Agricultural Engineering and Land Planning Collection

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Evaluation of sprinkler irrigation performance at Simunye Sugar Estate in Swaziland.
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 1995) Magongo,Bongani Harmon
The performance the evaluated study irrigation system at Simunye,objectiveswere:parameters,(1)To identify the original parameters,(2)To investigate performance parameters,whether the system is operating as designed,and (3)To recommend suitable changes in the operation and system configurations that could be implemented to improve the irrigation efficiency. The results showed that there were no available design parameters on which the system of Simunye Sugar Estate was designed. The system showed a uniformity coefficient (Cu)of 76%,which is within recommended Cu range for design market acceptance.The Distribution uniformity obtained was 61% and the potential application efficiency for the low-quarter (PELQ) was found to be 54%.Both of these parameters were lower than the recommended ones, and they were significantly different when compared with the recommended ones of at least 67% and 75-85%, respectively.The actual application efficiency for the lower-quarter (AELQ) was found to be 45% which is too low when compared to the PELQ.The minimum basic infiltration rate of the soils irrigated by sprinkler system was 5 mm/h. Factors which contributed to the non-uniformity of the system were wind velocity and wind the direction operating pressure (which was too high or lower than the recommended one for the system), evaporation losses,and the sprinkler spacing. From the results it was shown that management of the irrigation system had an effect on the poor performance of the system.
Effects of Mswiswi watershed degradation on stream flow in Usangu village irrigation project
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 1997) Malongo,Gerald Wanda Sere
The effect of Mswiswi watershed degradation on stream flow was investigated as one of 5 watersheds used by Usangu Irrigation Project as source of water. The watershed was calibrated upon itself by establishing four watershed degradation scenarios as the basis for comparison of watershed degradation parameters and stream flow characteristics. The established degradation scenario were 1960-65, 1965-75, 1975- 86 and 1986-92. The 1960-65 degradation scenario was taken as the control period i.e the period for which watershed degradation was at the minimum level. Therefore all parameters of watershed degradation and stream flow of certain probabilities in 1960-65 were compared with the same parameters in other three scenarios.Watershed degradation evidence analyzed from aerial photographs of 1977 and 1992 shows that: watershed forest loss was 0.105 , 0.032 and 0.497 km2/year for mixed forest,forest reserve and low dense miombo woodland, respectively. Soil degradation through gully expansion was 0.049 km2/year.The study shows that precipitation in Mswiswi watershed is decreasing from 1963-1986. This has been evidenced by decreasing trend of 5-year moving averages of precipitation and precipitation of certain probabilities. Comparison of watershed degradation parameters in four degradation scenarios shows that there were a differences among scenarios as a result of degradation. There was a general decreasing trend of parameters such as watershed storage and watershed loss factor from degradation scenario of lower order (1960-65) to scenario of higher order (1986-92). This means that the trend of decrease in watershed degradation parameters was from 1963-1989. Watershed degradation parameters such as curve number and watershed degradation factor were, on the contrary, increasing from 1963-1989. The decrease of watershed loss and watershed storage indicate that watershed was degrading as has been evidenced by watershed forest loss. Similar indication of watershed degradation was shown by increase of curve number and watershed degradation factor. This study shows that there was a relationship between increasing trend of runoff and increasing or decreasing trend of watershed degradation parameter from one degradation scenario to another for a particular probability of exceedance. Runoff of 10 % probability was increasing from watershed degradation scenario of lower order to scenario of higher order as watershed storage and loss factor of the same probability was decreasing. The trend of changes in base flow of particular probability of exceedance was more related to the trend in which watershed degradation factor of the same probability was varying. Stream flow from Mswiswi watershed is affected by both climatic changes and watershed degradation. To evaluate the effect of watershed degradation alone, the developed runoff and base flow models were run for equal rainfall events, so as to see how the watershed in the process of degradation in different periods was responding or would respond to the same rainfall events. The results of model utilization show that runoff was increasing as the watershed was degrading for equal rainfall events. In the case of base flow, the results of model utilization show that watershed degradation was causing cyclic trends of base flow variability. The maximum and minimum base flow for equal rainfall were having recurrence intervals of ten years. The magnitude of maximum and minimum base flow was decreasing with time as watershed was degrading for equal rainfall events.
