Browsing by Author "Marwa, Janeth"

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Age-Stratified Spatial Radiological Risk Assessment of 226Ra 232Th and 40K in Water Surrounding the Geita Gold Mine in Tanzania
(MDPI, 2025-09-26) Mwimanzi, Jerome; Haneklaus, Nils; Lolila, Farida; Marwa, Janeth; Rwiza, Mwemezi; Mtei, Kelvin
Long-term ingestion of water contaminated with naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM) may pose health risks. Water around the Geita Gold Mine in Tanzania was assessed by high-purity germanium gamma spectrometry to quantify the activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K, and computed age-stratified ingestion doses and risk indices were determined. The average activity concentrations were 57 mBq L−1 for 226Ra and 5026 mBq L−1 for 40K, while the activity concentrations of 232Th were below the detection limit in all samples. The estimated adult fatal cancer risk ranged from 0.9 × 10−6 to 3.1 × 10−6 (mean 2.0 × 10−6). The excess lifetime hereditary effect ranged from 2.0 × 10−6 to 7.3 × 10−6 for males (average 4.5 × 10−6 ± 1.5 × 10−6) and 2.1 × 10−6 to 7.7 × 10−6 for females (average 4.8 × 10−6 ± 1.6 × 10−6). One-way ANOVA and Pearson correlations indicated significant spatial variation in activities and indices across sites and age groups. Under current conditions, waters appear to be radiologically safe. However, mine-adjacent hotspots warrant targeted surveillance. The obtained results provide a baseline for sound monitoring approaches at the Geita Gold Mine and other mines showing similar activity profiles.
Application of the Kilimanjaro Concept in Reversing Seawater Intrusion and Securing Water Supply in Zanzibar, Tanzania
(MDPI, 2021-07-30) Pembe-Ali, Zuleikha; Mwamila, Tulinave; Lufingo, Mesia; Gwenzi, Willis; Marwa, Janeth; Rwiza, Mwemezi; Lugodisha, Innocent; Qi, Qinwen; Noubactep, Chicgoua
There is escalating salinity levels on small islands due to uncontrolled groundwater extraction. Conventionally, this challenge is addressed by adopting optimal groundwater pumping strategies. Currently, on Unguja Island (Zanzibar), urban freshwater is supplied by desalination, which is expensive and energy-intensive. Hence, desalinization cannot be afforded by rural communities. This study demonstrates that the innovative Kilimanjaro Concept (KC), based on rainwater harvesting (RWH) can remediate seawater intrusion in Unguja, while enabling a universal safe drinking water supply. The reasoning is rooted in the water balance of the whole island. It is shown that if rainwater is systematically harvested, quantitatively stored, and partly infiltrated, seawater intrusion will be reversed, and a universal safe drinking water supply will be secured. Water treatment with affordable technologies (e.g., filtration and adsorption) is suggested. The universality of KC and its suitability for small islands is demonstrated. Future research should focus on pilot testing of this concept on Unguja Island and other island nations.
Artisanal and small-scale mining in Tanzania and health implications: A policy perspective
(Elsevier, 2023-03-17) Rwiza, Mwemezi; Focus, Erasto; Bayuo, Jonas; Kimaro, Joseph; Kleinke, Matthias; Lyasenga, Theresia; Mosses, Jerry; Marwa, Janeth
The mineral sector, especially its small-scale subsector, has become significant in the emerging economies of the Global South. Tanzania is the focus of this policy exposition paper because, aside from Ghana and South Africa, Tanzania is ranked 4th in Africa in terms of its mineral deposits and small-scale mining activities. The focus is also on artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) because ASM operations have significantly increased in recent times across this mineral-rich country of East Africa. This is done against a negative backdrop-labelling of ASM as unsustainable, envi- ronmentally unfriendly, inefficient, and illegal. Tanzania has made some progress to respond to some of the challenges in the mining sector to improve the micro and macroeconomics of the country. Some areas remain challenging including the lack of proper environmental health ed- ucation for the ASM miners; the lack of clear national-level policies to guide health-related matters in the ASM subsector, and the small capital investment of the ASM subsector to sup- port healthy mining practices. The details related to the persistence of these challenges are not well known, particularly those that pertain to policymaking. This article attempts to evaluate the policy environment of the ASM subsector in Tanzania and propose appropriate actions for the future of mineral resource policymaking in Tanzania.
