Theses and Dissertations Collection

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Assessment of environmental degradation in Nakambala Mazabuka Zambia
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 1996) Chinjila, Mellon Halubanje
An environmental degradation assessment was carried out in Nakambala Estate, Mazabuka Zambia in October 1994 to June 1995 . The objectives of the study were: impact change, of the natural sugar plantation vegetation between 1970 and 1993 ; (b) and (a) on demographic resource degradation expansion land to assess the to assess the soil physical and chemical status in cultivated and abandoned areas; and (c) to compare current soil physical and chemical status of the study area with the status when the sugar plantation was being established. Sequential aerial photography was used in assessing sugar plantation expansion and its impact on natural vegetation and land resource degradation. The impact of the sugar plantation expansion on demographic changes and energy needs (fuelwood) was also assessed. A field soil survey was carried out to assess soil condition in terms of general fertility and selected land qualities and characteristics matched with the requirements of irrigated sugarcane using the FAO (1983) land suitability framework. Soil carried out by using indices. degradation assessment wasiii The results of the study were; the sugar plantation expanded by 7 035 ha between 1970 and 1991; human population increased by 4 929 (at 4% per annum) and projected to reach 22 127 by the year 2 000. to sugar Natural vegetation was reduced by 25 % due plantation expansion aggravating the fuelwood deficit situation (5 447 m3/year in 1970 and 4 906 m3/year in 1991) . There was no visible evidence of soil erosion although waterlogging was the prevalent form of land degradation in all the mapping units. The soils are generally eutric (base saturation > 50%) with slight acidic to neutral reaction in cultivated fields (in mapping units; 2W, 10, 11 and 12) to slightly alkaline reaction in areas with abandoned fields (soil mapping unit 13). High soil bulk densities occur in soil mapping unit 2W due to compaction by heavy machinery and due to inherent nature of the soils in mapping units 10, 11, 12 and 13 (heavy clays). Oxygen inavailability (due to poor drainage), physical degradation and poor rooting conditions (due to shallow effective soil depth) are the most limiting conditions for sugarcane changes in chemical status growing. Over time, noticeable (sodication) was low in all the mapping units except in unit 10 where sodication development was noticed. Adverse soil physical changes (crusting and surface sealing) occurred in soil mapping units 11, 13. 12 andiv To stem environmental deforestation, degradation in the form of energy utilization from fuelwood should be reduced by electrifying township housing units. The continued use of vetiva grass for drain protection is advised. Alternative land uses in soil mapping units 11, 12 and 13 and complete abandonment of monocropping practices in these soils is strongly recommended.
Evaluation of rainfall interception models in a maize field
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 1996) Simwanza, Hopeson Isaac
Rainfall interception is a component of effective rainfall and is an important component in agriculture because of the latter's use in irrigation and drainage projects. A rainfall interception study was carried out at Kabanana farm plot no. 2952 M, a peri urban area in Lusaka, Zambia. The objectives of the study were (a) to measure rainfall interception by maize crop growing in a freely drained soil and (b) to evaluate and validate the models developed to represent rainfall interception loss. Standard raingauges placed adjacent to the study area and beneath the canopy of the maize plant were used to measure rainfall amounts. Funnel like collars were used to measure stemflow. A planimeter was used to measure leaf area required for the calculation of leaf area index and the data from the nearby University of Zambia meteorological station was used to estimate crop evapotranspiration. The results of the study showed that the interception process by a maize plant brought about an interception loss of 10%. Interception loss without stemflow was 27.4% implying that 17.4% of the incident rainfall reached the ground by flowing down the stalk of the maize plant as stemflow. Of the four models tested the models developed by Merriam (1960) , Leonard (1965) and De Jong and Cameron (1979) did not represent the process of interception by a maize plant. The linear regression model adopted by Gash (1979) which is insensitive to canopy structure was 93% significant for a two sided t-test at 95% confidence interval. It is highly recommended that the models should be calibrated before being adopted and a model should be developed that includes among the usual measurable parameters, leaf area configuration and branching patterns.
