Practices of E-Waste management among people living in African Cities: The case of Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

East African Journal of Environment and Natural Resources pp. 73-88Rapid turnover in technology across the cities of the world creates a rapidly growing e-waste stream. This is the case for the city of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. Currently, the city lacks the capacity for handling and recycling the hazardous materials contained in e-waste. Further, Tanzania has neither a specific policy nor a law on e-waste management. The paper focuses on e-waste management practices in Dar es Salaam. The key question is what are the practices of stakeholders in e-waste management in the city? This study was conducted in Ilala and Temeke municipalities in the city Participants for the study were purposively selected. The selection ensured the representation of key stakeholders in e-waste generation and management. The number of participants for key stakeholders was determined by the data saturation point, a point where no new information was obtained. To gain an in-depth understanding, several ethnographic methods were employed. Based, on the study findings, some of the practices on e-waste management in the city of Dar es Salaam include: storing e- waste, landfilling, reusing, selling, and recycling. Overall, the practices of e-waste management in the city of Dar es Salaam remain informal and hence lack any operational legal framework. Although the existing legal framework for the management of e-waste has the potential for operationalization, it has no clear guidelines or procedures. The authors are aware that the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) has developed operational standards for e-waste management. However, the operational standards remain inaccessible to other key Government entities, the public and other key stakeholders. One, including Government agencies, must pay to access them. The authors strongly recommend that the standards should be made available free of charge and be operationalized at all levels. The authors further recommend the development of suitable frameworks to deal with the management of e-waste, recycling, and circular economy

Domestic water accessibility and its effect to households livelihood: a case of Maswa District, Shinyanga Region, Tanzania

Asian Journal of Environment & Ecology Volume 24, Issue 6, Page 336-345, 2025; Article no.AJEE.139340Water supply is an essential requirement for people and it has intrinsic connection with lives and livelihoods. Water shortage affects households’ labour because of much time and energy spent on obtaining it. Unavailability of safe and clean water has several implications, among them include waterborne diseases, labour, income and time. The study was carried out to explore information on domestic water accessibility and its effects to households Livelihood in Maswa District of Tanzania. Specifically the study intended to get information related to sources of water for domestic use and its accessibility, who are mostly responsible for collecting water, time spent seeking for water and challenges related to unsafe and clean water 120 respondents were engaged in this study. Data were collected through the use of structured questionnaire and focused group discussions (FGDs). Descriptive statistics and content analysis techniques were applied in analyzing the data. Results from the study show that unavailability of safe and clean water affects income through consuming time and loss of labour during fetching water. In addition, water related diseases consumes labour’s time and money for caring patients. Moreover, most of labour used in fetching water was mothers and daughters. Consequently, women face many challenges which are associated by carrying water on their heads at a distance and time wasted during fetching water. The challenges particularly time waste during fetching water hinders women’s participation to other income generating activities. The study concludes that sources of water such as traditional dug wells and hand dug wells at the river bed represent the most important water sources for rural households in the study area. Moreover, women face a number of challenges related to water shortage and time spent fetching water. The study recommends that authority’s responsible for facilitating Water supply systems both at National and Regional level should Increase mechanisms which will enable large population to access water within acceptable distance in order to reduce women and children burden of carrying water at a distance

Farmers’ knowledge, attitude, and motivation for adoption of climate-smart agroforestry in two contrasting agroecosystems of Rwanda

Journal ArticleGlobally, the experiences show that climate-smart agroforestry (CSAF) can contribute to sustainable agricultural growth and rural transformation while tackling climate change. This study evaluated the interplay between farmers’ knowledge, attitude, and motivation to adopt CSAF. The study used data from 381 farmers surveyed in Bugesera and Rulindo regions, Rwanda. Bugesera, in the semi-arid savannah lowlands, and Rulindo, in the temperate central highlands, were purposively selected for their distinct physiographic features. A questionnaire was used to collect the data and descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and binomial logistic regression were performed for data analysis. The results from the correlation analysis showed that various revealed factors, including gender, civil status, education, household size, household poverty level (ubudehe), farm size, farmers’ experience in CSAF, ownership of radio and mobile phone, livestock herd size, farm-river distance, training, and extension visits, influenced farmers’ knowledge in adopting CSAF. The most significant positive correlation was found between owning a mobile phone and farmers’ knowledge, while the weakest positive correlation existed between farmers’ gender and their knowledge of CSAF. These factors equally affected farmers’ attitudes, except for statistically insignificant gender. The most significant positive correlation was between owning a mobile phone and farmers’ attitudes, while the weakest was between extension visits and farmers’ attitudes towards CSAF. Further, results revealed a positively significant relationship between the farmers’ ages and their motivation to adopt CSAF. Additionally, the binomial logit regression analysis showed that farmers knowledgeable with CSAF were 2.5 times more likely to practice CSAF than farmers without such knowledge. Moreover, being motivated by CSAF benefits increased the likelihood of adopting CSAF by 0.6 times compared to unmotivated farmers. By filling the gap in understanding farmers’ knowledge, attitudes, and motivations toward CSAF adoption, this study contributes to advancing sustainable agricultural practices in Rwanda. It provides a blueprint for similar initiatives elsewhere.Sciences, Engineering and Technology-Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (PASET-RSIF) and Carnegie Corporation of New Yor

