Welcome to SUAIRE

Sokoine University of Agriculture  Institutional Repository (SUA IR). This repository was built and is maintained by the university library  (Sokoine National Agricultural Library-SNAL) , in order to collect, preserve and disseminate scholarly output generated by University research community (staff and students) members.

This repository hosts a variety of openly accessible materials including: scholarly articles and books, theses and dissertations, conference proceedings and technical reports. For assistance about depositing your research output in the repository click here. SUA IR Policy  click here or any queries contact us at snal@sua.ac.tz.

Photo by @Sokoine University of Agriculture
 

Recent Submissions

Item
Satisfaction and compliance to recommended management practices among type 2 diabetes patients in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2024-05) Bofu, Hasna R.
The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus has been increasing primarily due to the rising of risk factors such as sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy eating habits, resulting to overweight and obesity. Diabetes- related complications are the major causes of morbidity and mortality among people with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Changes in lifestyles and dietary patterns are essential for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus, including regular physical exercises, smoking cessation, weight management, and diet control, which help to mitigate the long- term effects of diabetes. Patient counseling has been identified as an important means to enhance patients' knowledge about risk factors, lifestyle modifications, and diabetes-related complications, which can influence adherence to recommended management practices. Little is known on counselling practices, satisfaction of diabetes related health care services received and adherence to recommended prevention and management practices among type 2 diabetes patients. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate counseling practices, challenges and satisfaction with the services provided among type 2 diabetes patients. It also assessed compliance to recommended management practices for prevention and management of the disease related complications in selected health facilities in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania. A hospital- based cross-sectional study was conducted from February to May 2023 among 140 patients, including those diagnosed with type 2 diabetes for at least 3 months and receiving healthcare services in selected diabetes clinics. Two health facilities with diabetes clinics which are Sabasaba Health Centre and Morogoro Regional Referral Hospital, were purposively selected to represent public health facilities with diabetes clinics. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire that included patients' characteristics. Additionally, a previously validated Summary of Diabetes Self-care Activities questionnaire was used to assess patients' compliance with recommended prevention and management practices, and a Diabetes Clinic Satisfaction Questionnaire was used to assess services satisfaction. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for Service Solutions, version 25. Descriptive statistics and appropriate significance tests such as mean, frequencies, percent and standard deviations (SD) were obtained. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed to identify factors influencing services satisfaction and those that are associated with compliance with recommended prevention and management practices. The study commenced after receiving ethical approval from National Health Research Committee of the National Institute for Medical Research. Permission to conduct this study was also sought from the President's Office Regional Authority and Local Government, as well as the respective regional, district, and health facility authorities. The mean age of the respondents was 59±12 years, with 65% (n=91) being females, and 62% (n=87) having completed primary-level education. Almost all respondents 96% (n=135) acknowledged receiving advice on medication and healthy diet. Advice on adopting a healthy lifestyle was not mandatory, with approximately one in four respondents never having received counseling on either alcohol intake or tobacco use. Nearly half of the respondents (49%, n=68) expressed satisfaction with the services offered. There was a significant association between patient satisfaction and the duration of living with type 2 diabetes mellitus (AOR 2.2, 95% CI: 1.1-4.4), marital status (AOR 2.1, 95% CI: 1.2-4.8), and waiting time to receive services in the healthy facility (AOR 0.76, 95% CI: 0.6-0.9). Diabetes services were mostly limited to large patient-load and shortage of trained healthcare providers, private space and time, as well as lack of guidelines and protocol for counseling. Findings also revealed that among the 140 patients, 91.4% (n=128) exhibited poor or unsatisfactory self-care practices, with an overall mean of 3.81±2.08 days per week for diabetes management. Self-care practices with good or satisfactory performance included non-smoking, not drinking alcohol, and using prescribed medication, while unsatisfactory performance was observed on the practices of self-monitoring of blood glucose and physical activity. Multiple regression analysis indicated that having co-morbidities (AOR 4.5, 95% CI: 1.14-18.02) and being employed (AOR 4.4, 95% CI: 1.25-15.44) were independently predictive of adherence to self-care practices. Generally, this study shows moderate satisfaction with counseling practices and services, as well as poor compliance to recommended prevention for complications and management practices. Self-monitoring of blood glucose, physical exercise, and dietary practices were the least practiced aspects, which could potentially increase the risk of complications among patients with type 2 diabetes. The government through the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders should ensure the formulation of clear protocol and guidelines for counseling and diabetes prevention and management. It is further suggested that recommended practices should be integrated into existing healthcare systems to ensure that they become a routine part of care.