Sustainability of irrigation schemes for small scale farmers: a case study of furrow irrigation scheme at Buleya Malima, Gwembe Valley Zambia.
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 1995) Masinja,Rusmus
This study was carried out to determine factors that influence sustainability of smallholder irrigation schemes in Zambia.This was against background the that many schemes have been opened by the government to resettle people and have operated smoothly under its management. But upon government withdrawal, farmers have failed to manage these schemes. The study was carried out at Buleya Malima smallholder irrigation scheme.The objectives of study were; (a) to evaluate the schemes using technical and socio-economic parameters inherent current practices in the scheme, and, (c) improving the performance assess the to make recommendations for of the (b)scheme to and management practices. The average results for technical study were: 26.4%, 64.5% and 9.2% for application efficiency, tailwater ratio and deep percolation ratio respectively. The results revealed thSustainability of irrigation schemes for small at there was a waste of water by farmers through tailwater runoff. Thus, the system was performing poorly, and could not be sustained at these levels of water loss.The study on socio economic revealed that irrigated farming could be sustainable if properly designed and planned with the involvement of the farmers. The big problem was lack of managerial ability innovativeness and by the scheme management to provide farmers with enabling environment to form their own viable organisations which could see the continuity of the scheme even after the government had withdrawn. Farmer Participation in planning,decision-making and implementation of these decisions is advisable in order to sustain the scheme operations. Enabling environment for Management should create farmers to form viable associations through which farmers and management would co ordinate their operations. Formal and informal training in technical operations of irrigation infrastructure and new agricultural practices should be provided, so that farmers are able to operate the irrigation system with minimum dependence on management trained management Therefore, personnel to provision of well impart appropriate knowledge on the operations and maintenance of irrigation system is advisable.
Effects of farmer-initiated modifications of water control structures on performance of irrigation system:a case study of Mkindo Scheme, Morogoro, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2000) Matiku,John Magorombe
A study to assess the effects of farmer-initiated modifications of water control structures on the performance of the irrigation system in Tanzania was carried out at Mkindo farmer managed irrigation scheme (FMIS) in Morogoro region. The scheme had two phases. The changes made on the original water control structures were assessed, the performance of the existing water distribution system, and the effect of the existing water control structures on performance of the irrigation system was evaluated. The result of the study shows that changes were made by farmers on the original design of already constructed water control structures in the scheme as follows: some of the field canals and the original centrally located field drains were removed by farmers in order to increase irrigable area (bigger utilised land area). Therefore, some farmers were doing field-to-field irrigation method; the main drainage for phase-I has been converted to field irrigation canal by nearby farmers; dimension of existing paddy field earth bunds and secondary canal banks were smaller than original ones; water harvesting from main and secondary canal by farmers outside the scheme exists and no water control gates (wooden stop-logs originally provided) exists at division box openings and at turnout level for the scheme. Applicable indicators for the performance of FMIS are quantified as follows:-Overall irrigation efficiencies were 6% and 8.3% for phase-I and phase-II of the scheme respectively: Average productivity dropped from 6.6 ton/ha in 1995/96 to 3.1 ton/ha in1998/99 season. The organisation of Mkindo FMIS was appropriate, however, the scheme was weak in irrigation management as the essential operation and maintenance activities were not carried out effectively. The scheme had canal maintenance problem. There was a corresponding big error in waler adequacy of 72% and 68% for both phase- I and phase-II of the scheme respectively arising from improper water control along the main canal and at secondary canal offtake. Both phase-I and phase-II of the scheme were not able to distribute water equitably, reliably as well as maintaining a correct field water depth from tilling to flowering and grain formation stage. This was shown by relatively high error of equity of 18% and 20% for both phases respectively. These figures are far greater than zero, which is the indicator for highest performance. Therefore, the FMIS in Tanzania may perform better, or be sustainable, if original design of already constructed water control structures are maintained (i.e. not changed) by farmers at operation stage. This emphasises farmer’s involvement and empowerment at planning, design and construction stages of the scheme.
