Welcome to SUAIRE

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

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

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Communities in SUAIRE

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Now showing 1 - 5 of 14

Recent Submissions

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Models for estimating volume of Tectona grandis at Longuza and Mtibwa forest plantations in Tanzania
(Tanzania Journal of Forestry and Nature Conservation, 2025) Mugasha,W.A; Zahabu,E; Malimbwi,R.E
This study aimed to develop and validate allometric equations for estimating total and merchantable volumes of teak (Tectona grandis L. f.) trees in two major statemanaged forest plantations in Tanzania, Longuza in the Tanga Region and Mtibwa in the Morogoro Region. It addresses the existing gap of the absence of accurate volume models required for the reliable estimation of total teak tree volume, which is critical for effective forest management and planning. A total of 177 destructively sampled trees were used to fit non-linear regression models incorporating diameter at breast height (D) and total height (H) as predictor variables. Site-specific and general models were developed and evaluated. Models that included both D and H outperformed those based solely on D, providing more unbiased volume estimates across diameter classes and sites. The bestperforming models exhibited high explanatory power (R² ≥ 0.96) and low prediction errors (PE% < 3%). The H-D relationship reveals differences in tree allometry between the two sites, with taller trees on average in Longuza than in Mtibwa. The site-specific H-D and volume equations are recommended where available. In the absence of such models, the generalised equations developed herein provide a reliable alternative across teak plantations in Tanzania.
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Determinants of primary school teachers’ health literacy in Morogoro municipality, Tanzania: A reflection on access to health information
(Hindawi, 2023) Mshingo,David M; Muhanga,Mikidadi I; Salanga,Raymond J; Ngowi,Edwin E
Background. Teachers have the potential of promoting health knowledge and consequently health-literacy (HL) enhancement. Cognizant of this, interventions geared toward influencing and strengthening school teachers’ HL have remained important. However, for such interventions to be effective, understanding what determines teachers’ HL is inevitable. Purpose. This article analyses the determinants of primary school teachers’ HL by analyzing what prompts their health information-seeking patterns. Methods. A cross-sectional research involving 189 randomly sampled primary school teachers was conducted in 2021 in Morogoro Municipality whereby data were collected through a structured questionnaire survey and analyzed using IBM-SPSS. A score index gauged HL while frequencies and percentages measured other variables. Results. All teachers had high HL with a mean HL (standard deviation) of 8.10062. Only 43.4% searched for HI, 20.1% of those who searched for HI were influenced by healthrelated problems encountered, 12.2% searched for HI to broaden their knowledge on health-related issues, and 7.4% were prompted by health risks around. Also, 3.7% of the teachers acceded that health-seeking information is influenced by an interest in searching HI for self-health management. About 36.0%, 32.3%, and 31.7% of the teachers agree that the provision of health education, interest to read issues related to HL, and addressing issues related to HL influence teachers’ HL. Conclusion. Teachers have been searching for HI due to different concerns, though there is a need to further enhance such efforts. Recommendation. The government, communities, and development partners should enhance HI seeking to promote teachers’ HL for a healthier society.
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Agro-meteorological services in the era of climate change: a bibliometric review of research trends, knowledge gaps, and global collaboration
(Frontier, 2025) Khatibu,Salma; Ngowi,Edwin
Introduction: Agro-meteorological services are crucial for mitigating climate variability’s impact on agriculture and enhancing food security. Despite their importance, the global research landscape in this field remains underexplored. This study examines the evolution of agro meteorological research from 2010 to 2024, focusing on trends, contributors, and regional developments. Methods: A bibliometric analysis was conducted using the Dimensions database, with visualizations created via VOSviewer. The study analyzed publication trends, key institutions, authors, journals, and subject clusters. Statistical correlations assessed collaboration and institutional impact. Results: The results revealed that publications increased steadily, peaking in 2020 (r = 0.92, p < 0.01), reflecting emphasis on sustainability and climate adaptation. Collaborative publications correlated strongly with institutional impact (r = 0.75, p < 0.01), led by Wageningen University and the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences. Sustainability and The Science of the Total Environment were key journals. Sub- Saharan Africa and South Asia showed significant research growth (r = 0.85, p < 0.01). Discussion: The results highlight the field’s global, interdisciplinary scope and rising contributions from developing regions. However, capacity gaps and limited integration of indigenous knowledge persist. Inclusive partnerships and capacity building are essential to strengthen agro meteorological services and address climate challenges effectively.