Item
The effects of different grazing intensities on soil properties in Miombo Woodlands of Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2024-05) Mchelu, Hadija Ahmad
This study was conducted at Miombo woodlands in Tanzania to enhance the sustainability of miombo woodlands in response to the increasing grazing pressure in miombo woodlands, driven by agricultural expansion, population growth, and rising demand for livestock products, has led to soil degradation, land scarcity, and socio-economic conflicts among land users. The study aimed to evaluate dynamics of selected soil physical and Soil organic carbon under different grazing intensities for sustainability of Miombo woodlands. The research used a purposive sampling and random sampling design. Grazing intensity was evaluated through two approaches: livestock stocking rates based on official records and a scoring method derived from field observations. Soil organic carbon (SOC) content was determined from topsoil samples collected from 188 plots whereas soil hydraulic conductivity (Kfs) and underground Water movement was estimated in 117 of these plots. Statistical analysis was carried out using R® software version 4.4.2, using Linear Mixed-Effects Models (LMM) and Gamma Generalized Linear Mixed-Effects Models (GLMM) with a random intercept. The results showed a slight agreement (k=0.14) between the stocking rate and scoring methods on classification of grazing intensities. Significant positive effects of increasing grazing intensity GI were observed on bulk density (BD) and preferential flow (P<0.001), while significant negative effects (P<0.001) were observed on SOC, (Kfs), percentage dye cover, and uniform infiltration flow. The mean SOC ranged from 2.38 ± 0.84% under light grazing intensity to 1.42 ± 0.75% under high grazing intensity. Kfs showed a mean range of 100.08-± 65.56 mmhr-1 under light grazing intensity to 27.28 ± 22.99 mmhr-1 under high grazing intensity, while BD ranged from 1.64 ± 0.12 gcm-3 under high grazing intensity to 1.34 ± 0.17 g cm-3 under light grazing intensity. The study recommends developing and implementing proper sustainable livestock management practices made to the specific conditions of Miombo ecosystems. Adhering to sustainable
Item
Brucellosis in humans, livestock and rodents in Unguja, Zanzibar
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2023-05) Njau, Gloria Peter
Brucellosis is a globally significant zoonotic disease with profound economic and public health implications. Brucellosis in humans is characterized by intermittent fever. In Zanzibar, despite the decline in malaria, fever cases persist in human population. However, limited information exists regarding brucellosis in Unguja, encompassing both humans and animals. A cross sectional study was conducted at Unguja Island between July and November, 2022 to determine the seroprevalence of brucellosis in humans and animals and assess knowledge, awareness, and community practices related to its transmission and control. Prevalence of human brucellosis was determined by analyzing 405 human serum samples from three hospitals. Seroprevalence of animal brucellosis was determined using 247 cattle, 130 goats, and 32 sheep serum samples collected from farms across five districts, alongside 384 rodent serum samples from farms, households, and marketplaces in seven districts of Unguja. The sera were screened using the Rose Bengal Test (RBT), and confirmed by indirect ELISA (i-ELISA). A structured questionnaire was used, on a purposively selected population (n=236) based on willingness of participants and their close association with keeping livestock in all seven districts of Unguja who were residents for their knowledge, awareness and practices related to occurrence and transmission of the disease. For human brucellosis, 153 participants were assessed for their knowledge, awareness and control measures towards the disease by using the structured questionnaire. The study found a lower prevalence of human brucellosis (0.74% n=3/405) based on iELISA. Seroprevalence in cattle were 1.62% (n=4/247), goats (0% n=0/130), sheep (12.5% n=4/32), and rodents (0.26% n=1/384). From