Technical and economic comparison of performance between farmer and government managed irrigation schemes in Tanzania: a case study of Kapunga irrigation project
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 1996) Chemka, David Nyakamwe
This study compares the performance of government-managed irrigation schemes (GMIS) to farmer-managed irrigation schemes (FMIS) at Kapunga rice irrigation project in Mbeya region in Tanzania. The specific objectives were to evaluate: (i) organisational structure of the two systems; (ii) water management aspects of the two systems; productivity and Appropriate (iii) economic performance of the two systems. Indicators been have used to quantify performance of the two types of management of irrigation. Results of the study show that the farmer-managed scheme, performed better than the government-managed scheme in attaining scheme irrigation efficiency, productivity,economic, and productivity, irrigation scheme financial in profitability. Applicable indicators for the farmer-managed irrigation schemes are quantified as shown below. Those of the government-managed scheme are indicated in brackets. efficiency was 61% (29%) ;Its overall irrigation average productivity was 3.2 ton/ha (2.2 ton/ha); economic profitability: internal rate of return was 3.2% (5%), benefit/cost ratio 0.6 (0.14); while its financial profitability: internal rate of return was 3.9% (5.1%), benefit/cost ratio 0.6 (0.13). The organisation of both the government and farmer-managed irrigation schemes were appropriate, however, both schemes were weak in irrigation management as the essential operation and maintenance activities were not carried out effectively. Schemes Both the government and the farmer-managed had canal maintenance problem. There was corresponding big error in water adequacy of 86% and 98% respectively arising from improper water control at the secondary canals offtake.Paddy nurseries in the government-managed scheme had undesirable water stress. However, both schemes were able to distribute water equitably, reliably, as well as maintaining a correct field water depth from tillering to flowering and grain formation stages.
Farmers’ utility of irrigation water supply as a method of assessing irrigation system’s performance.
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 1997) Makongoro, Elfariji Kohi
A model which employ Farmers’ Utility of Irrigation Water Supply (FUIWS) in assessing irrigation system’s performance has been developed in this study. The methodology was tested through a Case Study at Lower Moshi Farmer Managed Irrigation Scheme (Lower Moshi FMIS). The main objective was to investigate FUIWS as a method of assessing the performance of irrigation systems. Strong relationship was observed between Relative Water Supply (RWS) and FUIWS. Wherever RWS was high FUIWS was also high and vice versa as proved by positively large covariance value obtained. However, this relationship was identified as non linear correlation by significance correlation coefficient test. The graphs plotted showed relationship of the type: R = aen Where:R = RRWS in paddy fields. U' = UFUIWS. a and n are constants. In this particular Study, the scheme model obtained was: R = 0.377e,1,2SU Similar block models were established. The homogeneity test on the block mean values showed that; RWS have the same degree of variability for all levels of FUIWS. This indicated the ability of the scheme model to be used in place of block models. Different "a" and "n" constant values obtained between blocks indicated different irrigation management levels between blocks. The method was tested in paddy rice only, therefore more work is needed to test it in upland crops; traditional and improved Farmer Managed Irrigation Scheme (FMIS). Also, more research is required to establish whether threshold values "a" and "n" are universal or not and what factors influencing them.
Assessment of the utilization, management and operating costs of agricultural tractors in the Chemelil Sugar Belt in Kenya.
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 1992) Onyango, Ogweno Samuel Roger
The research undertook to study the utilization, management and operating costs of agricultural tractors used in the Chemelil sugar belt in Western Kenya. Historical cost data spread over a span of 16 years were obtained for 141 tractors operated by three different owners in the belt. The data was used to assess the level of utilization and operating costs and to test mathematical models for predicting tractor resale values, repair and maintenance costs, annual operating costs as well as establishing the factors that influence them. It was found that tillage tractors in the belt had an average annual use of 1040 hours and transport tractors 1230 hours and that both category of tractors had restricted utilization due to limits imposed by maximum hectarage for tillage tractors and queuing discipline at the sugar factory and in the fields for cane transport tractors.Mathematical models were formulated and tested for relation between ratio of tractor resale value to its current purchase and repair initial and depreciation age,maintenance costs purchase price and relation expressed tractor between cumulative as a percentage, of cumulative depreciation against tractor age and resale value to its annual operating cost against tractor age. Multiple regression computer software in the MSTATC version facility package was used to test the 1 .41 models. Important empirical relations were derived from the results of the tests. Qualitative factors were the investigated quantities shown to influence quantitatively and that the control of the qualitative factors could reduce operating costs.A relation for predicting annual operating costs of a tractor basing on its replacement value was found. The relation could also be used to predict the tractor’s optimal replacement point similar given the future substitutive models. found to defy prices of or The trend of actual depreciation was basic the depreciation models. Purchase assumptions of accounting It was demonstrated that due to high inflation rates it is not possible to assign terminal salvage values to tractors notwi thstandi ng.in good running order, their age not with standi ng.
