East African Journal of Science, Technology and Innovation

Molecular characterization of aflatoxin producing fungi associated with maize in selected areas of Morogoro municipality, Tanzania

2026-08-07T09:59:05+00:00

Aspergillus species remain to be a doughty species for the safety of agricultural crops by colonizing and contaminating them via mycotoxin production, particularly aflatoxin. This study aimed at conventionally screening and molecularly detect and characterize Aflatoxin producing fungi particularly Aspergillus spp from Maize selling markets and maize grain milling machines in Morogoro urban and Mvomero district. Thirty maize grain samples were collected from Morogoro Municipality and Mvomero district in Tanzania. The laboratory analysis was done using the blotter technique, where maize grain samples were subjected to a blotter test and the resultant growing mycelia were transferred to Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA). Thereafter, colony morphology, colour and texture for fungal identification was observed. Macro and microconidia, seriate and septate were used for initial identification of fungi and finally confirmed by a molecular technique through extracting fungal Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) from mycelia followed by subjecting them to Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) by amplifying the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) region finalizing with DNA sequencing through sanger sequencing method. The results of conventional screening showed that the majority of the maize grain samples were contaminated with Fusarium spp. 36.7% (11/30), followed by Penicillium spp. 30.0% (9/30), Aspergillus spp. 20.0% (6/30) and Rhizopus spp. 13.3% (4/30). Sequence analyses of Aspergillus species revealed that out of 6 Aspergillus isolates, 3 were Aspergillus spp namely; Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus wentii while 1 was Talaromyces flavus. These results confirm the presence of potential aflatoxin-producing fungi that may colonize the maize. In conclusion, the presence of diverse fungal genera, including aflatoxin-producing Aspergillus species, highlights the need for broader screening by expanding the sample size while considering the spatial and temporal characteristics to plan for fungal contamination mitigation measure in future.

Indigenous pest management knowledge of Eritrean farmers and their application in pest and disease management

2026-08-07T10:21:55+00:00

The incorporation of traditional indigenous knowledge is crucial in the agricultural production systems. To ensure the preservation of these practices for future use, there is a necessity for comprehensive documentation. This research aimed at exploring and documenting the indigenous technical knowledge (ITK) practices employed by local farmers in agricultural production and assessing their scientific
rationality. A sample of 62 farmers from Gash Barka and Debub regions of Eritrea were randomly selected for the study of which 72% were males, within the age of 61-70. Data collection involved interviews and focus group discussions (FDGs). The identified ITKs underwent scientific validation by experts from the Departments of Plant Health, Hamelmalo Agricultural College, Eritrea and CABI, Nairobi. Among the 62 interviewed farmers, the primary crops cultivated were cereals such as sorghum (84%), teff (77%), and wheat (76%), along with legumes like chickpea (60%), peas (52%), and groundnut (32%). Farmers reported several storage pests such as grain weevils, red flour beetle, confused flour beetle, pulse beetle. In the field, farmers identified major field pests, including the fall armyworm
sorghum shoot fly, locusts, and stem borers, as major challenges. Indigenous pest control methods used by farmers ranged from animal by-products to plant components like neem (Azadirachta indica), red pepper, and physical strategies were deemed rational by experts. The most frequently cited ITKs, with a relative frequency of 1.0, were pre-storage drying of grains, weeding, and ploughing. The study
concludes that the application of ITKs carries significant implications for pest and disease management, and their integration into an integrated pest management system is recommended.

Study of some quality parameters of palm oils sold in Bujumbura markets in Burundi

2026-08-07T10:46:02+00:00

People in and around Bujumbura city of Burundi use palm oil extensively, generally in both crude and refined forms. However, these oils sold in the markets are exposed to various factors affecting quality which include sunlight, unhygienic containers, and heat. This study aimed to assess some quality parameters of crude and refined palm oils sold in five markets in Bujumbura and to determine whether these parameters meet the standards. Furthermore, the crude and refined oils sold were compared in terms of these parameters, and a sample distribution was performed using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). After sampling, physical, chemical and spectroscopic methods were used to determine physicochemical parameters and total carotenoids. The average results for refined and crude palm oils,
respectively were: relative density (RD) 0.892±0.001; 0.887±0.001, refractive index (RI) 1.463±0.001; 1.462±0.001, moisture and matter volatile (MVH) 0.974±0.527 % (m/m); 2.429±2.196% (m/m), impurity levels (TII) 4.642±1.228% (m/m); 9.468±1.703% (m/m), the acid value (AV) 4.581±0.591 mg KOH/g; 37.190±1.789 mg KOH/g, the free fatty acid contents (FFA) 2.165±0.757%; 18.671±4.947%, the iodine value
(IV) 50.252±7.179 g I2/100 g ; 54.3±10. 531 g I2/100 g, the peroxide value (PV) 5.8±2.263 meq O2/kg; 5.3±2.970 meq O2/kg; the saponification value (SV) 200.371±3.834 mg KOH/g; 195.384±4.540 mg KOH/g; and the total carotenoid (TC) 10.574±3.801 ppm; 738.913±81.467 ppm. The results of the physicochemical analyses showed that only four (4) parameters met the Burundian and Codex Alimentarius standards. In addition, the total carotenoids contained in crude palm oils also complied with these standards. However,
the high acid value (AV) or free fatty acid contents (FFA) and impurity levels (TII) are among the indicators of low quality of the crude oils. Based on these results, there is a need to further ensure the compliance to standards of the palm oils sold in different markets of the Bujumbura city.

