Browsing by Author "Kashaigili, J. J."

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Analysis of climate variability, perceptions and coping strategies of Tanzanian coastal forest dependent communities
(2013) Kashaigili, J. J.; Levira, P.; Liwenga, E.; Mdemu, M. V.
Climate variability and change are among the biggest challenges of the 21st century. Like in many other areas globally, the coastal communities of Tanzania have always been facing climatic variability at various time scales. Using focus group discussion and a household survey, this study analyzes the perceptions of climate variability and change and the strategies for coping and adaptation by the selected coastal rural and peri-urban communities in Tanzania. The perception of climate variability and change is complemented with the time-series analysis of rainfall and temperature data from Julius Nyerere International Airport Met. station and Kisarawe using Instant Statistical Software. Results indicate that households are aware of climate variability and identify indicators of climate change and variability as being decreasing rainfall trends, increasing incidences of droughts, unpredictable rainfall patterns, disappearance of wetlands and failure to predict on-set of rainy season using traditional knowledge. Households primarily attribute reduced crop yields to changes in rainfall pattern and increasing incidences of drought leading to soil moisture stress. The implications are that the agriculture dependent households are now food insecure. As a way of coping to the observed changes, the coastal communities among others have shifted to production of high value horticultural crops and use of forest resources. Nevertheless, the increased use of forest resources is threatening the existence of coastal forests and contributes to the decline of forest resources and disappearance of wildlife in the forest reserves. It is concluded that the communities studied are aware of climate issues as revealed from perceived indicators of climate variability and changes. The results from statistical analysis of 30 years climatic data are consistent with community’s perception of climate variability and change. The study recommends examining the present coping strategies for the sustainability of the coastal forests and in designing of alternative adaptive strategies such as alternative energy options, crop diversification and environmental friendly activities such as beekeeping.
Analysis of Land-Cover Changes and Anthropogenic Activities in Itigi Thicket, Tanzania
(Scientific Research Publishing, 2016-12-01) Makero, J. S.; Kashaigili, J. J.
Assessing land cover changes from the 1991 to 2011 for Itigi thicket is imperative for determining changes between land cover types and understanding anthropogenic impact during this period. Remote sensing (RS) data, Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques and forest inventory data were used. ILWIS 3.3 Academic software was used to analyze the satellite imageries to determine the land use, land cover change; while data on anthropogenic activities were analysed in MS Excel software. The results showed that between 1991/2000 and 2000/2011, the areas of thicket declined by 6.23% while non-thicket areas increased by 3.92%. The decline in thicket areas was attributed to increase in anthropogenic activities such as wood extraction, clearing for agriculture, livestock grazing and fires. The study highlights the importance of integrating remote sensing and forest inventory in understanding the thicket resources dynamics and generating information that could be used to overcome the Itigi thicket problems for the sustainability of this unique vegetation
Assessing the Hydrology of a Data-Scarce Tropical Watershed Using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool: Case of the Little Ruaha River Watershed in Iringa, Tanzania
(Scientific Research Publishing, 2017-07) Mbungu, W. M.; Kashaigili, J. J.
The hydrology of the Little Ruaha River which is a major catchment of the Ihemi Cluster in the Southern Agricultural Growth Corridor of Tanzania (SAGCOT) has been studied. The study focused on the hydrological assessment through analysis of the available data and developing a model that could be used for assessing impacts of environmental change. Pressures on land and water resources in the watershed are increasing mainly as a result of human activities, and understanding the hydrological regime is deemed necessary. In this study, modeling was conducted using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) in which meteorological and streamflow data were used in the simulation, calibration and evaluation. Calibration and evaluation was done at three gauging stations and the results were deemed plausible with NSE ranging between 0.64 and 0.80 for the two stages. The simulated flows were used for gap filling the missing data and generation of complete daily time series of streamflow at three gauging stations of Makalala, Ihimbu and Mawande. Results of statistical trends and flow duration curves, revealed decline in magnitudes of seasonal and annual flows indicating that streamflows are changing with time and may have implications on envisioned development and the water dependent ecosystems.