Assessment of integrating Environmental Factors into Healthcare Models for Enhancing Timely Epidemics Analysis: A Case study of Cholera in Dar es Salaam –Tanzania
(IJASRE, 2021) Leo, Judith; Marwa, Janeth
The objective of this study is to assess the perspectives of userson the feasibility of using integrated environmental factors-based healthcare model to enchance timely cholera epidemics analysis in Tanzania.The study used a mixed-design approach of quantitative and qualitative methods with focus group discussion and interviewer-administered questionnaires. Participants or users included;medicalandepidemiological experts, environmental experts, Information and CommunicationTechnology (ICT) experts, and cholera patients from Ilala, Ubungo, Kigamboni, Temeke, and Kinondoni disctricts in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.In the process,atotal of500interviews were conducted, consisting of 200medical experts, 50 environmental experts, 50 ICT experts, and 200 cholera patients, with an average age of 28 years old, and at 3:2 female to male ratio. Overall, our findings showed that Health and Environmental Integrated Modelled Systems (HEIMs) interventions are acceptable, feasible and capable in assisting timely analysis towards effective prediction and eradication of epidemics such as; cholera outbreaksat 79% acceptability, 90% aid-value and 69%awareness levels.Despite, the high acceptability level, participants also highlighted barriersof the model, such as;sustainabilityand operationcosts, which need to be addressed.These findings confirm that the program of HEIMS is of high potential towards enhancing timely cholera analysis, clear public health significance andrelevant to policy-makers, government, society, and related stakeholders at large. Therefore, the study, recommends that there is a need for all these organs to work together towards clearing all obstacles in order to achieve the intended goal of the HEIMs program
Defeating Fluorosis in the East African Rift Valley: Transforming the Kilimanjaro into a Rainwater Harvesting Park
(MDPI, 2018-11-14) Marwa, Janeth; Lufingo, Mesia; Noubactep, Chicgoua; Machunda, Revocatus
The high availability of fluoride in surface and groundwater in the East African Rift Valley was documented during the colonial period. Since the early 1960s, many studies have been conducted to solve the fluorosis crisis in this region. At present, no cost-effective solution to mitigate fluoride contamination is available for the large majority of the population. This situation prompted a process analysis of commonly used technologies. Results revealed that the geochemistry of fluoride is the main problem. Fluoride is very difficult to remove from the aqueous phase. Thus, eliminating the need for technical water defluoridation is an excellent way out of the fluorosis crisis. This goal can be achieved by harvesting fluoride-free rainwater. Harvested rainwater can be mixed with naturally polluted waters in calculated proportions to obtain safe drinking water (blending). This paper presents a concept to transform the Kilimanjaro Mountains into a huge rainwater harvesting park for drinking water supply for the whole East African Rift Valley. However, blended water may contain other pollutants including pathogens that are easy to treat using low-cost methods such as metallic iron based-filters (Fe0 filters). The proposed concept is transferable to other parts of the world still enduring fluoride pollution.
