Browsing by Author "Mussa, Kassim Ramadhani"

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The impact of equitable payment for watershed services scheme on livelihoods in Tanzania: the Case of Uluguru Mountains.
(2012-11) Mussa, Kassim Ramadhani
Care International and World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) initiated a payment for ecosystem services (PES) project namely Equitable Payments for Watershed Services (EPWS). The scheme aimed at modifying unsustainable land use practices to conserve and improve watershed areas around Kibungo Juu sub-catchment, in the Uluguru Mountains. It also aimed at improving the quality of life of the communities involved through substantial benefits. The EPWS tried to demonstrate how PES can reverse environmental degradation by addressing the core drivers of land-use changes through market incentives. There has been a growing interest by researchers and conservationists in finding out whether the participation in PES schemes improves conservation and increases the stock of livelihood capital. This study was an attempt to provide answers to some of these predicaments. The main objective of the study was to find out the impact of EPWS on the communities in the Kibungo juu sub-catchment in the Uluguru Mountains. A total of 120 households were selected from 3 out of the 5 participating villages, divided into 60 participating and 60 non participating households. There was also a consultation with focus groups, key informants as well as the researcher's physical observation. Structured and semi structured questionnaires were used to collect information. The livelihood impact of the EPWS scheme was measured using a few selected livelihoods items from the five broad categories. The trend of responses and internal consistence were computed using Mean Likert Scale and the Cronbach Alpha coefficients while the Conjoint Model was used to determine the preferences of ecosystem service providers. The findings showed that the EPWS scheme had the potential to improve livelihood capital for the environmental service providers. Nevertheless, for the EPWS scheme to be successful the observed challenges must be addressed. First and foremost, the respondents felt that the reward for adopting the conservation practices did not reflect the opportunity cost. This could be explained by the considerable number of EPWS participants who had quit the project. The respondents also preferred payment to be in form of agricultural input voucher rather than direct cash and that it should be channelled through local govermnents and not project implementers.
Indigenous knowledge systems for climate change detection and adaption planning in mountainous areas in Tanzania
(Journal of Resources Development and Management, 2015) Mussa, Kassim Ramadhani; Mjemah, Ibrahimu Chikira
The study was carried out to gather perceptions and experiences of the Uluguru mountains communities on climate change and its impacts, and to understand their traditional innovations in detecting climate change and coping with the impacts. It took place in three villages of Luale ward namely Luale, Masalawe and Londo in Mgeta division, Mvomero district. Participatory research methods were employed in generating the perceptions, information and experiences about climate change, its impacts and community based adaptation strategies. Climate-related hazards were identified using traditional knowledge, skills and experiences. Historical timelines developed by the local people themselves revealed an increase in the frequency of drought incidences and shifting rainfall seasons, with unprecedented wildland fires devastating the study area. Community-based coping strategies as a response to the observed climate change impacts were also identified. However, the coping strategies practised by the traditional communities are mainly oriented towards survival, not continuous, motivated by crisis, reactive, often degraded the available resource base and are usually prompted by lack of alternatives. Therefore, local communities and traditional people in general need the support of the international community to continue their role as traditional caretakers of marginal and fragile ecosystems, at the same time, building their capacities to adapt to the impacts of the current and future changes of global and local climates using more proactive approaches integrated into their indigenous knowledge base.
Natural groundwater recharge response to climate variability and land cover change perturbations in basins with contrasting climate and geology in Tanzania
(MDPI, 2021) Mussa, Kassim Ramadhani; Mjemah, Ibrahimu Chikira; Machunda, Revocatus Lazaro
The response of aquifers with contrasting climate and geology to climate and land cover change perturbations through natural groundwater recharge remains inadequately understood. In Tanzania and elsewhere in the world, studies have been conducted to assess the impact of climate change and variability, and land use/cover changes on stream flow using different models, but similar studies on groundwater dynamics are inadequate. This study, therefore, examined the influence of land use/cover and climate dynamics on natural groundwater recharge in basins with contrasting climate and geology in Tanzania, applying the modified soil moisture balance method, coupled with the curve number (CN). The method hinges on the balance between the incoming water from precipitation and the outflow of water by evapotranspiration. The different parameters in the soil moisture balance method were computed using the Thornthwaite Water Balance software. The potential evapotranspiration (PET) was calculated using the daily maximum and minimum temperatures, utilizing two-temperature-based PET methods, Penman–Monteith (PM) and Hargreaves–Samani (HS). The rainfall data were obtained from the