questionnaire survey, findings revealed that there is high consumption of dairy milk (92.2% n=141) with relatively low (2% n=3/153) raw milk consumption since most consume it boiled (82% n=126). Few respondents were aware of human brucellosis (28.8% n=44), and fewer identified it as a zoonosis (22.9% n=35). For the animal brucellosis questionnaire, that had a total of 83 livestock keepers, majority were male (75.9% n=63), farmers (50.6% n=42), with secondary education (39% n=47) and an age range of 18-45 years (71.1% n=59). Cattle were the predominant livestock (41% n=34), most animals (65.1% n=54) were reared under open housing system and tethering (56.6% n=47); and family members (72.3% n=60) primarily cared for the animals. The survey revealed that awareness of brucellosis was evenly distributed, with 52% (n=43) of respondents being unaware. Knowledge was primarily sourced from mass media (40%) and veterinarians (32%). Clinical signs on animals such as abortion (13% n=11) were observed. Veterinary officers played a vital role in calving/kidding assistance (55.4% n=46), and many respondents (60.2% n=50) reported using protective gear when handling sick/calving animals. Reproductive outcomes highlighted stillbirths (36.1% n=30) and abortions (33.7% n=28), with placenta retention mostly in normal deliveries (32.5% n=27) compared to abortions/stillbirths. Moreover, abortion took place at different stages of pregnancy. Most animals were also not vaccinated against brucellosis (90.4% n=75). This study concluded that human and livestock brucellosis prevalence was low in Unguja Island. Despite its rarity, the potential impact on animal productivity and human heath underscores the need for persistent surveillance and increased efforts in raising community awareness to interrupt transmission and mitigate risks to livestock and public health. Further research is also required to explore other potential causes of fever in humans, abortion in livestock and the role of rodents in disease occurrence and transmission.
Item
Ecology of small mammals and their ectoparasites in Mount Meru, Tanzania: insights for biodiversity conservation
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2024-05) Gebrezgiher, Genet Berhe
This Thesis has been prepared in accordance with the Publishable Manuscripts format of the Sokoine University of Agriculture. The study on the elevational distribution of non-volant small mammals over time, their demographic characteristics, and their associations with arthropod ectoparasites was conducted between 2021 and 2022 at different elevations and habitats in Tanzania's second- highest mountain, Mount Meru. Mount Meru is one of the biodiversity hotspots in eastern Africa, hosting high level of species richness and endemism, and providing important ecosystem services. However, relatively, little is known about the ecology of small mammals and their arthropod ectoparasites. Similarly, little is known about the effects of environmental factors on the small mammal distribution, which potentially extending to the parasites they host. Tanzania is among the handful of countries in Africa where active foci of deadly zoonotic diseases that can be transmitted by small mammals and their ectoparasite vectors have been persistent. Moreover, Mount Meru is home for endemic and threatened species that are documented on the IUCN Red List. However, there is currently no available information regarding the possible role of arthropod ectoparasites of small mammals in the transmission of zoonotic disease. The over all goal of the study was to understand the ecological dynamics and distribution patterns of small mammals and their arthropod ectoparasites across different elevations of Mount Meru in Tanzania. The study aimed at addressing three key specific objectives: i) Assesing a decade-long change in the elevational distribution of non-volant small mammals on Mount Meru; ii) determining the breeding and demographic aspects of montemys delectorum, an east african endemic rodent in mount Meru; iii) Examining arthropod ectoparasites of two rodent species occurring in varied elevations on Tanzania’s second highest mountain. To