Study of some quality parameters of palm oils sold in Bujumbura markets in Burundi

2026-08-07T10:55:46+00:00

Udder and teat morphological characteristics critically influence dairy goat productivity, yet data on Kenyan breeds remain scarce. This study characterized udder and teat traits, a key productivity determinant, in four major dairy goat breeds, Alpine, Saanen, Toggenburg, crossbreeds, across Kenya’s production systems. A cross-sectional study assessing 181 lactating does from 56 farms in rural, institutional, and urban settings. Udder symmetry, shape, suspension, depth, teat length, placement, shape, end shape, and separation were evaluated per standardized protocols. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Fisher’s Exact test with Cramér’s V, and correlation tests in R. Alpines (41%) exhibited the longest teats (5.2 ± 2.0 cm) and highest prevalence of udder asymmetry (48%) among all the studied breeds. Toggenburgs had the deepest udders (11.2 ± 2.9 cm); udder depth refers to the distance measured from the udder floor to the hock joint, and most attached suspensions (45%). Globular (48%) and pear-shaped (40%) udders predominated, with crossbreeds showing the highest prevalence of globular udders (55%). Udder suspension significantly influenced depth (p = 0.0058), with
loose-suspended udders shallower (8.53 ± 4.09 cm) than attached types (11.7 ± 2.57 cm). Teat length weakly correlated with udder depth (ρ = -0.19, p = 0.01). Key trait interdependencies emerged: symmetrical udders linked to globular shapes (p = 0.008); severe teat separation associated with oblique placement (p < 0.001); and teat shape influenced teat-end morphology (p = 0.013). Breed-specific udder morphology patterns exist in Kenyan dairy goats, with significant inter-trait relationships. Alpine’s high asymmetry and Toggenburg’s superior udder attachment highlight breeding targets. Integrating udder suspension, symmetry, and teat placement into future dairy goat selection programs could enhance milking efficiency and management.

Enhancing cement concrete strength by incorporating synthetic human hair waste as fibre: The case of Musanze District in Rwanda

2026-08-07T11:07:44+00:00

This study examined the use of synthetic human hair waste as reinforcement in concrete to improve its
mechanical properties to mitigate micro-cracking. Specifically, the research evaluated the effect of fibre
inclusion on concrete workability, compared the compressive strength of conventional concrete with
fibre-reinforced concrete, and determined the optimal fibre content required to achieve improved overall
performance in terms of both strength and workability. The experiments, including sieve analysis, slump
test and compressive strength test, were conducted according to IS 383-1970, American standard ASTM
C143 and IS 456:2000, respectively. The study incorporated synthetic human hair waste into concrete at
various percentages, ranging from 0% to 4.5% by weight of the cement for the slump test, and from 0% to
3% for the compressive strength test. The results showed that the addition of fibres slightly improved the
workability of concrete, with slump values increasing from 5.2 cm to 5.8 cm up to 3% fibre content, before
slightly decreasing at 4.5%. In terms of mechanical performance, 1.5% synthetic human hair waste fibres
significantly enhanced compressive strength by 16.56% at 7 days and 27.23% at 28 days, whereas a higher
content (3%) caused a notable reduction in strength. Therefore, 1.5% fibre content was identified as the
optimal proportion for improving concrete performance. This study recommended that synthetic human
hair waste fibre can be incorporated at an optimal dosage of 1.5% by weight of cement to enhance the
mechanical performance and strength characteristics of concrete, as higher fibre contents negatively affect
compressive strength. Further studies are required to evaluate long-term durability and to establish its
practical applicability in sustainable construction.