Assessment of groundwater availability and its current and potential use and impacts in Tanzania
(IWMI, 2010) Kashaigili, J. J.
The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) commissioned this study to assess groundwater availability and its current and potential use and impacts at the national scale for Tanzania as part of a wider study that extends across many sub-Saharan African countries. The study was a desktop study of existing geological, hydrogeological and hydrological data and reports that cover both biophysical and socio-economic aspects of groundwater. The report is based on a thorough review of white and grey literature from various government departments, NGOs, donor reviews and reports, student theses and consultant reports. The study came up with a number of key findings, conclusions and recommendations as highlighted below. The general geology of Tanzania comprises mainly the Precambrian (Archaean, Proterozoic) and Phanerozoic (Upper Palaeozoic, Mesozoic and Cenozoic) formations. The Archaean rocks are characterized by a granite-greenstone terrain. The Tanzanian Craton covers the central part of the territory up to south and east part of Lake Victoria. The occurrence of groundwater is largely influenced by geological conditions. Hydrogeologically about 75% of Tanzania is underlain by crystalline basement complex rocks of variable composition and ages, but predominantly Precambrian, which form the basement aquifers (for example the Pangani and Makutopora basins). Other aquifer types include karroo (found in Tanga), coastal sedimentary formation of limestone and sandstone (e.g. Dar es Salaam), and the alluvial sedimentary sequence, which mostly include clay, silt, sand and gravel, and volcanic materials (e.g. Kahe -Pangani basin). The groundwater potential of every type of aquifer differs significantly at the local scale as well as at the basin scale. The hydrogeology of Tanzania has not been thoroughly studied and owing to that, the quantification of the groundwater resources of the country has not yet been possible because of a lack of requisite data. In most cases, the only available information has been compiled from existing borehole log data. Groundwater development has concentrated mainly on shallow wells for domestic purposes over a wide part of the country (mainly rural areas). They are also commonly used in the peri-urban fringes where there is no distribution network and places with unreliable supply. Most boreholes are located in the internal drainage basin. The basin is characterized by semi-arid to arid conditions with rainfall less that 550 mm annually, making the dwellers dependent mostly on groundwater as the main source for water supply. The review has revealed that in areas where the static water level is less than 8 meters, shallow hand dug well fitted with hand pumps is feasible, which on average is about 40% of the Tanzania mainland area. There are limited extensive studies on recharge in Tanzania and owing to that the recharge rates are not known. However, based on very approximate basin-scale water balance calculations, the total ground water recharge on annual basis is estimated at 3,725 MCM (0.4 %). A general outlook on the various recharge estimates indicates that the values are greatly variable location- wise and are a function of the methods used. Low basin recharge rates implicate on groundwater development potential. Boreholes drilled for domestic water supplies indicate variable yields. Some boreholes in the Dodoma plain have exceptionally high yields of about 460m3hr-1. The average yield of boreholes (excluding Dar es Salaam and dry boreholes) is 11m3hr-1. The average static water level of productive boreholes is about 17 metres and the average total depth 62 metres. The cost for boreholes in Tanzania is about USD 6,000 for hand pumps and USD 12,000 for mechanised systems. These costs include the full facility, i.e. sitting, design, drilling, supervision, construction, and supply of equipment. The drilling cost contributes to only about 50% of the full facility cost. Groundwater has not been extensively used for irrigation largely due to the following reasons: • Detailed analysis on groundwater irrigation potential nation-wide has not been thoroughly explored. Most of the estimates are based on surface water information. • Tanzania still has enough areas that are potential for irrigation using surface water resources. Irrigation high potential area is estimated at 2.1 million ha in gross, as compared with 0.2 million ha currently irrigated. • There is scant information on the potential of aquifers and yields of individual boreholes. • Limited groundwater resources management plans. • The majority of people in the community have an inadequate understanding of groundwater resources and this has led to inappropriate development of groundwater. The national borehole database is maintained by the MoWI, Directorate of Water Resources in Dodoma. However, the data entry is not consistent; many boreholes have no data recorded and for others the data are incomplete and lack coordinates. This study recommends detailed groundwater studies be undertaken to assess the recharge and the sustainable groundwater yields, necessary to establish the groundwater potential for irrigation and for the other sectorial uses in Tanzania. Considering that groundwater in Tanzania is likely to be the key resource to improve the water supply coverage in many areas under the changing climate, the development of groundwater should be carefully managed to make full benefit of its potential, to protect its quality and to guard against over-exploitation of the aquifers. As a way of improving data management and information sharing, the existing database needs to be transformed into a Management Information Systems (MIS) that is integrated into a Geographic Information System (GIS). Key information like borehole location, groundwater quality, amounts of abstraction, and the hydrogeology should be maintained in the database.
