Browsing by Author "Meya, Akida"

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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.
Better nitrogen fertilizer management improved Mchare banana productivity and profitability in northern highlands, Tanzania
(MDPI, 2023-05-20) Meya, Akida; Swennen, Rony; Ndakidemi, Patrick; Mtei, Kelvin; Merckx, Roel
Declining land productivity is a major problem constraining banana (Musa spp.) production in Tanzania. Banana fruit yield consequently reaches only 15% of the potential, primarily due to inadequate soil nutrient replenishment. Improving farmers’ soil nutrient replenishment strategy in banana home gardens, which relies on applications of cattle manure only, by mixing with inorganic fertilizer resources can increase land productivity and can improve the overall profitability of banana production in the country. Experiments were conducted at Tarakea, Lyamungo, and Tengeru to determine the effects of organic fertilizer resources (animal manure and crop residue) and their combination with inorganic fertilizer resources on the productivity and profitability of Mchare banana production. Banana fruit yield differed significantly among the experimental sites, with drier areas of Tengeru recording, on average, 19.6 t ha−1 year−1 , while the more humid areas of Lyamungo recorded, on average, 39.3 ha−1 year−1 . Mchare banana plants grown under sole inorganic fertilizer produced significantly low yields (33.0 t ha−1 year−1 ) compared with those fertilized with cattle manure only, which lifted the yields to 38.8 t ha−1 year−1 , but the latter required more labor input. Soil nitrogen (N) fertilization via cattle manure + mineral fertilizer gave the highest average banana fruit yield (43.0 t ha−1 year−1 ) across the sites, and reduced fertilization costs by 32%. Subsequently, this integrated fertilization technique generated the highest average net benefits in all sites and both cropping cycles. Thus, the findings of this study form a basis to improve land productivity and profitability in banana-based home gardens in the study area by directing more labor input to good soil N management
Efficacy of plant-based fungicide formulations on tomato late blight disease management in Tanzania
(Springer Nature, 2025-08-20) Mng’ong’o, Wilson; Mashamba Philipo,; Agatha Aloyce,; Meya, Akida
This study evaluated the effectiveness of plant-based fungicide formulations in managing tomato late blight (TLB), caused by Phytophthora infestans. Infected tomato leaves were collected from farmers’ fields in Karangai Village, Arumeru District, and used for pathogen isolation at the NM-AIST laboratory. In vitro trials identified two promising formulations: garlic extract combined with sunflower oil (GaSu₃) and sunflower oil combined with ginger extract (SuGi₃), which inhibited fungal colony growth to 2.8 ± 0.05% and 4.5 ± 0.07%, respectively, compared to the untreated control. These formulations were further evaluated in a screen house trial involving 10 treatments, including plant-based fungicides, synthetic fungicides applied at different intervals, and an untreated control. A completely randomized design (CRD) was employed with three replications, resulting in a total of 30 plots and 60 plants. The results revealed that all treatments experienced a 100% disease incidence; however, disease severity differed significantly (p ≤ 0.001). The highest proportion of uninfected fruits was observed in the synthetic fungicide treatments (96.3–99.3%), followed by the plant-based treatments (55.6–67.9%). The untreated control recorded the lowest proportion of uninfected fruits (48.4%). These findings indicate that although plant-based fungicides are less effective than synthetic fungicides, they significantly reduce disease severity and offer a viable, environmentally sustainable option for managing tomato late blight (TLB) in tomato production.
