove trees and seedlings indicated great variation in
the zones; however, no variation was noted for saplings. Male littorinids were revealed to be fewer in
number than females of the same species in all mangrove zones. Littorinid abundance varied significantly
among zones in different mangrove heights (specific levels) and substrates. No significant difference in
mangrove basal area was found among seasons and sites; however, there was great variation among
zones. There was a significant correlation between littorinid abundance and mangrove abundance and
basal area. Males and females of L. glabrata and L. scabra exhibited different population differentiation
patterns at both low and high spatial scales. Results of the study suggest that large scale variation might
reflect changes in physical factors possibly associated with habitat fragmentation, whereas small scale
variations might suggest differential responses of littorinids to prevailing habitat conditions in each floristic
zone/rocky shore habitats.
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THE ROLE OF NON-TIMBER FOREST PRODUCTS IN RURAL LIVELIHOODS IN
ANGAI VILLAGE LAND FOREST RESERVE
Someni Lusungu Mteleka
Master of Science (Natural Resources Assessment and Management), November 2008
The general objective of this study was to assess the contribution of NTFPs to the livelihoods of communities
adjacent to Angai Forest Reserve and implication of their utilization of the NTFPs on forest management.
The study was conducted in two phases. Phase one involved preliminary surveys and participatory rural
appraisals in three villages, Kiangara, Kitogoro and Liwale “B” adjacent to Angai Village Land Forest
Reserve in Liwale district. The second phase involved a questionnaire survey conducted with a sample size
of 11% of the households of the sampled villages. Data collected through the questionnaire survey were
analyzed by using both quantitative and qualitative methods. NTFPs identified were firewood, charcoal,
poles, withies, ropes, wild vegetables, wild medicinal plants, tubers and roots, mushrooms and bush meat
from animals and birds. The study revealed that the average value of NTFPs used by the household per
year was TAS 821,250, which contributes about a 40% of the total household income of TAS 2,027,020.
It was noted that NTFPs play an important role in meeting subsistence needs of the adjacent communities.
It is recommended that there is need to empower local communities by increasing their capacity to monitor
and manage their forest resources considering their local knowledge of NTFPs. A detailed inventory of
NTFPs is needed in order to establish a resource base that will facilitate the development of a harvesting
plan. Domestication of NTFPs through agro-forestry and afforestation of suitable tree species should be
encouraged that will act as a substitute for the indigineous trees species greatly used in the study area.
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730
University of Dar es Salaam
GEOLOGY AND GEOCHEMICAL INVESTIGATIONS OF THE CLASTIC
SEDIMENTARY ROCKS OF THE IKORONGO GROUP OF NORTH-WESTERN
SERENGETI DISTRICT, NORTH-EASTERN TANZANIA
Charles Kasanzu
Master of Science (Geology), August 2007
The Neoproterozoic Ikorongo Group, which lies unconformably on the late Archaean Nyanzian Supergroup
of the Tanzania Craton, is comprised of conglomerates, quartizites, shales, siltstones, red sandstones with
rare flagstones and gritstones. The Ikorongo Group is subdivided into three stratigraphic formations namely
the Kinenge, Sumuji and Masati Formations. Two new stratigraphic members for the Sumuji Formation
are proposed. The oldest unit is the shale member which comprises of four alternating horizons of brown
and green shales containing mudcracks, rain drops and ripple marks and is here reported for the first time
to step on basement rocks. The shaly member is overlain by the siltstone member which consists of
ferrugenised and cross-laminated micaceous siltstones. The presence of mud cracks and ripple marks in
the rocks of the Sumuji Formation signifies deposition in shallow water environments which had experienced
intermittent sub-aerial exposure and desiccation.
Major element data for the shales and siltstones of the Sumuji Formation indicate broad compositional
similarity with both PAAS and NASC. The shales are, however, relatively depleted in CaO and P2O5
compared to PAAS and NASC whereas the siltstones show relative depletion in TiO2, Al2O3, CaO, K2O
and P2O5. Compared to both PAAS and NASC, the shales show relative depletion in the trace elements
Sr, Zr, Hf, Mo, Nb and Cu whereas Cs, Ba, Ta and Cr are relatively enriched. On the other hand, the
siltstones are depleted in the LILE as well as Nb, Mo, Cr, Ni, Sc and V relative to both PAAS and
NASC. The chemical index of alteration (CIA: 52 - 82) and the Rb/Sr ratios (0.5–8.6) reveal a moderately
weathered protolith. Based on Ni/Al and Mo/Al temporal variation diagrams, oxic conditions predominated
during the deposition of the brown shales, anoxic periods prevailed during the deposition of the green
shales whereas unstable anoxic-oxic states prevailed during the deposition of the siltstones.
The consistent REE patterns, which are characterised by enrichments in the LREE over the HREE
((La/Yb)CN = 7.3-38.3) and negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.71 on average) whose characteristics are
similar to those of PAAS and NASC, illustrate cratonic sources that formed by intra-crustal differentiation.
Geochemical considerations and palaeocurrent studies suggest that the provenance of the Ikorongo Group
include high-Mg basaltic andesites, dacites, rhyolites and granitoids from the Neoarchaean MusomaMara Greenstone Belt to the north of the Ikorongo basin. Mass balance calculations suggest relative
contributions of 50%, 36% and 14% from granitoids, high magnesium basaltic-andesites and dacites
respectively to the detritus that formed the shales. Corresponding contributions to the siltstones detritus
are 58%, 38% and 4% respectively.
The geochemistry of the mudstones suggests that the Neoproterozoic upper crust of the Tanzania
Craton had an overall granodioritic composition. The abundances of TiO2, total Fe2O3, MnO, Sc, Cr, Ga,
Ge, Sb, Ba, LREE, and Bi are, however, higher than the crustal abundances reported by Taylor and
McLennan (1985) and McLennan (2001). On the other hand, the abundances of CaO, Na2O, P2O5, Sr,
and Sn are lower than the upper crustal values of Taylor and McLennan (1985) and McLennan (2001).
The Neoproterozoic upper crust of the Tanzania Craton had the following elemental ratios: K/U = 10862;
K/Rb = 250; Zr/Nb = 10; Zr/Hf = 35; Nb/Th = 1.1; Nb/Ta = 11; Rb/Cs = 30; and Th/U = 3.8.