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Farmers’ perceptions of the effectiveness of climate information services in predicting hazard occurrences in Kondoa and Kiteto districts, Tanzania
(The sub saharan journal of social sciences and humanities (SJSSH), 2024) Khatibu,Salma; Ngowi,Edwin E; Mwamfupe,Davis G
The heightened occurrence of climate-related disasters such as droughts, floods, and storms has amplified agricultural vulnerability in developing countries, particularly affecting farmers’ decision-making processes. Despite the availability of Climate Information Services (CIS), their perceived effectiveness in accurately predicting climate hazards remains underexplored. This study examines farmers’ perceptions of the effectiveness of CIS in predicting climate-related hazards in Kondoa and Kiteto districts, Tanzania, where 360 farmers who have access to the Global Framework for Climate Service Adoption in Africa (GFCS-APA) program were surveyed. Using a 5-point Likert scale, Kendall’s W-test, and Chi-squared tests, the study revealed significant variation in the perceived relevance and utility of different CIS. The findings highlight that droughts and erratic rainfall are the most prevalent hazards, affecting 88.91% and 75.21% of farmers, respectively. Meanwhile, flooding impacts 86.35% of farmers in Bukulu and 56.03% in Emarty, with pest and disease outbreaks affecting approximately 41-43% of households. Farmers ranked drought as the most critical hazard (mean rank 2.61), followed by erratic rainfall (2.82) and pest outbreaks (3.09). The Kendall's W-test (W = 0.185, p < 0.001) confirmed moderate agreement on these rankings, with considerable heterogeneity in perceptions. Regarding CIS effectiveness, farmers ranked agrometeorological advisory services highest (mean score 4.72), followed by seasonal weather forecasts (4.36). However, extreme weather predictions were perceived as less useful (mean score 3.53). The Kendall’s W coefficient for CIS rankings was 0.411 (p < 0.001), indicating strong consensus among farmers. Despite these services’ availability, qualitative data suggested that their technical language and lack of location-specific details limited practical application. The study recommends enhancing CIS through participatory approaches and improved dissemination strategies to better tailor services to farmers’ needs, ultimately fostering more resilient agricultural practices in the face of climate variability.
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Socio - Cultural factors affecting women’s participation in planning of agricultural projects the case of Mvomero District Morogoro
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2007) Mahendeka S. N.
The objectives of this study aimed to identify socio- cultural factors which hinder women's participation in planning of agricultural projects, determine gender division of labour and working hours, and identify who has control and access to resources among men and women as well as determining the decision-making process between men and women. Simple random sampling and purposive sampling methods were used to obtain representative sample. A total of 120 respondents were involved out of which, 79 were women and 41 men. A questionnaire and check list was used to obtain information from individuals and Focus Group Discussion (FGD). SPSS was employed for data entry and analysis. Study findings showed no relationship between division of labour and working hours as well as control and access to resources. A slight relation was in decision- making at household level and women's participation in agricultural projects planning. A chi- square was used to test the level of significance (P< 0.05). The socio- cultural factors identified were; patriarchy system (traditional beliefs), restricted by their husbands, many responsibilities (reproductive and production roles) and lack of confidence. These were the major factors which hindered women's participation in planning of agricultural projects. Moreover, the study revealed that, only few women participated in planning of agricultural projects compared to men. The study concludes that, participation of women in agricultural projects planning is influenced by socio- cultural factors. However, the study recommends that, government leaders in the communities should ensure that planning of agricultural projects is more gender focused. This could be possible through sensitization using education on gender issues, aiming to empower women to participate more in the planning process. The Sectoral Lead Ministries should formulate appropriate strategies for women to participate in planning of agricultural projects. The National Agricultural Research System (NARS) should ensure that women and men arc equally involved in the client oriented approach to research planning, and planners should also ensure that women arc integrated throughout the planning process.