Enhancing the safety of meat products through chemical and microbiological control: a review

Journal ArticleIn today's market, consumers are increasingly demanding meat that is not only safe and of the highest quality but also minimally processed and free from unnecessary additives. To meet these evolving expectations, innovative antimicrobial systems and advanced technologies are being developed, aligning with modern trends and lifestyles. From the moment of slaughter to the point of sale, meat is vulnerable to contamination from various sources, both internal and external. These protective approaches help consumer health by lowering the frequency of foodborne pathogens, which include Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, and E. coli, among others, that trigger illness. Implementing rigorous hygienic practices is crucial to minimising microbial risks during processing. Chemical and microbiological control measures, such as the use of organic acids, nitrates, nitrites, bacteriocins, and stringent temperature regulation, are employed to safeguard meat quality. The preservation technology enables microbial deactivation alongside meat quality maintenance an

Quantification of intangible forest ecosystem services in eastern arc mountains of Tanzania

Journal ArticleLack of recognition of the economic value of intangible forest ecosystem services has contributed to the ongoing degradation of forest resources in Tanzania. This study employed a choice experiment method to estimate the economic values of such services provided by the Udzungwa Scarp, Chome, and Uluguru Nature Forest Reserves in the Eastern Arc Mountains, by assessing households’ willingness to pay (WTP). The services valued include protection of water sources, soil conservation, biodiversity conservation, climate regulation, and the provision of recreational and landscaping amenities. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 352 households from five districts: Same, Mvomero, Morogoro Rural, Kilolo, and Mufindi. Data were analyzed using a conditional logit model. The pooled analysis from the three reserves revealed that the estimated marginal WTP per month was TZS 597.40 for biodiversity conservation, TZS 1,898.49 for water source protection, and TZS 2,874.08 for soil conservation. Collectively, these services were valued at approximately TZS 22.68 million annually by all sampled households. To minimize the degradation of forest resources in the Eastern Arc Mountains region, this study recommends that policymakers incorporate the estimated economic values into forest conservation decisions, ensuring that beneficiaries of these services contribute to their protectio

Factors influencing farmers’ decision on the choice of maize seed varieties in Kilosa and Mvomero districts, Morogoro,Tanzania

Journal ArticleA study was conducted with a sample size of 208 farmers to assess the factors influencing their choice of maize seed varieties in the Kilosa and Mvomero districts of the Morogoro region in Tanzania. The researchers utilised a binary logistic regression model for the analysis. The results indicated that farmers' decisions were significantly influenced by the expected yield (p = 0.012) and were marginally influenced by household size (p = 0.061). The study underscored the need for policymakers to prioritise creating networks that connect farmers to agricultural experts and extension services as well as addressing barriers to accessibility, such as affordability and availability of certified maize seeds. The stakeholders, including government and non-governmental organisations, can design targeted strategies that enhance seed adoption. Comprehensive agricultural policies that incorporate these insights can lay the base for a more resilient and prosperous agricultural sector in the region. The study showcases the important role of training and education in empowering farmers to make informed decisions regarding maize seed selection. The study also points to the importance of community engagement in the dissemination of information about new seed varieties and agricultural practices. Establishing farmer groups or cooperatives can create platforms for knowledge sharing, enabling farmers to learn from each other’s experiences and successes. This collective approach not only strengthens the farmers' capacity to adapt to changing agricultural challenges but also fosters a sense of community and shared purpose

Food safety knowledge and microbial status of food contact surfaces in Primary Schools in Morogoro Municipal, Tanzania

Journal ArticleIntroduction: Several outbreaks of foodborne illnesses to school children have been reported in different countries where food service workers are quested to be responsible due to poor knowledge and practices. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the food safety knowledge among food service workers and microbial status of food contact surfaces in private primary school in Morogoro Municipal, Tanzania. Methods: This study involved 60 food service workers who were purposively selected from 8 private primary schools. A structured questionnaire and checklist were employed to assess their food safety knowledge, and a total of 75 samples from food contact surfaces (cups, spoons, and plates) were collected from school kitchens for microbiological analysis. Results: The study involved 60 food service workers, with the majority being female (73.3%) and married (65%). Education levels ranged from primary to secondary school (41.7%), with the least illiterate (3.3%). The survey demonstrated a significant level of food safety knowledge, with an average score of 81%. The study indicates that food service workers recognize the need for hand hygiene, with 96.6% washing their hands before and after food preparation, and 96.6% asserting that it mitigates the risk of food contamination. The study found moderate contamination levels in cups and plates, with mean total viable count (TVC) values ranging from 2.19 to 2.67 log CFU/ml, and total coliform count (TCC) in various schools (0 to 1.23 log CFU/ml). E. coli contamination in food service indicates gaps in hygienic practices, despite workers' awareness of cleanliness and personal hygiene. E. coli contamination was detected in cups in school A and E, with 20% contamination in cups and 40% contamination in plates, indicating possible faecal contamination. Conclusion: The study found that while school food service personnel have a moderate food safety knowledge, they still struggle with microbial contamination on food contact surfaces. The detection of E. coli on certain surfaces highlights deficiencies in hygiene protocols, possibly due to insufficient training, resources, or incentives