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A MATHEMATICAL MODEL WITH SOURCE OR SINK TERM FOR PREDICTING THE
SPREAD OF POLLUTANTS IN LAKE VICTORIA
Zubeda Mussa
Master of Science (Mathematics), October 2008
Pollution in Lake Victoria at Mwanza South Saanane Island is a major issue which has attracted great
attention by many people. Several scientific studies have been carried out in order to understand the depth
of the problem and come up with a mitigative solution.In this study we have developed a mathematical
model with source or sink term. The model intended to predict the spread of pollutants in the research
area. The model was solved using a finite difference technique forward in time and centered in space with
appropriate initial and boundary conditions imposed and implemented using Matlab language. Simulations
were done when the source or sink term is neglected and then concentration was released as a source to
some selected locations and the spreading behavior of the concentration was observed. For comparison,
field data was collected and analyzed and similar trends has been obtained between the field measurements
and the corresponding numerical prediction. The model is intended for prediction of the spreading nature
of pollutants in shallow water areas where the effects of source (discharge) and sink (settling at bottom)
are considered.
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PRICING OF ENERGY BY MEANS OF STOCHASTIC MODEL
Emmanuel Evarest
Master of Science (Mathematics), October 2008
In this dissertation we present a mean-reverting jump di®usion model for pricing of energy particularly
electricity by means of stochastic model. We discuss the stochastic model which is used to model the
behaviour of electricity prices. Despite some distributional similarities with asset prices, electricity prices
have dramatically di®erent stochastic properties from those of ¯nancial products and even other commodities
due to its non-storability nature. These properties include mean-reversion, stochastic volatility, seasonality
as well as short lived spikes or jumps. The recent deregulation of electricity markets in the world has
exposed power producers and users to market risk due to these unique features of energy price dynamics.
The prices contain strong mean reversion, which rejects the demand and supply movements. The model
developed is calibrated using the market data from Nordpool for the period from January 1997 to April
2000.
The daily price model is estimated via Maximum Likelihood-Conditional Characteristic Function (MLCCF) to obtain the solution in closed form. Then we simulate the model from the parameters obtained, we
found that the simulated and real price series have similar trends and covers the same price ranges. From
the model we derive the corresponding forward prices under Q-martingale measure and calculate forward
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University of Dar es Salaam
prices at di®erent expiries. All forward prices are subject to the market price of risk due to the fact that
power markets are incomplete markets. The ability to model the spot prices and obtain forward price
dynamics is essential when assessing the performance of headging strategies that use forward contracts.
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LIVELIHOOD DIVERSIFICATION AND ITS IMPLICATION ON WETLANDS AND
DRYLANDS OF THE LOWER RUFIJI ECOSYSTEMS
Mwakipesile Augustino
Master of Science (Natural Resources Assessment and Management), August 2008
This study was conducted in the Lower Rufiji Ecosystems in three villages namely Muyuyu, Kikale and
Ruaruke. The study aimed at examining the implication of livelihood diversification on dryland and wetland
ecosystems. Primary and secondary data were collected using quantitative and qualitative methodology.
5% of households were drawn in each village as a sample size for household interviews. SPSS was used
in data analysis.
The results of the analysis suggest that agriculture, fishing and forest activities have dominated the
livelihood systems. The livelihood systems have been shaped and determined by changing hydrological
variables. There have been great variations on the occurrence of floods and rainfall in the lower Rufiji
ecosystems overtime which resulted in a shift of cultivation from the floodplain into the terrace ecosystems
and into the Rufiji delta mangrove forests. The diversion of Rufiji River fresh water from South into North
delta streams has also been a factor behind the shift in cultivation.
The changes in hydrology have forced people to start cultivation by clearing miombo, coastal and
mangrove forests. Its repercussions were decreases in the forests cover of the miombo, coastal forests
and mangrove forests, hence the degradation of the ecosystems’ health and integrity. The study recommends
sustainable natural resources management and livelihood strategies to halt this process. Also the study
suggests areas for further research including livelihood systems, water resource variability.
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INVESTIGATION ON CONSERVATION NEED AND BIOACTIVITY OF MEDICINAL
PLANTS USED IN THE MANAGEMENT OF HIV/AIDS
OPPORTUNISTIC INFECTIONS IN BUKOBA RURAL DISTRICT, TANZANIA
Daniel Patrick Kisangau
Doctor of Philosophy (Botany) October, 2008
The aim of this thesis was to evaluate the conservation need and efficacy of plants used in traditional
medicine to manage Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/
AIDS) opportunistic infections in Bukoba rural district, Tanzania. Ethnobotanical surveys revealed that 75
plant species belonging to 66 genera and 41 families were used to treat one or more HIV/AIDS related
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infections in the district. Seven plant species were considered of highest priority for conservation in the
district, followed by 10 species of secondary priority. In vitro antimicrobial assay of some crude extracts,
semi-purified fractions and pure compounds revealed significant activity against laboratory bacteria and
fungi of medical importance. A cytotoxicity test using brine shrimp lethality assay revealed that
Pseudospondias microcarpa was the most toxic plant with LC50 (Lethal concentration of a substance that
kills 50% of the test organisms) of 1.9 µg/ml (95% Confidence interval, 1.3-2.5 µg/ml), while Zehneria
scabra was the least toxic plant with LC50 of 179.4 µg/ml (95% Confidence interval, 156.1-213.9 µg/ml).
Chemical analysis of potential plant extracts and semi-purified fractions revealed different chemical
compositions. Anticandida efficacy test of plant extracts using in vivo mice infection model portrayed a
substantial dose dependency in all treatments made. At a dose of 400 mg/kg, Capparis erythrocarpos
was the most effective with mice survival of 60% and organ burden clearance ranging from 64.0%-99.9%
(P<0.0001). The study established the potential of traditionally used plants as a source of new drugs for
the management of HIV/AIDS opportunistic infections. It also underscores the need to utilize bioactivity
data in medicinal plant conservation efforts.
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LEVELS OF var2csa EXPRESSION IN PLASMODIUM FALCIPARUM PARASITES
INFECTING YOUNG TANZANIAN CHILDREN
Thomas Felix Marandu
Master of Science (Molecular Biology), November 2008
Plasmodium falciparum genome contains a family of 50-60 var genes that code for P. falciparum Erythrocyte
Membrane Proteins 1 (PfEMP1). These proteins are expressed at the surface of the infected erythrocytes
and they have been implicated in cytoadherence of the infected erythrocytes to various endothelial receptors
found in various organs. var2csa is a relatively conserved var gene which codes for VAR2CSA protein.
The gene is up-regulated in parasites from the placenta and selected Chondroitin Sulfate A (CSA)-adhering
parasites. Recent studies have reported the expression of this gene in parasites infecting children. In this
study, the expression levels of var2csa in parasites from children below five years with different clinical
presentations of malaria and different binding phenotypes were examined using real time PCR technique.
