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Characterization of banana-based farming systems in Rombo District, Tanzania: Implications for sustainable agriculture and food security
(International Network for Natural Sciences, 2025-07) Missanga, Mathias; Meya, , Akida; Kelvin M. Mtei,; Ndakidemi, Patrick,
Banana-based farming systems are essential for food security and livelihoods in Rombo District, Tanzania. This paper characterizes these systems by assessing current practices, identifying limiting factors, and evaluating labour dynamics across agro-ecological zones. Using a mixed-methods approach that includes participatory questionnaires and transect walks, data were collected from 60 households across three agro-ecological zones. Results reveal a diversity of farming systems, with the predominant intercropping of banana, coffee, maize, and beans. Key challenges include disease prevalence, soil fertility decline, drought, labour shortages, and limited access to improved varieties and organic fertilizers. The study underscores the need for integrated pest management, capacity building, and mechanization to enhance productivity and sustainability. Recommendations include further research on disease-resistant varieties, promotion of organic fertilizers, and strategies to engage youth in agriculture. These findings offer valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders aiming to improve banana-based farming systems in Tanzania and similar contexts.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi inoculation enhanced banana plant growth and fruit yield in Central-northern Tanzania
(Springer Nature, 2025-08-25) Mapunda, Hellen; Declerck, Stephane; Mtei, Kelvin; Meya, Akida
Banana is an important crop in the tropical and subtropical regions, where it serves as a staple food and a significant source of households’ income. However, traditional farming practices often fall short in addressing the challenges in banana cultivation during weaning and hardening phases, necessitating innovative approaches to enhance plant growth and resilience. Although Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) have been recognized for facilitating nutrient and water uptake and overall plant growth in other crops, limited understanding regarding the potential of diverse AMF species in promoting plant growth and enhancing banana fruit yields necessitates further intensive experimental studies. In this context, two experiments were conducted to examine the effect of different AMF strains (Rhizophagus intraradices, Rhizophagus irregularis, and Rhizophagus clarus) inoculation on banana (var. Williams) plant growth and fruit yield under the nursery and field conditions. The results indicate that AMF inoculation resulted in a significant (p < 0.05) and positive increase in banana plant growth and fruit yield, with R. intraradices recording the highest values for the investigated plant growth and yield parameters. Overall, the findings of this study revealed that AMF inoculants can be a useful addition technique for quick production of good quality in vitro banana plant material and enhanced banana fruit yields.
Potential application of nanotechnology in formulating biofertilizers as a sustainable way for promoting plant growth: a systematic review
(Frontiers, 2025-08-22) Massawe, Kunda; Mbega, Ernest; Meya, Akida
Introduction: Nanoparticles and Plant Growth-Promoting Microbes are trending as sustainable means for supplying plant nutrients. The purpose of this review was to understand how these technologies have been applied together to enhance plant growth.Methods: A PRISMA protocol was followed to explore relevant articles that reported the impact of nanoparticles on plant growth-promoting microbes or their influence on plant growth. By using the established search string, 70 original research articles published between 2000 and 2023 from Google Scholar and Scopus were obtained.Results: The results show that 21 microbe genera with more than 50 species can promote plant growth. Free-living plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria are the most studied microbes, followed by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Inorganic nanoparticles, such as ZnO, are the most extensively studied nanoparticles, followed by organic nanoparticles, primarily chitosan.Discussion: Nanoparticles and plant growth-promoting microbes can be applied as separate treatments or by formulating nano-biofertilizer, and their combination ameliorates biotic and abiotic plant growth stresses. The effect of nanoparticles on plant growth-promoting microbes is concentration and species-dependent.
Phenotypic characterization of the exotic Genotypes and widely cultivated common bean Genotypes in Southern Highlands of Tanzania
(International Journal of Advances in Scientific Research and Engineering, 2025-06) Mlalila, Fabiano; Philipo, Mashamba; Meya, Akida
Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is a key legume crop that is prized for its nutrition, adaptability, and ability to promote sustainable agriculture through nitrogen fixation. In Tanzania southern highlands, common bean characterization creates limitations to its potential yield and responsiveness to varying environments. In this research, phenotypic characterization of 12 popular common bean genotypes in southern highlands of Tanzania and imported genotypes from CIAT Colombia were studied. In the evaluation, promising genotypes with desirable phenotypic characteristics were identified. The genotype 22ACC02333 was characterized by strong growth and heavy leaf intensity, 22ACC03221 were characterized by medium-sized leaves and heavy curvature of pods, 22ACC02881 was characterized by pale green leaves with pigmented stems, and 22ACC02433 was characterized by spreading growth and twining habit. All the above genotypes shown favorable phenotypic characters of flowers, yielding, testa color, and heavy growing structure, indicating their suitability for future breeding programs. The study highlighted the market worth of such genotypes since they complied with market requirements for the uniformity of pod size, seed pigmentation, storage capacity, and yield potential, making them suitable for consumer and processing uses. Further, the phenotypic characteristics scored for these genotypes rate them with ability to withstand against biotic and abiotic stress which are vital for small scale farmers’ common bean production in the regions. The study is a strategic manual to breeding programs seeking to develop better productive, resistant and marketable improved varieties that are valued materials for viable agriculture development across Tanzania's southern highlands and other areas affected by climate variability.
Synergistic effect of nutrient fertilizer and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on maize growth and grain yield in central northern Tanzania
(International Network for Natural Sciences, 2025-02) Qwaray, Hussein; Philipo, Mashamba; Meya, Akida
This study explored the synergistic effects of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) and nutrient fertilizer resources (organic fertilizer (cattle manure) and inorganic fertilizer (NPK) on maize plant growth and grain yield in central-northern Tanzania, emphasizing their potential in nutrient-limited environments. The AMF on the Tanzania maize variety (TMV1) in two experiments. The first experiment was conducted in a screen house to identify the most effective AMF formulation, using 81 pots with two seeds sown per pot and three AMF treatments, with cattle manure applied at the rate of 0.04375 kg per pot and 0.5 kg per hole in open field. The second experiment occurred in the field setting in a randomized complete block design with AMF, NPK, and cattle manure combinations as treatments. Each treatment plot measured 3 × 3 m, with appropriate spacing and weekly irrigation maintained throughout the season. Data on plant height, stem girth, and leaf length were collected during the second and third months to assess treatment impacts. Over four weeks, treatments that combined AMF with cattle manure significantly enhanced key maize growth parameters, including plant height, stem girth, and leaf length. Treatment T5 (mycorrhiza 2 with cattle manure) exhibited the most substantial increases among the treatments. Monthly evaluations revealed that treatment T2 (AMF 2 combined with NPK) resulted in maize plants with remarkable heights of 188.44 cm, while T1 (AMF 1 with NPK) enhanced leaf length. Additionally, treatment T4 showed significant dry matter retention, highlighting the effectiveness of these combined nutrient strategies. The findings suggest that integrating AMF with organic and inorganic fertilizers can optimize maize yield, and offer a sustainable strategy for smallholder farmers in Tanzania to enhance productivity in the face of nutrient challenges.