Tanzania Journal of Agricultural Sciences

Fungi associated with banana black leaf streak disease and phytochemical analysis of essential oil of bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris L.) for management in Nigeria

B.D. Ademola — 2025-04-28

Banana (Musa spp.) are important fruit crops that are widely cultivated worldwide for food and economic returns. However, they are constrained by black leaf streak disease (BLSD) which reduces its attainable yield. This study investigated fungi associated with BLSD and management using essential oil (EO) of bamboo (Bamboo vulgaris L.). Symptomatic banana leaves were collected for isolation of infecting fungi and pathogenicity was determined using detached leaf assay (DLA). Fungal isolates were identified using cultural and morphological characteristics. Bamboo EO was extracted using hydrodistillation and constituent compounds identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The EO efficacy was evaluated at five concentrations: 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0 mg/mL. Inhibitory effect of the EO on mycelial growth and conidia germination of the test fungi was evaluated using standard procedures. Six fungal species, Alternaria solani, Colletotrichum musae, Fusarium oxysporum, Lasiodiplodia theobromae, Aspergillus flavus and Pseudocercospora fijiensis were isolated from infected samples; while only P. fijiensis was pathogenic in the DLA experiment The GC-MS results identified 22 phytochemicals with sesquiterpenes and monoterpenes accounting for 63.6% of the EO composition. Antifungal activity of the EO differed significantly (p<0.05) at higher concentrations (>0.2 mg/mL) with 80.6-91.3% mycelial inhibition. Inhibitory effect on conidia germination varied between 81.81 and 92.46%. This study confirmed P. fijiensis as the causal organism of BLSD. GC-MS analysis revealed phytol, hexadecanoic acid, cedrol, citronell and farnasol as the major antifungal constituents of bamboo EO effective against BLSD. Based on the potential results obtained in this study, bamboo EO could be a candidate for further testing in the formulation and development as biofungicide in the integrated management of BLSD under field conditions.

Impact of Ipomoea hildebrandtii Vatke on abundance of native grass in Namanga, Kajiado County

Jane Wangari Maina — 2025-04-28

Invasive plant species are listed among the five drivers of global change because they pose a great threat to biodiversity and unfortunately are gradually restructuring the Kenyan savannah. Studies indicate that I. hildebrandtii is a native invasive species in Namanga which has aggressively spread threatening the natural resources with negative environmental effects. However, there is no data on plans and consistency aimed for the eradication of I. hildebrandtii. Therefore, this study sought to assess the abundance and methods of eradicating the invasive Ipomoea hildebrandtii in Namanga County. A total of 24 (20m² ) quadrats together with 120 (1m² ) was used to collect data from homesteads, hilly places, pasture land, road side and water source points located across five different villages namely: Olnga’rua, Kiluani, Inkati, Olmankeki and Narook-Lukunu. Abundance and Simpson’s index of diversity was determined from the data that was collected. These findings reveals that the abundance of I. hildebrandtii differs from different localities as well as its impact due to availability of resources. It also highlights the need to consistently eradicate I. hildebrandtii because it has the ability to outcompete other plant species in Namanga if not well managed.

Genetic relatedness of rice blast fungus (Pyricularia oryzae) isolates from two agro ecologies of Burundi

E. Niyonkuru — 2025-04-28

Rice blast disease caused by fungus Pyricularia oryzae is one of the most destructive diseases in rice-producing areas of Burundi. To understand species diversity of P. oryzae isolated, molecular markers targeting the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) and Translation Elongation Factor (TEF) regions followed with Sanger sequencing were used. Thirty-five isolates of P. oryzae were amplified in Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) using primers TS1F and 2R, ITS3F and 4R, ITS1F and 4R, ITS4F and 5R and EF1-983F and EF1-2218R. The positive PCR amplicons for ITS1F and ITS4R and TEF1-983 and EF1-2218F were Sanger sequenced. The PCR results showed a difference in banding patterns between isolates ranging from 220-1235bp. The isolates amplified by TS1F and 2R, ITS3F and 4R, ITS1F and 4R, ITS4F and 5R and EF1-983F and EF1-2218R showed bands size of 220bp, 350bp, 390bp, 550bp and 1235bp respectively. The Sanger sequence products released that all the isolates were Pyricularia oryzae from rice host with limited variations in the analyzed genes. Phylogenetic analysis showed narrow genetic diversity between P. oryzae collected in high and middle altitudes regions of Burundi. The single nucleotides polymorphisms observed among the isolates in both ITS and EF regions may indicate the level of virulence or pathogenicity among the Burundi Isolates may differs, hence calling for further studies. Therefore, these findings call for plants breeders to initiate/proceed with breeding strategies targeting to overcome the rapid evolving Pyricularia oryzae strains by breeding resistant rice cultivars to rice blast disease in the country.