Digital processing of landsat thematic mapper satellite data for land cover classification using statistical methods for accuracy assessment: a case study of Ngerengere watershed
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 1998) Mahuha, Fares Enock
This study involved primarily digital image processing and interpretation land for classification . cover Part of Ngerengere watershed covering about 300 km2 was taken as a case study Land cover which relates to the type of feature present on the surface of the Earth of the study area was elaborated. The procedures involved were reconnaissance survey to acquire 'a priori' knowledge about the u n s u pe r v i s e d area, classi f icat ion, field work classification, for rectification and restoration, ground supervised truthing, image ultimately producing and a land cover map of Ngerengere watershed. ERDAS 7.5 was the remote sensing (RS) software applied. The elaborated accuracy, land using cover map statistical was assessed packages. foric.s Overall classification accuracy (OCA) was about 70% which was below the recommended minimum level of interpretation accuracy value of 85%. It was however, revealed that the low OCA was substantially attributed by low producer's accuracy for the class of built-up areas which was only 22%. Although the produced land cover map had relatively low OCA, it had agood correlation with the present land use and vegetation. Further statistical analysis, by use of KHAT (K) statistics gave a value of 0.65 which is above 0.5 and approaches 1.0, hence acceptance of the land cover map produced from thatiii classification as primary data for land use planning. It percentage of also indicated extent the which to correct values of an error matrix used are due to true agreement and not by chance agreement. Chi-square (X2)distribution to test the goodness of fit of the land cover map elaborated, concluded absence of significant difference between the obtained and recommended OCA at significance level reject of and hence absence of enough evidence to 0.01, the classification for various applications like proposal for land use planning. In order to come up with a sustainable land use planning of the area, category other data are required. needed its own ancillary Every land cover data which are site specific to come up with. a proposal or alternatives for land use planning of an area. For instance, agricultural lands and rangelands classes needed much more ancillary data due to their spectral similarity and inseparability characteristics revealed during this study. Finally it is recommended for continuation of the study so as to come up with a sustainable land use planning of an area because thereis a problem already and timely intervention is imperative operation for the betterment of future generation.
Modelling and measurement of soil moisture content based on a remote sensing method for applications in Semi-arid tropics.
(University of Bonn, 1999-06-18) Salim, Baanda A.
Soil moisture plays a very crucial role in land surface processes It should therefore be monitored with the same accuracy and frequency as other important environmental variables Two approaches are used for estimation of soil moisture content, namely, modelling and measurement, either in-situ or remote. Integration of modelling and measurements may provide the best solution towards estimation of soil moisture content The utility of ground-based thermal infrared remote sensing method for the estimation of nearsurface soil water content was tested under tropical semi-arid agricultural conditions in Morogoro, Tanzania, East Africa Field experiments were conducted between January and August, 1997 at a bare soil site Regression relationships between the daily maximum surface soil temperature minus air temperature (TDMax) and weighted-average soil water contents to different depths in the soil profile were developed based on the measured data Better correlations were obtained for the top 0-5 and 0-15 cm layers of the soil, with coefficients of determination ofO 81 and 0.78, respectively Use of "Normalized TDMax" as well as cloudncsscover- correctcd "Normalized TDMax” (TDaMax) resulted in even better coefficients of determination (c g , 0 95 for the 5 cm depth) A physically based model of coupled flow of heat and water in the soil (SUAHEAT) was developed The SUAHEAT model was tested by comparing its simulated soil water contents and soil temperatures with those measured at the bare soil site Both qualitative as well as quantitative methods were used to evaluate the model performance, for the calibration and validation phases For the calibration phase, the average values of the mean absolute difference (MAD) of soil water content were 0.06, 0 05, 0 05, and 0.03 m7nP for the 5, 15, 30, and 45 cm depths, respectively The corresponding average values of the root mean square difference (RMSD) of soil water content were 0.07, 0 06. 0 05, and 0 03 m’/m’ for the same depths, respectively As for the validation phase, the average MAD values of soil water content were 0 09, 0.05, 0 08, and 0 17 nP/nP for the same depths, respectively. The corresponding average RMSD values for the same depths were 0 12. 0 08, 0 10, and 0 19 nP/nP, respectively The unusually large errors (at the 45 cm depth) during the validation phase could be attributed to the overestimation of soil water content values during very wet conditions arising from the calibration equation used. The performance of the model in the simulation of surface, near-surface, and profile soil temperatures was also both qualitatively and quantitatively evaluated In the calibration phase, the MAD values were 2 8, 1 1,0 5, and 0 3 °C for the 5, 15. 30, and 45 cm depths, respectively. The corresponding RMSD values for the same depths were 3 5, 1.3, 0.6, and 0.4 °C, respectively. For the validation phase, the MAD values for the same depths were 2.3, 1 2, 0 7, and 0.4 °C, respectively. The corresponding RMSD values for the same depths were 2.7, 1.4, 0.8, and 0.5 °C, respectively. Generally, the errors obtained with the use of the SUAHEAT model are comparable to values obtained by other researchers elsewhere using similar models. Integration of the model with remotely sensed surface soil water content and temperature data was effected through use of the initial profiles of soil water content and temperature. The initial profile data were derived from the regression relationships between TDMax and surface soil water content on the one hand, and between the surface and profile soil temperatures on the other, respectively. Model simulation results obtained using the remotely sensed initial conditions indicated that it is feasible to use remotely sensed data (one value of TDMax per day) to initialize the model Similarly, extrapolation of the remotely sensed near-surface (0-5 cm depth) soil water content to values at greater depths in the soil profile was shown to be feasible.
