The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology
Institutional Repository
Research Collection
Select to browse Research collections.
Recent Submissions
Molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of lumpy skin disease virus detected in Tanzania between 2023 and 2024
(Open Veterinary Journal, 2026) Paskalina Badi Niima, Alexanda Danford Mzula, Philemon Nyangi Wambura, Gabriel Mkilema Shirima
Background: Lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV), a double-stranded DNA virus of the genus Capripoxvirus, causes Lumpy skin disease in cattle, leading to significant economic and production losses. In Tanzania, information on the molecular epidemiology of LSDV is limited, as its circulation has only been investigated in the Tanga, Pwani, and Rukwa regions.
Aim: This study aimed to characterize circulating LSDV strains in Dodoma, Arusha, Manyara, Kigoma, Mwanza,
and Mara regions, which are densely populated with cattle in Tanzania, to understand genetic diversity in these areas.
Methods: Blood and skin biopsy samples (n = 33 each) were collected from nine districts in Tanzania. Molecular detection was performed by targeting the P32 gene, and genetic variability was assessed by amplifying and sequencing the G protein-coupled chemokine receptor (GPCR) gene. Nucleotide sequences were translated into amino acid sequences using the ExPASy Translate tool, and then both nucleotide and amino acid sequences were aligned, followed by phylogenetic analysis.
Results: Of the 33 blood and 33 skin biopsy samples tested, 20 skin biopsy and 3 blood samples were polymerase chain reaction-positive for LSDV based on the GPCR gene. Multiple sequence alignment revealed nucleotide substitutions (A→C) at positions 10 and 34 and an amino acid substitution (T→P) at position 12 in some Tanzania field isolates, while others exhibited unique amino acid signatures at positions A11, T12, T34, S99, and P199. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the LSDV isolates obtained from Tanzania clustered closely with one another, as well as with reference strains from Africa, Asia, Europe, and Eurasia. Additionally, the Tanzania field isolates formed a different cluster from most reference vaccine strains, suggesting notable genetic variation between circulating field viruses and vaccine-derived strains. However, an exception was observed with the Kenya vaccine strains (KP663708 and
KJ818282), which clustered closely with the Tanzania field isolates, indicating a close genetic relationship with these particular vaccine strains.
Conclusion: Tanzanian LSDV isolates are genetically similar to the reference strains but distinct from most vaccine strains, confirming the circulation of wild-type viruses and highlighting the need for targeted control measures, including monitoring emerging variants and regulating animal movement.
Strengthening One Health implementation in Tanzania through a synthesis of multisectoral evidence and recommendations
(Discover Public Health, 2026) Salum Manyatta, Mololo Noah Mwanjala, Andrew Chota, Theonest Ndyetabura, Maganga Sambo, Samwel Ibrahim Charles, Hamisi Msagama, Mwanaisha Mrisho, Valentina Sanga, Mikidadi Mtalika, Abubakar Hoza, Esther G. Kimaro, Hussein Mohamed, Charles Massambu, Jeremiah Seni, Gabriel Shirima,Ndekya Oriyo
The One Health approach, an integrated, unifying framework recognising the interdependence of human, animal, and ecosystem health, provides a cornerstone for global health security and sustainable development. Formally endorsed in 2021 by the Quadripartite United Nations agencies, it is currently being implemented across 160 countries globally, including at least 21 African countries. In Tanzania, implementation is guided by two successive national strategic plans and coordinated through the One Health Section of the Prime Minister’s Office. To advance this agenda, the first Tanzania One Health Conference (TOHC) was convened in Arusha from 4 to 6 November 2024, bringing together 320 participants from government, academia, private institutions, international organisations, and civil society. This report synthesises the principal findings from five keynote addresses, three high-level panel
discussions, and 112 presentations across five sub-themes. These include Disease Surveillance, Systems and Technology; One Health Evidence-Based Advocacy, Equity and Social Inclusion; and One Health Approach to Biosecurity and Biosafety Practices. Additionally, other themes addressed Climate Change, Biodiversity and Pandemic Preparedness, as well as Food and Feed Safety, Security and Nutrition. Thematic analysis across these sub-themes identified eight cross-cutting recommendations addressing governance and accountability, disease surveillance, sustainable financing,
investment strategy, education and advocacy, research and evidence generation, policy-research coordination, and climate and biodiversity integration. The conference substantially achieved its four stated aims and committed to establishing a regular national One Health symposium as a platform for ongoing accountability and knowledge exchange.
Resilience in a Warming World: A Scoping Review of the Adaptive Mechanisms of East African Indigenous Goats
(Scientific Research Publishing, 2026) Ziwena, N. , Linus, M. , Raphael, M. , Abasi, K. and Gabriel, S.
