Theses and Dissertations Collection

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://10.10.97.169:4000/handle/123456789/3400

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Browsing Theses and Dissertations Collection by Subject "Biodiversity"

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    Biodiversity information availability and usage in Morogoro, Tanzania
    (Open University of Tanzania., 2010) Nyinondi, Philbert Simon
    This study was designed to find out and assess available biodiversity information and usage in Morogoro region. Specifically the study was to identify biodiversity data location and information holders; classify identified biodiversity information according to their technological structure and geographical area of coverage; determine the extent to which the available biodiversity information is used; and recommend the best ways in which Biodiversity Information Facility can be established in Morogoro and other Tanzanian regions. The study was implemented in two phases. The first phase involved in depth literature review. The outputs of first phase were used to choose eight institutions for comprehensive study in the second phase. The second phase involved questionnaire survey, interview and participants observations. Collected quantitative data was analysed using Microsoft Office Excel as spreadsheet, while qualitative data were analysed by using the content and structural functional analysis techniques. The results revealed that Morogoro region has at least 25 datasets, of which large proportion of datasets (44%) is held by research institutions. Based on studied institutions the findings show that mammals and birds classes have been studied more than other classes. The results further show that an average of 72% datasets has been totally or partially digitalised and 80% of datasets are freely accessible. These findings provide baseline evidence that regional biodiversity information facility units can be established and function, despite the fact that potential amount of biodiversity information is still scattered, unreported and inaccessible.
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    Wetland resource utilization and its impact on biodiversity of the Kilombero valley flood plains Ramsar site,Tanzania
    (Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2010) Chuwa, Joseph J.
    Kilombero Valley Floodplain displays a diversity of quality habitats with unique levels of biodiversity of international importance. Despite the increasing utilization pressure of this ecosystem no effective protection has yet been implemented and the future of the valley is uncertain. The rich and distinct biodiversity of the wetlands is under multiple threats which are yet to be adequately quantified. The objectives of this study were to identify socio­ economic factors influencing utilization pressure, to identify and assess threats affecting the biodiversity of the wetlands and assess conservation efforts and management effectiveness in addressing the threats in the area. Information on the utilization threats was obtained through Threat Reduction Assessment while management effectiveness was assesed by use of the World Commission Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool on Protected Areas and information on socio-economic factors was obtained through structured questionnaires. Logistic regression model was used to analyze the socio-economic factors. Based on local people assessment, Threat Reduction Assessment Index (TRA-Index) ranged from 6 to 13%. On the other hand, the TRA-Index at management level (Ulanga and Kilombero Districts) ranged from 14.2 to 19.5%. The Kilombero wetlands are therefore highly threatened from the perspectives of both local people and managers. The management effectiveness for the wetland ranged from 15 to 32% thus, the percentage score ranking given is poor. An increase in the number of ethnic groups, married couples, farm size and market forces for socio-economic characteristics significantly (p<0.05) increase the odds of utilization pressure and wetland degradation. In order to achieve sustainable management of the ecosystem, active collaboration between different stakeholders with interests vested in the ecosystem, appropriate policy, legal and institutional framework is imperative.