Water availability and use dynamics and the sustainability of water resources management in the great Ruaha river catchment in Tanzania
(2007) Rajabu, Kossa Ruzebelle Mnyimvua
The purpose of this study was to investigate sustainability of water resources management in the Upper Great Ruaha River Catchment (UGRRC) and the impacts of water availability and use dynamics to the downstream river flows. Trend analysis, regime shift analysis, low flow analysis and generation of indicators of hydrologic alteration (IHA) were among the methods used to investigate variability of rainfall and river flows. Water abstraction and use patterns were investigated through intensive hydrometric monitoring and social survey methods. An integrated river basin decision-making framework was developed and used to assess the sustainability of water resources management. The study found out that although river flows entering the UGRRC have not changed much between pre 1980 and post 1980 time windows, split sample analysis of the flows showed that the mean annual runoff exiting the UGRRC decreased from 2537.55 Mm 3 to 2053.77 Mm 3. The dry season flows also decreased by 57% between the two time windows and the decrease, found to be due to human interventions taking place in the plains, is statistically significance at 5% significance level. Analysis of IHA parameters revealed a progressive decline in flows lower than Q 30 . The analysis showed that 1-day minimum flow exiting the UGRRC decreased from 2.572 m 3 /s to 0.1221 m 3 /s; Q 90 decreased from 2.720 m 3 /s to 0.266 m 3 /s; zero flow days have increased from 0.25 days to 22 days per annum in the post-impact period; and the minimum flows now, start two weeks earlier as compared to the pre-impact window. This implies a faster depletion rate of dry season flows in the UGRRC.iii Comprehensive assessment of water demands and water resources of the Mkoji sub- catchment revealed that during the dry season water resources are the limiting production factors as they are not enough to meet the current requirements for irrigation, let alone other water use sectors. The formal water rights were found to be problematic as in eight out of the 12 studied river systems water rights were higher than the actual river flows. However, the granted formal water rights were much higher compared to the actual water requirements resulting into over-abstractions of water above what is needed for crop production. As such streams run dry half way through the sub catchment as water that would have kept them flowing throughout the year are used up for irrigation. The result is that downstream water users suffer more from water shortages and some sub-catchments (e.g. Mkoji) are now closed during the dry season, contributing zero flows to the Great Ruaha River. Assessment of sustainability showed that current water resources management practices in the UGRRC are unsustainable and if maintained, they could lead to severe social, environmental and economic consequences. The study concludes that there is a need to review the formal water rights to conform to current water availability and requirements and to improve monitoring and data management system in order to fulfil the mission, goals and objectives of water resources management in Tanzania. This study has demonstrated the value of combining different research methods and analyses and the role of simple decision support tools to assist in reaching and evaluating decisions concerning sustainable water resources management.
Potentials and constraints of Kilombero valley among agro pastoralists community
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2008) Luwanda, Paschal Lucas
Environment degradation, loss of grazing lands, high grazing intensities and drought in northern regions of Tanzania, led to massive migration of pastoralists and livestock to more resourced areas in the south. This has brought different ethnic groups into same ecological ranges there by increasing environmental degradation and resource use conflict. Kilombero valley is one area which received many pastoralists now days with highest conflict incidents reported. The objectives of this study were, (a) to identify major land uses in the valley (b) to evaluate selected land utilization types (c) to identify areas of land use conflicts and (d) to recommend remedial measures. Land unit map was established through visual aerial photo interpretation, three main physiographic units were distinguished: the Hilly, the Piedmont and the alluvial plain. PRA and questionnaire were used to collect socio-economic data and SPSS programme was used for analysis. Soil survey carried out and soil samples were analysed for physical and chemical properties important to the requirements of the selected land utilization types. The results revealed that, land uses in the valley include farming, grazing, bee keeping, wild life utilization, fishing and forest utilization. The absence of irrigation schemes, limited use of new agricultural technology, poor agricultural infrastructure and extension services are among the major constraints to farming. On livestock, overstocking and poor technical services are among the major problems. As for land evaluation, it was noted that the alluvial plain which potential for paddy cultivation, is in stiff competition with livestock grazing due to availability of pasture and water. Conflicts between farmers and pastoralists are rooted on crop damage by livestock and land disputes among others. Absence of exiting land use plan has worsened the situation. In conclusion, both pastoralists and farmers are engaged in farming and zoning for different land use types was recommended.iii
The contribution of forest products to rural livelihoods in Nkasi district, Rukwa, Tanzania
(Sokoine university of agriculture, 2008) Rwamahe, Ansbert Severin
This study was conducted in Nkasi District, Rukwa region, Tanzania, with the overall objective of assessing the contribution of forest resources in improving the livelihoods of rural communities. The focus was on various ways in which local communities in the study area earn income through forest resources. Similarly, the study focused on the types and quantities of the forest products and establishment of the contribution of the products to household income. Primary data were collected from household survey in the study area by using questionnaire, PRA techniques and check list for key informants. Data collected during PRA were analysed with the help of local community. Content and structural- functional analysis techniques were applied for qualitative data and information. The quantitative data were analyzed by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) programme. The secondary data were obtained from the District Natural Resources Office. The results show that indigenous forests provide various types of forest products with substantial contribution to the livelihoods of the household. The forest products comprise about 21% of the total annual household cash income. Likewise, the study quantified the annually utilized forest products per household to be around TAS 186 815. The study also identified endangered plant species orchids which is widely traded and consumed by about 63% of the sampled households. The study shows that most of the forest resource users utilize forest products that require licenses. It was further noted that most of the users do not acquire licenses. Based on the findings of the study, it is recommended that contemporary forest management approaches such as Community Based Forest Management (CBFM) and Joint Forest Management (JFM) should be employed in order to ensure sustainable use of forest resources.