Development and Performance Evaluation of a Novel Solar Dryer Integrated with Thermal Energy Storage System for Drying of Agricultural Products
(American Chemical Society, 2023-11-14) Kivevele, Thomas; Kichonge, Baraka; Marwa, Janeth; Rulazi, Evordius
Passive solar dryers play a crucial role in reducing postharvest losses in fruits and vegetables, especially in regions like sub-Saharan Africa with low electrification rates and limited financial resources. However, the intermittent nature of solar energy presents a significant challenge for these dryers. Passive solar dryers integrated with thermal energy storage (TES) can reduce intermittence and improve the drying efficiency. Currently, phase change materials (PCMs) are popular heat storage materials in dryers, and paraffin wax dominates. The main problem with the use of PCMs is that it is necessary to closely constrain the temperature range of the process during charging and discharging. This can be a difficult condition to meet in simple solar dryers due to the variable availability of solar radiation. Instead, solid-phase materials, such as sand and rocks, are often used. Soapstone is one of the natural rocks with good thermal properties, but it has yet to be used as a TES material in solar dryers for drying agricultural products. Therefore, the main objective of the present study was to develop a novel solar dryer integrated with soapstone as a TES material and evaluate its performance. The proximate analysis to examine the quality of dried products using the developed technology was also carried out. The comparative experiments for the developed dryer were conducted in two modes: dryer with TES materials and without TES materials, and the results were compared with open sun drying (OSD) by drying 50 kg of fresh pineapple and carrot at different times. The drying times for pineapples in the dryer with TES, without TES, and OSD were 13, 24, and 52 h, respectively. However, the drying times for carrots in the dryer with TES, without TES, and OSD were 12, 23, and 50 h, respectively. Notably, the dryer integrated with TES materials could supply heat for around 3–4 h after sunset. The thermal efficiency of the dryer, collector efficiency, and storage efficiency of TES materials were calculated and found to be 45, 43, and 74.5%, respectively. Proximate analysis indicated that the dryer integrated with TES materials effectively maintained the quality of the dried products compared to OSD. Solar dryer integrated with soapstone showed great promise as sustainable and efficient solutions for reducing postharvest losses and enhancing food security in resource-constrained regions like sub-Saharan Africa.
Geochemistry of Potentially Toxic Elements in Soil and Sediments of a Tanzanian Small-Scale Gold Mining Area
(scientific research publishing, 2023-11-17) Karungamye, Johnbosco; Rwiza, Mwemezi; Selemani, Juma; Marwa, Janeth
Small-scale gold mining is linked to significant environmental pollution by potentially toxic elements (PTEs). However, research on the pollution caused by such mining activities remains insufficient especially in developing coun- tries. In the present study, a systematic investigation assessed the pollution and level of ecological risk of PTEs in soil and stream sediments in an active small scale gold mining area of Isanga, in Nzega, Tanzania. Samples amount- ing to 16 soil and 20 sediment were gathered from the study area and ana- lyzed for five PTEs concentrations (As, Cd, Cr, Hg and Pb) using the AAS method. The contamination level and ecological risk were assessed using sev- eral pollution indices. The results suggest that the assessed environmental systems of the Isanga mining area and its vicinities are lowly contaminated by PTEs and have a low potential to pose ecological risks. Hg and Cd with mean concentrations of 0.09 mg/kg and 0.26 mg/kg respectively were found to be the most enriched PTEs in soil, compared to their average continental crust concentrations (0.056 mg/kg and 0.102 mg/kg respectively). The levels of the evaluated PTEs in the study area are susceptible to increase over time if proactive steps are not taken to control mining and waste disposal activities
Human activities affecting lesser flamingo (Phoeniconaias minor) habitat in Momella lakes, Tanzania
(Taylor & Francis, 2024-05-01) Lihepanyama, Deogratias; Ndakidemi, Patrick; Marwa, Janeth; Treydte, Anna Christina
Land use/land cover (LULC) change, caused by human activities, can strongly affect wildlife species and their habitats. Yet, human impacts onto lakes and associated indicator bird species such as the lesser flamingos (Phoeniconaias minor) have rarely been investigated. We used remote sensing images from 1989 to 2019, with additional interviews and focus group discussions to investigate how LULC change and agricultural activities adjacent to the Momella lakes, Tanzania, have affected the flamingo habitat. Agricultural areas increased strongly over time, and most respondents earned their living through crop farming. The use of synthetic fertilizers, and limited knowledge about fertilizer effects on environmental health, were evident. We highlight that LULC data combined with socio-economic assessments is essential to understanding the dynamics and impacts of human activities on wildlife. We recommend training for sustainable farming practices around areas of high conservation values and integrating land use changes and socio-economic dynamics into conservation efforts.