address the first objective, the small mammals were surveyed from February to November 2021 at six elevations between 1500 m and 3650 m using Sherman and Havahart traps. The results show that two shrew and thirteen rodent species were recorded, including Crocidura newmarki and Lophuromys verhageni, which are endemic to the study area. Species richness was highest at mid-altitudes, in line with the general patterns globally, though less pronounced in Africa. The species Arvicanthis niloticus, Mastomys natalensis, Lemniscomys striatus, Dasymys incomtus, and Cricetomys ansorgei were not documented in 2009 but have been recorded in 2021. Upward shifts in species’ ranges were observed between 2009 and 2021, suggesting the influence of climate change on the small mammal community. It is important to note that the rodent species mentioned in Chapter 2 as Praomys species have been identified as Montemys delectorum after genetic identification and recent taxonomic revisions. For the second objective, a Capture – mark – release studies were undertaken in dense and open patchy forests in four 70 m X 70 m grids from February 2021 to June 2022. The findings revealed that the species exhibited bimodal patterns of breeding seasonality, characterized by a low rate occurring during the short interval between December and February and a pronounced rate taking place from May to July. The population of Montemys delectorum was unstable in the different forest types. There was a larger population in the patchy open forest (F = 8.1; df = 1; p = 0.0001) than in dense forest, suggesting its importance as a refuge for the species. To achieve the third objective, trapping of the two most dominant rodent species of the study area, Montemys delectorum and Rhabdomys dilectus, from five elevations (1500 to 3500 m), were examined for arthropod ectoparasite infestations. The results revealed that Ctenophthalmus calceatus cabirus, Dinopsyllus ellobius, Varroa rindereri, and Xenopsylla cheopis were recovered from the rodents. This study demonstrates that the elevational distribution of arthropod ectoparasites is influenced by host sex, host species, and environmental temperature. With rising altitude, parasite prevalence and abundance decrease, indicating that colder environmental conditions at higher altitudes inhibit parasite reproduction and development. This indicates conservation efforts should focus on higher altitudes. Moreover, the rodents and ectoparasites reported in this study have been identified as possible vectors of medical and veterinary diseases in different parts of Africa, including Tanzania. It is crucial to take precautions in order to effectively reduce the risk of parasitic infection, which can pose an additional threat to both the endemic and threatened species listed on the IUCN Red List as well as the overall biodiversity of the study area. Furthermore, molecular results from this study reported a previously unidentified mite species within the Mesostigmata taxonomic group that had previously been recognized exclusively as a parasite of honeybees. Further research efforts may provide insights into the significance of this particular species of mite, Varroa rindereri. Generally, while there remains much to be learned, this particular study establishes the foundation for future initiatives in wildlife disease surveillance and biodiversity conservation management. In abroader sense, the shift in the distribution of small mammals and their ectoparasites on Mount Meru is a microcosm of the broader challenges facing mountain ecosystems worldwide. These insights go beyond the immediate context of Mount Meru and suggest that we need to consider the long-term consequences of environmental dynamics on biodiversity conservation. As these complexities continue to shape mountain landscapes, their impact is not limited to species interactions but also touches the field of human well-being. The conservation of biodiversity is intrinsically linked to our own well- being, as biodiversity and human societies are intricately intertwined. Therefore, the findings of this research serve as an urgent reminder for effective conservation action.
