Browsing by Author "Churi, Ayubu J"

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Knowledge, attitudes and practices related to taenia solium cysticercosis and taeniasis in Tanzania
(BMC, 2022) Nyangi, Chacha; Stelzle, Dominik; Mkupasi, Ernatus M; Ngowi, Helena A; Churi, Ayubu J; Schmidt, Veronika; Mahonge, Christopher; Winkler, Andrea S
Background: Taenia solium cysticercosis/taeniasis (TSCT) is reported to be endemic in pig producing areas around the world, causing significant disease burden and economic losses. Methods: This cross-sectional study aimed at assessing Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) regarding TSCT in four districts, namely Mbulu, Mpwapwa, Mbinga, and Rungwe in Tanzania. Data on KAP were collected through questionnaire-based interviews and household infrastructure observations. Results: Knowledge about porcine cysticercosis was good, particularly among pig keepers across the districts. Many participants had heard about the pork tapeworm (T. solium taeniasis), and the knowledge about signs/symptoms and treatment was fair, but the means of transmission and prevention measures were often unknown. Whilst most participants were familiar with epilepsy, no one knew anything about human cysticercosis and the link between cysticercosis and epileptic seizures. A similar trend is reflected through the attitudes toward the low risk perception of cysticercosis infection. Not surprisingly, the risk perception of the infection with the pork tapeworm was low too. Many participants reported not washing their hands before eating or after using the toilet which highlights potential risks for the development of human cysticercosis. Albeit nearly every participant reported using the toilet always, household observations revealed that toilets were either lacking or had no complete walls. Generally, household observations revealed a discrepancy between questionnaire answers on the one hand and the availability of toilet and handwashing facilities and the confinement of pigs on the other hand. Conclusion: This study demonstrates knowledge gaps and adverse practices which may hinder and/or slow down the control/elimination of T. solium in endemic countries. The study results are also useful for appropriate designing of TSCT health interventions that need to be planned carefully, taking into account the local context and designing TSCT in partnership with the local communities from the beginning to the end applying a One Health approach to allow the possible sustained and best impacts. Keywords: Knowledge, Attitude, Practices, Smallholder pig farming, Taenia solium, Cysticercosis, Taeniasis, Epilepsy, Neurocysticercosis, Cross-sectional study
Understanding Farmers Information Communication Strategies for Managing Climate Risks in Rural Semi-Arid Areas, Tanzania
(International Journal of Information and Communication Technology Research, 2012) Churi, Ayubu J; Mlozi, Malongo R. S; Tumbo, Siza D; Casmir, Respickius
Crop production risk caused by climate variability cannot be managed in the absence of climate information. Despite the use of various communication strategies by rural communities in Tanzania, access and use of agricultural information is inadequate to cope with challenges in crop production. This study aims at assessing farmers information needs, examine communication strategies used and hence recommend information and knowledge sharing strategies for improved decision making. In addition, the study examined how modern ICT used together with tradition methods can reduce risks and improve crop productivity of smallholder farmers. A cross-sectional research design and simple random sampling techniques were used for the study. Interviews using structured questionnaires and focus group discussion were conducted to collect primary data from farmers and extension workers. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics where Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) was used. The findings showed that smallholder farmers require climate, market and agricultural inputs information to make strategic and tactical farm-level decisions for managing climate variability and extreme events. Climate information was found to be important factor for making decisions. Radio was found to be an important communication channel by the respondents in the study area, for communicating climate information. In addition, the respondents used extension officers and fellow farmers to access climate, market and agricultural input information. Mobile phones were noted to be preferred by surveyed farmers for communicating agricultural information. The study concluded that, efforts to improve adaptation capacity of smallholder farmers in rural areas should target the extended use of information technology for improved access to climate information and advisories. Furthermore, development initiatives for managing risks of climate variability should focus on improving climate forecasts issued by Tanzania Meteorological Agent (TMA).