Farmers’ insights and practices on sustainable soil nutrient and pest management in semi-arid Eastern Africa
(MDPI, 2025-03-12) Ojuu, David; Mkindi, Angela; Meya, Akida; Giliba, Richard; Vanek, Steven; Belmain, Steven
The need to increase agricultural production for food, fiber, and feed for a growing population is a global call. Sub-Saharan Africa currently experiences declining soil fertility and increasing pest pressures affecting agricultural production. Soil fertility and pest management practices tend to vary greatly among smallholder farmers due to farm-based limitations, attitudes, and perceptions. Using focus group discussions and individual farmer interviews, we evaluated the socio-economic factors influencing the production and utilization of nutrient resources by smallholder farmers. We also assessed factors for pest prevalence and management by smallholder farmers. We observed that the major organic nutrient fertilizer resources used by farmers are farmyard manure and crop residue recycling. The production and utilization of organic nutrient fertilizer resources vary according to agroecological zone, influenced by livestock ownership, grazing management, and farmer organization; Farmer Research Network farmers show optimal use of nutrient resources compared to non-Farmer Research Network farmers. Pest problems varied across agroecologies and were influenced by field management gradients. We noted that FRN farmers used ecologically relevant pest management approaches more frequently than non-FRN farmers. Our findings on nutrient resources and pest management highlight context-specific issues to leverage to promote agroecological approaches for agricultural productivity and resilient semi-arid landscapes.
Farming systems and soil fertility management practices in smallholdings on the southern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
(Frontiers, 2024-02-16) Mhoro, Lydia; Meya, Akida; Amuri, Nyambilila; Ndakidemi, Patrick; Mtei, Kelvin; Njau, Karoli
In the northern part of Tanzania, the slopes of Mount (Mt.) Kilimanjaro are the most important areas, both in terms of socio-economic development and ecological succession. The main agricultural systems in the area are banana- based (in the highlands) and maize-based (in the lowlands), with strong interlinkage between them via residual transfer from the lowlands to the mountains. This study assessed the soil fertility status between the two contrasting farming areas of highland and lowland farms in Hai district along the slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro. To achieve this, smallholder farmers along the slope [from above 1000 meters above sea level (m.a.s.l) banana-based down to maize- based, i.e., less than 1000 m.a.s.l] who practice crop residual transfer from maize- based to banana-based farming systems were selected. Qualitative information regarding the demographics, farming practices, and soil fertility management in the two areas were gathered using a semi-structured questionnaire. Soils from both areas (highland and lowland farms) were collected and analyzed in the laboratory for the key soil properties. The demographic results show that agriculture is mostly done by adults and elders (>40 years old). Manure was most commonly reported to be used in the highlands, while inorganic fertilizers were mainly used in lowland areas. The major challenges for soil fertility management are a shortage of manure and high cost of inorganic fertilizers. The results of soil nutrients revealed that lowland zones (>1000 m.a.s.l) had significantly (p< 0.01) lower levels of nitrogen (0.14%) and organic carbon (OC) (1.22%) compared with highland zones. Extractable phosphorus (P) was significantly lower in both the highland and lowland zones, at 9.3 mg kg-1 and 8.2 mg kg-1, respectively, compared with other nutrients. However, potassium (K+) was significantly (p<0.01) lower [0.34 cmol (+) kg-1] in the highland zone compared to lowland areas. The data show that there is a severe depletion of soil nutrients in the lowland area of Hai district. Notwithstanding the efforts of the small-holder farmers; the study comes to the conclusion that increasing agricultural yield and the sustainability of farming systems require replenishing the nutrients in the soil along the slope of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Influence of farmers’ socio- economic characteristics on nutrient flow and implications for system sustainability in smallholdings: a review
(Frontiers in social science, 2023-04-14) Mhoro, Lydia; Meya, Akida; Amuri, Nyambilila; Ndakidemi, Patrick; Mtei, Kelvin; Njau, Karoli
The rise in global human population, coupled with the effects of climate change, has increased the demand for arable land. Soil fertility has been the most affected, among other things. Many approaches to soil fertility management have been proposed by studies in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA); however, the question of sustainability remains. Nutrient monitoring (NUTMON), which combines biophysical and socio-economic features for soil fertility management, gives an in-situ soil fertility status of a given land use system, which ultimately provides guidance in proposing appropriate soil management techniques in a given land use system. In this review, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) approach was deployed for a systematic search of the literature materials. The review evaluated various studies on nutrient monitoring in SSA soils in order to understand the socioeconomic attributes and their influence on farming systems, as well as nutrient flow and balances. The review identified two dominant smallholder farming systems in SSA: mixed crop-livestock and mixed crop farming systems. Also, this review revealed that most nutrient balance studies in SSA have been done in mixed crop and livestock farming systems. However, regardless of the farming systems, the overall mean nutrient balances in all studies, particularly those of nitrogen (N) and potassium (K), were negative, indicating significant nutrient mining. The review further revealed a vast range of biophysical soil fertility management technologies; however, their adoption has been limited by socio-economic aspects including land ownership, gender, financial position, literacy level, and access to inputs. Therefore, in view of this situation, integrating biophysical and socioeconomic disciplines could address the problem of soil nutrient depletion holistically, thus decreasing the existing negative nutrient balances in the SSA region.