The potentials of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in livestock production

E.A. Rotimi — 2025-04-28

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) presents immense opportunities for revolutionizing livestock production practices, enhancing efficiency, and improving outcomes across the value chain. This review provides a concise examination of the potentials of ICT in livestock production. By leveraging on ICT tools, farmers can monitor animal health, optimize feed management, and enhance breeding programs with unprecedented precision. Moreover, ICT enables real-time data collection and analysis, empowering farmers to make informed decisions, mitigate risks, and maximize productivity. Additionally, ICT facilitates market access, enabling farmers to access vital information, connect with buyers, and streamline transactions. Despite its promising benefits, challenges such as infrastructure limitations and digital literacy barriers need to be addressed for widespread adoption and equitable access. Embracing ICT is key to fostering sustainable, resilient, and technology-driven livestock production systems in the digital era.

Effect of Vernonia amygdalina meal on growth performance in weaned piglets

R.O. Ehielu — 2025-04-28

Vernonia amygdalina (VA) commonly known as bitter leaves is a plan species on ethno veterinary importance with therapeutic and nutritional benefits to animal health and production. This research was conducted to evaluate the growth performance in piglets given bitter leaves in clean drinking water in the Benson Idahosa Research Farm. Forty-five piglets of mixed breed were used for thirty-five days of water infusion feeding trial. Three levels of 0g, 1.2g, and 2.4g of VA per 1000ml of clean drinking water designated as T₁, T₂, and T₃ were used. Piglets at different weeks of age (2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 weeks) were randomly assigned in a completely randomized design experiment with each treatment replicated three times (a piglet per replicate). Data were collected on feed Intake (FI), body weight gain (BWG), water intake (WI), and feacal pH on replicates basis. At 2 weeks of age, there was no significant difference (P>0.05) in the FI and FCR across the treatments. Water intake was highest (P<0.05) in piglets in T₂ (2057ml). Significant increase (P<0.05) in BWG and feacal pH was recorded in T₃ (6kg) and T₁ (28.99). At week 3, no significant difference (P>0.05) was observed in the FI across the treatments. There was significant difference (P<0.05) in the FCR, WI, BWG, and feacal pH of the piglets across the treatments with T₃ (1.680), T₂ (5642 ml), T₁ (3.133kg), and T₃ (28.460) having the highest. At 4 weeks, There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in the FI across the treatments. There was a significant difference (P<0.05) in the FCR and WI of the piglets in T₃ (1.424) and T₂ (5758ml). The BWG (3.30kg) and feacal pH (29.20) were significant (P<0.05) in T₁. At week 5, BWG, FI, FCR, and feacal pH were not significantly (P>0.05) different across the treatments. There was a significant difference (P<0.05) in the WI of the piglets, with T₂ having the highest (5815ml). At 6 weeks of age, significant increase was seen in the BWG and FCR (P<0.05) for piglet on T₃, WI on T₂, and feacal pH on T₁. It can be concluded that bitter leaf can be used to improve growth performance and reduce diarrhea in weaned piglets in piglets.

Tap water scarcity and alternative water sources used at household level in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania

F.B. Uhagile — 2025-04-28

This study investigates the household-level response to tap water scarcity in Lukobe Ward, Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania, focusing on the adoption of alternative water sources and the resultant water acquisition. Employing a cross-sectional research design with a mixed-method approach, it integrates quantitative analysis, including descriptive statistics and one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), with qualitative data subjected to content analysis. Data were collected through a household survey of 120 respondents, key-informant interviews (KIIs), and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) conducted across three streets. Results reveal a heavy reliance on purchased water from vendors (100%), fetching water from private sources (63.1%), utilizing shallow wells (61.1%), and harvesting rainwater (100%). The mean daily water acquisition per household was 81.5 liters. While no significant disparity in daily water consumption was observed among the streets (F=2.335, p=0.101), a notable difference was found in water procurement from shallow wells and vendors between Lukobe Juu and Mgudeni streets (p=0.035). This study underscores the incomplete implementation of the 2002 National Water Policy in the area, suggesting a need for enhanced collaboration between stakeholders, including households and private sectors, to safeguard and manage water sources effectively. Recommendations are made to align local practices with national policy objectives to ensure sustainable water service delivery in Lukobe Ward and similar contexts.