The results show significantly higher var2csa transcript levels in samples that came from children with
severe malaria than samples that were from children with non-severe malaria (p<0.05; Mann Whitney U
test). These results suggest that var2csa gene expression level is related to severity of malaria in children.
There was no significant difference in var2csa transcript abundance between samples that had binding to
CSA and samples that had a binding to other receptor molecules (p>0.05; Mann Whitney U test). Specific
VAR2CSA human monoclonal antibodies did not react with the infected erythrocytes from children. This
might be due to antigenic variation or absence of the protein at the surface of infected erythrocytes from
children. The findings from this study suggest that var2csa gene expressed by parasites infecting children
can be a good target for vaccines or therapeutics development against severe malaria in children.
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University of Dar es Salaam
ECOTOURISM AND LIVELIHOODS AMONG LIVESTOCK KEEPERS IN THE
NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA (NCA), TANZANIA
Kokel Melubo
Master of Science in Natural Resources Assessment and Management , July 2007
This study examines the contribution of ecotourism on improving the social economic wellbeing of livestock
keepers in Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA), Tanzania. The survey was conducted in seven cultural
Bomas situated along the main tourist roads and three luxurious lodges’ on the Ngorongoro crater rim.
Cultural bomas are staging centers established for local people to exhibit, demonstrate and sell handicrafts
and get photographed by tourists to generate income. Interview of key informants and questionnaire
administration to cultural boma occupiers were major techniques of data collection. Direct observations,
photography and review of findings from other studies were used to complement the above methods in
collecting the required information.
The study established that by participating in ecotourism activities individuals have increased the size of
the small stocks (goats and sheep) supplied maize flour and hence, paid school contributions and purchased
pupils’ uniforms. Other indirect benefits include a wide array of skills, e.g. leaderships, entrepreneurship
(such as marketing, handicrafts production) and communication. At community level, secondary and primary
schools have been built and renovated, students have been sponsored and water projects established.
However, the challenges hindering ecotourism success include poor foreign languages competence, lack
of land rights, limited market opportunities and poor participation.
It was concluded that in order to maximize socio-economic development without jeopardizing the
natural and cultural environments, socio political empowerment should emphasize education and training.
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ASSESSMENT OF PHYSICO-CHEMICAL PARAMETERS AND THEIR IMPACTS ON
THE WATER QUALITY AT IGOMBE RESERVOIR, TABORA, WESTERN TANZANIA
Jacqueline Mwendwa
Masters of Science (Environmental Sciences), October 2007
Assessment of physico-chemical parameters and their impacts on water quality at Igombe reservoir was
done by investigating the influence of anthropogenic activities on water quality during wet and dry seasons.
Standard methods were used to determine the levels of physico-chemical parameters from the water
samples. Physical parameters including temperature, turbidity, alkalinity, dissolved oxygen (DO), electrical
conductivity (EC), and pH, were determined in situ. Chemical parameters such as NO 3-, SiO2, PO43-,
Fe2+, SO42-, Cl-, and major cations were determined in the laboratory. Data show higher concentration of
physico–chemical parameters during the wet season than during the dry season at various sampling sites.
This has been attributed to reservoir-increased input of the physico- chemical parameters by surface
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runoff. The mean variation of NO3-, SiO2, PO43-, Fe2+, SO42-, and Cl- concentrations ranged from 0.7 to
2.9 mg/l, 11.38 to 34.9 mg/l, 0.02 to 0.27 mg/l, 0.04 to 0.86 mg/l, 6.3 to 7.8 mg/l, and from 5.2 to 6.5 mg/
l respectively. Data have shown that processes including dissolution, diffusion, adsorption, absorption,
nitrification, denitrification, mixing and reduction along with anthropogenic activities explain the variation of
physico-chemical parameters in the reservoir. It has been concluded that human activities impacts significantly
on the water quality of the reservoir. It is recommended that continuous monitoring and surveillance of
anthropogenic activities taking place around the Igombe reservoir should be conducted in order to control
pollution from both point and non point sources to ensure sustainable water resource at the reservoir.
**************
HUMAN-WILDLIFE CONFLICTS AND OPTIONS FOR INTERVENTIONS IN GAME
CONTROLLED AREAS IN TANZANIA
A Case of Kilombero Game Controlled Area, Morogoro
Amani Gibson
Master of Science (Natural Resource Assessment and Management), 2007
This study examined the human-wildlife conflicts and options for interventions in Kilombero Game Controlled
Area (KGCA) and suggested measures towards sustainable resource management of the game controlled
area. Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) methods and questionnaire survey were used to provide
information on human-wildlife conflicts, various socio-economic activities and their implications on
management of wild animals including their habitats.Findings from this study revealed that human activities
in the KGCA have significantly contributed to human-wildlife conflicts. Such a situation has resulted into
loss of crops, livestock, properties as well as loss of people’s negative attitudes and some times loss of
human lives. Findings further revealed that 59% of human-wildlife conflicts in the KGCA involved farmers
and wildlife, while the remaining 41% involved pastoralists and wildlife. Increasing human population and
livestock have contributed to expansion of agricultural as well as grazing lands at the expense of wildlife
habitats, hence, increased human-wildlife conflicts and decline in wildlife populations in KGCA. As
intervention to the conflict situation, farmers have relied on scaring-off the wild animals, using fire for large
destructive mammals and dogs for small mammals, particularly primates.
To minimize such conflicts, community should be educated and trained in order to build local innovative
techniques as well as capacity in human-wildlife conflict resolution. Part of KGCA should be de-gazetted
and the remaining part up-graded to Game Reserve status.
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University of Dar es Salaam
ABUNDANCE AND DIVERSITY OF SMALL MAMMALS IN DISTURBED AND
UNDISTURBED FORESTS IN THE ULUGURU MOUNTAINS, TANZANIA,
Elikana Kalumanga
Master of Science (Natural Resource Assessment and Management), 2007
Small mammals are a poorly known fauna in the Eastern Arc Mountains. In order to contribute to the
knowledge of this faunal group, small mammals were trapped in the Uluguru Mountains, Tanzania to
assess their abundance and diversity in the disturbed and undisturbed forests. The disturbed habitat included
the cultivated field (shamba) and the fallow fields while the undisturbed habitat included the intact natural
forest (Forest A) and a slightly disturbed forest (Forest B). In each habitat, 3 nested plots were set in order
to study their habitat characteristics. Small mammals were caught using Sherman live traps, snap traps and
pitfall traps in both dry and wet seasons.
