Welcome to SUAIRE
Sokoine University of Agriculture Institutional Repository (SUA IR). This repository was built and is maintained by the university library (Sokoine National Agricultural Library-SNAL) , in order to collect, preserve and disseminate scholarly output generated by University research community (staff and students) members.
This repository hosts a variety of openly accessible materials including: scholarly articles and books, theses and dissertations, conference proceedings and technical reports. For assistance about depositing your research output in the repository click here. SUA IR Policy click here or any queries contact us at snal@sua.ac.tz.
Communities in SUAIRE
Select a community to browse its collections.
- The Agroforesty Community is a collaborative network dedicated to advancing sustainable land-use practices that integrate trees, crops, and livestock. It serves as a platform for knowledge exchange, research dissemination, and practical innovations in Agroforestry. By fostering connections among researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and local communities, the Agroforestry Community promotes environmental conservation, enhanced agricultural productivity, and resilient livelihoods.
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Recent Submissions
Localization of mineralizable organic carbon using X-Ray CT
(Ghent University Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 2010) Sanga, Hilda Gerald
The sensitivity of organic C (OC) to decomposition depends not only upon its chemical composition but also on its location within the soil matrix. However, the precise location of OC mineralization is not clearly known. This Master thesis research's objective was to investigate the role of soil pore structure on the organic matter (OM) decomposability in a model sandy loam soil. To achieve this, the influence of different artificial operations
(compaction, artificial change in texture, acidification, and OM application) on soil pore size distribution, decomposer group community (assessed by the fungal: bacteria ratio) and C mineralization was studied. Two major experiments were included. In the first one, manipulated soil samples were incubated in larger tubes for five weeks. A second incubation experiment was set up to follow C mineralization of added C-sources (grinded sawdust or grass particles) in artificially manipulated soil with differing pore size distribution and decomposer community. Soil samples were incubated in small tubes (1cm diameter* 1cm height) for five weeks and the evolving CO2 gas was analyzed by a Gas chromatography method. Samples were then scanned after incubation by X-ray computed tomography (CT) and following image processing, the total pore volume and % volume of different pore size classes were calculated. Correlation analysis was used to investigate the relation between the % pore volume of five pore classes (10-200, 210-400, 410-600, 610-800 and >800 pm equivalent sphere diameter) and the cumulative C mineralization after 5 weeks. Artificial manipulation of the sandy loam soil, through compaction at BD 1.6 g cm -3 and artificial change in texture from coarse sand: fine sand: silt and clay (CS: FS: S&C) ratio of 10:40:50 to 15:50:35 and 20:60:20 was found to reduce the total soil porosity. Soil compaction at BD 1.6 g cm'3 reduced the proportion of macropores (pores with pore neck diameter 30-300 pm) while artificial change in soil texture found to affect mainly the distribution of micropores (pores with pore neck diameter 0.2-15pm) and to a lesser extent the macropores. Soil amendment with grass material found to increases the total soil porosity. Artificial change in soil texture, soil acidification to pH 4.3 and additions of sawdust material
compared to grass changed the microbial community towards more fungi oriented. This suggests these artificial soil operations to be usable for manipulation of soil pore structure and the microbial community. In the second experiment, very pronounced interaction effects on C mineralization between substrate type and the artificial changes in soil pore structure were found. First an interaction effect between soil compaction at BD 1.6 g cm'3 compared to BD 1.3 g cm'3 and substrate type was present as the reduction on C mineralization was more pronounced in grass amended soil than in sawdust amended soil. Similarly, a very pronounced interaction effect between artificial change in texture and substrate type was also noted as addition of sawdust strongly reduced the net substrate derived C mineralization, while grass addition did not. C mineralization from native SOM positively correlated to % pore volume of the 200-600 pm, class implying the dominance of mineralization in intermediate sized pores. On the other hand, a positive correlation between C mineralization and % volume of 610-800 pm pores with both grass and sawdust addition demonstrates the importance of larger pores for substrate decomposition. An inhibiting effect of soil compaction on C mineralization was observed from pF and X-ray CT data and this was likely related to the effect of macropore reduction and probably aeration. The negative influence on C mineralization of artificial change in soil texture and the associated reduction in the microporosity only with addition of sawdust but not with grass seems to be related to observed differences in microbial community involved in decomposition of both substrates. Interestingly but complex interactions between soil pore structure and substrate type were demonstrated in this thesis. Pronounced negative or positive correlations between individual pore size class volumes and C mineralization could be established and this indicates their role in the OM decomposition process.