Cattle farmers’ attitude towards Artificial Insemination technology in Kwara State, Nigeria

O.J. Yusuf — 2025-04-28

This study examined the factors influencing cattle farmers' attitudes towards Artificial Insemination in Kwara State. A total of 140 indigenous cattle farmers were sampled using a snowball sampling technique, which involved initial participants referring additional farmers until the desired sample size was reached. Data collection was conducted through a structured interview schedule. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. The findings revealed that most respondents were male (90.7%) and aged between 41 to 50 years (43.6%). Almost half of the respondents had no formal education (49.3%). The average household size was approximately 8 people, with an average of 12 years of experience in cattle production. The main breed reported was White Fulani (50.0%), with an average herd of 103 cattle. The average monthly income was N78,742.8. The study showed that 67.1% of respondents had a favourable attitude towards using AI, while 59.3% lacked an understanding of AI and 51.4% were unaware of its existence. Factors such as compatibility with culture/beliefs (25.0%), access to credit facilities (50.0%), and encouragement from government agencies (17.9%) were identified as important attitudinal factors for promoting the use of AI. Based on these findings, the provision of credit facilities, establishment of semen banks, improvement of infrastructure, and virile extension and veterinary services to increase farmers' interest in AI technology for improved productivity were recommended.

The impact of sludge manure adoption on household welfare in rural Uganda

J.P. Semwanga — 2025-04-28

Soil deterioration and infertility are major concerns for smallholder farmers in developing countries, Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) included. In addition, loss in size and quality of arable land in SSA has resulted into reduced productivity, making the region vulnerable to food insecurity. Therefore, the study aimed at quantifying the effect of sludge manure adoption on rural farm household welfare in Uganda. The study uses data from the 2023 cross-sectional survey of 522 farming households from six districts of central Uganda. The study used an endogenous switching regression (ESR) model and Propensity Score Matching (PSM) to analyse the impact of sludge manure on household welfare. The findings show that a household’s decision to use sludge manure is primarily influenced by socio-economic and institutional factors, plot characteristics, and location. Specifically, adoption decisions are influenced positively by use of hired labour and distance to input suppliers but negatively by credit access, distance from the water supply, time spent on farming, and pesticide use. Furthermore, results from the ESR show that, on average, sludge manure adopters have higher per capita household food expenditure and per capita total household expenditure. These results are robustly similar to the PSM results. As a way of conclusion, sludge manure adoption increases both per capita food and per capita total household expenditure. In terms of recommendation, government should promote the use of sludge manure by farming households in Uganda, to improve agricultural productivity and general welfare.

Rice farmers’ perception and willingness to pay for agricultural insurance in Anambra State, Nigeria

C.U. Izuogu — 2025-04-28

The study assessed rice farmers’ perception and willingness to pay for agricultural insurance in Anambra State. It ascertained respondents’ awareness of agricultural insurance, subscription to insurance policy, perception of agricultural insurance, and their willingness to pay for insurance policy. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select one hundred and forty-eight rice farmers for the study. Data were collected with a structured questionnaire and analysed with percentages, mean scores, and Probit regression analysis. The majority of the respondents are aware of agricultural insurance but 87.6% of the respondents did not subscribe to insurance policy even with their favourable perception of agricultural insurance (x ̅=2.6) and their willingness to pay for it (x ̅=2.7). Age (β=-1.832), cooperative membership (β=0.250), previous experience with agricultural risk (β=1.106), cost of the premium (-0.114), and debt amount (β=-2.115) significantly influence rice farmers willingness to pay for an insurance policy. Rice farmers’ have a favourable perception of agricultural insurance and are willing to pay for it. The government should subsidize insurance premiums for farmers

Pesticide knowledge and safety practices among smallholder farmers in Iwo Local Government Area of Osun State, Nigeria

O.A. Bamiwuye — 2025-04-28

There are environmental and health implications associated with use of pesticides. This study investigated pesticide knowledge and safety practices among smallholder farmers in Iwo Local Government Area of Osun State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study examined respondents’ awareness of the pesticide application, the extent of adherence to use of safety practices and identified factors associated with use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Data was collected using structured questionnaire obtained from 270 respondents through a two-stage random sampling procedure. Findings revealed that 86.0 percent of the smallholder farmers used hand gloves for protecting themselves before applying the pesticides; 81 percent used farm boots; and 64 percent used goggles before applying pesticides. 37.8% of the farmers used all the recommended five PPEs; 16.7 percent have used exactly four, 24.8% have used exactly three and less than twenty percent used at most two PPEs. At the bivariate level, three variables that were significantly associated with the number of PPE used were prior training in the use of pesticide (χ²=21.9, p<0.001); knowledge of storage of pesticide (χ²=20.7, p<0.001); and knowledge of reading labels on pesticide (χ²=31.8, p<0.001). The study concluded that the smallholder farmers generally were aware of safety practices but partially used all the recommended PPEs. However, partial application of recommended PPEs is a potential risk of exposure to dangerous chemicals. The study therefore, recommends further education and training of smallholder farmers on the full compliance to all the recommended safety equipment.