Impact of logging practices on second-generation stand growth of Pinus patula at Sao hill forest plantation in Tanzania

Journal ArticleLogging is a fundamental component of forest management, facilitating the establishment of new stands through the removal of mature trees. However, logging operations often induce substantial soil disturbances, which may adversely affect the growth of second-generation stands. This study aimed to assess the impact of logging on the growth of second-generation Pinus patula stands at Sao Hill Plantation, Tanzania (SHFP), specifically focusing on the impacts of logging on stand growth and forest soil. Six compartments, three from each generation, representing stand ages of 1, 3, and 6 years, totaling 180 systematically sampled plots, each measuring 20 x 20 meters. First- and second-generation stands were treated as experimental groups. An independent t-test was used to analyze the impact of logging on stand growth across generations. Stand growth parameters including the number of stems, tree height, and diameter at breast height (DBH) decreased by 6.5% to 12.3% in secondgeneration stands compared to firstgeneration stands. Soil bulk density in second-generation stand increased by 25.7% and 26.2% in the top 10 cm and 20 cm of soil, respectively, compared to the firstgeneration stand. The findings emphasize the critical role of adopting reduced-impact logging techniques to minimize soil compaction, thereby supporting the longterm productivity

Organic spices farming in west districts, Zanzibar: it’s contribution to income of smallholder farmers.

Asian Journal of Advances in Agricultural Research Volume 25, Issue 7, Page 95-107Aims: In recent years, organic agriculture has been gaining considerable importance. Many farmers today show interest all over the world in organic farming. The concept of organic farming is not new, but it has been scantly studied. Organic spice farming is therefore, requires to be studied widely. Spice production is a popular economic activity in Zanzibar. The purpose of this study was to assess the contribution of organic spice farming to income of the smallholder farmers. Study Design: The study adopted a cross-sectional research design. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in two districts of Zanzibar, the West and Central districts between August 2018 and September 2018. Methodology: A random sampling procedure was used to obtain 120 households. The households were categorized from three clusters namely: merely organic, certified organic and inorganic spice farming farmers. Data were collected using a household questionnaire survey. Results: Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. Among the three types of spice farming, inorganic spice farming averagely produced 174.3 kg/household, followed by merely organic (86.3 kg/household) and certified organic (70.2 kg/household). However, certified spice farming households earned in average 565 900 TAS higher than others (merely organic (361 170 TAS) and inorganic (350 500 TAS)). Further, certified spices contributed to 26.2% of the total household’s income, followed by merely organic (23.1%) and inorganic (19.0%) spices. Conclusion: The study concludes that spice farming increased income among households. Therefore, there is a need of putting more effort in spice farming improvement, particularly certified organic spice farming as it gives high earnings to the households

Navigating grassroots innovation journey in Tanzania: factors shaping innovation

Journal articleGrassroots innovation is increasingly recognized for its potential to address localized challenges and promote sustainable development. This study addressed the factors influencing grassroots innovation journeys in Tanzania, utilizing PESTLE and SWOT analysis frameworks. A cross- sectional design was used to collect qualitative data guided by a semi-structured questionnaire from 35 grassroots innovators. 16 innovators were purposively selected from the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH) innovators database, 11 were purposively selected from Mashindano ya Kitaifa ya Sayansi, Teknolojia na Ubunifu (MAKISATU) databases and 8 innovators were purposively selected from 2020, 2021 and 2022 and participants in the 45 th and 46th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair Exhibition (SABASABA) in 2021 and 2022. Key informant interviews and observations supplemented the collected data, identifying different prototypes according to the stages of innovation. Innovators were selected from 11 sectors: Agriculture, Information and Communication Technology, Environment, Energy, Engineering, Education, Health, Security, Transport, Industrial and Water. The findings highlight the critical role of political support, economic stability, technological access and community engagement in fostering successful grassroots innovation journeys. The study offers policy recommendations to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of grassroots innovation initiatives in Tanzania. Emphasizing the need for stable funding, robust legal frameworks and holistic approach to address multifaceted challenges. This includes policy reforms, economic incentives, societal attitude shifts, technological support, legal clarity and infrastructural improvements. By tackling these issues comprehensively, Tanzania can create a more vibrant and inclusive innovation ecosystem, unlocking the potential of its innovators to drive sustainable development and economic growth