Research Articles

Communicating agricultural research information for improved Sorghum farming practices in Dodoma, Tanzania

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Communicating agricultural research information for improved Sorghum farming practices in Dodoma, Tanzania Kadilikansimba, Peter B. Access to agricultural research information is essential for enabling smallholder farmers to adopt improved farming practices that enhance agricultural productivity. In Tanzania, despite the substantial body of agricultural information generated by research institutions, a significant gap exists between the availability of this information and its practical application by farmers. This gap is particularly evident in Dodoma Region, where sorghum is a staple crop and plays a vital role in local food security and rural economies. Farmers in the region face challenges in accessing, interpreting, and applying agricultural research findings. These challenges are largely attributed to ineffective communication, which impedes the translation of scientific knowledge into practical solutions. While efforts have been made to disseminate agricultural research information, the adoption of improved farming practices such as the use of improved seed varieties, fertiliser application, pest and disease control, weed management, and post-harvest handling remains low. This suggests that existing communication strategies may lack contextual relevance and effectiveness. Although previous studies acknowledge the importance of communication in agricultural innovation, many have approached communication elements in isolation without sufficiently examining their interrelated effects. Limited attention has been given to how elements such as source credibility, information repackaging, communication media effectiveness, and information-seeking behaviour of farmers interact to influence adoption. Understanding how these elements interact is essential for developing responsive and effective communication strategies that facilitate the uptake of research-based innovations. This study examined how agricultural research information is communicated to sorghum farmers in Dodoma and assessed the influence of selected communication variables on the adoption of improved practices. A cross-sectional design was used to collect data from 399 sorghum farmers through structured questionnaires and 15 key informant interviews with agricultural experts. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression, while qualitative data were analysed thematically. The findings indicate that farmers prefer credible information sources, particularly fellow farmers and extension officers, and value simplified, context-specific messages. Interpersonal communication and mobile phones emerged as effective channels for information delivery, and farmers with strong information-seeking tendencies were more likely to adopt improved practices. The study concludes that addressing multiple communication factors collectively can significantly enhance the adoption of improved agricultural practices among farmers. It is recommended to strengthen extension systems, enhance the clarity of messages, promote digital literacy, and diversify communication approaches to better support agricultural transformation in Tanzania. These strategies will ensure that farmers have the necessary tools and information to implement effective practices, ultimately contributing to improved productivity and food security. This is Research Article

The Influence of Socio-Demographic Characteristics on Community Participation in Water Resource Management in Tanzania: A Case of Water User Associations along Wami–Ruvu Basin

Fri, 01 Jan 0202 00:00:00 GMT

The Influence of Socio-Demographic Characteristics on Community Participation in Water Resource Management in Tanzania: A Case of Water User Associations along Wami–Ruvu Basin Zemba, Janeth I.; Katundu, Mangasini A.; Komba, Cyril K. Community participation in water resource management remains a key policy objective in Tanzania, yet evidence on how socio-demographic characteristics shape participation across management processes remains limited. This study examined the influence of socio-demographic factors on community participation in water resource management among Water User Associations (WUAs) in the Wami–Ruvu Basin, Tanzania. A cross-sectional research design was employed, involving 385 WUA members selected from a population of 5,546 registered members using multistage sampling. Data were collected through household questionnaires, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression, while qualitative data were analysed thematically. The findings indicate that participation varied significantly across socio-demographic groups and water management stages. Occupation was a strong predictor of participation, with crop farmers more likely to participate in identification (OR = 2.075, p = 0.002) and planning (OR = 2.160, p = 0.001). Men were more likely to participate in implementation (+5.0 percentage points, p = 0.012) and evaluation (+7.0 percentage points, p < 0.001) than women. Education significantly influenced monitoring, where respondents with certificate-level education or higher were 13.8 percentage points more likely to participate (p = 0.020). Divorced or separated respondents consistently showed lower participation across all stages. The regression model explained 68.6% of participation variation (Nagelkerke R² = 0.686). The study concludes that community participation in water resource management is socially differentiated, requiring targeted and inclusive interventions to address persistent inequalities and strengthen sustainable water governance. Eastern African Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences Vol. 5 No. 2 (2026): ISSN (Online): 2958-4558 DOI: https://doi.org/10.58721/6f8rnz22 The Influence of Socio-Demographic Characteristics on Community Participation in Water Resource Management in Tanzania: A Case of Water User Associations along Wami-Ruvu Basin