Barriers to and opportunities for improving productivity and profitability of the Kiwere and Magozi irrigation schemes in Tanzania
(Taylor and Francis Group, 2016-03-15) Mdemu, M. V.; Mziray, N.; Bjornlund, H.; Kashaigili, J. J.
Irrigation is a key strategy for food security and poverty alleviation among small farmers in Tanzania. However, the potential of irrigation to improve food security is limited by multiple barriers. This article discusses these barriers within the Kiwere and Magozi schemes. Results indicate that water supply barriers are caused by poor irrigation infrastructure and management. Lack of finance is also a critical barrier to increasing overall productivity. Finance affects farmers’ timely access to adequate supply of quality inputs and machinery and availability of transport to access inputs and profitable markets. There is evidence that these barriers have to be addressed holistically.
Climate change and the water–energy–food nexus: insights from policy and practice in Tanzania
(Climate Policy, 2017-12-05) Pardoe, J.; Conway, D.; Namaganda, E.; Vincent, K.; Dougill, A. J.; Kashaigili, J. J.
The threat of climate change is emerging at a time of rapid growth for many economies in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Dominant narratives comprising ambitious development plans are common and often based around sectors with strong inter-dependencies that are highly exposed to climate variability. Using document analysis and key informant interviews, this article examines how climate change is addressed in policy, how it is being mainstreamed into water, energy and agriculture sector policies and the extent to which cross-sectoral linkages enable coordinated action. These questions are addressed through a case study of Tanzania, highlighting broader lessons for other developing countries, particularly those in SSA facing similar challenges. The article finds that, while the agriculture and water sectors are increasingly integrating climate change into policies and plans in Tanzania, practical coordination on adaptation remains relatively superficial. Publication of the Tanzania National Adaptation Plan of Action (NAPA) in 2007 marked a step change in the integration of climate change in sectoral policies and plans; however, it may have reinforced a sectoral approach to climate change. Examining the policies for coherence highlights overlaps and complementarities which lend themselves to a coordinated approach. Institutional constraints (particularly structures and resources) restrict opportunities for inter-sectoral action and thus collaboration is confined to ad hoc projects with mixed success to date. The results highlight the need for institutional frameworks that recognize and address these constraints to enable development goals to be pursued in a more sustainable and climate-resilient manner.
Distribution of heavy Metals in lake Muhazi, Rwanda
(2012) Nhapi, I.; Wali, U. B.; Usanzineza, D.; Kashaigili, J. J.; Banadda, N.; Kimwaga, R.
The pollution of lakes is mainly conceived in terms of nutrient levels and eutrophication with the consequent development of algal blooms and fish kills. However, heavy metals are increasingly becoming prominent especially for water bodies closer to urban and mining areas. This study focuses on heavy metal pollution in lakes using a case study of Lake Muhazi in Rwanda. The study characterized the horizontal and vertical distribution of heavy metals in the Lake, with the research conducted from July to October 2007. The parameters studied are cadmium, chromium, copper, iron, lead, manganese, zinc, pH and temperature. The samples were collected at different depths in the Lake using a Van Dorn Bottle water sampler, and were analyzed using standard methods. The temperature and pH were measured in the field us- ing HACH field testing kits. The findings indicated that the mean concentration of Zn was 0.041±0.045 mg/L, Cd 0.026±0.029 mg/L, Pb 0.292±0.442 mg/L, Fe 0.756±0.734 mg/L, and Mn 0.340±0.336 mg/L. Chromium and copper were not detected in the water samples. The findings indicate that the concentrations of Cadmium, Iron and Lead far exceeded the recommended levels for aquatic life at all sampling points. The high levels of heavy metals are attributed to the ripar- ian landuse practices such as uncontrolled agriculture, urban runoff and mining activities around the Lake. It is recom- mended that a detailed study of the catchment be carried out to identify and isolate the main sources of heavy metals in the Lake so that appropriate control measures could be developed.
