Browsing by Author "Massawe, Boniface H. J."

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Characterization and classification of greenbelt soils in Yambio and Nzara counties, Western Equatoria State, South Sudan
(Academic Journal, 2023-05) Bazugba, Isaac A. J.; Massawe, Boniface H. J.; Shitindi, Mawazo; Deng, Pio K.
The objectives of this study were to characterize, classify and evaluate the potential and constraints of the soils of Sakure and Nginda Payams in Nzara and Yambio counties in the Greenbelt zone of Western Equatoria State, South Sudan. Ten soil pits were dug, described and sampled based on FAO soil profile description guideline and samples were analysed using standard routine lab analyses for physical and chemical properties. Data generated were analysed statistically using the coefficient of variation (CV) and correlation. Results showed that top and subsoil were dominated by sandy clay loams. The soil reactions were strongly to slightly acidic (pH = 5.4 - 6.7). The most limiting nutrients were P and N. SOC was highest in the top soil and consistently decreased with depth, the CEC was low (4 - 14.4 Cmol kg -1 ). The soils were classified into six major soil types: Ferralsol, retisols, acrisols, umbrisols, fluvisols, and chernozems. The soils have poor inherent soil fertility. It is recommended that further soil survey be carried out in the Greenbelt zone and to conduct more research to determine the type of soil fertility management feasible.
The effect of soil physical properties and soil microclimate on rodent burrows’ abundance and their characteristics in Western Usambara Mountains, Tanzania
(ournal of Agriculture and Ecology Research International, 2014-12-16) Meliyo, Joel, L.; Brabers, Leon; Massawe, Boniface H. J.; Msanya, B. M.; Kimaro, D. N.; Mulungu, L. S.; Kihupi, N. I.; Deckers, Jozef, A.; Gulinck, Hubert; Leirs, Herwig
The present study was carried out between September 2009 and June 2013 in Western Usambara Mountains plague focus with the aim of establishing the influence of selected soil physical properties and soil microclimate on rodent burrows’ abundance, portal orientation and use. Two landscapes with high and medium plague frequencies in Lokome and Lukozi villages were studied. In the two landscapes data were collected from 117 and 200 observation sites respectively, using 100 m x 200 m quadrats. At each quadrat crossing, a sample quadrat of 20 m x 20 m was demarcated for scanning rodent burrows whereby burrows encountered were counted and their portal orientation and burrow use described. Within each sample quadrat, selected soil physical properties including thickness of the soil genetic horizons and soil dry consistence were determined. Soil samples were collected from each horizon for laboratory texture analysis. Temperature (surface and subsurface to a depth 10 cm) and relative humidity at a depth of 10 and 30 cm were collected using infrared, thermo-couple thermometers and i-Buttons. Descriptive statistics, ANOVA and logistic regression were used to analyse the data by R-software. There were significant (P=.0001) differences between the two landscapes regarding topsoil depth, infrared temperature, relative humidity and rodent burrows’ abundance. In the high plague frequency landscape there was a significant influence (P=.05) of topsoil horizon thickness on rodent burrows’ abundance and use. Results also indicate that soil temperature to a depth of 10 cm was significantly (P=.05) correlated with rodent burrow use. Likewise, in the medium plague frequency landscape, soil physical properties and soil microclimate significantly (P=.0001) discouraged rodent burrowing. It was concluded that soil physical and soil microclimate encouraged and discouraged burrowing in the high and the medium plague frequency landscapes, respectively. The landscape with high rodent burrows’ abundance corresponded with high plague frequency records.
Floods stress in lowland rice production: experiences of rice farmers in Kilombero and Lower-Rufiji floodplains, Tanzania
(Frontiers Media SA, 2023-11-30) Michael, Paulo Sulle; Mwakyusa, Lupakisyo; Sanga, Hilda G.; Shitindi, Mawazo J.; Kwaslema, Damiano R.; Herzog, Max; Meliyo, Joel L .; Massawe, Boniface H. J.
The resilience of rice production to floods is a crucial aspect of agricultural development in flood-prone regions. However, little is known about the farming practices and challenges of rice farmers in two river basins in Tanzania: Lower-Rufiji and Kilombero, where rice is the main crop grown. This study aimed to investigate the experiences of farmers in these two rice-growing floodplains regarding the impact of floods on lowland rice production and farmer livelihoods, and the strategies they use to cope with floods. The study used a mixed-methods approach that involved household surveys, key informant interviews, and transect walks to collect data from 180 rice farmers and 14 experts and community leaders. The data analysis revealed that floods were the dominant stressor affecting rice production, occurring mostly during the long rainy season and experienced by all farmers in both locations. Floods not only caused significant crop losses, especially in Lower-Rufiji where farmers reported losing between 75 and 100% of their yield in cases of extreme floods, but also made it difficult to establish and manage crops, leading to crop land abandonment. Floods also affected the livelihoods of rice farmers by forcing them to abandon, rent, or sell their farms. Coexistence of floods with other biotic and abiotic stresses such as crop diseases and droughts also limited the use of short maturing high yielding rice varieties. Farmers have adopted on-farm strategies such as adjusting planting schedules, using different varieties of rice, changing to other crops or activities after the floods to cope with floods, but these practices face numerous challenges. The study recommends the development of early warning systems, breeding for flood-tolerant rice varieties, introgression of tolerance traits to multiple stresses and improving crop establishment methods to enhance the resilience of farmers to floods and other extreme climate events.