Sprinkler perfomance evaluation at Mtibwa Sugar Estates
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 1994) Emmanuel,Marealle
ABSTRACT A perfomance evaluation study aimed at evaluating Mtibwa sprinkler irrigation system was carried out at Mtibwa sugar estates,Morogoro. The specific objectives were:(1)To investigate whether the application rate,duration of application and operating pressure of the current system meet the sugar cane water reqirement with respect to the prevailing soil moisture deficit.(2) To investigate sprinkler irrigation performance parameters whether the system is operating as designed and give recommendatons in relation to low yield difference between irrigated and rainfed cane.The results showed that about 20 % of all sprinkler irrigated blocks had coefficient of uniformity below 80 %.The pressure recorded ranged from 1.8 to 3.2 bar and 73 % of all blocks had sprinklers operating below the designed pressure of 3.2 bar.From the performance parameters the study showed that about 38 % of all blocks required longer duration of irrigation than the current practiced one. The longer required duration per set is identified to be due to low application rate which is also caused by low operating pressure at the pump stations and consequently to the sprinklers. Therefore,the low yield and insignificant yield differences between irrigated and rainfed sugar cane is caused by poor performance of the sprinkler system.This led to inadequate application of water.
Establishment of digital land resources database for land use planning: a case study of eastern Morogoro rural district, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2001) Munisi, Abbas Idriss Mawenya
A study was conducted in the eastern part of Morogoro Rural District to establish digital land resources database which could be used when making decision on land use planning. Four Divisions namely; Mkuyuni, Matombo, Mvuha and Bwakira Chini were included in the study. Land resources data for climate (rainfall and temperature), physiography and soils and socio-economic were collected and compiled from field survey and other sources. The data were analysed, characterised and computerized to generate digital land resources database. The generated databases were stored, manipulated and geoproccssed using computer and various softwares to produce digital spatial and non-spatial information which included thematic maps for elevation, climate, length of growing period (LGP), soils and agroecological zones. Tables on land attribute database, descriptive soil legend and reports were other digital products generated. The digital databases were then used to run land evaluation for the area. Automated land evaluation system (ALES) was employed to compute physical land suitability Evaluation for specified land utilization types (LUTs) i.e. maize, rice, citrus and sesame. The results of the suitability evaluation showed that 57% of the area could be used to produce maize, 85% to produce citrus, 22% paddy and 78% to produce sesame; with production potentials ranging from moderate to poor for all studied LUTs. The major limitations were erosion hazard, nutrient availability, rooting condition and wetness. Citrus was more suited to the area, followed by sesame, maize and lowland rice. The study has demonstrated that greater capability for storing, displaying spatial and non-spatial data in different forms and scales, data analysis and computation of land evaluations exist when land resources data are captured in digital format. Basing on this conclusion, it is highly recommended that land resources data at any level should be inventoried and automated to simplify the process of land use planning.