Influence of farmers’ socio-economic characteristics on nutrient flow and implications for system sustainability in smallholdings: a review
(Frontiers, 2023-04-14) Mhoro, Lydia; Meya, Akida; Amuri, Nyambilila; Ndakidemi, Patrick; Mtei, Kelvin; Njau, Karoli
The rise in global human population, coupled with the effects of climate change, has increased the demand for arable land. Soil fertility has been the most affected, among other things. Many approaches to soil fertility management have been proposed by studies in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA); however, the question of sustainability remains. Nutrient monitoring (NUTMON), which combines biophysical and socio-economic features for soil fertility management, gives an in-situ soil fertility status of a given land use system, which ultimately provides guidance in proposing appropriate soil management techniques in a given land use system. In this review, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) approach was deployed for a systematic search of the literature materials. The review evaluated various studies on nutrient monitoring in SSA soils in order to understand the socioeconomic attributes and their influence on farming systems, as well as nutrient flow and balances. The review identified two dominant smallholder farming systems in SSA: mixed crop-livestock and mixed crop farming systems. Also, this review revealed that most nutrient balance studies in SSA have been done in mixed crop and livestock farming systems. However, regardless of the farming systems, the overall mean nutrient balances in all studies, particularly those of nitrogen (N) and potassium (K), were negative, indicating significant nutrient mining. The review further revealed a vast range of biophysical soil fertility management technologies; however, their adoption has been limited by socio-economic aspects including land ownership, gender, financial position, literacy level, and access to inputs. Therefore, in view of this situation, integrating biophysical and socioeconomic disciplines could address the problem of soil nutrient depletion holistically, thus decreasing the existing negative nutrient balances in the SSA region.
Influence of farmers’ socio-economic characteristics on nutrient flow and implications for system sustainability in smallholdings: a review
(Frontiers in Soil Science, 2023-04-14) Mhoro, Lydia; Meya, Akida; Amuri, Nyambilila; Ndakidemi, Patrick; Mtei, Kelvin; Njau, Karoli
The rise in global human population, coupled with the effects of climate change, has increased the demand for arable land. Soil fertility has been the most affected, among other things. Many approaches to soil fertility management have been proposed by studies in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA); however, the question of sustainability remains. Nutrient monitoring (NUTMON), which combines biophysical and socio-economic features for soil fertility management, gives an in-situ soil fertility status of a given land use system, which ultimately provides guidance in proposing appropriate soil management techniques in a given land use system. In this review, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) approach was deployed for a systematic search of the literature materials. The review evaluated various studies on nutrient monitoring in SSA soils in order to understand the socioeconomic attributes and their influence on farming systems, as well as nutrient flow and balances. The review identified two dominant smallholder farming systems in SSA: mixed crop-livestock and mixed crop farming systems. Also, this review revealed that most nutrient balance studies in SSA have been done in mixed crop and livestock farming systems. However, regardless of the farming systems, the overall mean nutrient balances in all studies, particularly those of nitrogen (N) and potassium (K), were negative, indicating significant nutrient mining. The review further revealed a vast range of biophysical soil fertility management technologies; however, their adoption has been limited by socio-economic aspects including land ownership, gender, financial position, literacy level, and access to inputs. Therefore, in view of this situation, integrating biophysical and socioeconomic disciplines could address the problem of soil nutrient depletion holistically, thus decreasing the existing negative nutrient balances in the SSA region.