MAGITS: A Mobile-based Information Sharing Framework for Integrating Intelligent Transport System in Agro-Goods e-Commerce in Developing Countries
(International Journal of Advanced Computer Science and Applications, 2021) Nchimbi, Stivin; Dida, Mussa; Marwa, Janeth; Michael, Kisangiri
The technological advancement in Intelligent Transport Systems and mobile phones enable massive collaborating devices to collect, process, and share information to support the sales and transportation of agricultural goods (agrogoods) from farmer to market within the Agriculture Supply Chain. Mobile devices, especially smartphones and intelligent Point of Sale (PoS), provide multiple features such as Global Positioning System (GPS) and accelerometer to complement infrastructure requirements. Despite the opportunity, the development and deployment of the innovative platforms integrating Agro-goods transport services with e-commerce and e-payment systems are still challenging in developing countries. Some noted challenges include the high cost of infrastructure, implementation complexities, technology, and policy issues. Therefore, this paper proposes a framework for integrating ITS services in agro-goods e-commerce, taking advantage of mobile device functionalities and their massive usage in developing countries. The framework components identified and discussed are Stakeholders and roles, User Services, Mobile Operations, Computing environment with Machine Learning support, Service goals and Information view, and Enabling Factors. A Design Science Research (DSR) method is applied to produce a framework as an artifact using a six-step model. Also, a case study of potato sales and transportation from the Njombe region to Dar es Salaam city in Tanzania is presented. The framework constructs the ability to improve information quality shared among stakeholders; provide a cost-effective and efficient approach for buying, selling, payment, and transportation of Agriculture goods.
Making Rainwater Harvesting a Key Solution for Water Management: The Universality of the Kilimanjaro Concept
(MDPI, 2019-10-11) Qi, Qinwen; Marwa, Janeth; Mwamila, Tulinave Burton; Gwenzi, Willis; Noubactep, Chicgoua
Rainwater is conventionally perceived as an alternative drinking water source, mostly needed to meet water demand under particular circumstances, including under semi-arid conditions and on small islands. More recently, rainwater has been identified as a potential source of clean drinking water in cases where groundwater sources contain high concentrations of toxic geogenic contaminants. Specifically, this approach motivated the introduction of the Kilimanjaro Concept (KC) to supply fluoride-free water to the population of the East African Rift Valley (EARV). Clean harvested rainwater can either be used directly as a source of drinking water or blended with polluted natural water to meet drinking water guidelines. Current e orts towards the implementation of the KC in the EARV are demonstrating that harvesting rainwater is a potential universal solution to cover ever-increasing water demands while limiting adverse environmental impacts such as groundwater depletion and flooding. Indeed, all surface and subsurface water resources are replenished by precipitation (dew, hail, rain, and snow), with rainfall being the main source and major component of the hydrological cycle. Thus, rainwater harvesting systems entailing carefully harvesting, storing, and transporting rainwater are suitable solutions for water supply as long as rain falls on earth. Besides its direct use, rainwater can be infiltrating into the subsurface when and where it falls, thereby increasing aquifer recharge while minimizing soil erosion and limiting floods. The present paper presents an extension of the original KC by incorporating Chinese experience to demonstrate the universal applicability of the KC for water management, including the provision of clean water for decentralized communities.
