Tanzania Journal of Agricultural Sciences

Effects of biopesticides on developmental biology of Fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda (JE Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in maize crops in Morogoro, Tanzania

E. Simon — 2024-09-13

The Fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith), is a highly mobile and polyphagous herbivore threatening crop production and the livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers in the newly invaded areas in Africa, including Tanzania. 353 host plant species, principally Poaceae (maize, sorghum, rice, wheat, sugarcane, millet), Asteraceae (sunflower), Malvaceae (cotton), Fabaceae (soybean), families, groundnuts, potatoes, several fruit trees, ornamental plants, weed species, and vegetable crops are also hosts to FAW. This study aims to determine the effect of biopesticides on the developmental biology of FAW. A completely randomized design (CRD) was used to establish an experiment involving biopesticides; Bacillus thuringiensis Bt, Metarhizium anisopliae and Azadirachta indica seed extract each applied at a lower dose of 2 millimeters, 2 millimeters and 30gram per liter of water respectively, and tested against FAW in the laboratory. Each treatment was replicated four times. Results showed the developmental duration of FAW stages differed significantly between treatments. The time for each growth stage; egg incubation, larval, pupation and the total developmental were significantly longer (p < 0.001) in the biopesticidestreated colony compared to the untreated ones. The shortest developmental duration of FAW stages was observed on control colonies at 2.1 ± 0.18, 14.88 ± 0.18, and 27.7 ± 0.34 days for egg, larva and pupa stages respectively. The longest developmental duration of 3.5 ± 0.37, 22.03 ± 0.59, 12.68 ± 0.23 and 37.7± 0.54 days for egg, larva and pupa stages respectively was observed in colonies under B. thuringiensis treatment. These results confirmed that biopesticides can work effectively to keep FAW levels under control. Therefore, these are promising biocontrol alternatives to be included in the integrated pest management scheme.

Factors affecting sustainability of agricultural technologies in Tanzania: A case of Bustani ya Tushikamane (ByT) project in Morogoro Region

A. Mhando — 2024-09-13

Sustainability of agricultural technologies is crucial for improving farmers’ livelihoods, food security and poverty reduction. Most agricultural projects tend to be ultimately inactive as they end leaving their beneficiaries poor and food insecure due to unsustainability of the projects. The study on which this paper is based assessed sustainability of agricultural technologies and factors affecting it. The study employed cross-sectional research design. Data were collected from 90 respondents using a questionnaire. Descriptive and ordinal logistic regression analyses were done. Factors like market availability (p=0.000), training (p=0.021), and cost of the agricultural technologies (p=0.000) significantly predicted the likelihood of sustainability of agricultural technologies at 5% level of significance. It is concluded that training, market availability, and cost of introduced agriculture technologies are crucial factors influencing sustainability of agricultural technologies. For increased sustainability of agricultural technologies, it is recommended that introduction of agricultural technologies should utilizing locally available resources to minimize cost of the technologies.

Sources and knowledge of smallholder farmers in agricultural information in Mvomero District, Tanzania: Where does misinformation originate?

N.J. Sandy — 2024-09-13

This study examined the access to sources and knowledge of smallholder farmers in agricultural information in Mvomero District, Tanzania, and identified the origin of misinformation among these farmers. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, including a survey of 192 smallholder farmers and interviews with agricultural extension officers and key informants. The study adopted a cross-sectional research design involving both qualitative and quantitative research methods through key informant interviews and questionnaires respectively. Descriptive statistics results indicated that more than half of the respondents (70%) were poorly accessing the reliable agricultural information. Furthermore, more than three quarters of the respondents (96%) had high level of knowledge on agricultural misinformation but still, they could not well access reliable agricultural information. Likewise, more than half of respondents (74.5%) accessed agricultural information through farmers – farmers while half of respondents (50%) accessed agricultural information through other sources such as radio, television, mobile phones, smartphones, and extension officers, and this may be a problem in accessing the reliable agricultural information. Additionally, the study revealed that misinformation among smallholder farmers originates from various sources, including fellow farmers, traditional beliefs, and inadequate agricultural extension services. The study recommends interventions to improve smallholder farmers' access to agricultural information, including expanding communication channels and improving agricultural extension services, to mitigate the spread of misinformation.