Yield response of different local and hybrid paddy varieties to different ponding depths
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2011) NYIRENDA,EMMANUEL MABVUTO
The combined increase in demand for food and scarcity of water worldwide highlights the need for prudent use of water resources. Agriculture, particularly, paddy production, faces two major challenges: (i) to save water; (ii) to increase productivity. One way to deal with this situation is using water saving regimes at field scale. This study therefore was aimed at evaluating some of the water-saving cultural practices in paddy production under Tanzanian conditions. Four different ponding levels (5 cm, 3 cm, 0 cm and the control based on ETc replenishment) represented the main plots while the paddy rice varieties were randomly assigned as sub-plots in each of the main plots. The experiment was designed as 4 x 4 factorial arrangement of treatments in a split- plot design replicated three times (three blocks). Yield, water productivity and seepage and percolation were assessed for each sub-treatment. Results showed no significant difference (p< 0.05) in yield of the varieties as a result of ponding depths and no significant interaction between ponding depth and variety. However, the variety effect on yield was significant. On the other hand, there was significant interaction between ponding depth and variety in terms of water productivity. About 10% of the water applied to whole plot treatments with ponding depths 3 cm and 5 cm was consumptively used. The whole plot treatments based on ETc replenishment resulted in the highest water productivity for all the varieties. Variety TXD88 yielded highest at all ponding levels while the 0 cm ponding level had the least seepage and percolation losses amounting to 78% of water applied. This shows that traditional cultural practices requiring inundation over a long period and using large amounts of water can beii dispensed with at minimal loss in yield but at significantly higher levels of water productivity.
Land use/cover changes and their influence on the occurrence of landslides: a case study of the northern slopes of the Uluguru mountains, Morogoro, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2007) Hieronimo, Proches
The present study was conducted to assess land use/cover changes and their influence on the occurrence of landslides in the northern slopes of Uluguru Mountains, Tanzania. The study focused on the determination of the historical land use/cover changes between 1964 and 2004, evaluation of the biophysical and socio-economic factors influencing land use/cover changes, and examination of the influence of land use/cover changes on the occurrence of landslides. Field survey, remote sensing and GIS techniques were employed to assess land use/cover dynamics. Landslides were mapped through field surveys using GPS and imported in GIS environment. A questionnaire survey was conducted to collect information on socio-economic activities responsible for land use/cover changes and on landslides. Statistical analysis was done using SAS and SPSS softwares. The study demonstrated that land use/cover is dynamic and varies spatially both in terms of coverage and change. Natural vegetation is increasingly replaced by cultivation and urbanisation. Change to rainfed agriculture is more intensive on the mountain ridges by two-fold that of mountain foothills. Urban expansion is very rapid on undulating plains at a mean rate of about 15 ha per year compared to 2 ha per year on the mountain foothills and <1 ha per year in the mountain ridges. Geomorphic characteristics, soils, rainfall distribution and demographic changes are key factors influencing land use/cover dynamics. Land use/cover dynamics (increase in rainfed and irrigated agriculture) greatly influence the occurrence of landslides (R = 0.999, P< 0.05). The observed land use/cover dynamics and their relationship with the occurrence and frequency of landslides call for further research on the effectiveness of different land use options on landslide rehabilitation. Farmers should be sensitised on the influence of land use changes on land degradation and the importance of appropriate soil and water conservation measures to mitigate landslides disasters in the study area.
Modelling the water balance of a small catchment: A case study of Muhu catchment in southern highlands of Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2000) SHIBA, S1PHO SIMEON S. T.
I'he water balance ol'Muhu catchment located in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania in Iringa region was modelled by establishing the empirical relations that exist between storage parameters, rainfall parameters and runoff components. Storage parameters included soil moisture storage and interception. Rainfall parameters included rainfall amount, intensity, duration. throughfalL stemflow and evaporation. Runoff components included total runoff, direct runoff and base How. The catchment's physical and hydrological characteristics that affect these parameters were determined. 1 he assessment of hydrological and physical properties showed that the soils were predominantly sandy clay, having high organic matter content, with a moderately rapid hydraulic conductivity (Ks) of 4.2 cm/h and infiltration rale of 3.8 cm/ h. The bulk density was generally low with an average of 0.9 g/cnT for 0-15 cm depth: 1.1 Ig/cm5 for 15-30 cm depth and 1.30 g/cm’ for 30 - 45 cm depth. The catchment had a slope steepness of 35 % and a varying vegetal percentage cover of about 56 %. The 1997/98 waler year was exceptional with high rainfall (1934 mm) mainly due to the El-nino phenomenon. Sixty-seven percent of the rainfall received in the catchment penetrated the canopy to reach the forest floor as throughfalL On average 3.3 % of the rainfall reached the forest floor as stem flow' while 25.5% of the rainfall was intercepted by the canopy. ThroughfalL stemflow and interception were linearlyIll related to rainfall. Die regression coefficients of all the relationships were significantly different from zero al 1% level (fteO). With increasing percentage surface cover, interception increased while throughfall decreased. The storage capacity of the forest cover was estimated to be 0.7 mm.