A total of 449 individuals, spread over 14 species of rodents and Crocidura shrews (identified to the
genus level only) were trapped. The intact forest (A) had the highest diversity of small mammal; the cultivated
field recorded the lowest diversity (F3, 14= 0.8049; P = 0.4983). The fallow land recorded the highest trap
success (50), followed by Forest A (45.5) and Forest B (42). The least trap success was recorded in the
shamba (27.4) (H 0.05, 8, 12, 11, 9 = 24.84, x2 0.05, 3, = 7.815, P= 0.001). All the paired plots scored over 50%
similarity indices, suggesting that, within a plot, species composition in all seasons did not vary significantly.
Only generalist species were found in both disturbed and undisturbed forests. The forest-specialists (e.g.
Beamys hindei) were strictly found in the forests. Canopy avoiding species (e.g. Lophuromys
flavopunctatus) were mostly found in the disturbed forests. Therefore, the disturbed forests can not
sustainably support diverse small mammal species as it is in the natural forests.
**************
MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF CANDIDA SPECIES ASSOCIATED WITH
VULVOVAGINAL CANDIDIASIS IN DAR ES SALAAM, TANZANIA
Victor Anacletus
Master of Science (Molecular Biology), April 2006
Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is one of the most common diagnoses made by gynaecologists the world
over. Although it is rarely life threatening, the costs of the disease to patients and society are great. Candida
albicans is the most common cause of VVC; however other species, more resistant to antifungal drugs,
are also involved. When the infecting species is known, it is possible to predict its susceptibility and the
information can be used as a guide to therapy. However, identification of vaginal yeasts is based on phenotypic
characteristics, which are unreliable and the exercise is laborious. This study identified species of the genus
Candida that are associated with VVC in symptomatic women of Dar es Salaam using molecular genetic
approaches. Thirty yeast isolates were screened for C. albicans using nested-PCR that targeted two
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genes, ERG11 and TOP2. The isolates that were screened out as non-albicans Candida species were
speciated using multiplex PCR and PCR-RFLP targeting the 5.8S-ITS region of the ribosomal DNA. The
isolate that could not be conclusively identified by any of the above methods, was identified by sequence
analysis of the D1/D2 domain of the 26S rDNA. A phylogenetic inference with pathogenic Candida
species reported elsewhere was done. C. albicans was the most prevalent (73.3%), followed by C.
tropicalis (13.3%), C. glabrata (10%) and C. parapsilosis (3%). Species that cause VVC in Dar es
Salaam are closely related to those causing VVC elsewhere in the world. The techniques used in this study
were proved to be superior to traditional techniques which base on phenotypic characteristics. Multiplex
PCR was the best technique because three different species (8 isolates) were rapidly and correctly identified
by this method. For more accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of VVC in Tanzania, molecular
genetic approaches empowered with sequence databases that exist for all yeasts described to date, should
be used.
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REHABILITATION OF THE CORAL REEF HABITAT AND ITS EFFECT ON THE
RECRUITMENT OF MOTILE INVERTEBRATES AND FISH
Magreth Lawrence Mchome
Master of Science (Marine Biology), September 2006
This study concerned rehabilitation of the coral reef habitat and its effects on the recruitment of motile
invertebrates and fish. The rehabilitation involved transplanting different genera of hard corals only, algae
only and a mixture of hard corals, algae and soft corals, cemented onto concrete blocks placed in degraded
rubble areas of two patch reefs, Fungu Yasin, Dar es Salaam and Mwambakuni, Bagamoyo. The treatments
were arranged in a randomized block design along with controls consisting of blocks only and rubble. Fish
were observed for 3-min intervals and recorded by family and size category. Invertebrates were counted.
Growth rates of transplanted organisms were determined by periodically measuring heights and widths of
canopies/colonies.
Recruitment of fish was significantly greater, in terms of abundance, diversity (family) and representation
of size classes, on plots rehabilitated with a mixture of organisms than on plots with hard coral only, algae
only, blocks only or rubble. It appears that transplanting with a mixture of organisms better replicates the
reef habitat and provides a variety of microhabitats and food. There were no consistent differences in
motile invertebrate recruitment among treatments. Sea urchins were the most abundant invertebrates.
Branching Acropora generally showed faster growth rates than other hard corals, while submassive forms
such as Pocillopora, Galaxea and Porites submassive showed intermediate rates and massive forms,
particularly Favites, showed the slowest growth. The soft coral transplanted in this experiment showed
slow growth in height, but very rapid lateral growth in comparison with hard corals.
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University of Dar es Salaam
ENVIRONMENTAL PREDICTORS OF MATING COMPETITIVENESS IN MALE
ANOPHELES GAMBIAE SENSU STRICTO (DIPTERA: CULICIDAE) MOSQUITOES
Kija Richard Ng’habi
Master of Science (Applied Zoology), May 2007
The enhancement of mating competitiveness of released males carrying the malaria refractory gene to be
introduced among wild populations of females of Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes, is critical to malariavector control programmes. Current evidence suggests that genetically engineered males have low mating
fitness. As a means to compensate for this reduced fitness, this study was undertaken in an effort to identify
environmental conditions that maximize their mating competitiveness and optimise laboratory-rearing regimes.
Anopheles gambiae first instar larvae were subjected to three different crowding treatments in the first
experiment and three treatments in each experiment were competed against each other for access to
females to assess their mating competitiveness. Their long-term survival and teneral energetic reserves
were assessed. The low-crowding treatment males were 11 times more competitive than males from high
crowding and 3 times more than males from medium crowding treatment. The medium nutritional level
males were 6 times more competitive than males from the high nutritional level and 2 times more than those
from low nutritional level. Long-term survival and energetic reserves did not influence mating competitiveness.
Body size influenced the overall probability of males to secure female mates, but mating competitiveness
was dictated by phenotypic similarity of males to the available females. Therefore, releasing males that are
phenotypicaly close/similar to the abundant females in the wild would maximize the mating competitiveness
of released males. The implications of the results to the new vector control approaches are discussed.
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GEOCHEMICAL INVESTIGATION OF METAVOLCANIC ROCKS OF THE MUSOMAMARA GREENSTONE BELT IN THE SUGUTI AREA, NORTHERN TANZANIA
Mwache Mtoro
Master of Science (Geology), August 2007
The Suguti volcanic rocks comprise mainly of a bimodal suite of tholeiitic basalts and calc-alkaline rhyolites
with a subordinate amount of intermediate rocks. Zircon U-Pb and whole rock Sm-Nd geochronology,
however, reveals that the two suites are cogenetic and were emplaced at 2755 ±1 Ma with a common
initial ?Nd value of 2.