Maize stover transfers from maize fields to banana-based agroforestry homegardens and the corresponding nutrient flows in central-northern Tanzania
(Frontiers in Forests and Global Change, 2023-07-13) Meya, Akida; Ndakidemi, Patrick; Mtei, Kelvin; Swennen, Rony; Merckx, Roel
Maize (Zea mays) stover produced in the drier lowland areas on the volcanic foot slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro serves as an important additional fodder for smallholder zero-grazed dairy cattle farming in the humid highland areas of the region. The obtained cattle manure is used to replenish nutrients and manage soil fertility in banana-based agroforestry homegardens of the highlands, which contributes significantly to sustaining crop production, thus food security and the livelihoods of the community. The study aims to provide a preliminary evaluation of the amounts of stover removed from smallholder maize-based fields in the lowlands and the subsequent nutrient flows to the banana-based agroforestry homegardens of the highlands. In 54 smallholder maize fields selected at random from 11 villages in the Hai and Siha districts of the Kilimanjaro region, we conducted an agronomic survey to record the types and amounts of fertilizer used, plant spacing at harvest, and maize stover biomass yield. Most of the surveyed maize-based fields received inadequate nutrient inputs, which were limited to mineral nitrogen alone if any. Of the surveyed fields, 16.7% received recommended amounts of 74 kg N ha–1 by the Ministry of Agriculture, 46.3% sub-optimal amounts and 37.0% did not receive fertilizer at all. Plant density was only 50% of the recommended population density. While this was only a preliminary study on nutrient flows between maize and banana-based agroecosystems, our findings demonstrated that potassium exports via harvested banana bunches exceeded the inputs in the homegardens. We conclude that (i) soil fertility management techniques, preferably integrated soil fertility management, suitable for small-scale maize production in the lowlands should be formulated while optimizing plant density to increase production, (ii) maize-based agroforestry farming system adapted to drier conditions to deal with windstorm and soil erosion problems in the lowlands is urgently needed, and (iii) wider and more detailed research on nutrient flows between maize and banana-based agroecosystems should be conducted to document their respective soil nutrient balances and the sustainability of such practice.
Optimizing Soil Fertility Management Strategies to Enhance Banana Production in Volcanic Soils of the Northern Highlands, Tanzania
(MDPI, 2020-02-18) Meya, Akida; Ndakidemi, Patrick; Mtei, Kelvin; Swennen, Rony; Merckx, Roel
Banana is an important crop in high altitude areas of Tanzania, grown widely both as a food staple and as the main source of income. However, its production is constrained by low soil fertility, a result of gradual nutrient mining by the crop. Currently, soil fertility management in banana-based farming systems in the country relies mainly on applications of animal manure. However, the amount of manure produced in most farms is not enough to replenish soil fertility due to the small number of animals kept by smallholder resource-poor farmers who are the major producers in the country. Field experiments were conducted at three sites with varying soil types and contrasting weather conditions along the altitudinal gradients on the slopes of the volcanic mountains of Kilimanjaro and Meru, northern Tanzania to (1) investigate the effect of mineral nitrogen (mineral N) fertilizer applications on the growth and yield of Mchare banana (Musa spp., AA, a traditional East African highland cooking banana sub-group), at the four levels of 0, 77, 153, and 230 kg N ha−1 year−1 as a starter strategy to improve the current soil fertility management strategies, and (2) evaluate the effect of the combined use of inorganic and organic N sources on growth and banana fruit production as an alternative strategy to manage soil fertility and minimize animal manure requirements. The treatment factors were trial sites (Tarakea, Lyamungo, and Tengeru) as the main factor and N fertilization strategies (as urea alone, sole cattle manure, and in combination with urea, sole common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) haulms as well as in combination with urea) as a sub factor. Bean haulms and cattle manure were applied each year for two years. Fertilization at 153 kg N ha−1 year−1 derived solely from urea significantly (p < 0.001) resulted in high yield increment of up to 42% relative to the control. However, the increase was highest (52%) with the same N dose derived from cattle manure in combination with urea at 50% substitution. Sole bean haulms resulted in a smaller yield increment, the same as the lowest N dose from the sole urea fertilization treatment. The study concludes that soil fertility management in smallholder banana-based farming systems should not solely rely on animal manure and mineral fertilizers.