Verification of medium-range weather forecasts over Tanzania
(Sokoine University Of Agriculture., 2008) Kululetera, Venerabilis
There are several weather forecasting systems within and outside Tanzania issuing medium-range rainfall forecasts. However, few attempts have been made to evaluate the accuracy of these forecasts. Hence the major objective of this study was to evaluate some selected medium-range rainfall forecasts and forecasting systems issuing those forecasts. Based on the above objective, the study could firstly evaluate medium-range rainfall forecasts in selected bimodal and unimodal areas of Tanzania; secondly identify the most important verification indicators on rainfall forecast accuracy relevant to agriculture and lastly compare forecasted rainfall amounts by Accuweather with actual rainfall amounts as recorded by TMA. The datasets used include 10-day rainfall forecast generated by two forecasting systems in Africa namely; the Tanzania Meteorological Agency (TMA), the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Climate Prediction and Application Centre (ICPAC) formally known as Drought Monitoring Centre (DMC)-Nairobi. Others included the National Centre for environment Prediction (NCEP) in the USA, and State College Accuweather Company also in the USA, and observed 10-day accumulations of precipitation of five selected stations from TMA. The method used to investigate the overall and specific objectives included the contingency table that shows the requency of “yes” and “no” forecasts and occurrences. In the same way, categorical statistics skill measures were computed from the elements in the contingency table to describe particular aspects of forecast performance. Results from Accuweather forecast products appeared to perform better in the short rainy season (OND) than in the long rainy season (MAM) with respect to accuracy. Similarly, the ICPAC forecasts products appeared to perform better in the OND than in MAMseason. Generally on the other hand, all the three forecasting systems (NCEP, Accuweather and ICPAC) all forecasts were worse than the reference forecast based on the HSS negative skill scores obtained for all rainy seasons.
Effectiveness of selected vegetation cover types as sediment filters: a case study of Lake Victoria shore line, Magu District, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2009) Masanja, Emmanuel Daniel
A study was conducted in Ihale Village, Magu District, Tanzania aimed to assess the effectiveness of selected vegetation cover types as Vegetative Buffer Strip Filters and their corresponding vegetation strip widths in filtering sediment delivery that are likely to enter the surface waters of the Lake Victoria from agricultural lands. Sediment laden runoff plots measuring 2 m by 20, 15, 12.5 and 10 m were established to determine the effectiveness of the selected filters and strip filter widths set at 10, 5 and 2.5 m against a standard width of 10 m which was planted with maize (Zea mays). The filters evaluated include elephant grass (Pennisetum sp) and Lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus). Variables measured include: daily sediment for the rainy days, daily rainfall, infiltration rates, plant vigour of the filters (plant height) and percent vegetation cover. Data was analysed statistically using Excel, SAS and SPSS statistical packages. The results demonstrate that mass of sediment delivery through the tested filters decreases exponentially with increasing filter widths for all tested vegetation types with correlation coefficient (R 2 ) ranging from = 0.6 to 0.8. The trapping efficiency of the tested filters increases logarithmically with increasing filter widths. Sediment trapping efficiency increased from 54% at 2.5 m to 78% at 10 m vegetative filter widths for all tested vegetation types. A significant correlation exists between sediment delivery through elephant grass and lemon grass with filter strip width, percent vegetation cover and plant growth characteristics. About 30 to 40% of the observed variation in the prediction of sediment delivery through selected vegetation types could be explained by the percent vegetation cover alone. The study demonstrates that the tested Vegetative Buffer Strip Filters have the potential to purify water from sediment that has been transported into the riparian zone from the agricultural lands. Further research is recommended.
Access to formal credit and its linkace with agricultural technologies adoption: a case of smallholder farmers ln Zanzibar
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2009) Mohamed, Khalid Salim
This study was conducted in order to determine the extent of access to formal credit in rural Zanzibar and identify factors that influence smallholder farmers* access to formal credit. It also aimed to assess the linkage between access to credit and the adoption of agricultural technologies. In conducting the study, both primary and secondary data were collected. In the collection of primary data, questionnaires were administered to 750 randomly selected smallholder farmers. The data collected were analyzed descriptively and quantitatively. The results from the study reveal that outreach and access of formal credit in the study areas is low. About 78% of sampled households were found to be credit constrained. It was also revealed that 41% of the credit constrained households were relatively members of the more poor group in the study areas, while only 10% of the non-credit constrained belonged to this group. Furthermore, the study results suggest that the number of times one has received formal credit, keeping livestock, having a bank account, value of productive assets owned and household total income are important factors in influencing smallholder farmers* access to formal credit. The findings also show that the intensity of extension contacts, household size, and the value of productive assets are important factors in influencing agricultural technology adoption among non credit households, while the number of times one has ever received formal credit was found to have more influences in inducing technology adoption among credit constrained households. Based on these findings, it is recommended that smallholder farmers should be availed the opportunities of getting repeat loans in order to improve their chances of accessing credit in the formal credit markets and enhance adoption of agricultural technologies. Farming households can as well be encouraged to diversify their income sources within and away from agricultural activities through promotion of mixed farming and off-farm activities. The need to develop a saving culture in the farming communities is also crucial for ensuring the creation of sustainable and efficient financial system. Furthermore, it is recommended that in order to enhance adoption of agricultural technologies, extension services should be targeted to non-credit constrained households.