Dynamics of land use and land cover changes in the Pugu and Kazimzumbwi Forest Reserves
(Proceedings of the first Climate Change Impacts, Mitigation and Adaptation Programme Scientific Conference, 2012) Mdemu, M.; Kashaigili, J. J.; Lupala, J.; Levira, P.; Liwenga, E.; Nduganda, A.; Mwakapuja, F.
Urban growth contributes to land use and land cover changes in protected forest reserves primarily through conversion of peri-urban areas into settlements, agriculture and unsustainable harvesting of ecosystem services to meet demands of the population in the peri-urban and urban areas. It has been widely argued that increased anthropogenic activities have altered the forest cover for Pugu and Kazimzumbwi Forest Reserves. Nonetheless, these arguments are little supported by quantitative data. A study on the dynamics of land use and cover changes in the Pugu and Kazimzumbwi Forest Reserves therefore investigated long-term changes that have occurred as a result of human activities in the areas for the periods 1985-1995 and 1995-2010. Landsat TM and ETM+ images were used to locate and quantify the changes using remote sensing and GIS techniques. Perceptions of local people on historical changes and drivers for the changes were also collected from three neighbouring villages and integrated in the assessment. The analysis was augmented by statistical analysis of 30 years historical rainfall and temperature records from Dar es Salaam and Kisarawe Climatic Stations. The study revealed remarkable decline in closed forest area in the latter period at -1.7 ha/year for Kazimzumbwi Forest Reserve (KFR) and -1.53 ha/year for Pugu Forest Reserve. The woodland variably decreased during the 1985 and 1995 period for both PFR and KFR but increased for PFR and decreased for KFR in the latter period. Unlike for closed forest and woodland, the cultivated land and built up area increased between the two periods for both forests reserves, while other covers variably increased or decreased between the years. The peoples’ perceptions and drivers for the changes are presented and discussed together with the land use and land cover change analysis. The study concludes that, there has been remarkable changes in land use and cover in the catchment and these require concerted actions to reverse the changes and enable the forest reserves contribute to REDD initiatives.
Efectiveness of groundwater governance structures and institutions in Tanzania
(Applied Water Science, 2018-04-30) Gudaga, J. L. ; Kabote, S. J. ; Mosha, D. B.; Tarimo, A. K. P. R.; Kashaigili, J. J.
This paper examines efectiveness of groundwater governance structures and institutions in Mbarali District, Mbeya Region. The paper adopts exploratory sequential research design to collect quantitative and qualitative data. A random sample of 90 groundwater users with 50% women was involved in the survey. Descriptive statistics, Kruskal–Wallis H test and Mann– Whitney U test were used to compare the diferences in responses between groups, while qualitative data were subjected to content analysis. The results show that the Village Councils and Community Water Supply Organizations (COWSOs) were efective in governing groundwater. The results also show statistical signifcant diference on the overall extent of efectiveness of the Village Councils in governing groundwater between villages (P = 0.0001), yet there was no signifcant diference (P > 0.05) between male and female responses on the efectiveness of Village Councils, village water committees and COWSOs. The Mann–Whitney U test showed statistical signifcant diference between male and female responses on efectiveness of formal and informal institutions (P = 0.0001), such that informal institutions were efective relative to formal institutions. The Kruskal–Wallis H test also showed statistical signifcant diference (P ≤ 0.05) on the extent of efectiveness of formal institutions, norms and values between low, medium and high categories. The paper concludes that COWSOs were more efective in governing groundwater than other groundwater governance structures. Similarly, norms and values were more efective than formal institutions. The paper recommends sensitization and awareness creation on formal institutions so that they can infuence water users’ behaviour to govern groundwater
Effectiveness of groundwater governance structures and institutions in Tanzania
(Applied Water Science, 2018-05-08) Gudaga, J. L.; Kabote, S. J.; Tarimo, A. K. P. R.; Mosha, D. B.; Kashaigili, J. J.