Climate change and increasingly erratic weather patterns pose a severe threat to livestock production, particularly in East Africa. While exotic breeds often
struggle under environmental stress, indigenous goats, specifically the Small East African (SEA) breeds, exhibit remarkable resilience. Goats exhibit a range
of morphological, physiological, behavioural and genetic adaptations that enable their survival under harsh climatic conditions. However, for indigenous
goats in East Africa, these specific mechanisms and genetic drivers of this adaptability remain poorly synthesized. This scoping review aims to map the
existing evidence regarding the environmental resilience, adaptive traits (phenotypic and genetic), and socio-economic significance of indigenous goats in
East Africa in the context of climate change. A structured search was used to query relevant articles across multiple databases following the PRISMA-ScR
guidelines. Studies focusing on morphological, physiological, behavioral, and genetic adaptations of East African goats were included. The scoping review
identified a multi-dimensional adaptive strategy in indigenous goats with studies describing both phenotypic and genetic adaptations. Phenotypic adap-tations included the high surface-area-to-volume ratios for heat dissipation, superior water conservation (desiccated feces and concentrated urine), and
dietary flexibility. Genetic adaptations are linked to key biomarkers that ensure innate hardiness and survival through disease resistance (FGF9 and MAPK3), thermo-tolerance (HSPA2 and HSP70) and metabolic signaling (ADCY4). Despite these findings, a significant “characterization gap” exists: while phenotypic traits are well-documented across breed categories, high-resolution genomic data specific to East African populations is sparse. Socio economically, these goats function as a flexible, self-renewing asset for small holder farmers, requiring low inputs while maintaining reproductive success under stress. Indigenous goats thus allow farmers to recover from economic shocks by providing a source of capital that can be quickly liquidated. Therefore, indigenous East African goats possess a genetic footprint that is critical for sustainable livestock production in a warming world. To fully leverage this potential, future research must transition from descriptive studies to functional genomics and marker-assisted selection. Integrating these resilient breeds into national climate adaptation policies is a critical step toward ensuring long-term food security.
Impact of Abandoned Maasai Bomas on the Spread of Urtica massaica and Plant Species Diversity in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania
(MDPI, 2026) Marymatilda N. Goodness, Richard A. Giliba, Issakwisa B. Ngondya
Abandoned pastoral settlements can create disturbed and nutrient-enriched microsites that favor the dominance of native expansive plant species. Yet limited empirical evidence exists on how abandoned Maasai bomas influence the spread of Urtica massaica and associated plant community changes in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Tanzania. This study assessed the influence of abandoned bomas on plant species abundance, richness, diversity, soil seedbank status, and the spatial distribution of U. massaica. A multistage stratified random sampling design was used,
whereby Ngorongoro and Nainokanoka zones were selected from the designated management zones of the conservation area. Vegetation data, soil samples, and geographic coordinates of abandoned bomas were collected from abandoned boma sites and adjacent control sites. Plant species abundance, richness, and diversity were compared between abandoned bomas and control sites after testing data normality using the Shapiro–Wilk test. Independent sample t-tests were used for normally distributed data, while Wilcoxon rank-sum tests were used for non-normally distributed data. Spatial distribution of U.
massaica was assessed using GIS-based heatmap and kernel density estimation. Results showed that native plant species abundance was significantly higher in control sites than in abandoned bomas. Plant species richness and diversity also differed significantly between sites in both Ngorongoro and Nainokanoka, with control sites supporting higher richness and diversity. However, soil seedbank results showed no significant differences in species richness and diversity between soils collected from abandoned bomas and control sites, although slightly higher values were observed in control soils. Spatial analysis revealed that U. massaica hotspots were concentrated mainly in highland areas with high densities of abandoned bomas. These findings suggest that abandoned bomas may act as focal points for U. massaica establishment and dominance, reducing aboveground plant diversity while
retaining some potential for natural regeneration through the soil seedbank. Management interventions should prioritize abandoned bomas as key sites for controlling U. massaica spread and supporting vegetation recovery in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Banana bunchy top virus in Sub-Saharan Africa: emergent threats, technological solutions, and the imperative for integrated management
(Springer Naturer, 2026) Fatma Hussein Kiruwa, Rimnoma Serge Ouedraogo, Agatha Aloyce, Mpoki Mathew Shimwela, Beatrice Mwaipopo, Ernest Mbega, David Hughes
Banana Bunchy Top Virus (BBTV) represents the most devastating viral threat to banana production in Sub-Saharan Africa, where over 100 million people depend on bananas as their primary staple food. The virus’s recent eastward expansion into Tanzania in 2020 has created an unprecedented agricultural crisis, with complete yield losses documented in affected areas. This review synthesizes current knowledge of BBTV’s impact across Sub-Saharan Africa, with particular emphasis on Tanzania’s experience as a case study in disease emergence and response. We examine the integration of cutting-edge diagnostic technologies, including AI-powered surveillance and molecular detection platforms, with traditional management approaches. The analysis reveals critical gaps in sustainable disease management. It highlights the urgent need for multi-faceted strategies that combine technological innovation with community-based interventions to protect food security for millions of smallholder farmers.