Radioactivity distribution in soil, rock and tailings at the Geita Gold Mine in Tanzania
(Elsevier, 2025-04-30) Mwimanzi, Jerome; Haneklaus, Nils; Bituh, Tomislav; Brink Hendrik; Katarzyna Kiegiel; Lolila, Farida; Marwa, Janeth; Rwiza, Mwemezi; Mtei, Kelvin
This study evaluated the activity concentrations of natural radionuclides in soil, waste rocks and tailings from the Geita gold mining site in Tanzania using high-resolution gamma spectroscopy. A total of 41 samples: 31 soil, 5 waste rock, and 5 tailing samples were collected around the mine to assess their radiological hazards. The average activity concentrations in soil were 54, 45 and 279 Bq kg-1 for 226Ra, 232Th and 40K. In contrast, tailings exhibited higher activity concentrations of 70, 36 Bq kg-1 for 226Ra and 232Th, and significantly elevated levels of 877 Bq kg-1 for 40K, while waste rocks showed intermediate values, with 66, 73 and 660 Bq kg-1 for 226Ra, 232Th and 40K respectively. Radiological hazard indices were calculated to quantify potential risks. In soil, the radium equivalent activity (Raeq) averaged 139 Bq kg-1, the annual effective dose equivalent (AEDE) was 78 μSv y-1, the annual gonadal dose equivalent (AGDE) reached 430 μSv y-1, and the excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) was 0.27 × 10-1. Tailings showed a Raeq of 189 Bq kg-1, AEDE of 111 μSv y-1, AGDE of 678 μSv y-1, and ELCR of 0.39 × 10- 1, while waste rocks exhibited a Raeq of 200 Bq kg-1, AEDE of 108 μSv y-1, AGDE of 642 μSv y-1, and ELCR of 0.37 × 10-3. Notably, the ELCR values for tailings and waste rocks exceeded the global average of 0.29 × 10-3, rendering them unsuitable for use as building materials. The absorbed dose rates were 69 nGy h-1 for soil, 91 nGy h-1 for tailings, and 88 nGy h-1 for waste rocks. One-way ANOVA revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) among the matrices. These findings underscore the need for targeted waste management and remediation strategies to mitigate radiological health risks in the investigated mining area as well as other areas with similar characteristics
Requirements Engineering for Digitizing Traditional Medical Knowledge: The Case of Building Phytomedicine Mobile-Web Application in Tanzania
(International Journal of Knowledge Content Development & Technology, 2019-12) Beebwa, Irene; Dida, Mussa; Chacha, Musa; Nyakundi, David; Marwa, Janeth
The digitization of traditional medical knowledge in Tanzania will greatly enhance its preservation and dissemination. This is especially important given the challenges facing the current methods of preserving and managing such knowledge. This study presents the requirements engineering approaches and requirements for a web-mobile application that would successfully digitize indigenous knowledge of phytomedicine and relevant practitioners licensing and registration processes. To establish the requirements of such a digital system application, the study sought the opinion of 224 stakeholders whose suggestions were used to analyze and model the requirements for designing such a web-mobile tool. The study was carried out in Arusha, Kagera and Dar es Salaam regions of Tanzania which involved ethnobotanical researchers, herb practitioners, curators from herbaria and registrar officers from Traditional and Alternatives Health Practice Council. Structured interview, survey, observation and document review were employed to find out the basic functional and non-functional requirements for possible designing and implementation a web-mobile application that would digitize indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants. The requirements were modelled using the use case and context diagrams. Finally, the study came up with a list of items for both functional and non-functional requirements that can be used as guidelines to develop a web-mobile application that will capture and document traditional medical knowledge of medicinal plants in Tanzania and, enabling relevant authorities to regulate and manage stakeholders.