Economic contribution of spice farming to household income on the slopes of the Uluguru Mountains, Morogoro Region, Tanzania

A. Ngolle — 2025-04-28

Spice farming is a crucial agricultural activity for smallholder farmers in the Uluguru Mountains, Morogoro Region, Tanzania. However, the extent to which it contributes to household income compared to other livelihood activities remains unclear. This study assesses the economic significance of spice farming, identifies the main types of spices cultivated, and examines key challenges affecting spice production and market access. As such, a cross-sectional research design was employed, utilizing simple random sampling (a probability technique) to select 120 farmers from a sampling frame of 617 organic spice farmers, and purposive sampling (a nonprobability technique) to select key informants and study villages. Data collection involved household surveys, key informant interviews, and direct field observations conducted between June and July 2020 in four wards: Kinole, Mkuyuni, Mtombozi, and Tawa. The findings reveal that black pepper, vanilla, and cinnamon are the predominant spices cultivated. Income derived from these spices was significantly higher than that from other crops (p<0.007, t=2.727), underscoring their economic importance. However, fungal diseases affecting black pepper and weak market linkages present major challenges to farmers. The study concludes that the agro-climatic conditions on the slopes of the Uluguru Mountains are highly suitable for spice farming but require improved support systems. It is recommended that farmers increase investment in spice production, while local government authorities and extension officers should enhance training on best agricultural practices and establish stronger market linkages to boost productivity and economic returns.

Effect of food waste prevention on green logistics in Dodoma City, Tanzania's small-medium restaurants

R.L. Nyagali — 2025-04-28

This study examined the effects of food waste prevention strategies on green logistics by small and medium-sized restaurants in Dodoma City, Tanzania. It applied a mixed-methods case study approach to collect data from 80 restaurants. It also used questionnaires, in-depth interviews with key informants, and direct observation methods in data collection. Data analysis employed regression and content analysis methods for quantitative and qualitative data. The findings reveal that while awareness of food waste prevention is moderate, significant positive impacts on green logistics are observed with proper demand forecasting (B = 0.092, P-value = 0.000), proper food storage (B = 0.360, P-value = 0.000), and regular inventory checks (B = 0.441, P-value= 0.000). The study concludes that proper demand forecasting, adequate food storage, and frequent inventory checks emerged as crucial factors in reducing food waste and promoting sustainability. These findings underscore the need for enhanced awareness, technological support, and infrastructure improvements to fully utilise these strategies for waste minimisation and sustainable restaurant operations.

Evaluation of growth performance of different genotypes of goats managed on station in the central part of Tanzania

M.J. Magonka — 2025-04-28

A study was conducted to evaluate growth performance of three goat genotypes while comparing the effects of sex, birth type, genotype, season and year of birth. A total of 919 kids born from 2012 to 2017 were involved in the study. Data on birth weight, weaning weight, weight at six months and yearling weight were collected. Pre-weaning and post-weaning weights were used to calculate the average daily gain of goats. Analysis of data was done using the General Linear Model (GLM) procedures of Statistical Analytical System (SAS). The overall least square mean (LSM) of birth weight, weaning weight, weight at six months and yearling weight were 2.46, 9.39, 11.13 and 14.58kg, respectively. Birth type and sex had significant effect (P< 0.05) on birth weight, weaning weight, weight at six months and yearling weight. Single kids were significantly heavier at birth, weaning, six months, yearling, preweaning and postweaning periods. Blended goats were heavier than Gogo white and Buha at birth, weaning, six month and yearling weight. Gogo white goats were significantly (P<0.05) heavier than Buha in all traits. The body weight gained from birth to weaning and weaning to six month were 62.36 and 27.86g per day, respectively. Male kids out performed their counterparts females on weight in all stages of growth and average daily gain. Single kids were heavier than those twin kids and had high growth rate. Kids born during the dry season were heavier than those born in the wet season. Year of birth had significant effect on weight at birth, weaning, six months, yearling, preweaning, and postweaning period. From the present results, growth performance of Blended goats outperformed Gogowhite and Ujiji goats. Variations in growth performance of Blended goats against Gogowhite and Ujiji goats implies genetic improvements that may be required for Small East African (SEA) goat strains if higher meat yields and faster market weights are desired.