Parents’ and livestock keepers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding antimicrobial residues in cow milk in Morogoro Municipality and Monduli District, Tanzania

2026-08-07T11:13:21+00:00

Milk is an important human dietary source of essential nutrients, particularly children and other nutritionally vulnerable groups. However, uncontrolled antimicrobial use in lactating cows may contribute to presence of antimicrobial residues in milk. This cross-sectional study evaluated the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of livestock keepers and parents or guardians of children under
five on antimicrobial residues in cow’s milk and related health implications in Morogoro Municipality and Monduli District. A questionnaire was administered to 100 livestock keepers and 340 parents or guardians, and descriptive statistics summarized the data. Multivariable logistic regression was employed to assess the relationship between potential explanatory variables and the KAP scores of
respondents. It was found that cattle diseases and poor knowledge were primary factors contributing to indiscriminate use of antimicrobials. Up to 64.4% of parents or guardians were unaware of antimicrobial residues, 42.6% of livestock keepers did not comply with drug withdrawal time, and 59.7% of parents or guardians had inadequate knowledge on health impacts of antimicrobial residues on children. Most livestock keepers and parents or guardians demonstrated favourable opinions of 50% and 51.5% respectively, about milk safety and expressed concern about potential health impacts of antimicrobial residues in milk. Up to 79% of livestock keepers concurred with compliance on antimicrobial withdrawal period. The KAP of livestock keepers about antimicrobial residues were strongly affected by age, gender, farming experience, and cattle breed (p <0.05). Among parents or guardians, age significantly influenced knowledge (p=0.047). The findings underscore the necessity for tailored stakeholder-specific interventions, despite positive KAP scores, to enhance milk safety and mitigate public health risks.

Milk handling practices and milk spoilage along the informal dairy value chain of Uganda

2026-08-07T11:20:19+00:00

In low- and middle-income countries such as Uganda, smallholder dairy farmers rely heavily on milk production for income, nutrition, and livelihood security. However, improper milk handling and weak enforcement of food safety regulations remain major challenges. This study assessed awareness and milk handling practices among key actors in the informal dairy value chain. A cross-sectional survey was
conducted from January to April 2024 across Uganda’s six milk sheds using a multistage cluster sampling design. A total of 384 farmers, 231 Milk Collection Centres (MCCs), and 70 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) were surveyed. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and mixed-effects logistic regression. Among farmers, common vices included long nails (48%), improper handwashing (34%), and unguided coughing or sneezing. Poor hygienic practices, such as failure to wash udders before milking (50.9%), use of a common udder cloth for multiple cows (33.3%), and inadequate cleaning of milking containers, were significantly associated with milk spoilage (p < 0.05). Independent predictors among farmers included inadequate udder hygiene (Odd ratio (OR) = 6.94; 95% Confidence Interval (CI):
1.19–40.38), handwashing before milking (OR = 0.054; 95% CI: 0.006–0.497), drying hands before milking (OR = 11.05; 95% CI: 1.26–96.87), and aluminium versus plastic containers (OR = 0.103; 95% CI: 0.012–0.899). At MCCs, body scratching (OR = 32.05; 95% CI: 1.08–948.57), finger licking (OR = 0.231; 95% CI: 0.060–0.886), milk testing (OR = 34.06; 95% CI: 2.53–458.07), and use of gumboots (OR = 0.115; 95% CI:
0.022–0.595) were significant predictors. Among SMEs, spoilage was associated with working as a Quality Controller (OR = 23.82; 95% CI: 1.89–299.51) or Operator (OR = 99.92; 95% CI: 3.29–3039.56) and using a cloth for filtering milk (OR = 0.064; 95% CI: 0.005–0.830). Overall, poor hygienic practices were the strongest determinant of contamination along the informal dairy value chain. These findings highlight
the urgent need for targeted training and technical support to improve milk handling practices and protect consumer health.

Analysis of the spatial-temporal model for harvested predator-prey system with prey refuge and intraspecific competition

2026-08-07T11:25:03+00:00

This study investigated the spatial-temporal dynamics of a predator-prey system incorporating prey refuge, intraspecific competition, harvesting, and diffusion. Spatial pattern formation in a predator-prey system governed by a reaction-diffusion framework was also considered. By incorporating spatial movement through diffusion, the non-spatial model by Mapunda and Sagamiko was extended into a
partial differential equation (PDE) framework, enabling the analysis of self-organized spatial patterns such as spots and stripes that arose due to Turing instability. The coexistence equilibrium was analyzed for stability, and numerical simulations were performed using the Implicit-Explicit (IMEX) Euler method for time integration with the finite difference method employed for discretization of the Laplacian
operator under Neumann boundary conditions (zero-flux), assuming no population flux across the boundary. The impact of key ecological parameters, particularly the refuge rate m and diffusion coefficients D₁ and D₂ on population distribution and pattern evolution was systematically explored. Simulation results revealed that increasing diffusion coefficients enhanced well-defined spatial aggregation of predators and prey while decreasing the refuge level intensified predation pressure and accelerated pattern formation. Specifically, when D₂> D₁ (predators diffused faster than prey), the homogeneous coexistence equilibrium destabilized, leading to Turing-type patterns including isolated hotspots and periodic bands. At higher refuge levels such as m=0.9 combined with elevated predator diffusion (D₂≥ 0.9) the system exhibited stable and matured spot patterns, indicating a balance between protection and mobility. These findings highlight the critical role of species mobility and protective mechanisms in shaping ecosystem structure and offered important insights for conservation strategies and the sustainable management of harvested populations in spatially heterogeneous environments.