Requirements Engineering for Digitizing Traditional Medical Knowledge: The Case of Building Phytomedicine Mobile-Web Application in Tanzania
(Irene Evarist Beebwa et al. International Journal of Knowledge Content Development & Technology, 2019-12) Beebwa, Irene; Dida, Mussa; Chacha, Musa; Nyakundi, David; Marwa, Janeth
The digitization of traditional medical knowledge in Tanzania will greatly enhance its preservation and dissemination. This is especially important given the challenges facing the current methods of preserving and managing such knowledge. This study presents the requirements engineering approaches and requirements for a web-mobile application that would successfully digitize indigenous knowledge of phytomedicine and relevant practitioners licensing and registration processes. To establish the requirements of such a digital system application, the study sought the opinion of 224 stakeholders whose suggestions were used to analyze and model the requirements for designing such a web-mobile tool. The study was carried out in Arusha, Kagera and Dar es Salaam regions of Tanzania which involved ethnobotanical researchers, herb practitioners, curators from herbaria and registrar officers from Traditional and Alternatives Health Practice Council. Structured interview, survey, observation and document review were employed to find out the basic functional and non-functional requirements for possible designing and implementation a web-mobile application that would digitize indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants. The requirements were modelled using the use case and context diagrams. Finally, the study came up with a list of items for both functional and non-functional requirements that can be used as guidelines to develop a web-mobile application that will capture and document traditional medical knowledge of medicinal plants in Tanzania and, enabling relevant authorities to regulate and manage stakeholders
Research Data Management Among Researchers in Higher Learning Institutions of Sub-Saharan Africa
(IGI Global, 2020) Mosha, Neema; Luhanga, Edith; Mosha, Mary Vincent; Marwa, Janeth
Advancement in information and communication technologies has made it easier for researchers to capture and store myriad data at a higher level of granularity. Higher education institutions (HEIs) worldwide are incorporating research data management (RDM) services to enable researchers to work with their data properly. This chapter focuses on creating awareness amongst researchers on how researchers and HEIs can form strategies, design and restrict data management plan (DMP), integrate research data life cycle, and ensure quality data sharing, as well as integrate with developed RDM policies and guidelines to curb challenges prohibiting the practice of RDM in HEIs.
Stakeholders’ Attitude on the Use of ICT Tools for Sustainable Propagation of Indigenous Knowledge in Tanzania: A Case of Traditional Medical Knowledge of Medicinal Plants
(Modern education and computer science press, 2019-11-08) Beebwa, Irene; Marwa, Janeth; Chacha, Musa; Dida, Mussa
Most local communities in Tanzania depend on herbal remedies as the primary source of health care and such knowledge have been stored in the minds of the elderly who pass it on orally to young generations. However, the method is not reliable, as there is a likelihood of gradual loss of such knowledge as the elderly become older and incapacitated. It is at the backdrop of such a scenario that this study investigated the stakeholder’s attitude towards the use of information and communication technology tools in preserving traditional medical knowledge in Tanzania. The study also investigated the existing approaches for managing both traditional medical practitioners, herbaria activities and the difficulties. Both quantitative and qualitative data were employed and the study covered Arusha, Kagera and Dar es Salaam regions where 60 ethnobotanical researchers and 156 traditional medical practitioners were involved. The collected data was analyzed using R and Tableau software. The study indicated that 75% of traditional medical practitioners use story-telling for preserving traditional medical knowledge; 86.53% of practitioners indicated that much of the knowledge has disappeared over generations. More than half (69.87%) of practitioners were aware of the existence of technological devices for accessing the internet and 80.5% of researchers and practitioners believed that Information and Communication Technology tools have benefits in the practice of traditional medicine. From the findings, the study came up with the ICT model solution that can help in documenting, preserving and disseminating traditional medical knowledge and integrate the management of stakeholders in Tanzania.
