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Phenotypic Characteristics of Lablab (Lablab purpureus L. Sweet) Accessions Compared Between Water Stressed and Non-Stressed Seedling Phases to Determine Stress Tolerant Accessions in Semi-arid Conditions
(East African Journal of Science, Technology and Innovation (, 2025-01-23) Missanga, Julius; Massawe, Joseph; Sahini, Mutabazi; Venkataramana, Pavithravani
Drought poses a severe threat to agriculture, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) where the effects of climate change are most noticeable. There are few crop’ species that are able to resist drought stress. Despite the fact that Lablab is a multipurpose crop with high potential on drought tolerance, little research has been conducted to evaluate the crop's early responses to the drought stress in arid and semi-arid conditions. This study therefore aimed to identify stress-tolerant Lablab accessions by analyzing their phenotypic seedling traits under different moisture regimes (MR) in semi-arid conditions. In the study, seventeen potential accessions were subjected to the water stressed (S/ST) and non-stressed (NS) experiments in screen-house after germination. Two checks were considered in the experiments. Throughout the three repeated experiments, data collection involved several morpho-physiological traits including plant height, root length, shoot and root biomass, and relative water content (RWC), monitored every two days since withdrawal of water to the experiment. Seed weight (SW) was measured in triplicate before the beginning of the experiment. The Bartlett's and Levene's tests demonstrated (p > 0.05) normal distribution of the data. Using Gen-Stat and R software, ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey tests (p ≤ 0.05) were performed to examine the differences between the accessions across the seedling traits, days and MR. The findings revealed the significant difference (p < 0.05) in the traits in relation to the accessions, MR, and their interactions. Variation of the accessions on different traits as compared between the ST and NS experiments at day 7 was also proven significant. Through the ranking method, D349, D352, D363, D359, D147, HA4 and D348 were selected as the best drought tolerant (DT) accessions at seedling stage recommended for further assessment towards releasing the DT-high yield varieties potential in semi-arid conditions such as the central zone of Tanzania.
Usefulness and Usability of a Web-Based System for Disseminating Maize Production Knowledge in the Manyara Region, Tanzania
(African Journals Online (AJOL), 2025-04-30) Ngessa, Victor; Mtei, Kelvin; Michael, Kisangiri; Magesa, Mawazo
This study designed and evaluated the usefulness and usability of a web-based system for disseminating maize production knowledge to farmers in Tanzania’s Manyara region. The system covered all stages of maize production, from farm preparation to harvesting and storage, and provided knowledge in multimedia formats with interactive features. Eighty-one smallholder maize farmers from Hanang, Mbulu, and Babati districts evaluated the system's usefulness and usability (satisfaction) via questionnaires, while an additional 10 respondents assessed its usability in terms of effectiveness and efficiency. Researchers observed respondents using the system to assess its effectiveness and efficiency. Data were analysed both quantitatively and qualitatively. Results showed that most smallholders found the system’s content and features useful (x̅=4.5). With an average System Usability Scale score of 87.5 and all users successfully completing tasks, the system proved easy to use. The study highlights the need for designing useful and user-friendly web-based systems, like the one under study, to help smallholders in developing countries access crop production knowledge, enhancing their productivity and decision-making capabilities.
Diagnosing scaling bottlenecks in 10 community conservation initiatives in southern and eastern Africa
(CONSERVATION BIOLOGY, 2025-09-12) Pienkowski, Thomas; Clark, Matt; Jagadish, Arundhati; Albert, Aklei; Brar, Mohanjeet; Breedveld, Tarn; Chinangwa, Linda; Gohil, Deepali; Irumba, Deziderius; Kanaan, Ramzy; Kicheleri, Rose; Kihumuro, Phillip; Kiwango, Wilhelm; Mabele, Mathew; Matiku, Paul; Mbeyale, Gimbage; Mbuvi, Musingo; Mugisha, Arthur; Mwango, Stanley; Mwanyoka, Iddi; Nyirenda, Robson; Pétursson, Jón Geir; Rusoke, Taddeo; Turyahabwe, Nelson; Kazungu, Moses; Mandoloma, Lessah; Oula, Geoffrey; Meshack, Charles; Moombe, Kaala; Moyo, Francis; Muposhi, Victor; Ochieng, Amos; Sabuhoro, Edwin; Spenceley, Anna; Sulle, Emmanuel; Tumusiime, David; Wilfred, Paulo; Brehony, Peadar; Assef, Elias; Mills, Morena
Scaling area-based conservation, including initiatives led or comanaged by Indigenous Peoples and local communities, is a flagship goal of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Conservationists often aspire to scale initiatives, but this is rarely achieved in practice. Identifying and addressing factors that limit initiative adoption (i.e., bottlenecks) could improve scaling strategies. We used insightsfrom 84 expert surveys to identify potential risk factors and bottlenecks to scaling 10 community, area-based initiatives in southern and eastern Africa. The number of reported potential risk factors and bottlenecks varied among initiatives. However, unfair benefit sharing, unequal decision-making, inflexible rules, and top-down leadership were frequently identified as bottlenecks. Although adopting initiatives had costs (e.g., increased local conflicts, reduced local access to natural resources and cropland), most experts believed these costs were offset by other benefits and thus did not constitute bottlenecks. Our results did not capture local perspectives, but they suggest scaling strategies that strengthen environmental governance may support more socially just and durable approaches to meeting area-based conservation goals.