This paper examines effectiveness of groundwater governance structures and institutions in Mbarali District, Mbeya Region. The paper adopts exploratory sequential research design to collect quantitative and qualitative data. A random sample of 90 groundwater users with 50% women was involved in the survey. Descriptive statistics, Kruskal–Wallis H test and Mann– Whitney U test were used to compare the differences in responses between groups, while qualitative data were subjected to content analysis. The results show that the Village Councils and Community Water Supply Organizations (COWSOs) were effective in governing groundwater. The results also show statistical significant difference on the overall extent of effectiveness of the Village Councils in governing groundwater between villages ( P = 0.0001), yet there was no significant difference ( P > 0.05) between male and female responses on the effectiveness of Village Councils, village water committees and COWSOs. The Mann–Whitney U test showed statistical significant difference between male and female responses on effectiveness of formal and informal institutions ( P = 0.0001), such that informal institutions were effective relative to formal institutions. The Kruskal–Wallis H test also showed statistical significant difference ( P ≤ 0.05) on the extent of effectiveness of formal institutions, norms and values between low, medium and high categories. The paper concludes that COWSOs were more effective in governing groundwater than other groundwater governance structures. Similarly, norms and values were more effective than formal institutions. The paper recommends sensitization and awareness creation on formal institutions so that they can influence water users’ behaviour to govern groundwater.
Estimation of environmental flows in the Great Ruaha River Catchment, Tanzania: use of the desktop reserve model
(WATERNET/WARFSA/GWP-SA, 2006) Kashaigili, J. J.; Mccartney, M.; Mahoo, H. F.
For the past eleven years, the Great Ruaha River which flows through the Ruaha National Park, has ceased flowing during the dry season, with extended periods of zero flow. The drying up has resulted in social conflicts between upstream and downstream users. It has also caused adverse impacts on the ecosystem of the Ruaha National Park, disrupting the lives of many animals and causing changes in their behavior. In this paper we present the findings of a hydrological study conducted to estimate environmental flow requirements. The desktop reserve model was used to determine maintenance high and low flows, and drought low flow requirements within the Ruaha National Park. The results indicate that to maintain the basic ecological functioning of the river requires an average annual allocation of 635.3 Mm3 (equivalent to 21.6% of mean annual runoff). This is the average annual maintenance flow; comprising of maintenance low flows (i.e. 15.9 % MAR; 465.4 Mm3) and maintenance high flows (i.e. 5.8% of MAR; 169.9 Mm3). The absolute minimum water requirement was estimated to be 0.6 m3s-1 with the probability of exceedance of 0.99. The study confirms that in the absence of ecological information hydrological indices can be used to provide a first estimate of environmental water requirements. However, before being applied, greater understanding of the relationships between flow and the ecological condition of the riverine ecosystem is required.
Estimation of small reservoir sedimentation in semi-arid southern Zimbabwe
(Scientific Research Publishing Inc., 2014) Chitata, T.; Mugabe, F. T.; Kashaigili, J. J.