gauging stations under the Tanzania Meteorological Agency and some additional data were acquired from climate observatories management by water basins. The results show that there has been a quasi-stable CN in the Singida semi-arid, fractured crystalline basement aquifer (74.2 in 1997, 73.64 in 2005, and 73.87 in 2018). In the Kimbiji, humid, Neogene sedimentary aquifer, the CN has been steadily increasing (66.69 in 1997, 69.08 in 2008, and 71.42 in 2016), indicating the rapid land cover changes in the Kimbiji aquifer as compared to the Singida aquifer. For the Kimbiji humid aquifer, the PET calculated using the Penman– Monteith (PM) method for the 1996/1997, 2007/2008, and 2015/2016 hydrological years were 1156.5, 1079.5, and 1143.9 mm/year, respectively, while for the Hargreaves–Samani (HS) method, the PET was found to be 1046.1, 1138.3, and 1204.4 mm/year for the 1996/1997, 2007/2008, and 2015/2016 hydrological years, respectively. For the Singida semi-arid aquifer, the PM PET method resulted in 2083.3, 2053.6, and 1875.4 mm/year for the 1996/1997, 2004/2005, and 2017/2018 hydrological years, respectively. The HS method produced relatively lower PET values for the semi-arid area (1839.4, 1814.7, and 1710.2 mm/year) for the 1996/1997, 2004/2005, and 2017/2018 hydrological years, respectively. It was equally revealed that the recharge and aridity indices correspond with the PET calculated using two temperature-dependent methods. The decline of certain land covers (forests) and increase in others (built-up areas) have contributed to the increase in surface runoff in each study area, possibly resulting in the decreasing trend of groundwater recharge. An overestimation of the PET using the HS method in the Kimbiji humid aquifer was observed, which was relatively smaller than the overestimation of the PET using the PM method in the Singida semi-arid aquifer. Despite the difference in climate and geology, the response of the two aquifers to rainfall is similar. The combined influence of climate and land cover changes on natural groundwater recharge was observed to be prominent in the Kimbiji aquifer, while only climate variability appreciably influences natural groundwater recharge in the Singida semi-arid aquifer. El Nino and the Southern Oscillation as part of the climate variability phenomenon dwarfed the time lags between rainfall and recharge in the two basins, regardless of their difference in climate and geology.
Open-source software application for hydrogeological delineation of potential groundwater recharge zones in the Singida semi-arid, fractured aquifer, central Tanzania
(MDPI, 2020) Mussa, Kassim Ramadhani; Mjemah, Ibrahimu Chikira; Machunda, Revocatus Lazaro
This study attempted to delineate and map potential groundwater recharge zones of the Singida, semi-arid, fractured crystalline basement aquifer using open source remote sensing and GIS software. Various thematic maps such as lithology/hydrogeology, soil, land-cover/use, slope, lineament density, drainage density and rainfall distribution were integrated in QGIS software. Vector input layers were rasterized and resampled using QGIS wrap projection function to make sure that the grid cells are of the same size. Reclassification using SAGA and GRASS reclass algorithms in QGIS was carried out to realign the factor classes in a consistent scale, and reclassification to a scale of 1 to 5 was carried out to harmonize the results. The study identified a number of potential areas for groundwater recharge, groundwater exploration, groundwater development and potential areas for artificial groundwater recharge. Potential groundwater recharge zones for the Singida semi-arid fractured aquifer are restricted to areas with high lineament density, cultivated areas, grassland and flat to gentle slopes. The potential of groundwater recharge is also observed in areas with low drainage density. The delineated zones provide a good understanding of the potential recharge zones, which are a starting point for recharge zone protection. This blended approach can be utilized for carrying out suitability analysis using the weighted overlay analysis approach. Areas designated good and very good are recommended for artificial recharging structures as an alternative technique for enhancing groundwater recharge through rainwater harvesting. This will help to augment groundwater storage in this semi-arid environment.
Participation of ecosystem service providers in a watershed pes project in Tanzania: connection with the coasean perspectives
(Journal of Ecosystem & Ecography, 2017) Mussa, Kassim Ramadhani; Mjemah, Ibrahimu Chikira
The equitable payment for environmental service projects seem to have good objectives, but not so many households participated in it. Limited empirical information surrounds the most Payment for Environmental Services (PES) schemes with regard to which factors could influence the commitment of environmental service providers to switch to improved land management practices. Are these factors stemming from the Coasean theorem? The answer to this question is imperative as it paves way to more robust approach of PES implementation in Tanzania and worldwide. This study therefore sought to explore the challenges which either, held back or threatened the participation of ecosystem service providers in the Uluguru Mountains to the equitable payment for watershed services scheme, linking them to the main treatise of the Coasean theorem. This study employed a partially mixed concurrent dominant status design in which quantitative and qualitative approaches were used simultaneously, but with the quantitative approach being dominant. The mixed-methods design brought together different strengths of quantitative and qualitative methods, while offsetting the weaknesses of using a single method and expanding the set of collected data.