A ‘Smart’ approach on fluoride removal: detection in water sources and removal with biomass
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2020-01) Mwakabona, Hezron
Fluoride is one of the common minerals found in natural water, ingestion of which, at moderate concentration, is linked to good dental health. However, ingestion of higher concentrations of this mineral over a period is responsible for fluorosis, a disorder characterised by mottling of teeth and skeletal deformations. Therefore, the WHO sets the highest permissible level of this mineral in drinking water at 1.5 mg/L to limit its effect on public health. Consequently, a water source with fluoride concentration above this highest permissible level is regarded as unfit for human consumption, hence, requiring a treatment before consumption. As such, several studies have explored different low-cost methods to detect and remove this contaminant from drinking water. These include defluoridation and detection of fluoride by plant biomass and iron-based materials, respectively. These materials arc attractive because they have a potential for providing efficacious and cost-effective methods to deal with this water contaminant. In this thesis, the challenges delaying their field application (in detection and removal) of fluoride arc identified and suitable solutions are presented. Furthermore, the properties of iron that make it suitable for fluoride detection and removal enhancement in aqueous media arc presented. A critical review of the studies published over the past three decades on water defluoridation by non-aciivated biomass reveals that, most studies explorc extensively only the defluoridation efficiency/capacily ofthese materials. This bias in studied properties is shown to be due to inadequacy in selection of study parameters, where, the defluoridation mechanisms are poorly studied. This could have resulted in the current poor understanding of their defluoridation mechanisms. Therefore, lessons from these studies were used to identify and propose the “must include” parameters to direct the future studies for better understanding of their defluoridation properties, especially, the defluoridation mechanisms. These are: effect of solution pH, point of zero charge and surface functional groups characterisation before and after material use. For plant biomass ash, the major challenge associated with its application in water defluoridation was found to be related to media-induced contamination of the treated water, notorious being the elevation of the pH of the treated water. This challenge could have repelled many possible applications of this material in water treatment besides its great potentials as water treatment material. In this study, the Cyperus plants were successfully
Effect of grating, chipping, dry fermentation and sun drying on cyanide level of cassava in Tongwe village.
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2009) Khatib ,M. A.
This study was conducted to evaluate effectiveness in cyanide reduction by four different methods of processing cassava roots, two traditional (dry fermentation and direct sun drying) and two improved methods (grating and chipping) and also assess losses due to cassava processing in Tongwe village (Muheza District). Presence of mycotoxin-producing organisms in fermented cassava flour was examined. Cyanogens were determined using the AOAC alkaline titration method. The microbial growth was done on plate using Sabouraud’s Dextrose Agar (SDA). The cyanide level, in the processed cassava differed significantly (p<0.05). Improved methods were more effective than traditional. The mean cyanide was; 6.79, 7.96, 8.96 and 9.90 mg HCN/kg DWB for grating, chipping, dry fermentation and direct sun drying, respectively. Identification of mould revealed the absence of mycotoxin producing organisms and therefore ruled out the possibility of presence of mycotoxins in the dry fermented cassava flours collected from 60 households in Tongwe and 10 samples prepared in Tongwe cassava processing unit. Losses due to processing in all four methods were determined by calculating the difference between peeled fresh cassava weight and the weight of flour produced after processing. Results showed significant differences (p<0.05) between the traditional and improved methods studied. The mean percentage losses were; 67.28, 69.73, 51.83 and 54.14 for grating, chipping, dry fermentation and direct sun drying, respectively. Sensory evaluation done at SUA and Tongwe showed significant differences (p<0.05) in preferences between the stiff porridge prepared using flour from all four methods of processing cassava, the most preferred product being ugali from chipped cassava flour. This experiment has indicated that improved methods are more effective in cyanide reduction than traditional ones. However, traditional methods were more economical in processing losses and that there were no mycotoxin-producing organisms in fermented cassava flour. Both methods produce acceptable products worth encouraging if losses are minimized.