Small surface reservoirs play an important role of providing ready and convenient source of water for various uses in semi-arid areas which are characterized by erratic and low rainfall. Lack of current data on reservoir capacity loss due to sedimentation is one of the challenges to the sus- tainable management of surface reservoirs. The study investigated the capacity loss due to sedi- mentation from 2000-2012, and estimated the trap efficiency of the Mutangi reservoir which is located in semi-arid Chivi, Southern of Zimbabwe. Hydrographic surveys, grab sampling and water depth-capacity methods were used to determine the capacity of the dam as of 2012. To compute capacity loss from 2000 to 2012, the 2000 and 2012 dam capacities were compared whilst the trap efficiency of the reservoir was determined using a set of empirical models that relates trap effi- ciency to the capacity-watershed area ratio and capacity-inflow ratio. The results show that Mu- tangi reservoir has a trap efficiency of 95% - 98% (av = 96.4%) and has lost 37% of its capacity due to sedimentation in 12 years (2000 and 2012). Rates of sedimentation were 8539 t·yr −1 , 9110 t·yr −1 and 8265 t·yr −1 for the hydrographic survey, grab sampling and water depth-capacity me- thod respectively, and the little difference in these figures demonstrates that any method can be used to determine sedimentation rates. The area specific sediment yield (ASY) ranged from 14 - 15.5 t·ha −1 ·yr −1 (av = 14.956 t·ha −1 ·yr −1 ). At the current rate of sedimentation the projected dead level of the reservoir will be lost to sedimentation in 8 years while the useful life of the reservoir is estimated to be 30 years. Capacity loss due to sedimentation is further complicating the already strained water scarcity situation in semi-arid areas and management decisions should be made based on the current sedimentation rates estimated by different methods. These results imply that management practices that reduce erosion, hence sedimentation in these small reservoirs should be practiced in order to prolong their lifespan.
Evaluation for the Performance of the CORDEX Regional Climate Models in Simulating Rainfall Characteristics over Mbarali River Catchment in the Rufiji Basin, Tanzania
(Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection, 2017-04-30) Mutayoba, E.; Kashaigili, J. J.
This study aims to evaluate the performance of the individual Regional Climate Models (RCMs) used in Coordinated Regional Climate Downscaling Experiment (CORDEX) and the ensemble average of the four RCMs to feign the characteristics of the rainfall pattern for the Mbarali River catchment in Rufiji Basin for the period of 1979 to 2005. Statistical analysis for model performance such as Root mean square error, Mean error, Pearson correlation coefficient, Mean, Median, standard deviation and trend analysis are used. In addition to the statistical measure of model performance, the models are tested on their ability to capture the observed annual cycles and interannual variability of rainfall. Results indicated that the RCMs from the CORDEX indicated a better performance to reproduce the rainfall characteristics over Mbarali River catchment in Rufiji Basin. They reproduced fairly the Era Interim annual cycle and inter-annual variability of rainfall. The ensemble average performed better than individual models in representing rainfall over Mbarali River catchment in Rufiji Basin. These suggest that rainfall simulation from the ensemble average will be used for the assessment of the hydrological impact studies over Mbarali River catchment in Rufiji Basin.
Forest and woodland cover and change in coastal Tanzania and Kenya, 1990 to 2000
(Nature Kenya/East African Natural History Society, 2010) Tabor, K.; Burgess, N. D.; Mbilinyi, B. P.; Kashaigili, J. J.; Steininger, M. K.
Forest and woodland cover and change were calculated for the Zanzibar-Inhambane biogeographical region of Tanzania and Kenya from ~1990 to ~2000. A cover and change map was derived from high-resolution satellite imagery from Landsat and supplemental data from aerial overflights, field surveys, and local knowledge. Analyses showed that around 6820 km2 of coastal forest habitat remained in ~2000 (2260 km2 in Kenya and 4560 km2 in Tanzania). In terms of change, a total of 424 km2 (6%) of forest was cleared between ~1990 and ~2000; 53 km2 in Kenya and 371 km2 in Tanzania. Rates of forest loss were 8 times higher in unprotected areas than in protected sites such as Forest Reserves and National Parks. Key Biodiversity Areas had forest loss rates 2.5 times faster than protected areas while Alliance for Zero Extinction sites had the slowest rates of forest loss for the region. These baseline forest cover and change estimates along with future updates can contribute to national and sub-national carbon emission baselines and assessments of species threat within the global Red List.
Forest cover changes, stocking and removals under different decentralized forest management regimes in Tanzania
(Forest Research Ins, 2013) Mongo, C.; Kashaigili, J. J.; Malimbwi, R. E.; Kajembe, G. C.; Katani, J.; Eid, T.