A study on the use of the sugar palm tree (Borassus flabellifer) for different purposes in Cambodia
(Swedish University of Agricultural science, 1996) Khieu Borin
This thesis is based on two studies carried out in two different districts of the Kandal and
Takeo provinces in Cambodia where a dense populations of the sugar palm (Borassus
flabellifer) are found. The aim of the studies was to understand the sugar palm tree and the
traditional pig production systems .The studies comprised quantification of sugar palm juice
production and the use of palm juice as an energy feed for pigs. A participatory study was
conducted in five villages to determine the profitability of sugar syrup production and of pig
production based on sugar palm juice. The further study consisted of a feeding trial in which
the growth performance of crossbred pigs M diets consisting of palm juice and boiled whole
soya beans with a supplement of water was evaluated. Sugar palm is considered as one of the high potential multipurpose trees in the tropics, and
produces valuable carbohydrates without any agronomic inputs. A total of 105 male and
female sugar palm trees were studied during a period of five months, the results
demonstrating that a palm tree produces seasonally an average of 5 kg of juice per day with
a Brix value (approximate sugar content) of 13.3%. Assuming that the canopy of a palm tree
is 50 m2, a hectare of 200 trees will seasonally produce approximately 150,000 kg of juice
per year. Sugar palm syrup production is one of the two main activities of. most rural Cambodian
farmers after rice growing. The activity commences in December with the preparation of
materials for sugar syrup production: The^most expensive component in the cost of sugar
syrup production is fire wood which is difficult to get today.-It was clearly shown during the
present study that when fire wood was purchased from the market four of seven farmers lost
an average 27 Riels per day (1 SUS =2,350 Riels) here were no significant differences between days in the yield of juice and Brix value
(approximate sugar content) (P=0.390 and P=0.534), respectively. How^vey.there was a
highly significant difference in the yield ofjuice and Brix value (叫proximate suagr content)
between families, months and sex of the palm tree (P<0.001) and a ^ignifi^antidjfference in
Brix value (approximate sugar content) between male and female trees (1^=0.005). Seventy two crossbred pigs comprising Yorkshire, Landrace and local pigs raised from 20*80
kg on ]2 farms. The main energy source was palm juice fed restrictly. A daily amount of
400g soya beans of protein source were and daily supplement of 0.5 kg of water spinach and
lime and salt were given. The average daily weight gain of the pigs of the twelve farmers was
356 g (range 320-417 g) and there were no statistically significant differences in live weight
gains between fams (P=0.735). The demand for meat increases as the population grows, and the living standards improve.
Therefore, the new technique to feed pigs with sugar palm juice is an alternative and
interesting source of income for rurat communities in Cambodia. In addition, it will create
work for the farmers and reduce the migration to the cities and simultaneously improves the
use of local resources increasing the sustainability of agriculture.
Contribution of homegardens to household food security in Morogoro municipality
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2009) Mariro, Agness Theodore
The present study was conducted in Morogoro Municipality; during December 2006 and
April 2OO7.The main objective was to determine the contribution of homegardens to
household food security in Morogoro Municipality. The study was carried out through
reconnaissance survey of the selected wards; interview of the heads of households, ward
leaders, extension and Municipal agricultural officers; and detailed technical field survey.
Data collected included information on; the sources and quantities of food for the
households; contribution of homegardens to household food security; factors affecting the
level of contribution of homegardens to household food security and the measures required
for improvement of homegardens contribution to household food security. The results
obtained indicated that; the Morogoro Municipality's community depends on various
sources of food for their households with employment being the major source of food
followed by Homegardens: Employment contributes more to household food security 46%
followed by homegardens 21%; Business 10%; Agriculture 10%; Livestock 8% and
Forestry 5%. Constraints limiting homegardens contribution to household food security in
Morogoro Municipality were identified to include shortage of irrigation water and
unreliable rainfall, pests and diseases, Lack of extension services, shortage of land and
poor soil fertility. Various measures required for improvement of homegardens
contribution were also identified to include enhancing of rainwater harvesting, availability
of extension services, use of organic fertilizers and provision of incentives. It is concluded
that, among the various sources of food for the households in Morogoro Municipality,
employment and homegardens are major sources of food that contribute more to household
food security compared to other sources. Moreover, the contribution of homegardens can
be promoted by using the identified corrective measures.
Consumer knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards meat adulteration in Kilosa, Tanzania
(East African Journal of Science, Technology and Innovation, 2025-03) Dule, E. J.; Kinimi, E.; Mushi, J. R.; Max, R. A.; Bakari, G. G.; Lyimo, C. M.
Meat adulteration refers to the intentional or unintentional substitution, mislabeling, or contamination of
meat products with lower-quality or undeclared animal species, additives, or non-meat substances. This
practice can lead to serious consequences, including food safety risks, economic fraud, loss of consumer
trust, and potential health hazards such as allergic reactions or exposure to harmful contaminants. The
fight against meat adulteration in most developing countries is still hindered by a lack of consumer
awareness of the concepts of meat adulteration and a clear description that constitutes a legal case of this
fraudulent act. Limited studies on consumer awareness, perception and buying practices regarding meat
adulteration in Tanzania made this study particularly interesting. From December 2023 to March 2024, a
survey of 384 individuals in Kilosa District revealed that 95.1% of consumers had a low knowledge of meat
adulteration (mean score: 4.8 ± 1.4). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed five significant predictors
of consumers’ knowledge: age (31–45 years), education level (tertiary), occupation (butcher and business),
employment status, and residency time (1–10 years). Notably, 65.4% were unaware of legislation
addressing meat adulteration in Tanzania, and 87.7% linked the upsurge of adulteration practices to
economic incentives. Additionally, consumer meat purchasing decisions were primarily influenced by
price (86.2%) and appearance (52.9%) of the meat. This study highlights a critical lack of knowledge and
practices of identifying adulterated meat in most of the consumers in Kilosa district. Therefore, the urgent
need for targeted consumer education and stricter regulatory enforcement to combat meat adulteration in
Tanzania is suggested.
Franchising configurations and transitions
(Journal of Consumer Marketing, 1998) Castrogiovanni, Gary J.; Justis, Robert T.
As promised in the introductory section, Mintzberg’s theoretical framework
was expanded through detailed discussion of franchise organizations.
Common franchising configurations were positioned within that framework,
and franchise organization transitions were described. Since the intent was to
stimulate organization-level research in the franchising arena, key arguments
were summarized in a set of testable propositions. Also, indications were
given as to how research might proceed beyond the propositions offered
here. Finally, organizing implications were summarized, and related
marketing implications were elaborated.