Browsing by Author "Fundikira, S. S."

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Aflatoxin contamination of marketed spices in Tanzania: a case study of Dar es salaam
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2018) Fundikira, S. S.
Aflatoxin contamination of spices, namely ginger, cinnamon, cardamom and cloves marketed in three districts of Ilala, Temeke and Kinondoni in Dar es Salaam region, Tanzania was investigated in the year 2017/18. Aflatoxin B1, B2, G1 and G2 and total aflatoxins were determined in 120 spice samples using immuno-affinity high performance liquid chromatography and post column derivatization. Fifty eight percent of the spice samples were contaminated and the mean total aflatoxins level in ginger, cinnamon, cloves and cardamom was 2.67, 2.88, 2.79 and 2.26 (μg/kg), respectively. Aflatoxin B1 level in ginger, cinnamon, cloves and cardamom was 0.65, 0.41, 0.40 and 1.09 (μg/kg), respectively. About 10% of the contaminated spices had total aflatoxins above the acceptable EU regulatory level of 10μg/kg and the highest level was 11.9μg/kg, whereas 20.4% of contaminated spices contained aflatoxin B1 above the acceptable EU regulatory level of 5μg/kg, of which the highest level was 11.23μg/kg. Thirty respondents, from whom the spice samples were collected, were interviewed through a structured questionnaire to assess their awareness on aflatoxins, handling and storage practices of spices. The majority (96.7%) of the participants had neither heard of aflatoxins nor attended any training related to food handling and storage. None of the participants were aware of the ill-health effects of aflatoxins on humans and animals. The odds of respondents with age between 36 and 44 years (OR = 0.326, 95%CI = 0.113 - 0.940, p = 0.038) was significantly associated with aflatoxin contamination of spices collected compared to other age groups. The odds of spices that were purchased from farmers (OR = 0.178, 95% CI = 0.061 - 0.525, p = 0.002) was also significantly associated with aflatoxin contamination of spices compared to other sources. The odds of storing spices for length of more than 14 days (OR = 3.608, 95%CI = 1.099 - 11.845, p = 0.034) was significantly associated with aflatoxin contamination of spices as compared to storing for shorter periods of time. It was concluded that the prevalence of aflatoxin contamination of the spices was high and the level of awareness on aflatoxins was very low in the study population. Hence, there was need for raising awareness and sensitization of stakeholders involved in spices and spice value chain.
Farmer’s knowledge and practices on proper use of pesticides on tomato production to ensure safety among consumers: a case study of Mvomero district, Morogoro
(Tanzania Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2023) Fundikira, S. S.; Selestine, E.; Msollo, S. S.
Farmer’s knowledge and practices on proper use of pesticides in vegetables production is very crucial for increasing productivity while reducing the associated health risks. However, knowledge and practices on the use of pesticides in tomatoes production is limited. Therefore, this study aimed at assessing knowledge and practices on proper use of pesticides in tomatoes production for appropriate interventions. A cross sectional study was done at Doma and Mlali wards in Mvomero district among 120 randomly selected tomato farmers who were face to face interviewed using a questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were done using SPSSTM version 20. Results showed that 100% of farmers used pesticides to control tomato pests and diseases of which 54% preferred Snow tiger (Chlorofenapyr) and Dudumetrin (Sumithrin). About 85% reported to be reading pesticide instructions before applying but 45.8% among them did not adhere to the instructions claiming the recommended dosage to be inefficient. About 57% harvest tomatoes after seven days while others harvest at any time when they get customers. Ninety two percent of the farmers know the effects of improper use of pesticides on health however; among them 20% are not sure of the specific health effects. Knowledge on health effects of improper use of pesticide was significantly associated with reading instructional labels (AOR 2.99, 95% CI: 1.06-3.95) after adjusting for education levels and attending trainings on pesticides use. Generally, there is low knowledge on proper use of pesticides in tomatoes production and their associated health effects which creates a need for educating farmers and the public on proper use of pesticides to safeguard the health of consumers.