Land use systems change and its influence on people’s livelihood in South Eastern Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2006) Tenga, John Jasper
A study was carried out in South Eastern Tanzania to evaluate spatial and temporal changes that have occurred over a period of 40 years in land use systems and their influence on people’s livelihood. Field survey, remote sensing and GIS techniques were employed to assess land use systems dynamics. A questionnaire survey was conducted to collect information on socio-economic activities related to land use systems change. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS and EXCEL programmes. The results indicate that land use systems in the study area vary spatially across geomorphic units in terms of patterns and degree of change. Between 1965 and 2004 areas under fallow bushland, fallow bushed grassland, reserved wooded grassland and reserved woodland decreased as a result of increasing area under agricultural land use systems. Geomorphic and soil characteristics are the major biophysical factors influencing dominant land use system pattern and change in the study area. Demographic change, land tenure and farming practices were the socio-economic drivers of the observed land use systems change. Land use systems change has influenced the people’s livelihood in the study area by increased household income. Increase of cultivated land with tree crops correlated significantly with price of cashewnut (R = 0.8582, P<0.05) and gross income (R = 0.8396, P<0.05) whereas cultivated land with annual crops correlated negatively with market accessibility (R = 0.8906, P<0.05). In view of observed land use systems dynamics, further research is recommended to come up with comprehensive policy guidelines to check the imbalance between the cashewnut and annual crop production to safeguard food security while at the same time conserving the environment.
Evaluation of Irrigation Water Quality for Paddy Production at Bumbwisudi Rice Irrigation Scheme, Zanzibar
(TAJAS, 2016) Kahimba, F.C; Ali, R. M; Mahoo, H.F
Human activity spaces and plague risks in three contrasting landscapes in Lushoto District, Tanzania
(Tanzania Journal of Health Research, 2014-07-14) Hieronimo, P.; Gulinck, H; Kimaro, D.N; Mulungu, L.S; Kihupi, N.I; Msanya, B.M; Leirs, H; Deckers, J.A
Since 1980 plague has been a human threat in the Western Usambara Mountains in Tanzania. However, the spatial-temporal pattern of plague occurrence remains poorly understood. The main objective of this study was to gain understanding of human activity patterns in relation to spatial distribution of fleas in Lushoto District. Data were collected in three landscapes differing in plague incidence. Field survey coupled with Geographic Information System (GIS) and physical sample collections were used to collect data in wet (April to June 2012) and dry (August to October 2012) seasons. Data analysis was done using GIS, one-way ANOVA and nonparametric statistical tools. The degree of spatial cooccurrence of potential disease vectors (fleas) and humans in Lushoto focus differs significantly (p ≤ 0.05) among the selected landscapes, and in both seasons. This trend gives a coarse indication of the possible association of the plague outbreaks and the human frequencies of contacting environments with fleas. The study suggests that plague surveillance and control programmes at landscape scale should consider the existence of plague vector contagion risk gradient from high to low incidence landscapes due to human presence and intensity of activities.
Influence of irrigation water quality on soil salinization in semi-arid areas: a case study of Makutopora, Dodoma-Tanzania
(International Journal of Scientific & Engineering Research, 2015) Batakanwa, F.J; Mahoo, H.F; Kahimba, F.C
This research was carried out in Dodoma, at Makutopora Agricultural Research Institute. The main objective was to determine the influence of irrigation water on soil salinization in semi-arid areas. A total of 80 representative soil samples were randomly collected from study area. Two water samples were also collected from the study area. The samples were treated and analyzed for physical and chemical related indices. The results are grouped into general quality parameters, which included salinity and salt inducing cations and anions. The findings indicated that the mean pH was 7.53 while the mean EC value was 944.5 μS/cm. The mean cations in the water were 3.97, 4.32, 2.57, and 11.39 meq/l for Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, and Na+, respectively. The Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR) was 5.60. The mean carbonates concentration detected in the irrigation water was 9.05 meq/l, while the mean chloride and sulfide were 17.20 and 3.6 meq/l, respectively. Soil samples were grouped into three major groups namely non-irrigated, half irrigated, and full irrigated soils. For the non-irrigated, half irrigated, and full irrigated soils: the mean pH in the soil was 6.59, 6.89 and 7.04, respectively; the mean ECe were 94.35, 338.5, and 344.72, mS/cm, respectively; SAR was 0.76, 2.64, and 4.82, respectively; exchangeable