The tholeiitic basalts are characterised by low abundances of the LILE and HSFE as well as relatively
flat chondrite-normalised REE patterns. The rocks also exhibit negative Ti and Nb anomalies in primitive
mantle-normalized multi-element diagrams. The flat REE patterns, the presence of prominent negative Nb
anomalies and the positive initial ?Nd value of 2 suggest that the basalts were formed in a convergent
margin setting by low pressure melting of a mantle wedge which was slightly more enriched than the
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MORB source. The enrichment of their source mantle wedge was caused by a moderate to high degree of
metasomatism by slab derived fluid as indicated by high Ba/Th ratios (25 - 1492).
The calc-alkaline rhyolites are characterised by high abundances of the LILE, moderately high HFSE
abundances and very low abundances of the transitional elements. The rhyolites display strongly fractionated,
slightly upward concave patterns that are characterized by a slight depletion of the MREE relative to the
HREE and moderate to large negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.3 – 0.9). The depletion of the MREE
relative to the HREE is an indication of fractionation of clinopyroxene and hornblende during petrogenesis
while the negative Eu anomalies indicate plagioclase fractionation.
As isotopic evidence indicates that the basalts and rhyolites form a cogenetic suite with a common initial
?Nd value, the rhyolites are interpreted to have formed from the parental magma of the basalts by fractional
crystallization in an active continental margin setting.
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ABUNDANCE AND SPECIES COMPOSITION OF CRABS AND MOLLUSCS IN
DIFFERENT MANGROVE STANDS AT KUNDUCHI, DAR ES SALAAM
Julius Elias Daud
Master of Science (Environnemental Science), November 2006
The studies of different mangrove stands and their associated fauna are not only fundamental for understanding
their ecology but also are important for monitoring, management and conservation of mangrove ecosystems.
The influence of different mangrove stands on the abundance and species composition of crabs and molluscs
were investigated in the four different stands at the Kunduchi mangrove forest, Tanzania. Four study stands
(Avicennia marina, Ceriops tagal, mixed species and cleared stands) were established; where two subareas were set in each stand. A total of 7 crab and 4 molluscan species were recorded during the study
period. There was extremely significant difference in total mean fauna abundance among four stands (F (3,
36) = 20.214; p = 0.0001). The higher total mean abundance of 1,134 individuals per m2 was recorded
at mixed species, Ceriops being the second with 547 individuals per m2, whereas, the lowest (204 individuals
per m2) was found in the Avicennia stand. Likewise, the greatest mean biomass of 36.9 g per 1 m2 for
molluscs was recorded in the Ceriops stand, while no molluscs were observed in the cleared stand. The
number of taxa, evenness and diversity of crabs and molluscs for each stand were calculated using the
Shannon-Weaver index. Ceriops stand supported very significantly greater faunal species diversity of
0.55, followed by 0.34 of mixed stand, and then Avicennia with 0.17, whereas, the cleared stand was
having significantly the lowest species diversity of 0.03. Moreover, the mixed mangroves stand supported
a greater number of faunal species due to its varied micro-habitats and food availability, while the saplings
are thought to be a better food source than those of mature trees.
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University of Dar es Salaam
NUTRIENTS AND PHYTOPLANKTON DYNAMICS IN SELECTED SITES OF
RIPARIAN MWANZA, LAKE VICTORIA
Salome Daniel Shayo
Master of Science (Applied Zoology), June 2007
The study investigated the impact of human activities on nitrogen, phosphorus and silica concentrations
and its consequences on phytoplankton abundance, biomass and species diversity in the Southeastern
parts of Lake Victoria. Physical chemical variables and biological nitrogen fixation rates were also observed.
Sampling was done on a transect from near shore to open waters and also from surface waters to the
bottom. The results showed that during the rainy season, Mwanza North Bay and Magu Bay had the
highest concentrations of SRP, total nitrogen and dissolved silica at the shoreline stations and highest
phytoplankton abundance and chlorophyll a at the open water stations. This could be attributed to runoff
from municipal wastes and industrial discharge in Mwanza North Bay and runoff from agricultural areas in
the Simiyu River catchments in Magu Bay. Low phytoplankton abundance was also a result of light limitation
at the shoreline stations. Similarly, the two sites had lower nitrogen fixation rates and had net fluxes of
nutrients towards the sediments. The concentrations of SRP, total nitrogen and silica at Kayenze Bay were
about two to three times lower than in Mwanza North Bay and Magu Bay. Furthermore, Kayenze Bay
had the highest nitrogen fixation rates. These results signify the importance of in situ regeneration of
nutrients at Kayenze Bay possibly due to low input of nitrogen nutrient via runoff from the catchment.
Phytoplankton species that were recorded were 131 species of which cyanophyta had the highest diversity
and dominancy suggesting nitrogen and phosphorus nutrient enrichment and silica deficiency in Lake Victoria.
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LITHOLOGICAL AND GEOCHEMICAL CONTROLS FOR GOLD MINERALIZATION
IN NYAMULILIMA HILL GOLD DEPOSITS OF THE SUKUMALAND GREENSTONE
BELT, NORTH WEST TANZANIA
Elias Samson
Master of Science (Geology), February 2007
Drill core logging and investigation of rock exposures in Nyamulilima hill gold deposits followed by
petrographical and geochemical studies were carried out. The study was aimed to establish lithological and
geochemical controls of gold mineralization and hence to clarify the factors that were responsible for gold
deposition and distribution in the host rocks.
Large part of Nyamulilima hill is covered by metamorphosed interbedded felsic tuffs, quartz-feldspar
porphyries and Banded Iron Formation (BIF). Graphitic black shales with pyrite spheroids rarely occur in
the area. Granites occur dominantly in the southern and northern parts away from Nyamulilima hill deposits.
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The sequence is intruded by younger microgabbros and felsic dykes. Gold mineralization is mostly hosted
in silicified, calcite, pyrite-pyrrhotite Banded Iron Formation along the contact with felsic volcanics. Rich
ore shoots are associated with quartz-calcite-sulphide veinlets which occur in sheared zones. BIF which
hosts high grade gold mineralization is commonly enriched with S, Ag, Sr, V, Cd, Sb and Zn. Barren
Banded Iron Formation is either composed of grunerite, quartz, stilpnomelane and magnetite or rich in clay
minerals, mainly, kaolinite, chlorite and montmorillonite. Gold in BIF occurs as isolated grains between
pyrite and magnetite and is cadmium bearing. Low-grade mineralization is hosted in quartz-feldspar
porphyries and felsic volcanics, which are associated with pervasive calcite, disseminated pyrite, sericitization
and rare pyrrhotite alterations. Quartrz-feldspar porphyries are often enriched with Ba and Sr. Graphitic
black shales and crosscutting microgabbro and felsic dykes are barren.