Effects of supplementing garlic pulp and aloe Vera jelly in drinking water on feed intake, growth rate and carcass characteristics of finished broilers

M.Y. Hamdu — 2025-04-28

The experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of using garlic pulp and aloe Vera jelly in drinking water on feed intake, growth rate, and carcass characteristics of finished broilers. A total of 225 broilers aged 21 days were randomly allotted into three treatments each replicated thrice with 25 birds per replicate during 35 days under observation to attain 56 days old. The experimental birds were assigned to three treatments i.e. T1 offered 2g/l of Aloe vera jelly, T2 garlic pulp, and T3 1g/l of oxytetracycline 20% in drinking water during 22^nd to 26^th days as the first dose, followed by the second dose on 49^th-53^rd day. On the 56^th day thirty birds (ten from each treatment) were randomly picked and purposively slaughtered to determine carcass characteristics. There was no significant difference (p<0.05) for the use of garlic pulp, aloe Vera jelly, and oxytetracycline in drinking water on feed intake, growth rate, and carcass characteristics of the experimental broilers. Therefore it is concluded that the inclusion of aloe vera jelly and garlic pulp in drinking water at the used rate in this study has no significant effect on feed intake, weight gain, and carcass characteristics on finishing commercial broilers. Possibly, to impose a desirable effect on the variables under the study, higher supplementation and a prolonged period of administration of the used herb and spice could bring about positive effects on the study variables.

Youth involvement in dairy value chain: Driving force for transformation and sustainability of the Tanzanian dairy sector

E.T. Lyatuu — 2025-04-28

The world population of 8 billion people creates alarm for more food demand, hence the need to increase productivity per available resources. It is pointed out that 50% of Africa’s population are youth below 25 years, meanwhile, 66.1% of total population (61million) of Tanzania youths aged between 15-24 years and are participating in the national labour force. Therefore, youth involvement in the dairy value chain is inevitable. Thus, this study used data from AADGG database and from mini-survey to assess youth involvement in the value chain of dairy production given recent past innovation and technology change. The analysis found that majority of the dairy keepers (55%) are above 45, while youth involvement in dairy business is only 13%. This suggests that if no consented efforts are taken to motivate youths to engage themselves in the dairy value chain, the sector will face a serious labour shortage with time. This study also found that 90.5% of dairy farmers have mobile phones with basic features, and only 9.5% have smart phones (majority are youths below 35 years). However, land being factor in agricultural production, the study found that allocation of 53%, 39% and 8% are for crop, livestock, and pasture and or forest production respectively. The region that allocates major land for livestock is Kilimanjaro (66%) and Arusha (63%). However, for youth to access land locked in kihamba style of land ownership is harder. Therefore, concerted effort is recommended to address key constraints to attract youth to invest in dairy business.

Tanzania animal welfare policy and legal framework review: An analysis zeroing on donkey slaughter and hides trade

M.M. Bahari — 2025-04-28

The study centered on the review and gap analysis of the legal framework of animal welfare with a focus on donkey slaughter and its hide’s trade. It revealed that Tanzania has a comprehensive animal welfare legal framework that is commendably encored on the 5 Universal Freedoms for Animal Welfare supported by an aura of auxiliary Acts and regulations. However, their compliance and enforcement are far below attributed by low awareness and lack of enforcement mechanisms. As for the donkey’s welfare matters, the findings revealed a worst situation accelerated by commercial donkey slaughter for their meat and hides trade. A venture endorsed in 2012 by the Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC) allowed two Chinese companies to invest in donkey slaughter and export of donkey meat and hide to China (Zephania, 2021) for the extraction of Ejiao, a herbal product for their home market. Such donkey welfare abuses transected all along the value chain from their sourcing, marketing, transportation, handling and slaughter. The Sector Ministry through advocacy cries from local, regional and international animal welfare organizations had to intervene by banning donkey slaughter in 2017, temporally re-opening in 2019 and banning again in 2022 this time augmented by a Continental African Union Moratorium on the same in 2022. The study recommends elimination of the identified discrepancies and inconsistencies within and in between the principal legislation, that is, the Animal Welfare Act, (2008), its regulations of 2010 and other related pieces of legislation by updating, amending and reconciling the relevant statutes.