cations and anions as shown in Table 4, 6 and 8. The results reveal that water may have the potential to be hazardous to the soil as well as to the crop grown because most parameters were above safe limits. The linear regression model showed high correlation of soil salinity with exchangeable bases with R2 =0.776 and significant at p≤0.04 for non-irrigated soil, R2=0.627 at p≤0.001 for half irrigated soil, and R2=0.597 at p≤0.003 for full irrigated soil. For all soil samples the linear regression model shows strong relationships that exist between the soil salinity and exchangeable bases present in the soil. It is recommended that adequate drainage with emphasis on surface drainage should be provided and salt and sodium build up should be monitored regularly
Risk Factors Associated with Elevated Blood Glucose Among Adults in Mwanza City, Tanzania
(2015) Ruhembe, C. C.; Mosha, T. C. E.; Nyaruhucha, C. N. M.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) prevalence is increasing at alarming rates posing significant health problem in Tanzania. Urbanization with economic advancement has led to lifestyle behaviors such as high intake of dense caloric foods, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, and limited intake of fruits and vegetables. All these have been associated with higher prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, hypertension and T2DM. This cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the risk factors and lifestyles characteristics associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus among adults in Mwanza city, Tanzania. A multistage random sampling technique was used to obtain 640 male and females respondents aged 30 and above years. Data were collected through face to face interview by using a structured questionnaire which was constructed to solicit information about risk factors and lifestyle characteristics of the respondents. Anthropometric measurements such as height, weight, waist and hip circumferences and total fat and fat free mass were also taken. Random blood glucose and blood pressure levels were measured. Prevalence of overweight in the studied population was 10.5% in males and 18.1% in females. Most females (60.8%; n=79) had waist hip ratio of ≥ 0.85. BMI and body fat were significantly (p˂0.05) related to elevated blood glucose. It was further noted that, relationship between diabetic respondents with their first degree relatives with diabetes was significant (p˂0.05). The relative risk for developing type 2 diabetes mellitus by having first class relative with the disease was RR 2.11, (95% CI: 1.4-3.1). There was a strong (p˂0.05) association between smoking and elevated blood glucose. It can be concluded that it is of utmost importance to intervene, and modify lifestyle behaviours of adults so as to reduce the risks of developing T2DM.
Maize cultivar specific parameters for decision support system for agrotechnology transfer system (DSSAT) application in Tanzania
(2013) Mourice, S. K.; Rweyemamu, C. L.; Tumbo, S. D.; Amuri, N.
In order to develop basis for tactical or strategic decision making towards agricultural productivity improvement in Tanzania, a new approach in which crop models could be used is required. Since most crop models have been developed elsewhere, their adaptation, improvement and/or use outside their domain of development requires a great deal of data for estimating model parameters to allow their use. Cultivar specific parameters for maize varieties in Tanzania have not been determined before and consequently, crop modelling approaches to address biophysical resource management challenges have not been effective. An overall objective of this study was to evaluate DSSAT (v4.5) Cropping System Model (CSM) using four adapted maize cultivars namely Stuka, Staha, TMV1 and Pioneer HB3253. The specific objectives were; to determine maize crop growth and development indices under optimum conditions, to estimate maize cultivar parameters, and to evaluate DSSAT CSM for simulating maize growth under varied nitrogen fertilizer management scenarios. The results indicate that maize cultivars did not differ significantly in terms of the number of days to anthesis, maturity, or grain weight except final aboveground biomass. Also there was no difference between variables with respect to growing seasons. The cultivar specific parameters obtained were within the range of published values in the literature. Model evaluation results indicate that using the estimated cultivar coefficients, the model simulated well the effects of varying nitrogen management as indicated by the agreement index (d-statistic) closer to unity. Also, the cultivar coefficients which are difficult to measure physically were sensitive to being varied indicating that the estimated values were reasonably good. Therefore, it can be conclude that model calibration and evaluation was satisfactory within the limits of test conditions, and that the model fitted with cultivar specific parameters that can be used in simulation studies for research, farm management or decision making.

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