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.
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.
Potential of Manure and Urea Fertilizer on Maize (Zea mays L.) Productivity and Soil Quality in the Northern Highlands of Tanzania
(MDPI, 2025-01-28) Mhoro, Lydia; Meya, Akida; Amuri, Nyambilila; Ndakidemi, Patrick; Njau, Karoli; Mtei, Kelvin
Many agricultural fields are no longer sustainable due to inadequate replenishment of soil nutrients through organic and inorganic inputs, particularly in smallholder farming systems. As a result, achieving potential crop yields in these systems has proven to be difficult. Field trials were conducted in two long rainy growing seasons in 2021 and 2023 to assess the effects of urea fertilizer and cattle manure as sources of nitrogen (N) on (i) maize crop yields and (ii) soil chemical properties at two sites (Kwa Sadala and Mungushi) located in Hai district, northern Tanzania. The trials employed a randomized complete block design with three replicates, including eight treatments. The treatments were: 0 fertilizer (control), 25, 50, 75 kg N ha−1 (sole urea), 12.5 kg N (urea) + 12.5 kg N (cattle manure), 25 kg N (urea) + 25 kg N (cattle manure), and 50 and 75 kg N (sole cattle manure). Results show that the highest application rate of urea (75 kg N ha−1) produced the highest grain yields of 4.21 and 4.09 t ha−1 in the 2021 season and 4.32 and 4.04 t ha−1 in the 2023 season at Kwa Sadala and Mungushi, respectively. The application of cattle manure at the highest rates increased the soil pH by 3.15 and 2.26% at Kwa Sadala and Mungushi, respectively. Similarly, soil total N, OC, available/extractable P, and exchangeable K increased by 100%, 56.3%, 52.36%, and 19.67%, respectively, at Kwa Sadala and by 16.67%, 18.13%, 20.95%, and 6.76%, respectively, at Mungushi. The use of urea alone at the higher rates or in combination with cattle manure at 50% each resulted in the highest net benefit (NB) in all sites. The findings from this study suggest that a comprehensive approach to managing soil nutrients, such as combining inorganic and organic inputs, may improve crop yields while maintaining soil health.
Potentials of climate smart agriculture in sustaining farming systems through farmer’s awareness and rainwater harvesting technologies in northern Tanzania
(Springer Nature, 2026-05-24) Kanyiru, Mary; Mkindi, Angela; Meya, Akida
This study assessed farmers’ awareness (knowledge), use (actual implementation), and perceived effectiveness of rainwater harvesting (RWH) and soil moisture conservation (SMC) techniques for maize production in the sloping highlands of Babati District, Tanzania. A mixed-methods cross-sectional design was employed, combining household surveys (n = 147), focus group discussions (FGDs), and field observations in Dareda Kati and Gajal villages in the Babati District to generate both quantitative and qualitative data. Results indicate a clear gap between awareness and use of RWH and SMC techniques. While 67.35% of respondents were aware of general stormwater management practices, awareness and use of swales and berms (fanya chini) for RWH was extremely low. Only 2.9% of the users reported using swales and berms. In contrast, contour bunds (fanya juu) had a highest usage rate (60.0%), reflecting its long-standing promotion through extension programs. Statistical analysis showed no significant differences in awareness levels between the surveyed villages, suggesting that location alone does not explain variations in technology uptake. Farmers’ perceptions further revealed limited understanding of the construction and management of less familiar RWH techniques, even among the few adopters. These findings demonstrate that awareness does not necessarily translate into use and that knowledge depth and practical skills are critical for adoption of RWH and SMC on sloping landscapes. For policy and extension, the results highlight the need for targeted, hands-on training, participatory demonstrations, and strengthened extension support to improve both informed use and correct implementation of low-cost RWH and SMC techniques for resilient maize production under climate variability.
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.
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.