Perceived and observed climatic risks and adaptation responses in agro-pastoral systems of Tanzania

H. Mongi — 2024-09-13

Understanding adaptation strategies requires that risks and vulnerability are identified and analyzed. This study sought to understand adaptation strategies for the agro-pastoral system under current risks and vulnerability to climate change in Tanzania. A sample of 377 respondents was taken across the four-point transect from the Morogoro region in the Eastern to the Kigoma region in the Western parts of Tanzania. The study compared the perceptions of the risks and vulnerability of agro-pastoralists with quantitative trends from climatic data obtained from the Tanzania Meteorological Authority. Indicators of risks and vulnerability to climate change across the transect were considered as a proxy for perceptions. They included a temperature rise and an increase in extreme events such as recurrent droughts, floods, and diseases. Analysis by Mann–Kendall trend test revealed a statistically significant decrease in annual rainfall in dry-subhumid (ZMK = -2.039) and a significant increase in seasonal rainfall in the semi-arid zone (ZMK =1.712). The comparative analysis reveals the mismatch between perceptions and trends of risks and vulnerability in understanding and implementing adaptation strategies. Consequently, the mismatch may provide inadequate information to agro-pastoralists in designing and implementing plausible adaptation strategies. In this regard, collaborative data collection and management have the potential to inform decisions about risk reduction strategies across agroecological zones, such as adjustments in planting dates and methods, holding different livestock types, and splitting herds into sub-herds. Furthermore, the study calls for further exploration that would redefine existing adaptation strategies with consideration of contexts and location.

Influences of different types of fertilizers on the agronomic characteristics of Chloris gayana forage in a selected area of Tanzania

J. A. Tembo — 2024-09-16

A study was undertaken from January to April 2021 in a commercial dairy farm in Iringa, Tanzania, to determine the effects of applying different types of fertilizers on the agronomic characteristics of Chloris gayana (Rhodes grass). Four types of fertilizers, namely cattle farm yard manure (CFYM), blended Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Sulphur, and Zinc (NPSZn), Sulphate of Ammonium (SA), and Urea, were applied in experimental plots using six different combinations in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The combinations were control (T1) with no fertilizer, CFYM alone (T2), CFYM and NPSZn (T3), NPSZn alone (T4), NPSZn with SA (T5), as well as NPSZn with Urea (T6) allocated in four replications per treatment. The physical and chemical properties of the soil in the experimental plots and the CFYM were also determined. The application of the fertilizers followed the protocols of the manufacturers. The seeds of C. gayana were broadcasted in all the experimental plots at a rate of 20 kg/ha. On the 90th day, forages in their respective sub-plots were clipped to obtain representative samples for the determination of the agronomic characteristics. Parameters considered were plant population (PP), number of tillers per plant (NTPP), stem height (SH), number of leaves per plant (NLPP), leaf length per plant (LLPP), leaf width per plant (LWPP) and stem diameter (SD). Results showed that the soil texture was primarily sandy clay loam. The soil and manure contained total N (%) of 0.15 and 1.76 respectively. The amounts of extractable P (mg/kg) in soil and manure were 3.38 and 40.35, respectively. The study showed that the plots fertilized by a combination of NPSZn and Urea (T6) produced the highest (p<0.05) mean values of PP (85.7 plants/m2), NTPP (24.5), SH (136.6 cm), NLPP (6.9), LLPP (40.9 cm), LWPP (1.5) and SD (3.1 mm) compared with other fertilizers. The control treatment (T1) with no fertilizer application had the least (p>0.05) mean values of PP (27.6 plants/m2), NTPP (5.3), SH (53.9 cm), NLPP (3.7), LLPP (23.4 cm) LWPP (0.5) and SD (1.5 mm). It is concluded that a mixture of blended NPSZn and Urea could improve the soil fertility and hence promote the growth parameters of C. gayana. Further studies to determine biomass yield and quality of the forage fertilized with different fertilizers under similar soil and environmental conditions are recommended.

