The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology
Institutional Repository
Research Collection
Select to browse Research collections.
Recent Submissions
Fowlpox forecasting multimodal dataset from northern Tanzania
(Zenodo, 2026-04-27) Almasi, Kabeya
This dataset contains weather data, epidemiology data, vaccination data, and seasonality data for fowlpox incidence in northern Tanzania.
Questionnaire for Rainwater Harvesting (RWH) and Soil Moisture Conservation (SMC) Technologies in Maize Production in Babati District, Tanzania
(Zenodo, 2026-03-26) Kanyiru, Mary; Meya, Akida; Mkindi, Angela
This dataset contains the semi-structured guide for surveys, interviews and focus group discussions used to collect data on rainwater harvesting and soil moisture conservation technologies used in maize production in Babati District, Tanzania.
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.