Item
Diversity of rodents and shrews in Tanzania and prevalence of their parasites: a case study of Zaraninge Coastal Forest and Gongo Village
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2024-05) Mkude, Irene Romanus
Rodents are important in the ecology of mammals because they serve as predators, prey, pests, and grazers. Their composition, community structure, population density, and habitat utilization are linked to environmental variables like resource availability and biological interactions. In Zaraninge Coastal Forest, several studies on rodents and shrews were undertaken before and after it the Coastal Forest was incorporated to the Saadani National Park (SANAPA). However, these studies focused on distribution and diversity of specific species of mammals in the Coastal Forest. The studies reported that human encroachment in the Coastal forest as one of threats affecting the forest. Nonetheless, information on the diversity of rodents and shrews and their parasites after annexing the forest to the National park to enhance its protection was not availed. Thus, there is a knowledge gap on the parasites of rodents and shrews, given that the rodents and shrews are reservoirs of parasites that can be potential agents of transmitting diseases to human beings. So, it was crucial to investigate the diversity of rodents and shrews, but also investigate the parasites hosted in rodents and shrews that can transmit zoonotic diseases to human beings. The findings from the study aimed to provide information on the diversity of rodents and shrews, but also information of their parasites of health importance as most outbreaks of rodent-borne diseases in humans are commonly related to socio-economic deficiencies. The study was carried out from May to October 2021. The removal method using two types of traps –Sherman and Havahart was used to collect rodents and shrews. For ectoparasites, fur of the captured individuals were combed to dislodge ectoparasites, and for hemoparasites, blood samples were collected from a supra orbital vein and blood was smeared on glass slide to make smears. In analysis the Paleontological Statistics (PAST) Program version (3.22) and Microsoft Excel (2007) were used to analyze the data, which determined the diversity and relative abundance of rodents and shrews. The prevalence of parasites in he captured individuals was also investigated using the prevalence formula in the study. The Chi-square test was employed to investigate the link between the ectoparasites infestation and the individuals' sexes. About 203 individuals were caught in this study, where 197 individuals were rodents (Mastomys natalensis, Gramomys dolichurus, Gerbilliscus leucogaster, Lemniscomys rosalia, Cricetomys spp, Beamys hindei, Graphiurus murinus and Xerus rutilus) and 7 individuals were the non-rodentia (Crocidura hirta, Petrodromus tetradactylus and Galago spp. The study findings revealed that the rodents’ diversity value was higher in the Coastal Forest, than in the Gongo Fallow Lands. The diversity of rodents in Zaraninge Coastal Forest obtained was 1.49 and that of Gongo Fallow Land was 0.22, yet, there were no any statistically difference on the diversity of the two sites. Meanwhile, the shrew diversity appeared to be similar on both sites (0.6931). The trap success (abundances) for rodents ranged from 4.60% to 0.03%, while for the shrews ranged from 0.08% to 0.05%. The infestation of ectoparasites to rodents and shrews, was higher (92.2%) in the fallow lands of Gongo Village than in the Coastal forest which had 7.8%. However, the infection rate of hemoparasites to rodents and shrews was also higher (95.1%) in the fallow lands than in the Coastal forest (4.9%). There was no significant association of the parasites infection and infestation to the sexes of the individuals caught. Yet, the count of the ectoparasites was higher on the female rodents and shrews (1035) than that of the male rodents and shrews (1026). In this study, the ectoparasites obtained were the Echinolaelaps echidninus, Boophilus spp, Xenopyslla brasiliensis and Polyplax stephensi. E. echidninus had higher prevalence of 942.6% on rodents particularly on Mastomys natalensis while the lower prevalence was seen in P. stephensi. In shrews, Boophilus spp had the highest prevalence of 233.3% than other ectoparasites. On the account of hemoparasites, Plasmodium sp had higher prevalence of 59.8% while Bacillus sp had lower prevalence of 0.5%.Therefore, these findings raises a concern on the public health of the nearby community, livestock and the wildlife since their interaction is inevitable. The parasites found in this study are of zoonotic importance, hence it’s important to put emphasis on the hygiene of the people and the environment so as to avoid any eruption of the zoonotic diseases in the community. The findings on diversity provide the information on the importance of the conservation on habitats in order to preserve species. However, higher captures on fallow lands alerts the community on developing pests control strategies to protect their farms and houses from been invaded by rodents. Further studies on rodents and shrews of peri- domestic and domestic areas, reports on zoonotic diseases that maybe found in the nearby community, development of strategies to prevent rodents as destructive pest in farms are recommended so as to get more detailed information on the rodents and shrews in these areas