Farmers' knowledge and traditional processing practices of pigeon peas (Cajanus cajan) in rural areas in Lindi Region Tanzania: A quantitative and qualitative mixed study

A.B. Tiisekwa — 2024-09-13

Pigeon peas (Cajanus cajan) are an important protein source in many parts of tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. However, their quality and availability may be affected by postharvest handling and processing practices in use. In the present study, knowledge and practices of pigeon pea growers (PPG) in Lindi Region were evaluated with respect to harvesting, storage, processing and cooking preparation. A sample of 597 randomly selected PPG from two villages, were interviewed and 60 farmers participated in focus group discussions. Majority PPG (83.6%) harvested pigeon peas (PPs) by cutting and putting them in polyethylene sacks while 86.6% had knowledge on only one storage method. Also, majority of PPG (77%) lacked any processing knowledge on mentioned methods such as hulling and solar drying. Results also indicated 75.7% of PPG having no knowledge on cooking preparation methods out of which 94.5% had no knowledge on soaking, 89.6% on use of bicarbonate and 89.9% on methods to increase shelf life of PPs. Overall, 49.4% had little/limited knowledge on harvesting, storage, processing, and cooking preparation practices, with no significant gender difference. All PPG prepared stew using green or dry PPs. A sizeable proportion (45%) of PPG used dry PPs for stew preparation, after traditional hulling. The threshing of peas from pods was carried out manually. Traditional methods in the Lindi Region are laborious and time-consuming; resulting in poorly prepared products thus affecting the appearance of processed PPs. Training farmers on proper postharvest handling and processing can improve food security and market appeal.

Organophosphorus pesticide residues in tomatoes: A case of Mlali and Doma Wards in Mvomero district, Morogoro

A. Wenaty — 2024-09-13

Extensive pesticide use poses a significant challenge to Tanzania's horticulture industry, particularly affecting the leading tomato producer, the Morogoro region. This study focused on assessing organophosphorus pesticide residues in tomatoes from Mlali and Doma divisions in the Mvomero district of Morogoro. A total of 40 samples were collected from both farms and markets for analysis, utilizing Gas Chromatography with Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) for extract analysis. Statistical Analysis Software (SAS) Version 9.1 was employed for data analysis. The study identified six organophosphorus pesticides, with concentrations in the following order: pirimiphos methyl > diazinon > fenitrothion > dimethoate > profenofos > chlorpyrifos. Pirimiphos methyl levels ranged from 3.32±0.03 to 9.53±0.05 µg/kg in Mlali samples and 0.20±0.01 to 6.33±0.03 µg/ kg in Doma samples. Chlorpyrifos was detected in the lowest concentrations across all samples. Interestingly, higher pesticide levels were found in market samples compared to those from farms, suggesting potential misuse post-harvest and during distribution. This misuse could have severe consequences for tomato consumers, including both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic effects. The study underscores the importance of educating farmers on the proper use of pesticides and the potential adverse effects resulting from their misuse. Addressing this issue is crucial for ensuring the safety of tomatoes in the market and protecting consumers from harmful effects associated with pesticide residues.

Market margin distribution along the beef cattle market chain in Longido district, Arusha

C.O. Malaki — 2024-09-13

The distribution of market margins plays a crucial role in the performance of the beef market chain. However, there is a lack of understanding about the fairness of this distribution among the chain's participants. This study examines the margin shares among actors in the beef cattle market chain in Longido and Arusha districts. Data were collected from 270 respondents in these areas and analyzed using SPSS software. Through a cost-benefit analysis, the study assessed the distribution of market margins among the actors. The results showed that livestock keepers and traders receive a smaller portion of the net gross margin, 18% and 29.2% respectively, compared to their cost shares of 21.1% and 32.8%. Meanwhile, butcher operators obtain 52.8% of the market margin against a production cost share of 46.1%. These findings suggest that actors are equitably compensated. However, the study identified issues such as traders' reluctance to use weighing scales, which negatively impacts livestock keepers. Additionally, there is a regulatory gap with laws, such as selling livestock by weight at all markets, not being enforced. Addressing these issues could promote better husbandry practices, increase cattle value, and improve income distribution for farmers.