Mineralization of nitrogen and phosphorous from commonly used animal manure in Tanzania .
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2009) Chrispin, Mlowe Fredrick
A study was conducted at Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), Morogoro, Tanzania during 2007/08. The objective of the study was to evaluate extent of mineralization of N and P from four commonly used animal manure in Tanzania namely; poultry, pig, goat and cattle. The study involved a ten week incubation experiment and a glass house experiment in which okra was used as a test crop .The experimental design for the two experiments was split plot with manure types as the main plots and application rates as sub-plots. Results of the incubation experiment indicated that application of the four manure types significantly (p<0.01) increased N and P levels. Generally, Poultry manure resulted in highest levels of net N and P followed by pig, goat and cattle manure. The trend of N mineralization from the four manure types resembled that of P mineralization. Similar trends were observed for the attributes evaluated in the pot experiment .Okra shoot dry weight and root dry weight were highest in poultry manure amended pots and lowest in cattle manure amended pots. Poultry manure had the highest levels of N and P and narrowest ratios of C/N and C/P suggesting superior mineralization of N and P. Based on the fertilizer recommendation of N and P for maize in Southern Highlands of Tanzania (N=80kg N/ha and 20kgP/ha) and the highest application rate of 300kgN/ha used in this study, applications of 10.75tons/ha of poultry manure 12.84tons/ha of pig manure 18.47tons/ha of goat manure and 21.27tons/ha of cattle manure will meet the recommendation of 80kgN/ha. The above application rates will also provide 12.43kgP/ha, kgP/ha,11.54kgP/ha,13.76 kgP/ha and 10.97kgP/ha for poultry, pig, goat and cattle manure respectively which will not meet P recommendation. Based on the above the following are recommended: (1) Efforts should be directed towards improvement of animal manure quality in order to reduce amounts required to meet N and P recommendations. (2) Manures should be supplemented with inorganic P or other sources such as rock phosphate. (3)Training programmes should be designed for farmers and extension staff to sensitize them on manure use and management practices.
The impact of dairy production on rural livelihoods in Hai district, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2010) Machange, Elia Nicodemus
This study was conducted in Hai District, Kilimanjaro Region in order to determine the impact of milk production on rural livelihood. Specifically the study aimed to (i) determine levels of milk production among small scale dairy farmers (ii) explore market outlets of milk produced by dairy cattle keepers and (iii) assess impact of milk production on livelihoods. The study used both primary and secondary data. Primary data were collected from household survey in the study area using structured questionnaires. The collected secondary data included records of milk production, marketing and consumption. These were obtained from the District Livestock Development Office and from dairy cooperative office. Data were coded, entered and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16 computer program. Descriptive statistics particularly frequencies and percentages were deployed in the analysis. Results of the study as per objective shows that, annual milk production ranged from a minimum of 600 litres per cow per year to a maximum of 3600 liters per cow per year. Furthermore, the result revealed that 37.1% of the respondents sold their milk to restaurant owners where 35.3% sold their milk to the dairy cooperative milk collection centers. Others sold their milk to milk vendor (19%), schools (6%) and 1.7% of them sold milk to other outlets including kiosk. Moreover, the study also showed that dairy production contributed directly to food security through consumption of milk and use of milk income to purchase food and household assets. It is therefore recommended that deliberate efforts should be made to promote small scale dairy cattle production. Furthermore, it is recommended that reliable market be provided to milk producer in order to encourage the smallholder farmers to increase milk production.
Evaluation of drip irrigation system on coffee (coffea arabica): a case study of kilimanjaro plantation in moshi district kilimanjaro region tanzania
(Sokoine university of agriculture, 2010) Clemens, Robert Edward
This study was conducted at one of the estates in Kilimanjaro Plantation to assess the performance of the drip irrigation system on coffee yield. Climatic, plant and soil factors were used for the calculation of monthly crop water and irrigation requirements and results compared with actual performance of the irrigation system. Further evaluation of the system performance was carried out using catch cans. The experiment was carried out on a 3-year-old coffee cultivar N39 at 3m spacing between lines of plants and 1.5 m between plants. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with five treatments replicated four times. The treatments included five irrigation application levels: T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 corresponding to flow rates of 0, 0.6, 1.2, 1.8 and 2.4 lph/emitter respectively. The results from calculations showed that the daily irrigation requirement is 18 litres per tree, or applying 90 litres at an irrigation interval of 5 days at peak demand. The EU in the selected block was found to be 94%, which is within the acceptable standards. The wetted area ranged from 0.12 to 0.21 m 2 . The relative water supply ranged from 0.45 to 0.98 indicating that the crop demand was not met by both rainfall and irrigation. Coffee yield and water productivity was also investigated. The best treatment towards the yield of coffee was T5 which produced mean yield of 2945 kg/ha while treatment T1 produced the least yield of 2045 kg/ha. The best WP was 1.56 kg/m 3 found in T1 and lowest was 0.95 kg.m 3 in T5. There were significant differences in yield and irrigation water productivity between treatments. T1 and T2 were not significantly different. It is recommended that further research covering other parts of the plantation should be conducted to confirm the results from this study.
