Browsing by Author "Lekule, Faustin P."

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Implications of local knowledge in the utilization of forage resources in mixed livestock systems of Eastern Tanzania
(Taylor & Francis, 2007) Komwihangilo, Daniel M.; Lekule, Faustin P.; Kajembe, George C.; Mgheni, Dyness M.; Petersen, Poul H.
Smallholder farmers have considerable understanding of locally available resources that they normally use in crop and livestock production. This was demonstrated in a study about the utility of local knowledge in forage quality evaluation for a mixed livestock production system in Turiani division, Morogoro region, Eastern Tanzania. Participatory rural appraisal (PRA) was conducted in four villages in order to identify forages and criteria used by farmers in the description of nutritional and feeding values of local feeds for cattle. Eight to 12 farmers were convened in each village to discuss the different forage species used for cattle feeding, reasons for their preferences and local experiences related to feed resource management. Key informants interviews were also done with farmers’ group leaders and some farmers. Checklists, direct observation, matrix ranking and semi-structured interviews were the major tools applied. Results indicated that criteria used for forage quality assessment were based on objectives of cattle production. These included the amount of milk produced (lactating cows), growth (calves) and general health condition of animals. Palatability of forages and animal satisfaction when fed were other criteria used. Forage grasses such as Pennisetum purpureum, Panicum maximum and Rottboellia cochinchinensis were ranked the highest, intermediate and lowest respectively according to the above criteria. These findings suggest that forage quality description derived from day to day activities is crucial for any interventions that can improve livestock productivity in smallholder production systems.
Prevalence of porcine cysticercosis and associated risk factors in smallholder pig production systems in Mbeya region, southern highlands of Tanzania
(Elsevier, 2013-09-07) Komba, Erick V.G; Kimbi, Eliakunda C; Ngowi, Helena A; Kimera, Sharadhuli I; Mlangwa, James E.; Lekule, Faustin P.; Sikasunge, Chummy S.; Willingham III, Arve Lee; Johansen, Maria Vang; Thamsborg, Stig M.
Porcine cysticercosis (PC) caused by the larval stage of a zoonotic tapeworm Taenia solium, is known to pose serious economic losses and public health risk among smallholder pig production communities. The present study was conducted to determine prevalence and associated risk factors for PC in smallholder pig production systems in Mbeya region, the major pig rearing region of Tanzania. A cross-sectional survey employing a random sample of 300 pig keepers from 30 villages of Mbozi and Mbeya Rural districts, Mbeya region were used to evaluate pig production systems and practices. Concurrently, 600 male and female pigs of different age categories were randomly selected and examined for PC using lingual examination method and antigen enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Ag- ELISA). The overall pig level PC prevalence in Mbozi district was 11.7% (95% CI = 8.5–15.8%) and 32% (95% CI: 27–37.5%) based on lingual examination and Ag-ELISA, respectively. In Mbeya Rural district, the prevalences were 6% (95% CI: 3.8–9.3%) and 30.7% (95% CI: 25.8–36.1%) by lingual examination and Ag-ELISA, respectively. In Mbozi district 46% of the households were found infected (one or more infected pigs) and the corresponding figure was 45% for Mbeya Rural district. The agreement between lingual examination and Ag-ELISA was poor ( < 0.40). There were no significant differences in the prevalence of PC in different sex categories of pigs. Significant risk factors associated with PC preva- lence were free roaming of pigs (OR = 2.1; 95% CI = 1.3–3.6; p = 0.006), past experience of porcine cysticercosis in the household (OR = 2.6; 95% CI = 1.5–4.8; p = 0.002), increased age of pig (OR = 1.9; 95% CI = 1.2–3.0), slatted raised floor in pig pen (OR = 8.4; 95% CI = 1.0–70.0), in-house origin of the pig (OR = 1.6; 95% CI = 1.1–2.5) and sourcing of water from rivers (OR = 3.1; 95% CI = 1.6–6.3; p < 0.001) and ponds (OR = 5.0; 95% CI = 1.2–21.7; p = 0.031). This study has clearly revealed a high sero-prevalence of PC in the study area, which imposes a major economical and public health burden to the smallholder pig farmers. The study also points to a number of important risk factors in smallholder pig management that may be addressed (e.g. confinement, quality of pens and water sources) in future interventions and educational campaigns for control of T. solium.
Role of local knowledge in mixed livestock production systems Methodology and implications for research and development in Sub-Saharan Africa
(2007) Komwihangilo, Daniel M.; Lekule, Faustin P.; Kajembe, George C.; Petersen, Poul H.
Local knowledge is an important asset for smallholder farmers who operate differently in diverse crop and livestock production systems in the tropics. Various methods are needed for its acquisition, analysis, storage and communication. While local knowledge of livestock feeds and other resources is abundant, amalgamation of the positive aspects of this knowledge system with that emanating from contemporary scientific approaches is critical yet limited. The merger is desirable so as to achieve improved productivity and sustainability of mixed livestock production systems in Sub-Saharan Africa