Power relations and knowledge linkages among actors in the groundnuts seed value chain in Central Tanzania

G.G. Mulokozi — 2024-09-13

Interdependence among actors enhances value chain functioning as it not only closely links them, but also enables them to engage with each other across the chain to form a network. The network created through these actors’ involvement and interdependence creates a necessary condition for adoption and diffusion of incentives for the value chain development and stability. In the groundnut seed value chain, less is known like in other crops’ value chain less is known on issues related to power relations and dynamics that can be assessed in levels and dimesnions of knowledge, material and income. This study aimed to assess the power relations and knowledge linkages among the actors in the groundnut seed value chain in central Tanzania. The specific objectives of the study were to identify the actors involved, their roles, and the influence and importance of power relations in the knowledge aspect. The study used a qualitative approach and a cross-sectional design. The primary data were collected through focus group discussions and key informant interviews, while the secondary data were obtained from records related to the groundnut crop and its value chain from the sampled districts covered by the Tropical Legumes III project. The UCINET software statistical package for network analysis was used to analyze the data collected. The study reveales that there is a number of actors at the village and district levels, some of whom were found in both levels.Further, power relations among these actors are revelead through centrality measures, emphasizing the significance of ties and linkages in shaping knowledge exchange dynamics. The findings speak volume on the role of influential actors at both levels, with implications for information flow, decision-making, and the overall success of the groundnuts seed value chain. The study also found that the number of ties that the actors had in the groundnut seed value chain affected their knowledge linkages, as well as their influence and power over others. The study identified that NGOs, CBOs, local government, researchers, and traders had higher influence and importance in knowledge linkages than other actors at both levels. The study recommended prioritizing the inclusion of less powerful and influential actors and involving important stakeholders in interventions targeting power relations through innovation platforms.

Agricultural transformation and development in Sub-Saharan Africa: Experiences and policy implications from the Asian green revolution

S.J. Kabote — 2024-09-13

This review paper employs population and structuralism theories to analyse agricultural transformation in Sub-Saharan Africa, taking a broader continental approach. It also draws lessons from the Asian green revolution of the 1960s. The review finds that the population in Sub-Saharan Africa is increasing, leading to a corresponding rise in food demand. However, agricultural transformation has been limited due to several challenges including low government spending on agricultural interventions and research; inadequate extension service delivery; poor land use governance; insufficient agro-processing and value addition; limited investment; and climate change. Moreover, the Asian Green Revolution demonstrates that even densely populated regions can achieve agricultural transformation through increased productivity. The review concludes that agricultural transformation cannot occur without increased agricultural productivity accompanying structural economic changes. It emphasizes that agricultural transformation and structural economic transformation must progress concurrently. The review offers policy recommendations, stressing the need for strong political will and governments’ commitment to drive agricultural transformation in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Studies on microbial and helminths associated with Parachanna obscura in Eleyele Reservoir and Ajilete-Yewa River, SouthWestern, Nigeria

M.T. Adeleke — 2024-09-13

This research aimed to increase our understanding of the microbial and parasitic composition of Parachanna obscura (African Snakehead) which is a commercially important freshwater fish species in Nigeria. The study was conducted in two locations, the Eleyele Reservoir in Oyo State, and the Ajilete-Yewa River in Ogun State, both in the southwestern, Nigeria. A total of 130 healthy P. obscura was collected from June to December, 2022 and examined for microbial and parasitic presence using standard methods. The prevalence of parasites was calculated, and the results were analyzed using one sample T test with p ≤ 0.05. Out of the 130 fishes examined, 94 (74.31%) were found to have parasites. The prevalence of parasites was higher in the Ajilete-Yewa River (75.9%) than in the Eleyele Reservoir (69.7%). Seven types of parasites were identified, including Procamallanus, Camallanus, P. africanus, C. metacercaria, Genarchopsis, Pallisentis and Trichodina. The female P. obscura had a higher parasite intensity of 50.36% than males (49.63%). Additionally, bacterial analysis conducted, reveal the presence of Bacillus spp, Escherichia coli (13.79 x 104CFU/g), Staphylococcus aureus (9.59 x 104CFU/g), Listeria monocytogenes (7.46 x 105CFU/g), and Salmonella spp(21.10 x 105CFU/g),. The findings highlight the need for public education on the potential dangers associated with consuming P. obscura and imply that the fish may contain variable degrees of parasitic and bacterial infections, some of which may be higher than the allowable amount.