By the end of the last century many countries including Tanzania moved from centralised towards decentralised forest management but little empirical evidence exists on how such changes have influenced forest conditions. The objective of this study was to provide insights on how decentralised approaches might influence forest resource conditions. Forest cover analyses from satellite images (1993, 2000 and 2009) and systematic sample plot inventories (2009) in two state forest reserves under joint forest management (JFM) and two village forest reserves under community-based forest management (CBFM) in Babati District, Tanzania were carried out. Based on the results, it was not possible to claim that the decentralised management had been successful in improving forest conditions. Proportions of closed woodland decreased significantly over time (from over 80 to 50-60% under JFM and from around 70 to almost 0% under CBFM. In all forests, numbers of régénérants were high, but proportions of larger trees were low and levels of removals (legal and illegal) were relatively high. In general the situation under JFM was better than under CBFM. Results of this study can be used by policymakers to assess the influence of decentralised forest management in Tanzania.
Freshwater management and climate change adaptation: Experiences from the Great Ruaha River catchment in Tanzania
(Taylor & Francis, 2009) Kashaigili, J. J.; Rajabu, K.; Masolwa, P.
Adaptation to anthropogenic climate change is becoming vital to freshwater ecosystems and resource management, but climate adaptation can be purposeful or unintentional. This paper presents lessons from an assessment of an autonomous adaptation in the Great Ruaha River catchment in Tanzania following WWF intervention. The project was designed to address challenges resulting from natural resource use and existing levels of climate variability by changing water resource management. The study applied participatory methods and an open-ended questionnaire to collect data. The study found key adaptation benefits, including reduced vulnerability to drought and strengthened local water user associations and other regional institutions. As a result of the project interventions from 2003 to 2009, rural livelihoods became more profitable and water-sustainable, and local livelihood strategies were diversified. Regional ecosystems improved as a result of restoring river flows in some rivers, conser- vation of riparian vegetation and halting tree felling for charcoal production. As a result of these changes the communities and ecosystems in the Great Ruaha River catchment should be more resilient to emerging climate change impacts, yet the need for further physical interventions and institutional reform is identified. The study concludes that strengthening local institutions and capacity building are fundamental to climate change adaptation and sustainable freshwater management.
Groundwater users’ awareness of water institutions in Tanzania: A case study of Mbarali District, Mbeya Region
(Journal of African Studies and Development, 2018-03-30) Gudaga, J. L; Kabote, S. J.; Tarimo, A. K. P. R.; Mosha, D. B.; Kashaigili, J. J.
This paper examines awareness of groundwater formal and informal institutions among water users. The paper adopted sequential exploratory research design to collect quantitative and qualitative data. The sample size was 90 groundwater users, and 50% were women. Descriptive statistics, Kruskal Wallis H Test and Mann Whitney U Test were used to analyze quantitative data while qualitative data were subjected to content analysis. The results show that 50% of the respondents showed average awareness of formal institutions whereas 70 and 57.7% showed high awareness of norms and values respectively. In addition, the results showed statistically significant difference on the extent of respondents’ awareness of water institutions (P=0.001) among low, medium and high categories. Furthermore, there was no significant difference on awareness of formal institutions between male and female respondents (P=0.403). The paper concludes high groundwater users’ awareness of informal institutions including norms and values than formal institutions mainly rules and regulations particularly Water Resource Management Acts. Therefore, the paper recommends endeavours to raise awareness of formal institutions at a local level because awareness of formal and informal institutions is equally important for groundwater governance.
Heavy metal pollution and nutrient levels in Lake Muhazi, Rwanda
(2010) Usanzineza, D.; Nhapi, I.; Gashagaza, J. B.; Kashaigili, J. J.