Techno-economic analysis of a solar-assisted heat pump dryer for drying agricultural products
(WILEY, 2023-10-15) Rulaz, Evordius; Marwa, Janeth; Kichonge, Baraka; Kivevele, Thomas
Postharvest losses (PHLs) of biomaterials, such as vegetables and fruits, significantly impact food security and economic stability in developing nations. In Tanzania, PHLs are estimated to range between 30% and 40% for cereal crops and even higher for perishable crops such as fruits and vegetables. Open-sun drying (OSD) is the most extensively employed method because of its affordability and simplicity. However, OSD has several drawbacks, including difficulties in managing drying parameters, long drying times owing to adverse weather, and product contamination. The solar- assisted heat pump dryer (SAHPD) is a technology designed as an alternative solution
Tourism SMEs usage of Social Media Analytics as their Business Intelligence Tool
(International Journal of Advances in Scientific Research and Engineering (ijasre), 2022-01) Madila, Shadrack; Marwa, Janeth; Dida, Mussa; Kaijage, Shubi
This study delivers the results of the survey conducted to investigate the tourism SMEs' usage of social media analytics as their business intelligence tool. The study uses the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) model to investigate the usage of SMA to tourism SMEs. 71 tourism SMEs were interviewed in Arusha and Kilimanjaro regions by filling the semi- structured questionnaires, then followed by the data analysis using MS excel and Python. The results of the findings show that the usage of social media analytics as a business intelligence tool for tourism SMEs is beneficial to them, however, findings show very few tourism SMEs are conducting social media analytics on their social media platforms. Most tourism SMEs use built-in social media analytics and they are performing simple metrics like counting the number of likes, comments, and shares. Further results explain that the majority of the tourism SMEs don't have more information and knowledge about social media analytics and tools used to perform social media analytics as well as they are performing social media analytics without following any implementation framework to guide the process. The study recommends that social media stakeholders increase awareness of social media analytics to tourism SMEs so that they could use it and get more advantages of using social media. Furthermore, researchers information systems analysts and developers develop social media analytics tools specifically for tourism SMEs and provide them step-by-step procedures that will help them in using and managing the social media analytics activities
White Teeth and Healthy Skeletons for All: The Path to Universal Fluoride-Free DrinkingWater in Tanzania
(MDPI, 2019-01-12) Ndé-Tchoupé, Arnaud Igor; Tepong-Tsindé, Raoul; Lufingo, Mesia; Pembe-Ali, Zuleikha; Lugodisha, Innocent; Mureth, Risala Iddi; Nkinda, Mihayo; Marwa, Janeth; Gwenzi, Willis; Mwamila, Tulinave Burton; Rahman, Mohammad Azizur; Noubactep, Chicgoua; Njau, Karoli
Fluorosis has been prevalent in the great East African Rift Valley (EARV) since before this region was given a name. In the Tanganyika days, Germans reported elevated fluoride concentrations in natural waters. In the 1930s, the clear relationship between high fluoride level and mottling of teeth was established. Since then, the global research community has engaged in the battle to provide fluoride-free drinking water, and the battle is not yet won for low-income communities. An applicable concept for fluoride-free drinking water in the EARV was recently presented, using the Kilimanjaro as a rainwater harvesting park. The Kilimanjaro concept implies that rainwater is harvested, stored on the Kilimanjaro mountains, gravity-transported to the point of use, eventually blended with natural water and treated for distribution. This article provides a roadmap for the implementation of the Kilimanjaro concept in Tanzania. Specifically, the current paper addresses the following: (i) presents updated nationwide information on fluoride contaminated areas, (ii) discusses the quality and quantity of rainwater, and current rainwater harvesting practices in Tanzania, (iii) highlights how low-cost water filters based on Fe0/biochar can be integrating into rainwater harvesting (RWH) systems to provide clean drinking water, and (iv) discusses the need for strict regulation of RWH practices to optimize water collection and storage, while simplifying the water treatment chain, and recommends strict analytical monitoring of water quality and public education to sustain public health in the EARV. In summary, it is demonstrated that, by combining rainwater harvesting and low-cots water treatment methods, the Kilimanjaro concept has the potential to provide clean drinking water, and overcome fluorosis on a long-term basis. However, a detailed design process is required to determine: (i) institutional roles, and community contributions and participation, (ii) optimal location and sizing of conveyance and storage facilities to avoid excessive pumping costs, and (iii) project funding mechanisms, including prospects for government subsidy. By drawing attention to the Kilimanjaro concept, the article calls for African engineers and scientists to take the lead in translating this concept into reality for the benefit of public health, while simultaneously increasing their self-confidence to address other developmental challenges pervasive in Africa.