Quantification of groundwater exploitation and assessment of water quality risk perception in the Dar es salaam quaternary aquifer, Tanzania
(MDPI, 2019) Mussa, Kassim Ramadhani; Mjemah, Ibrahimu Chikira; Walraevens, Kristine
This study quantified groundwater exploitation and assessed water quality risk perception in the Dar es Salaam quaternary aquifer through a socio-economic survey. Annual total groundwater exploitation was estimated, using the daily per capita consumption of groundwater derived from the household survey. A logistic regression analysis was performed to ascertain the influence of sex, marital status, education level, employment, income, and cost of water on groundwater quality risk perception. It was revealed that most residents of Dar es Salaam use groundwater as a main source of water supply. The results of this study further showed that 78% consider groundwater as a reliable source. Averting strategies for insu cient quantity of groundwater consist of minimizing less necessary water uses, while for poor quality, buying bottled water and water treatment by boiling and using chemicals. The chance for water quality risk perception is 0.205 times greater for married than unmarried household heads, and it is 623 times higher for employed versus unemployed household heads. To get an overall view of the importance of groundwater for domestic needs in Dar es Salaam it is imperative to combine a time series data of groundwater and surface water exploitation.
A review on the state of knowledge, conceptual and theoretical contentions of major theories and principles governing groundwater flow modeling
(Springer, 2020) Mussa, Kassim Ramadhani; Mjemah, Ibrahimu Chikira; Muzuka, Alfred Nzibavuga Nyarubakula
Decision-makers require correct and adequate information on groundwater flow systems in a basin in order to formulate sustainable water resources development strategies. However, the practicality and realism of groundwater flow system models depend on the validity, reliability and availability of quality data and information, and how they are used in model development and calibration. This goes hand in hand with how the underlying theories, tenets and assumptions are understood, interpreted and applied. The more uncertain and contentious the information is, the wider are the knowledge and theoretical gaps, and thus the less useful the model results are for decision-making. The understanding of water table types in groundwater basins has become one of the additional factors for an in-depth understanding and modeling of nested groundwater flow systems. The classification of water table types using a water table ratio provides that if the ratio is more than 1, this depicts a topography-controlled area and a ratio of less than 1 depicts a recharge-controlled terrain. Log transformation of the water table ratio proved the same interpretation. This paper therefore reviews the evolution of groundwater flow systems theory, the prevailing knowledge and theoretical gaps by specifically pinpointing the theoretical and conceptual contentions and additional factors which can possibly limit the application of groundwater flow theories in regional groundwater modeling studies. The implications of how the conceptual and theoretical contentions affect groundwater modeling for decision-making in groundwater development and management are also pinpointed in this paper.
The role of development projects in strengthening community-based adaptation strategies: the case of Uluguru mountains Agricultural development project (UMADEP)-Morogoro-Tanzania
(International Scholars Journals, 2012) Mussa, Kassim Ramadhani; Mjemah, Ibrahimu Chikira; Malisa, Emmanuel Timothy
This study was trying to find out whether the designing and implementation of the Uluguru Mountain Agricultural Development Project (UMADEP) has taken into account the hazards, impacts and risks associated with climate change and the local coping strategies of their project beneficiaries, since its inception, 17 years ago . Data were gathered using the Community-based Risk Screening–Adaptation and Livelihoods (CRiSTAL) tool, complemented with a series of semi-structured and structured interviews containing both close and open-ended questions. The Vulnerability and Capacity Assessment (VCA) method was also used in identifying resources, capacities and vulnerabilities which pertained to different livelihood settings in the study area. The study found out that coping strategies applied by affected people in the study area vary from one community to the other, depending on level of education, income, household size and agro-ecological zone. Ranking of the identified livelihood resources revealed that natural resources are very crucial in adapting to climate change. Generally, the results indicate a moderate influence of project activities towards enhancing adaptive capacities of the surrounding communities, with the observed positivity of the project activities towards community-based adaptation being more of a coincidence than a planned state-of-affairs. Lack of training to development project officers, managers and planners on the importance of integrating climate change management during the early stages of project development was clearly depicted as a key hindrance to mainstreaming climate change into development planning.
The role of development projects in strengthening community-based adaptation strategies: the case of Uluguru mountains agricultural development project (umadep)-Morogoro-Tanzania.
(International Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2012) Mussa, Kassim Ramadhani; Mjemah, Ibrahimu Chikira; Malisa, Emmanuel Timothy
This study was trying to find out whether the designing and implementation of the Uluguru Mountain Agricultural Development Project (UMADEP) has taken into account the hazards, impacts and risks associated with climate change and the local coping strategies of their project beneficiaries, since its inception, 17 years ago . Data were gathered using the Community-based Risk Screening– Adaptation and Livelihoods (CRiSTAL) tool, complemented with a series of semi-structured and structured interviews containing both close and open-ended questions. The Vulnerability and Capacity Assessment (VCA) method was also used in identifying resources, capacities and vulnerabilities which pertained to different livelihood settings in the study area. The study found out that coping strategies applied by affected people in the study area vary from one community to the other, depending on level of education, income, household size and agro-ecological zone. Ranking of the identified livelihood resources revealed that natural resources are very crucial in adapting to climate change. Generally, the results indicate a moderate influence of project activities towards enhancing adaptive capacities of the surrounding communities, with the observed positivity of the project activities towards community-based adaptation being more of a coincidence than a planned state-of-affairs. Lack of training to development project officers, managers and planners on the importance of integrating climate change management during the early stages of project development was clearly depicted as a key hindrance to mainstreaming climate change into development planning