Transfer and utilisation of selected agricultural production innovations in Tanzania: a case of Kilosa district
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2010) Mwanga, Lilian Jesse
Farmers can potentially increase their productivity through adoption of agricultural production innovations, practices, and new input packages, if appropriate extension services are put in place. However, many conventional extension approaches in Tanzania have received criticism for being limited to demonstration of technologies. limited use of farmer’s knowledge, and using the already packaged information. Thus, this study) was conducted to assess the extent of availability, transfer and utilisation of selected cotton and maize agricultural production innovations in Kilosa district, Morogoro region. Specific objectives of the study were to: identify agricultural production innovations available to the extension service; determine the extent to which agricultural production innovations are transferred and utilised; and identify factors contributing to success or failure in transfer and utilisation of agricultural production innovations. Data were collected from 144 respondents including 120 farmers. 4 extension workers and 20 key informants using questionnaires, researcher’s diary and checklist. Data were processed and analysed using SPSS computer programme and “content" analysis technique. The findings showed that agricultural production innovations are generally available although in forms that vary in terms of degree to which they can be helpful to the field extension worker and the farmer. The extent of transfer of agricultural production innovations tends to vary from crop to crop, depending on emphasis given by the government in favour of a particular crop. It was concluded that some of the constraints to transfer such innovations arc of extension nature while others are clearly beyond the responsibilities of the extension worker. The study recommended that efforts be made to refine agricultural production innovations; provision of necessary incentives lo extension workers (such as transport and regular in-service training): and undertake case studies on interaction between field extension workers and farmers.
Perfomance of rehabilitated irrigation systems: a case study of Igomelo irrigation scheme in Tanzania
(Sokoine university of agriculture, 2011) Mchelle, Amy Richard
Many irrigation systems indicate failures with respect to their anticipated benefits. However, improvement of these schemes can be brought about through their rehabilitation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of Igomelo rehabilitated irrigation scheme covering both the performance of irrigation water distribution systems and the roles of irrigators association.The scheme was divided into three reaches upper, middle and tail end. Three plots with maize, tomatoes and onions from each reach were randomly selected. Amount of water entering the plots were monitored for adequacy, equity, dependability and productivity analysis. Also three canals each from the mentioned reaches was assessed for seepage, maintenance and conveyance efficiencies. The IA wasevaluated using indicatorsSADC- ICART such as structures’ condition, effectiveness in fees collection (EFC) and financial self sufficiency (FSS). A structured questionnaire was administered in order to obtain information on irrigation and roles of irrigators association. The conveyance efficiencies in the main canal were 68.2% with values between 69and 87% for tertiary canals. Seepage ranging between 0.044 and 0.104l/s per meter lengthwas also observed in the canals. A SCI of 90% was obtained showing structures in good working condition.Despite a good FSS (1.10 -2.21) some structures lack some components. Adequacy in water supply is good with Relative Water Supply (RWS) between 0.92 and 3.96with highest RWS at the middle reach. However, the dependability in water supply was low while equity in water supply was observed in tomato plots than in maize and onions. The output per unitwater supply for tomato was between 684.4 and 14492.55 US$ha -1 while the highest output per unit water3 supply for tomato and maize were (1.68kg/m 3 )and (0.83kg/m 3 )respectively. However, not significantly different (p< 0.01). From both the IA and the water distribution systems the performance of the scheme is good.
