Browsing by Author "Msalilwa, U"

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Nicotine contents in honey from tobacco and non tobacco growing areas in Kigoma region, Tanzania
(Tanzania Forestry Research Institute (TAFORI) and Tanzania Forest Fund (TaFF)", 2018) Balama, C; Kagosi, P; Tewele, C; Mbwambo, L.; Laswai, F; Msalilwa, U; Ernest, S
Nicotine content in honey is currently the major issue of concern to honey quality in Tanzania. This study was carried out to determine nicotine content in honey from tobacco and non-tobacco growing areas in Kigoma Region, Tanzania. Specifically, the study determined nicotine contents in honey and bee fodder samples. Fresh honey samples were collected from beehives within tobacco and non-tobacco growing areas and from vendors for laboratory tests. Results showed that nicotine content in the fresh honey which was collected from beehives located within tobacco growing areas is significantly higher than that collected from non-tobacco growing areas (0.46µg/g vs. 0.26µg/g, p <0.05). The honey samples from vendors in town and villages had nicotine contents of 0.41µg/g and 2.98µg/g, respectively. It was observed that most of the bee fodder tree species in Miombo woodland had traces of nicotine. Among the most important bee fodder tree species with the highest amount of nicotine were Brachystegia spiciformis (20.966µg/g), and Julbernardia globiflora (13.168µg/g). Meanwhile Vernonia colata, Combretum collinum and Combretum mole had the lowest nicotine contents of 0.836µg/g, 0.006µg/g, and 0.004µg/g, respectively. Generally, honey samples which were collected from all sources contained different amounts of nicotine. However, these contents were perceived to be tolerable for human health. The sampled bee forage tree species were also observed to have nicotine, which is associated with nicotine in the honey. The study recommends for the establishment of the national standards indicating the allowable amount of nicotine in honey for human consumption. Further research needs to be done in other areas and vegetation types in order to address this concern country- wise
The role of on-farm trees as an adaptation strategy to climate change effects around Mkingu Nature Forest Reserve in the Eastern Arc Mountains, Tanzania
(2016-12) Msalilwa, U; Laswai, F; Balama, C.; Mbwambo, L.; Soka, G.
A study was conducted to investigate the role of on-farm tree as a long-term and sustainable adaptation strategy to climatic stresses in eight villages around Mkingu Nature Forest Reserve (MkNFR) in the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania. Specifically, the effects of climate change to peoples’ livelihoods and the role of onfarm as an adaptation to the climate change effects were assessed. The role of existing on-farm trees as an adaptation to climate change effects was also investigated. Data was collected using household questionnaire surveys, Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA), key informant interviews, tree stocking assessment on-farms and direct field observations. Temperature and rainfall data for the past 30 years were obtained from Mtibwa Sugar Company Weather Station. Results showed that the majority (92%) of the respondents were mainly engaged in farming and/or involved in various other economic activities such as livestock keeping, fishing, trading of forest products and petty business. CRiSTAL model results revealed that the main effects of climate change on peoples’ livelihoods include decreased yield of agricultural crops, availability of fuelwood and increase in human diseases and natural disasters. Seventy percent of the respondents reported to rely on on-farm trees as an adaptation to climate change effects in the area. About 76% of the respondents in the area planted trees in their farms for this purpose. It was further learnt that people living around the reserve also used crop diversification, irrigation, fishing and petty business were as adaptation strategies to the. Results also indicate that adaptation to climate change is constrained by several factors such as lack of information and funds and shortage of water for irrigation in the study area. Findings of the study suggest the need for greater investment in local communities’ education and improved institutional set up for climate change adaptation to improve their livelihoods.