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.

Communities in SUAIRE
Select a community to browse its collections.
- The Agroforesty Community is a collaborative network dedicated to advancing sustainable land-use practices that integrate trees, crops, and livestock. It serves as a platform for knowledge exchange, research dissemination, and practical innovations in Agroforestry. By fostering connections among researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and local communities, the Agroforestry Community promotes environmental conservation, enhanced agricultural productivity, and resilient livelihoods.
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Recent Submissions
Stakeholder meeting for Kilimanjaro and Arusha: African dairy genetic gains data platform
(International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)., 2021) Lyatuu, Eliamoni; Nguluma, Athumani; Kitalyi, Aichi; Komwihangilo, Daniel; Mashingo, Maria; Msuta, Gilbert; Kely, Neema; Urasa, Asanterabi
Some physical and mechanical properties of Uapaca Kirkiana, a lesser-known timber species from Tanzania
(Tanzania Journal of Forestry and Nature Conservation, 2007) Gillah, P. R.; Makonda, F. B.; Ishengoma, R. C.; Kadala, B.; Kitojo, D. H.
This study was carried out to determine some physical and mechanical properties of Uapaca kirkiana a lesser known timber species growing in public land near Iyondo Catchment Forest Reserve, Kilombero District, Morogoro, Tanzania. A total of 3 trees were used in the study. Preparation of test samples and laboratory procedure to determine some physical and mechanical properties followed standard methods. Analysis of variance was used to determine the variation between and within trees and regression analysis was used to determine relationship between wood basic density and mechanical properties. The results showed that Uapaca kirkiana has whitish sapwood and dark brown heartwood, with a mean basic density of 518.14 kg/m3. The properties of Uapaca kirkiana were as follows: modulus of elasticity (7185.69 N/mm2), modulus of rupture (59.7 N/mm2), work to maximum load (0.06 mmN/mm3), total work to failure (0.07 mmN/mm3), shear strength parallel to the grain (11.86 N/mm2), compression strength parallel to the grain (34.4 N/mm2) and cleavage strength (20.21 N/mm width). On axial direction, the modulus of elasticity, total work to failure, compression strength parallel to grain and cleavage strength were directly proportional to its basic density while modulus of rupture, work to maximum load and shear strength parallel to the grain were inversely proportional implying that Uapaca kirkiana is suitable for activities, which require high modulus of elasticity, total work to failure, compression strength parallel to the grain and cleavage strength. On radial direction modulus of elasticity, modulus of rupture, work to maximum load, compression parallel to the grain and cleavage strength were directly proportional to basic density while shear parallel to the grain was inversely proportional to basic density. Compared to Khaya anthotheca, the timber species found in the same location and market; it was found that the timber of Uapaca kirkiana had modulus of rupture and compression parallel to the grain far lower than those of Khaya anthotheca, while the work to maximum load, total work to failure, shear strength parallel to grain and modulus of elasticity were almost the same. Due to the similarity in some of their physical and mechanical properties, the wood of Uapaca kirkiana may berecommended to substitute Khaya anthotheca in wood works that require medium density wood like in decoration where colour is considered an important aspect for appearance and in cabinet, panel and furniture making though it is not adequate in high-class strength joinery.
Tree species preferred for wood fuel in brick making in Morogoro municipality, Tanzania
(i-Proclaim, 2014) Magembe, Kija Steven; Makonda, Fortunatus B. S.