The gold deposits are aligned along roughly NW-SE tectonic lineaments characterized by the presence
of isoclinal folds, shear zones, dilatant zones that are regarded to have provided favourable structural traps
and permeability essential for gold deposition. The presence of reactive and competent BIF units, which
occur adjacent to ductile tuffs are considered to have provided rheological contrast which, was essential
for fracturing and subsequently fluid flow. Cadmium gold which is typically associated with magmatic
sulphides has been identified in BIF indicating that magmatic processes contributed in ore fluid generation
in the Nyamulilima hill deposits. Metamorphic chlorite is commonly overprinted by calcite, quartz, pyrite
and pyrrhotite in BIF and interbedded tuffs. The chlorite may have played an important role in provision of
Fe which effectively reacted with gold bearing fluids and in turn causing gold deposition. The graphitic
black shale seems to have been important in the reduction of ore fluids as evidenced by strong sulphidation
and higher gold grades along the contacts of this unit with BIF and felsic volcanics. It is recommended to
perform fluid inclusions, isotope studies, dating of granitoids, quartz-feldspar porphyries and gold
mineralization and carrying out of Electron Microprobe Analysis (EMPA) on gold crystals in order to
further understand gold genesis and factors that controlled its concentration in the Nyamulilima hill gold
deposits.
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THE ROLE OF LOCAL KNOWLEDGE IN THE CONSERVATION OF FOREST
BIODIVERSITY IN KILOMBERO DISTRICT, TANZANIA
Severin Kusonyola Kalonga
Master of Science (Natural Resource Assessment and Management), August 2007
Local Knowledge (LK) in conservation of forest biodiversity is important in ensuring the efficient and most
productive use of forest resources. This study, therefore, addresses the role of LK in conservation of
forest biodiversity. It aims at informing contemporary approaches to conservation at national as well as
local level. The study was conducted in Kilombero District. The methods used were Participatory Rural
Appraisal (PRA) techniques, Focus Group Discussion and Questionnaires for data collection. Other methods
included participant observation and transect walks. Data was analysed using SPSS and MS Excel.
The study identified various traditional practices related to the conservation of forest biodiversity. The
study also examined local conservation principles and rules that are in current use. The traditional practices
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identified included: setting aside of some forests for the purpose of ritual activities and burial sites; the
protection of specific valuable tree species for medicinal purposes, water catchment and ‘homes for spirits’;
local allocation of land done by elders who know the values well and the different taboos. The local
conservation rules and regulations included, the use of homestead trees and retaining some trees on farmland;
the use of coppicing trees and multiple stems for pole production; the use of branches and dead trees for
firewood; sustainable harvesting of trees and shrubs for medicines; and the control of wildfire that was
normally done by elders. These traditional practices played a significant role in the conservation of forest
biodiversity.
The role of LK in conservation of forest biodiversity is influenced by population pressure, and the
dynamics of globalization, industrialization and urbanization. An effective integration of LK in formal
conservation programmes is important. The link between LK and forest biodiversity conservation to poverty
alleviation through improvement of livelihoods of the rural people needs to be studied in more detail. The
failure to address this link, the unsustainable use of forest resources by local communities will continue at
the expense of biodiversity.
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INVESTIGATION OF THE SEISMO-TECTONIC STRUCTURE OF THE EASTERN
BRANCH OF THE EAST AFRICAN RIFT SYSTEM IN TANZANIA
Gabriel Daudi
Master of Science (Geology), September 2007
To contribute to the understanding of the tectonics of the Tanzanian segment of the eastern branch of the
EARS, aeromagnetic, DEM, geological and seismic data were analyzed. The integrated results from these
data indicate that spatial distributions of the precise relocated earthquakes are well linked to the structures
and lineaments. With that respect, two clusters of activities were obtained one in the Lake Manyara and
the second at KwaMtoro. Depth distributions obtained from the relocation and the modelling of magnetic
lineaments associated with geological faults range from 5 km to 37 km, with greater depth occurring at
KwaMtoro. Results from the distribution of the fault plane solutions used and geological fieldwork in the
study indicates two distinct deformation fields: predominantly normal faults in the North Tanzanian Divergence
and mainly strike-slip faults at KwaMtoro area.
Based on the orientation of the tensional stresses deduced from the fault plane solutions and striation
data, three stress regimes have been suggested. The first tensional stress is in the Lake Manyara area
within the mobile belt which is oriented WNW-ESE parallel to the regional trend of the EARS. The other
two divides the Craton into the northern and southern parts. The northern part is oriented in the NNWSSE tensional stress and the southern part is oriented in the NE-NW tensional stress. Based on the
existence of tensional stress orientations within the Tanzania Craton, this study suggests that the extension
stress introduced by the EARS to the Craton is accommodated by the two orthogonal oriented stresses.
This is observed in the release of energy through both strike-slip and normal faulting in places like Lake
Eyasi in the north as well as Balangida depression in the south.
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CONAS
EFFICACY OF SP, SP+ARTESUNATE AND COARTEM® AGAINST FALCIPARUM
MALARIA AND FREQUENCY OF MUTANT GENOTYPES IN SOUTH-EAST TANZANIA
Siana Nkya
Master of Science (Molecular Biology), September 2007
The objective of this study was to assess and compare efficacies of SP, SP+Artesunate and Coartem® as
well as frequencies of molecular markers of drug resistance for the first time in Tanzania. A total of 425
children from Lupiro and Kibiti with uncomplicated falciparum malaria, were recruited and treated with
either SP, SP+Artesunate or Coartem® then followed up for 28 days. 130 children had treatment failures
due to recurrent infections (recrudescence or new infection). Nested PCR-RFLP of msp2 was carried out
to discriminate recrudescence from new. Pfmdr1 86 genotypes were analysed by the nested PCR-RFLP
technique and SSOP for dhfr/dhps point mutations analysis. Out of the 3 treatment regimens, Coartem®
was found to be the most efficacious (92.9%). However, in the Coartem® treatment arm, particularly in the
new infections cases, Pfmdr1 86N (wild type) parasites were selected (x 2=7.17, p= 0.007398). Apart
from selection being an alert of Coartem® efficacy drawback, this phenomenon represents CQ resistance
reversal. Out of 60 and 29 children treated with SP and SP+Artesunate, respectively, parasites with
quintuple mutant genotype were the most prevalent ones, with no significant difference before and after
recrudescence (SPx2=1.79, p=0.180854) and in SP+Artesunate (x2=0.07, p=0.770816). Generally, the
findings of this study have highlighted high Coartem® efficacy in Tanzania underfives. In addition, selection
of tolerant parasites following treatment with Coartem® may translate into Coartem® resistance, hence
ways to protect the UTL of this drug should commence. On the otherhand, the findings of this study
support the present data on SP high resistance which contribute to the failure of SP+Artesunate as well.