The influence of security and reward on behavioral intention to adopt mobile payment: A comparative analysis of users versus non-users in Tanzania's handicraft industry
(Elsevier Ltd., 2025-09-25) Mbuya, Kennedy; Chachage, Bukaza; Pasape, Liliane
The users and non-users were compared to determine how security and rewards influenced intentions to adopt mobile payment systems. The research philosophy adopted for the study was post-positivist, approach type was quantitative, and the research was cross-sectional. The perspective of merchants was included by considering the owners of handicraft shops in Tanzania as the study population. Sampling was conducted using multistage non-probability sampling, which involved purposive and convenience sampling methods. Data collection occurred at the Maasai Market in Arusha, Mwenge Wood Carvers Market in Dar es Salaam, and Stone Town curios and craft shops in Zanzibar. Data was gathered through closed questionnaires, yielding a total of 427 respondents: 219 users and 208 non-users. The analyses of data were conducted using Covariance Based-Structural Equation Modeling (CB-SEM) with SPSS version 27 and Smart-PLS4 and AMOS software. The results show that similar findings appeared on both groups (such as user and non-user), security has a significant positive effect on the intention of mobile payment, and rewards has a non-significant effect. From multi group analysis there was no significant difference in the influence of security and reward factors on behavioral intention across both groups. This study contributes to the existing theoretical extend and offers practical implications and further research direction.
Characterizing rainfall patterns and dynamics in the Little Ruaha catchment, southern Tanzania
(Frontiers, 2025-10-06) Mahay, Florence; Mahay F.H.; Valimba, Patrick; Tumbo, Madaka; Izdori, Fides; Mwabumba, Mohamed
Water resources in many regions are increasingly under pressure due to population growth, agricultural expansion, and climate variability, which presents significant challenges in maintaining sustainable water supplies. The Little Ruaha catchment in Tanzania, a critical area for irrigation, water supply, and hydropower projects, is similarly affected by these pressures. This study was conducted to examine in detail the spatial–temporal variability and trends of rainfall indices to inform sustainable water resource management within the catchment. The study utilized the Mann-Kendall (MK) statistical test at a 95% confidence level (p ≤ 0.05), to assess the onset and cessation of annual and seasonal rainfall trends, with a particular focus on the November to April (NDJFMA) rainfall season. Rainbow statistical software was employed to evaluate rainfall normality and probabilities at 20, 50, and 80% risk levels. Results show decreasing trends in annual rainfall at Kilima station and Iringa Maji but were significant at Kilima station. On the other hand, increasing trends which were not significant at Iringa met and Mafinga stations. In terms of seasonal rainfall, the Iringa Met and Kilima stations demonstrated decreasing trends which were significant at Kilima. In addition, Mafinga and Iringa maji stations exhibited insignificant increasing trend. The results indicate that rain-fed crops in the southern and northeastern regions of the catchment are highly susceptible to drought stress, particularly during the short rainfall season (20% probability). Furthermore, there is a significant risk of water stress for sensitive crops in a typical season (50% probability) in these areas. The study recommends the cultivation of short-cycle crops or the implementation of irrigation strategies in vulnerable locations, along with enhancing water productivity and enforcing water permit regulations to ensure sustainable downstream flows. These findings are crucial for hydrological planning, irrigation management, and the overall sustainability of water resources in the Little Ruaha catchment.