Susceptibility of Different Species of Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) to an Entomopathogenic Fungus in Tanzania

Wed, 01 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Susceptibility of Different Species of Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) to an Entomopathogenic Fungus in Tanzania Zekeya, Never.; Mbega, Ernest; Ndossi, Humphrey. Ticks and tick-borne disease cause severe skin damage on livestock as well as wildlife mortifying animal health and byproduct for processing and tourism industries. Management of ticks by conventional acaricidal is environmentally and economically unaffordable in Tanzania. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a novel entomopathogenic fungi Aspergillus oryzae (TZ/P/2018/000035) against three species of ticks (Acari: Ioxididae); Rhipicephalus appendiculatus, Hyalomma anatolicum and Amblyomma gemma by spraying 0.2 mL/tick of 1× 106, 1× 107, 1× 108 conidia/mL of A. oryzae and control (water and 0.5% triton x-100) in 35.5 C and 85% RH repeated at 20.5 C and 70% RH in the laboratory conditions at Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, Arusha. Results showed that at 1× 108 conidial/mL, A. oryzae caused high mortality rate averaging 88.2%, 72.5% and 67.9% within 6.25±0.75 days, 7.55±0.59 days and 11.9±0.65 days in H. anatolicum R. appendiculatus and A. gemma respectively, whereas in control the highest mortality rate reached 12.5%, 11.0% and 6.5% after 22.50±1.2, 24.6±0.9 and 28±2.9 days in R. appendiculatus, H. anatolicum and A. gemma respectively at 20.5 C and 70% RH. It was also revealed that at 1× 108 conidial/mL of A. oryzae reduced oviposition rate in A. gemma whereby 94.8±10.74 eggs/female were laid compared to control that laid 354.15±42.65 egg/female. Again, eggs averaging 166.20±7.5 eggs/female were laid in H. anatolicum treated with A. oryzae at 1.0× 108 conidia/mL compared to control that laid eggs averaging 416.25±21.71/female in cold. This study revealed that A. oryzae was effective for control of ticks could be applied in agricultural fields to protect animal from tick’s damage consequently improving animal products in processing industry in Tanzania This is Research Article

Antimicrobial and Physiochemical Activities of Semi-Arid Honey and Beeswax Quality

Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Antimicrobial and Physiochemical Activities of Semi-Arid Honey and Beeswax Quality Kilonzo, Mhuji.; Ngongolo, Kelvin.; Thomas, Faith.; Zekeya, Never. Many ethnic groups have historically employed bee products, such as honey and beeswax, to treat a variety of ailments due to their known inhibitory impacts on bacteria and fungi (p. 2). In this study, honey and beeswax collected from the semi-arid University of Dodoma apiary were evaluated for their physiochemical and antibacterial qualities (p. 2). Each honey sample was examined for moisture content, ash, acidity, pH, reducing sugars, apparent sucrose, and hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) (p. 2). Using the disk diffusion method, the antimicrobial activity of both honey and beeswax samples was assessed against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans (p. 2). The results showed that all tested honey parameters met accepted international standards (p. 2). Honey and beeswax gel samples demonstrated high sensitivity against the tested microbes (p. 2). Consequently, it was concluded that the honey and beeswax from this study align with international quality standards (p. 2). Additionally, the presence of bioactive components in the studied samples justifies their traditional use for treating various ailments across Africa (p. 2 This is Research Article