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HEAVY METALS POLLUTION IN WATERS AND SOILS FROM MINING ACTIVITIES
IN MERELANI, NORTH-EASTERN TANZANIA
Irene Aurelia Tarimo
Master of Science (Environmental Science), January, 2007
This study reports on heavy metal pollution in waters and soils from Tanzanite Mines in Merelani, Simanjiro
District, Manyara Region, Tanzania. A total of 56 water samples from the study area were collected and
analysed both “in situ” and in geochemical laboratory by AAS and HACH machines. A total of 100 mine
waste and soil samples were collected from Mines of Blocks B, D and Merelani residential areas and
analysed by using AAS machine. The uphill areas without mining activities gave background values for the
soil samples. Majengo-KIA residential area, which is 25 km east of the mines gave background values for
the water samples.
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University of Dar es Salaam
The results revealed relatively high conductivity in the Mines (7040 µS/cm) and Merelani water samples
(1500 µS/cm) compared to WHO (1998) acceptable values of (1000 µS/cm). Total dissolved solids in
Mines and Merelani water samples were (5,028 mg/l) and (694 mg/l) respectively, higher than the WHO
(1998) which is (500 mg/l). There were high mean concentrations of Cd, Pb, Cr, Fe, Mn and Ni in mine
water relative to WHO (1998) acceptable values. Concentration of the principal heavy metals Cd, Cu, Pb
and Zn in soil samples showed similar trends as heavy metal concentration in water. The high heavy metal
concentration could be from discarded batteries the main source of energy for lighting systems in underground
mines. Leaching of metal scraps, explosive remnants, detonating and cabling wires and anthropogenic
sources can as well contribute to heavy metal pollution.
It is recommended to use rechargeables and solar energy as alternatives to batteries and treat water in
areas of elevated heavy metals. In addition, it is suggested to investigate heavy metals wet and dry air
deposition and effects on biota, gases concentrations and nutrient load in water sources. Moreover, conduct
periodic water monitoring and research other pollution sources of heavy metals. The Merelani community
should contain the discarded batteries, explosive remnants, metal scraps, cabling and detonating wires to
dispose them as hazardous waste. Education to the Miners and the Merelani community about the effects
of environmental pollution and degradation is crucial. There should be routine medical check ups for heavy
metal toxicity to the mining communities.
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THE HYDROCHEMISTRY OF SELECTED TANZANIAN SALT LAKES AND
INVESTIGATION OF THE POTENTIAL FOR SALT SEPARATION IN SUCH SYSTEMS
Nuru Igumba Kameka
Ph.D. (Chemistry), October 2006
This thesis presents the hydrochemistry of salt lakes (Eyasi, Kitangiri, Kindai, Mnangi, Singidani), inflows
and upstream sources in the study area and a model for salt separation of brine constituents into pure and
marketable form in such systems.
The study has revealed that the concentration patterns in the lakes depend on location, depth and
season. It has also been shown that in the catchment area, the following electrolyte concentration pattern
is discernible: (i) Lake brines> upstream sources (including rivers, boreholes etc). The order of abundance
of major ions is: Na+ >> K+ > Ca2 Mg2+: Cl- > (CO32-+HCO3-) > SO42- > PO43- > F-.
The solubility equilibrium studies at temperatures 30 oC, 40 oC, 50 oC and 70 oC are presented in terms of
phase diagrams for the quaternary systems:
(i) NaCl + Na2CO3 + NaHCO3 + H2O (ii) NaCl + Na2SO4 + Na2CO3 + H2O (iii) NaCl + Na2SO4
+ NaHCO3 + H2O (iv) Na2CO3 + Na2SO4 + NaHCO3 + H2O. The double salt trona is formed at all
studied temperatures in the system NaCl + Na2CO3 + NaHCO3 + H2O while burkeite forms in the system
NaCl + Na2CO3 + Na2SO4 + H2O. Both burkeite and trona are formed in the system Na 2CO3 +
Na2SO4 + NaHCO3 + H2O.
The simulation and optimization of fractional crystallization processes employing the phase rule (phase
diagrams) targeting the separation of pure salts from Lakes Balangida, Eyasi and Singidani have been
demonstrated. It is found possible to recover all the three salts viz. sodium chloride, sodium sulphate and
sodium carbonate in pure marketable forms.
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745
CONAS
STUDIES ON THE LIFE HISTORY AND ENERGY RESERVES OF MALE ANOPHELES
GAMBIAE (DIPTERA: CULICIDAE) FROM KILOMBERO-ULANGA VALLEY
Bernadette John
Master of Science (Applied Zoology), July 2007
An attempt to develop a method for determining age and mating status of male Anopheles gambiae, was
done by observing changes in the features of their reproductive system and these observations were used
to explore predictive statistical models for determining age and mating status. The features studied were
spermatocysts, sperm reservoir and the clear area. It was noted that the number of spermatocysts in testes
decreased with age, and the relative size of the sperm reservoir increased. The presence of a clear area
around accessory glands was linked to age and mating status. Of the predictive models explored, the
optimal model developed was able to categorize males into age groups of young (4 days) and old (> 4
days) with an overall efficiency of 89%. Based on the parameters of this optimal model, a simple age
predicting table was formulated. Mating history could not be reliably assessed based on this approach as
virgins could not be distinguished from mated males. Furthermore the age-grading model was adopted on
a comparative study of the reproductive potential and life-history of laboratory-reared and wild male An.
gambiae s.l.. Three indirect indicators of male mosquito fitness: energetic reserves, body size, and survival
were measured in a bid to understand the demographics and energetic limitations of these mosquitoes. The
findings established that body size and lipid reserves of wild males were substantially greater than those
from standard laboratory conditions. These results demonstrate that measurements of morphological features
of male An. gambiae s.l. reproductive system that can easily be collected in the field enables evaluation of
life patterns of wild males in free-living populations.
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HEAVY METAL SPECIATION IN WATER, SEDIMENT AND BIOTA (WATER
HYACINTH) FROM MWANZA GULF, LAKE VICTORIA, TANZANIA.