Landform and surface attributes for prediction of rodent burrows in the Western Usambara Mountains, Tanzania
(Tanzania Journal of Health Research, 2014-07) Meliyo, Joel, L.; Massawe, Boniface H. J.; Msanya, B. M.; Kimaro, D. N.; Hieronimo, Proches; Mulungu, Loth S.; Kihupi, N. I.; Deckers, Jozef, A.; Gulinck, Hubert; Leirs, Herwig
Previous studies suggest that rodent burrows, a proxy for rodent population are important for predicting plague risk areas. However, studies that link landform, surface attributes and rodent burrows in the Western Usambara Mountains in Tanzania are scanty. Therefore, this study was conducted in plague endemic area of the Western Usambara Mountains in northern, Tanzania, to explore the relationship between rodent burrows, and landform and surface attributes. The study was carried out in three areas corresponding to high (Lokome), medium (Lukozi) and low (Mwangoi) frequency of reported plague cases. Data were collected from 117, 200 and 170 observation sites for Lokome, Lukozi and Mwangoi, respectively using 100 m x 200 m quadrats. Remote sensing and field surveys were used to collect data on landform and surface attributes. Rodent burrows were surveyed and quantified by counting the number of burrows in 20m x 20m grids demarcated on the main 100m x 200m quadrats. The collected data were analysed in R software using boosted regression trees (BRT) technique. Rodent burrows were found at an elevation of above 1600m in the high and medium plague frequency landscapes. No burrows were found in the low plague frequency landscape situated below 1500m. BRT analysis shows a significant relationship between landform characteristics and rodent burrows in both high and medium plague frequency landscapes. Overall, elevation and hillshade are the most important determinants of rodent burrow distribution in the studied landscapes. It is concluded that in high altitudes, specific landform attributes (hill-shade, slope, elevation) and vegetation cover- favour rodent burrowing.
Potentials of synthetic biodegradable mulch for improved livelihoods on smallholder farmers: a systematic review
(Frontiers in Agronomy, 2024-09-25) Ramadhani, Ahamed Mwarabu,; Nassary, Eliakira Kisetu; Rwehumbiza, Filbert B.; Massawe, Boniface H. J.; Nchimbi-Msolla, Susan
Plastic waste in agriculture, particularly from polyethylene mulch, poses significant environmental challenges. Synthetic biodegradable mulch has emerged as a sustainable alternative, derived from renewable resources such as thermoplastic starch, polylactic acid, polyhydroxyalkanoates, and copolyesters. This review explores the benefits of synthetic biodegradable mulch, its environmental impact, and the policy landscape to support its adoption. A review of existing literature was conducted, focusing on three aspects: (1) the performance of synthetic biodegradable mulch in crop production and pest control, (2) the environmental, socioeconomic, and climate resilience compared to polyethylene mulch, and (3) the institutional policies that promote synthetic biodegradable mulch adoption. The analysis considered comparative data on yield, pest management, and sustainability metrics. Synthetic biodegradable mulch performs similarly or better than polyethylene mulch in various agricultural practices. It enhances crop yield, quality, and weed suppression, acts as a physical barrier against pests and diseases, reduces chemical usage, and aids in water and nutrient management. Moreover, synthetic biodegradable mulch offers environmental benefits by reducing plastic waste, microplastic pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate change mitigation. While synthetic biodegradable mulch provides numerous advantages, adoption faces challenges such as high initial costs, farmer preferences, and the regulatory framework. Effective institutional policies and increased consumer demand could drive wider adoption, offering potential for improved livelihoods among small farmers while promoting environmental sustainability.
Status and variability of soil micronutrients with landforms in the plague focus of Western Usambara Mountains, Tanzania
(International Journal of Plant & Soil Science, 2014-11-13) Meliyo, Joel L.; Massawe, Boniface H. J.; Brabers, Leon; Msanya, B. M.; Kimaro, D. N.; Kihupi, N. I.; Deckers, Jozef A.; Gulinck, Hubert; Leirs, Herwig
A study was carried out in Western Usambara, Tanzania to assess the status of soil micronutrients across three geomorphic units viz., plain, escarpment and plateau in order to provide essential information for on-going studies on plague epidemiology. Nineteen soil profiles were opened, described and 54 samples collected for laboratory analysis. Standard methods were employed to analyse soil physical and chemical properties. Micronutrients Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn were extracted by DTPA and quantities estimated spectrophotometrically. Spatial distribution of micronutrients along the geomorphic units and within pedons was studied using descriptive statistics, correlation, ANOVA and means separation was done by Tukey’s test at 95 % confidence interval in Minitab 14 software. Relationships between small mammal and flea abundance and micronutrients were established by regression analysis using R-software. Results showed that DTPA extractable Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn were variable. Fe ranged from 2.13 to 399.4 mg/kg soil, with a mean of 65.3 mg Fe/kg soil across the geomorphic units. Mn ranged from 0.59 to 266.28 mg Mn/kg soil while Cu ranged from 0.25 to 8.19 mg/kg soil with a mean of 2.98 mg Cu/kg soil. Results show that Zn ranged from 0.08 to 19.6 mg Zn/kg soil, with a mean of 1.16 mg Zn/kg soil. Generally, micronutrients declined with soil depth. The micronutrient levels were high in the geomorphic units with the trend: plateau > escarpment > plain. Iron was found to significantly P<.01 and P<.05 influence plague hosts and vectors. The study concludes that micronutrients vary with soils and geomorphic units. Iron had positive influence on plague hosts and vectors. Further research on the relationships between micronutrients, and plague hosts and vectors in different plague foci in the country is recommended.