Determination of physical properties of soybean, design and fabrication of improved soybean dehuller
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2011) Mushi, Justine Alfred
The objective of this study was to investigate the methods for improving dehulling efficiency and throughput of soybean dehuller, which included studying of some physical properties of soybean at different moisture levels related to dehulling, the use of different pre-treatment methods to loosen the seed coat to facilitate its removal during dehulling, and finally to develop an improved manually operated prototype dehuller which can dehul moist grain without clogging and undertake performance test of this dehuller. Four levels of moisture content ranging from 14 to 20 % dry basis (d.b) were used to evaluate the effect of moisture content on physical properties of soybean grains. In this moisture range, mean grain length, width, thickness, arithmetic mean diameter, geometric mean diameter, surface area, porosity and thousand grains weight increased with increasing moisture content. On the other hand, bulk density, true density and sphericity were found to decrease with increase in moisture content. The prototype dehuller was designed and fabricated with a dehulling surface which can dehul moist grain without clogging. The effect of pre-treatment methods on dehulling was carried out to evaluate the dehulling efficiency and throughput of the prototype dehuller. The pre-treatments investigated included boiling the grain at different durations followed by cooling to room temperature and soaking the grain for different durations followed by a rest period to allow surface moisture to be absorbed. The improved dehuller was used to dehull the pre-treated grain and the effect of pre-treatments on dehulling efficiency was evaluated based on the extent of seed coat removal. Also the effect of different pre-treatments on throughput of the dehuller was evaluated. The dehuller was able to achieve dehulling efficiency of 70.62 % for Uyole Soya-1 and 72.57 % for TGX 1895-33F. Throughput obtained was 50.76 kg/h and 55.50 kg/h for Uyole and TGX 1895-33F, respectively.
Landform and soil analysis for predicting distribution of plague reservoirs and vectors in Mavumo area, Lushoto district, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2011) Massawe, Hussein John Boniface
A study was carried out in Mavumo area, West Usambara Mountains, Tanzania, to analyse the importance of landform and soil characteristics in predicting the distribution of plague reservoirs and vectors. The main aim was to contribute to information base that would link landscape and ecological factors with the spatial distribution of plague disease in the area so as to provide information to institutions that are dealing with health and land use programmes in Tanzania. Remote sensing and GIS techniques coupled with standard field survey methods were employed to map and analyse the landforms and soils covering an area of 198 km 2 . Rodents (plague reservoirs) were trapped in the field based on the mapped landform-soil characteristics, and fleas (plague vectors) were counted from the rodents. The collected data was analysed statistically using Excel and Minitab softwares. Results showed that piedmont-plain, escarpment and plateau are the major landscapes in the study area from which 20 landform units and 13 dominant soil types were identified. The results demonstrated that the very steep complex slopes of the escarpment and the lower slopes of the high and mid slopes of the medium altitude plateaus neighbouring the plateau valley bottoms where water and food are easily accessible had higher abundance (> 40%) of plague reservoirs and vectors. The study showed that there is significant positive correlation (p < 0.05) between slope gradient and abundance of both plague reservoirs and vectors. Significant positive correlation (p < 0.05) was also observed between plague reservoirs abundance and soil effective depth and copper content. About 99% of the observed variation in the plague reservoirs and vectors occurrence could be explained by their respective models.
Stakeholders’ diverging interests and emerging resource use conflicts in apiculture in west Usambara mountains, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2011) Sinyangwe, Joy
The study was conducted in West Usambara Mountains, Tanzania to assess stakeholders diverging interests and emerging resource use conflicts in apiculture with respect to natural resource management (NRM) by local communities. The study aimed at generating knowledge base for effective governance of NRM by farmers and draw lessons for guiding NRM efforts in the study area. Participatory Rural Appraisal, GIS, focused group discussion; questionnaire survey and participant observation were the methods used in data collection from 98 respondents randomly selected. Data collected were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical analyses. The study identified five major land use types of which mixed cultivation and settlements is dominant (75.74%), associated with severe degradation of forest resources largely attributed to community’s socio-economic divergent interests. With regards to apiculture, the majority of individual small scale farmers (73%) were driven by socio-economic interests than NRM. On the other hand, farmers’ groups (10%) showed high interest in both economic and conservation of natural resources followed by faith based organisations (FBOs) (7%). Stakeholders’ diverging interests in apiculture were significantly influenced by educational level (p=0.010); household size (p=0.006); marital status (p=0.011) and major economic activities (p=0.029). The most prevalent conflicts in the study area were between farmers practising apiculture and fellow farmers (74%) followed by neighbours (16%). The identified resource use conflicts in apiculture were significantly influenced by the level of interest (p = 0.025) and age (p = 0.032) of the respondents at p<0.05. The study demonstrated that for small scale farmers to engage in NRM, economic interest is vital. The study recommends that efforts should be directed towards promotion of apiculture as an economic incentive for sustainable NRM. A stepped up and focused approach for mobilization of small scale farmers as beekeepers coupled with establishment of a coordinated framework for NRM is strongly recommended.