Rosemary Bethuel Matemba
Master of Science (Environmental Science), February 2007.
This thesis reports on heavy metals pollution and speciation in water column, sediments and water hyacinth
(Eichhornia crassipes) from Mwanza gulf, Lake Victoria. Samples were analysed for cadmium, cobalt,
chromium, iron and lead by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). In water samples, the mean
concentrations of Cd and Pb have been found to vary significantly between dry and wet seasons, as well
as among the sampling stations. The highest concentrations of cadmium (0.77 ± 0.008 ppm), iron (0.82 ±
0.003 ppm) and lead (2.8 ± 0.17 ppm) were found at Mirongo station within Mwanza urban area. Cobalt
and chromium were not detected in all the water samples. The heavy metals analysed in water samples
existed mainly as total labile metals. In sediment samples, the highest concentrations of cadmium (0.44 ±
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University of Dar es Salaam
0.03 ppm), cobalt (0.66 ± 0.01 ppm) and lead (3.80 ± 0.2 ppm) were recorded at stations that were
adjacent to river mouths. The highest concentration of Iron (1320.60 ± 0.7 ppm) was recorded at sampling
station close to the fish landing beach. Chromium was not detected in all the sediment samples. The heavy
metals detected in sediments (Cd, Co, Fe and Pb) were found to exist as exchangeable metals. In water
hyacinth, the highest concentration of iron (126.00 ± 0.62ppm) was recorded at Mirongo station. Statistical
tests show significant differences in mean concentrations between dry and wet seasons and among the
sampling stations. All the heavy metals analyzed in plants existed as labile/soluble metals.
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THE GENETIC DIVERSITY AND PATHOGENICITY OF RICE YELLOW MOTTLE
VIRUS IN TANZANIA
Emmanuel Sangu
Master of Science (Botany), October 2007
Tanzania is severely affected by Rice yellow mottle virus (RYMV). But, little information is known on the
distribution, genetic diversity and pathogenicity of local strains of RYMV. Fifty three isolates collected
from selected regions in Tanzania were characterized both serologically and molecularly then the pathogenicity
of selected isolates was compared. Three RYMV strains S4, S5 and S6 were confirmed. An overall strain
diversity was high with nucleotide divergence of 14.8%. The genetic diversity was exceptionally high in the
eastern Tanzania () = 6.1% and decreased westward to () =1.8%. Isolates of strain S4 were recorded
for the first time in the Eastern Arc Mountain region (EAM) and they were closely related to L. Malawi
strain S4 isolates. Pathogenicity of RYMV isolates was largely cultivar dependant, There was a positive
correlation (r = 0.78) between symptom intensity and yield loss. Eight virulent isolates broke the resistance
found in Gigante and Tog5681. These isolates had a single substitution mutation at position 48 of the VPg
sequence (changes from arg to glu). The findings have reinforced the proposition that EAM region is the
centre of origin of RYMV and brings forth a clear view of dispersion of the strains from its centre of origin.
The results also underlines the potential risk associated with the effectiveness of genetic control of rice
yellow mottle virus based solely on the use of high resistance to RYMV. Farmers should be well informed
of the different means of virus transmission because most of the massive infections occur following crop
transplantation, weeding and irrigations.
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IMPACT OF FOREST CONSERVATION PROGRAMME ON THE HABITATS AND
OCCURRENCE OF MAMMALS IN KAHAMA DISTRICT
Adam Seif Bashemela
Masters of Science (Environnemental Science), October 2007
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CONAS
This study on the impact of forest conservation programme on the habitats and occurrence of mammals in
Kahama district was done from March to April 2006. Three sites with different conservation strategies
were sampled: Community conserved forest (Ngitili), Mkweni Forest Reserve and a Village Forest. The
vegetation was sampled using the Modified-Whittaker nested quadrat method, small mammals by trap line
method and large mammals by a questionnaire survey and direct observation.
Tree species richness of 29 species and a density of 228 trees ha-1 in the Community conserved forest
were significantly higher than 12 species and density of 60 trees ha-1 recorded in Mkweni Forest Reserve
respectively. Only saplings were found in the Village forest. Small mammals species richness between the
three study sites were not significantly different but trap success of 2.18% in the Community conserved
forest was significantly higher than that for Mkweni Forest Reserve (0.66%) and the Village forest (1.66%).
The species richness of medium to large sized mammals of 21 species in the Community conserved forest
was significantly higher than that in Mkweni Forest Reserve and the Village forest with 9 species each.
It is concluded that the Community conserved forest had dense vegetation cover and limited human
disturbance due to its good conservation programme than the other sites that were highly degraded due to
poor management. Sustainable management of the forests and establishment of private ngitili strategy is
recommended in order to allow regeneration of the forests and attract more mammal species if properly
protected.
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ASSESSMENT OF ECOLOGICAL VIABILITY OF UPPER KITETE-SELELA
MIGRATORY CORRIDOR IN THE TARANGIRE-MANYARA ECOSYSTEM:
IMPLICATIONS TO AFRICAN ELEPHANT AND BUFFALO MOVEMENTS
Johannah, L.M.
Master of Science (Natural Resource Assessment and Management) (NARAM), 2007
Ecological viability of the Upper Kitete-Selela wildlife migratory corridor was assessed in Lositete, Upper
Kitete and Selela Villages, specifically its size, habitat, human threats and the extent of its use by african
elephants and buffaloes. The corridor is one of the few remaining but threatened corridors connecting
NCA, LMNP and Mto-wa-Mbu GCA. Aerial photographs of January 1958 and a LANDSAT imagery
of December, 2002 were used to establish habitat change. Extent of corridor-use by elephants was
determined through counting elephant dung-piles along line transects and analyzed through use of a
DISTANCE 4.1 programme. SPSS program was used to analyze data from questionnaire-based interviews.
The habitat in the study area has significantly changed and corridor’s size has been reduced to an
average width of 1.5km, a length of 3.3km and an area of 8.0km2. Open grassland has decreased from
2348ha in 1958 to 636ha in 2002 while dense bushland has decreased from 259ha in 1958 to 86ha in
2002. These changes have been due to increased human settlements and cultivation. Elephants’ use of the
wide corridor’s stratum (2.0 km) was significantly higher in wet season than in the narrow stratum (0.9 km)
during dry season (Z=-4.2, p=0.0001) due to different habitat requirements, widths and extent of human
disturbances between the strata. They mostly use the corridor after it is dark due to human disturbances.
Thus, the corridor is relatively viable ecologically and it is highly threatened by humans. Hence, human
pressure and human-wildlife conflict control, and land use plans are recommended.
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