Conference Papers [LiSBE]

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://dspace.nm-aist.ac.tz/handle/123456789/3189

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Occurrence and Molecular Characterization of Entomopathogenic Fungi associated with Spodoptera frugiperda in Tanzanian Maize Farms
(MDPI, 2025-10-20) Nyoni, Regan; Mwema, Mwema; Aloyce, Agatha; Mbega, Ernest
Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) are promising biological control agents for managing agricultural pests, like Spodoptera frugiperda (fall armyworm), which is a major threat to maize production. The present study used morphological and molecular techniques to determine the occurrences and distribution of EPF associated with S. frugiperda in maize farms. Field surveys were conducted across diverse agroecological zones, collecting soil samples, insect cadavers in Morogoro (Morogoro rural), Ruvuma (Songea District), and Kilimanjaro (Mwanga District). Morphological identification involved culturing fungal isolates on Potato Dextrose Agar, followed by microscopic examination of conidial and hyphal structures. The isolates were also observed under the microscope for microscopic morphological features. Molecular characterization was performed using PCR amplification and sequencing of the ITS region of rDNA to enable precise taxonomic identification and phylogenetic analysis. A total of 24 EPF isolates were obtained, with their sources categorized into maize farms and cadavers of S. frugiperda. The comparison of isolates using a compound microscope showed that some isolates had a dark olive/brown color, covered with wooly tufts and smooth surfaces, whereas some showed a bright-yellow/green color, covered with thick short piles like cotton on the sides and a rough surface. Molecular analyses confirmed the identity of EPF isolates and revealed high genetic diversity within populations. The findings revealed the occurrence of EPF species like Metarhizium anisopliae, Aspergillus terreus, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fimeti, Talaromyces sp, Cladosprium oxysporium, and Cladosporium cladosporiodes. The evolutionary analysis of the sequences also revealed that the isolates belong to two main clades with subclades, indicating the widespread diversity among them. This study is among the few that integrate morphological and molecular approaches for comprehensive EPF characterization. The insights gained provide a foundation for developing location-specific biocontrol strategies against S. frugiperda in maize farming, contributing to sustainable pest management and enhanced crop productivity.
Sweet or Sour? Mapping the Socio-Ecological Impacts of Biofuel Farming on Rural Livelihoods in Zimbabwe’s South-Eastern Lowveld
(Springer Nature, 2026-04-01) Chirenje, Leonard; Giliba, Richard
Sugarcane farming for bioethanol production is increasingly promoted as a sustainable energy alternative to fossil fuels, aligning with global efforts toward a transition to renewable energy and realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study examines the socio-economic and environmental impacts of sugarcane farming on rural households, focusing on the disparities between sugarcane and non-sugarcane households in terms of income, land size, resource access, food security, and energy poverty. The results reveal significant benefits for sugarcane households, including higher incomes, larger land sizes, and improved resource access, whereas non-sugarcane households face challenges such as land loss, reduced resource availability, and increased food insecurity. Land-use changes driven by sugarcane farming exacerbate environmental degradation, including deforestation and water pollution, and contribute to increasing food prices and energy poverty. Despite these challenges, sugarcane farming has the potential to drive rural development when managed inclusively and sustainably. This study emphasizes the importance of equitable policies, sustainable agricultural practices, and environmental regulations to ensure that biofuel production respects local livelihoods, preserves biodiversity, and supports broader sustainable development objectives. This study provides actionable insights for harmonizing energy transitions with socio-economic and environmental sustainability, contributing to a more balanced and equitable approach to renewable energy production.
Design and Development of an At-Birth Detection and Monitoring Digital System for Children Born with Down Syndrome in Rwanda
(Springer Nature, 2026-04-01) Claude, Habimana; Julienne, Murererehe; Joselyne, Rugema; Speciose, Ingabire; Yvonne, Uwamahirwe; Joselyne, Nzayisenga; Ntambara, Boniface; Leon, Mutesa; Paul, Niyoyita
In Rwanda, enhancing awareness and early detection of Down syndrome at birth is crucial for healthcare providers, parents, and the community. Currently, the identification of Down syndrome symptoms in newborns is often delayed. To tackle this problem, we developed a web-based tracking system for Down syndrome. Through thorough analysis and surveys with 158 healthcare professionals from various regions, including the Eastern Province and Kigali City. The findings indicated that healthcare providers are well-versed in health information systems and have access to the necessary technology and internet connectivity, which supports the system's feasibility. Our web-based application, built using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, and MySQL, enables authorized healthcare personnel to document suspected Down syndrome cases and coordinate referrals to district and referral hospitals for further evaluation and treatment. Feedback loops and treatment recommendations are efficiently managed, ensuring timely interventions. This system shows significant potential to enhance care and facilitate timely interventions for children with Down syndrome in Rwanda.
Enhancing sustainable agriculture through farmer research networks: a pathway to co-learning and innovation
(University of Greenwich, 2025-05-01) Stevenson, Philip; Mkindi, Angela; Tembo, Yolice; Belmain, Steven
Smallholder farming communities face numerous challenges in securing food production sustainably, often stemming from poor levels of adoption, or uptake, of researcher-led interventions and innovations. Farmer research networks (FRNs) have emerged as a promising approach to address these challenges by involving farmers in the research process through co-development and implementation of research, fostering collaboration, and facilitating knowledge sharing through extended networks. FRNs offer an opportunity to promote agroecological practices and this has been demonstrated through the evaluation and adoption of botanical pesticides. Through this approach FRNs have been an effective route for smallholders to reduce synthetic pesticide use, promoting more sustainable farming practices, and enhancing community resilience. Future potential opportunities for FRNs include enabling farmers to adopt interventions that optimise the contribution of natural enemies for pest control and pollination services by improving agricultural landscapes, expanding the cultivation of useful plants for pest management, and conducting research with FRNs on beneficial insects and soil health.

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