Most tropical African lakes are facing problems of rapid population growth in the riparian communities, which normally discharges pollution loads into the lakes. This has led to the deterioration of water quality in receiving lakes. Some lakes are getting eutrophic whilst others are facing problems of siltation and heavy metal discharges, thereby reducing their economic and aesthetic values. Some lakes are experiencing a decrease in fish production. In Rwanda, generally the surface waters are full of sediments caused by soil erosion. The proliferation of water hyacinth and other aquatic weeds is now a common phenomenon. The reduction in lake water levels and low fish production are also main problems of lakes in Rwanda. In particular, Lake Muhazi has experienced a dramatic decrease in fish production since the eighties, typified by low water transparencies and high turbidities. The lakeshores are now being developed for ecotourism and this requires sound environmental management to make the planned activities viable. The purpose of this study was to investigate the nutrient status of Lake Muhazi by assessing vertical and horizontal distributions of nutrients in the Lake. The parameters studied are nitrogen, phosphorous, chlorophyll a, and Secchi disc measurements. The nutrient levels were determined over a period of four months from July 2007 to October 2007. Four sampling stations were located within the lake and the sampling was done fortnightly. The samples were collected at depths of 0.5 m, 2 m, 5 m, and 1 m from the bottom of the lake. Samples were taken using a Van dorn Bottle water sampler and were analyzed for heavy metals, TP, TN, NO2-N, NO3-N and chlorophyll-a using the Standard Methods. Field measurements of temperature, transparency (Secchi disc), and pH were also measured. The results indicate that the nutrient levels in the Lake are higher than previously reported figures and urgent intervention is required. It was observed that the high nutrient levels in the lake are related to landuse activities in the catchment. It is recommended that farming practices and erosion be controlled on the catchment to contain pollutant discharges into the Lake.
Impact of Biofuel Production on Land-Use Change: Case of Jatropha Farming, Kisarawe District, Tanzania
(Academic Star Publishing, 2017-04-15) Mwakapuja, F.; Liwa, E.; Kashaigili, J. J.
Globally, agricultural sector is the major driver for land use change (LUC), in East Africa where savannas, grassland and shrubland are dominant, land previously occupied by forests is the major source of new agricultural land. The use of agricultural-based biofuels has been expanding worldwide, biofuel farming associated with LUC should be measured as the direct land use change (dLUC); when a biofuel feedstock (e.g., jatropha) directly displaces another land use. The indirect land use change (iLUC); when a productive land use displaced by a biofuel feedstock propels the conversion of native vegetation elsewhere. Few studies have been carried out in Tanzania to investigate the effect of agriculture-based biofuel on LUC, the objective of this study was to investigate the LUC resulting from jatropha production introduced in year 2009 by Sunbiofuel Company in villages within Kisarawe District, Coast Region. Remote sensing and geographical information system (GIS) techniques on Landsat multidate satellite imagery and secondary data were used to establish patterns of direct and indirect LUC. Multidate satellite images were classified and analyzed to study the LUC at three epochs; before cultivation (year 1985), immediately after starting production (year 2010) and year 2011. The study revealed a significant increase in cultivated land, a decrease in forested land and encroachment into forest reserve. It was concluded that the conversion of land used for crop production into jatropha farming caused direct and indirect LUC in the area. The outputs from the study can be used as inputs to the models and methodologies for quantifying LUC effects due to introduction/expansion of biofuels production within a district.
Impact of traditional beekeeping on Mgori village land forest reserve in Singida District, Tanzania
(2016-12) Augustino, S.; Kashaigili, J. J.; Nzunda, E. F.
A study was conducted in villages around Mgori Village Land Forest Reserve (VLFR), Singida District in Tanzania to assess the impact of traditional beekeeping on the condition of forest resources. Data collection involved participatory rural appraisal, questionnaire survey and forest inventory. Data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences and Ms Excel. The Shannon-Wiener index was used to analyse evenness in species diversity. Results indicated that the majority of households practice traditional beekeeping using log hives. There is no proper management system of traditional beekeeping apart from regular forest patrols. The majority (82%) of respondents viewed traditional beekeeping as an effective way of managing forest resources as it helps to protect the forest against destruction and results in increased plant productivity through pollination. Results further showed that although not statistically significant (p>0.05), sites where beekeeping was practiced had more stems per hectare (ha) for dbh ≤10 cm compared to sites where there was no beekeeping implying high regeneration of species due to minimal disturbances in beekeeping sites. Forest destruction, decreasing bee forages and drought were identified to be the main threats to traditional beekeeping. If well implemented, traditional beekeeping can be a tool for sustainable forest management. The need to promote best beekeeping practices which contribute to sustainable forest management in the area and beyond is recommended