This study aimed at identifying the tree species commonly used in brick making in Morogoro
Municipality, Tanzania and proposing means for generation of modified energy sources that would
cover the full value of forest resource production and consumption. The research approach was two-
folds using; Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) and quantitative measurements. Results revealed that
almost all brick makers in the area used fuelwood as the major energy sources. Nine (9) tree species
were used in brick making, namely; Mkarati (Burkea africana), Mlama (Combretum molle), Mbiriti (Senna
siamea), Muarobaini (Azadirachta indica) and Mwembe (Mangifera indica). Others were Mkaratusi
(Eucalyptus spp), Mchongoma (Pithecellobium dulce) Mjohoro (Senna spectabilis) and Mkrisimasi (Delonix
regia). Of these, Mkarati, Mwembe, Mlama and Mbiriti were mostly preferred, though other species
were also used insignificantly. Increasing scarcity of some of other tree species meant that deforestation
from the nearby forests was a common problem. To reduce deforestation in the area, use of alternative
energy sources in brick making such as rice husks and bagasse are recommended. Other
recommendations are the establishment of woodlots, practicing agro-forestry systems and intensive
afforestation and reforestation programmes for more sustainable fuelwood use.
Basic density and strength properties of Pines in Uganda
(African Journals Online (AJOL), 2008-02-21) Ishengoma, R. C.; Odokonyero, G.; Makonda, F. B.; Hamza, K. F.
Basic density and strength properties and their variations in 25 year - old Pinus caribaea, P. oocarpa and P. kesiya grown in Katugo, Uganda were investigated. Six trees for each species were selected representing three diameter classes. The trees were felled after measuring their diameter at breast height. Three disks were cut from each tree at 1.3 m, 45% and 75% of total tree height for growth ring width and basic density assessment. For strength properties determination, a central plank measuring 65 mm thick was extracted from each sample tree starting at breast height upwards. Basic density was determined using water displacement. Tests of various strength properties were done in accordance with standard procedures. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Analysis System. Results for the studied properties of Pinus caribaea, P. kesiya and P. oocarpa respectively were as follows: Basic density: 424, 431,and 444 kg/m3; Modulus of rupture: 54.51, 56.31 and 60.69 N/mm2; Modulus of elasticity: 8590,8752 and 8825 N/mm2; Work to maximum load: 0.088. 0.099 and 0.101 mmN/mm3; Maximum compression strength: 33.38, 33.83and 34.66 N/mm2; Maximum shear strength: 9.43, 9.80 and 10.37 N/mm2 and cleavage: 11.79,12.15 and 12.48 n/mm. There were no significant differences in all wood properties between the three species. Between tree variations in wood properties were statistically insignificant (p<0.05) in all the species, indicating a low potential of improving wood quality through selection. Growth rate had no significant influence on wood properties. Wood properties studied decreased significantly from stump upwards the stem and increased from pith outwards in the three species. Strength properties of the three pine species were strongly correlated to basic density with regression coefficients (R2) of above 0.88. Wood strength property values obtained in this study were within the range of pines grown in Kenya and Tanzania. These findings indicate that there are possibilities of expanding the use of these species through promotion. Butt end logs and inner wood can be used for non-structural applications and the outer wood for structural purposes.
Reconsidering human-wildlife conflicts in communities around wildlife protected areas of Tanzania
(African Journal Online (AJOL), 2008-02-21) Maganga, S. L.; Tarimo, T. M.; Magayane, F. T.; Senkondo, E. M.; Kideghesho, J. R.
Tanzania has a number of wildlife protected areas (WPAs), surrounded by rural communities undertaking various socio-economic activities. These communities are constantly in conflict with wildlife because of the damage they cause. Surveys in some WPAs indicate that the damages of major concern include crop predation and attacks to people and livestock. These damages have social and economic implications to communities in terms of food security. This situation has existed for long without any satisfactory ways of addressing it. Recently, Community-Based Wildlife Conservation (CBWC) through established Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) has been envisaged as an approach to mitigate the conflicts. This approach is still under experimentation in Africa. However, there are indications that it may not be a plausible solution instead it may worsen the problem. Moreover, CBWC is feasible only where WPAs are large enough to establish WMAs. Another complication is that the wildlife policy clearly states that there is no intention of introducing a compensation scheme for wildlife based damages. It is high time this problem is reconsidered for example by instituting a compensation scheme. This would help the poor rural communities who bear the cost of wildlife conservation.