Hand transmitted mechanical vibrations and shocks to operators of single-axle tractor during field operations
(2013) Hassan, Ali Shaib
This study was conducted using both field experiments and structured questionnaires to investigate the influence of hand transmitted mechanical vibrations and shocks experienced by operators from handles of a single-axle tractor and determine an optimum operator‟s daily exposure limits in field conditions. The field experiments were conducted at Kilimanjaro Agricultural Training Centre (KATC). Four different makes of single-axle tractors were studied, namely: AMEC S 1100A2 (distributed by District Councils), GREAVES GS-15 DIL (supplied by SUMAJKT), KUBOTA K120 and YANMAR TF110ML (supplied by MAFC to Training Institutes) and five experienced single-axle tractor operators were chosen for the field experiments. The results show that the magnitude of vibration during tillage operation varies between 6.481 m/s2 at 1.54 km/hr to 7.834 m/s2 at 4.51 km/hr for AMEC; 7.908 m/s2 at 1.95 km/hr to 8.442 m/s2 at 5.70 km/hr for GREAVES; 5.350 m/s2 at 1.11 km/hr to 7.856 m/s2 at 2.92 km/hr for KUBOTA; and 6.012 m/s2 at 1.04 km/hr to 10.263 m/s2 at 7.14 km/hr for YANMAR. The magnitude of vibration during rota-puddling operation varies between 5.817 m/s2 at 1.54 km/hr to 6.330 m/s2 at 4.51 km/hr for AMEC; 6.033 m/s2 at 1.95 km/hr to 7.739 m/s2 at 5.70 km/hr for GREAVES; 4.250 m/s2 at 1.11 km/hr to 4.445 m/s2 at 2.92 km/hr for KUBOTA and 5.271 m/s2 at 1.04 km/hr to 5.606 m/s2 at 2.14 km/hr for YANMAR. The magnitude of vibration during transportation operation varies between 10.067 m/s2 at 1.95 km/hr to 10.234 m/s2 at 5.70 km/hr for GREAVES; 6.01 m/s2 at 1.11 km/hr to 6.871 m/s2 at 2.92 km/hr for KUBOTA and 5.622 m/s2 at 1.04 km/hr to 6.903 m/s2 at 2.14 km/hr for YANMAR. The results further show that, the vibration acceleration total values (ahv) in three operational modes exceed both suggested Exposure Action Value (EAV) and Exposure Limit Value (ELV). The expectation for 10% operators to show symptoms of vibration-induced disorders for single-axle tractor operators working at full load for 8-hours per day in three operational modes are shown as 3 to 4 years for GREAVES operators, 4 to 5 years for AMEC and YANMAR operators and 5 to 7 years for KUBOTA operators. Structured questionnaires were administered to operators in two irrigation schemes; Lower Moshi in Kilimanjaro Region and Leki Tatu in Arusha Region. During field survey, single-axle tractor operators agree on the physiological or psychological fatigue experienced during operations. The fatigue was due to lack of proper training and skills on the required degree of interface between human-machine systems (coupling); exposure to extreme solar radiation; exposure to high magnitude of vibration through handles; use of extra energy to control the tractor and manoeuvre at headlands. The study results shows the presence of symptoms of vibration-induced disorders in its preliminary stages that if not diagnosed and attended in time, may develop to disorders that may result to impairment of life quality and disability of the affected operator. Therefore, the study demonstrates the susceptibility of operators to the effects of HAVS. The study recommends that further studies are required to be carried out to characterize vibration magnitude of single-axle tractors used in Tanzania so that best practice and guidelines can be established.
The effect of bushfires on abundance and diversity of mammals in miombo woodlands under different forest tenure, Kilombero district Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2013) Matimbwi, Lukelo
Miombo woodlands are the largest savanna in the world and dominate southern Africa. They support the livelihoods of over 100 million people and are strongly influenced by anthropogenic fires. This study was conducted with the overall objective of determining the effect of bushfires on mammals in miombo woodlands under different forest tenure systems. Household questionnaires, checklist of probe questions for key informants, participant observation, PRA techniques and field inventory were employed in data collection. Data collected during PRA were analyzed with the help of the local communities. Content and structural-functional analysis techniques were applied to qualitative data and information. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSSs) software was used to analyze quantitative data. Microsoft excel software tools were used to analyze mammals stocking data collected through inventory. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to test whether there were significant differences between the mean numbers of mammals obtained from different forest tenure systems. Shannon - Wiener Index (H‟) was used to determine species diversity of mammal species from different forest tenure systems. The results indicated that the main causes of bushfires in miombo woodlands was due to farm preparation 44.5%, charcoal making 21.1% and hunting wild animals 18.9%. Illegal timber harvesting and honey harvesting were considered as minor causes. In most cases the total numbers of mammals in a given area were higher in Central Governmental Forest Reserve followed by Local Government Forest Reserve and the least in Village Forest Reserve. However for the diversity indices, the mildly burned blocks in the Central Governmental Forest Reserve were 3.2 while in the Village Forest Reserve it was 2.0 and in the Local Government Forest Reserve it was 1.6. For moderately burned blocks the diversity index value for the Central Governmental Forest Reserve and Village Forest Reserve were similar which were 2.0 while it was 1.6 in the Local Government Forest Reserve. For the severely burned blocks the diversity values were 1.5 for the Central Governmental Forest Reserve, 1.4 in the Village Forest Reserve and 1.2 in the Local Government Forest Reserve. Mammals with low fire escape rate such as rock hyrax were more severely affected by bushfires. It is, therefore being recommended that the current Local Government Authority management regimes should be strengthen to ensure increased local community participation with more effective law enforcement measures so as to rescue the forests from degradation. Communities should, similarly be empowered with credit facilities and support on income generating activities so as to reduce dependence on miombo woodlands.

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