Contextualizing the new normal: Crop farmers’ utilization of e-extension resources in Osun State, Nigeria

K.M. Idris-Adeniyi — 2024-09-13

Agricultural extension services is critically inadequate to cover the multitudes of clienteles and the traditional face-to-face exchange with clients has further worsen the situation. Thus, it has become highly imperative to adopt more innovative ways of reaching out to farmers to transform the long reliance on the largely inadequate face to face exchanges with farmers. This study assessed the utilization of e-extension resources among crop farmers in Osun State, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used for sampling 120 arable crop farmers. Well-structured interview schedule was employed to elicit relevant information on farmers’ awareness of e-extension resources; their utilization of e-extension resources and constraints to use of e-extension resources. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics were employed for statistical analyses at p≤0.05. Most of the respondents were married males with mean age of 44.3±11.4 years. Their farming experience and annual farm income averaged 28.6±16.7years and 1,112.73±693.68USD. They were mainly aware of Agricultural Development Programmes (ADP) helplines ( 2.78) and radio stations’ agric programmes ( 2.53). Most of the respondents had never used AGRIVI 360 ( =0.26) while few rarely used the National e-agric web portal ( =0.67). Low access to ICTs in rural areas ( 2.66), poor relevance of e-extension materials (2.58) and lack of support infrastructures (2.50) constituted major constraints to e-resources utilization. Sex, primary occupation, years of education, secondary income and cooperative membership underlined farmers’ utilization of e-extension resources. Sex, primary occupation, years of education, secondary income and cooperative membership influenced farmers’ utilization of e-extension resources. The study concludes that the predominant small-scale farmers are characteristically limited in benefitting from the potentials of the e-resources thereby necessitating enhanced access to advanced ICTs and their support infrastructures to spur grassroots farmers to fully harness the prospects of e-extension information systems for sustainable agricultural development. Hence, policy makers and development practitioners should dwell on these farmers’ realities to create an enabling environment towards achieving this goal.

Growth and yield of maize as influenced by cropping systems and weed control measures

F.T-O. Yusuf — 2024-09-13

The need to identify an herbicide that is applied at a very low rate and achieving good weed control, as well as optimum yield is a necessity in Nigeria to further reduce environmental pollution caused by the application of herbicides at high rates. Therefore, field trials were conducted in the early and late wet season of 2019 at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria to evaluate the effect of cropping system and weed control measures on growth and yield of maize. Treatments were laid out in a split-plot arrangement in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The main plot treatments consisted of a cropping system (sole maize and maize/sweet potato intercrop) while the sub-plot treatments were made up of six weed control measures. Data collected on growth, maize yield and weed biomass were subjected to analysis of variance and the means of the treatments separated using the least significant difference at p≤0.05. Results showed that sole maize produced taller plants than maize intercropped with sweet potato. There was a 21.3% to 31.4% reduction in weed biomass at 9 weeks after planting (WAP) and 12 WAP, respectively when maize was intercropped with sweet potato compared to planting maize in sole cropping. The application of Isoxaflutole plus Aclonifene as a pre-emergence herbicide at both rates enhanced the growth of maize. Isoxaflutole plus Aclonifene at 0.75 kg a.i/ha with or without hoe weeding resulted in higher maize yield and also cause significant reduction in weed biomass.

Influence of public expenditure budget on the agricultural growth in Tanzania, 2004-2018

N.G. Sikwese — 2024-09-13

Public expenditure plays a crucial role in the performance and growth of the sector. This study analyzes the contribution of public expenditure to the growth of the agricultural sector in Tanzania from 2004 to 2018. Using the Error Correction and Autoregressive Distributed Lag models, the analysis employed the Augmented Dickey-Fuller unit root test, Johansen cointegration, and Granger causality to explore both short- and long-run relationships. The results revealed a positive relationship between agricultural recurrent expenditure and sector growth, with a 1% increase in the recurrent expenditure budget ratio leading to a 0.3326% increase in the growth rate. Conversely, a 1% increase in agricultural development investment expenditure corresponds to a 0.1034% decrease in the growth rate, indicating a negative long-run relationship. The study concludes that while public agricultural expenditure positively impacts sector growth, an effective synergy between increased public resources and appropriate macroeconomic policies is essential to enhance agricultural growth and investment in Tanzania. The findings underscore the importance of strategic budget allocations and policy frameworks in driving sustainable agricultural development.

Growing hope in dry lands: A look at how Tanzania’s smallholder farmers thrive despite drought

A.E. Hagamu — 2024-09-13

The occurrence and spread of droughts in recent years have limited productivity and resulted in food insecurity for most smallholder farmers. Though there are options for adopting drought resistant crops, the rates and level of adoption are questionable as many smallholder farmers still engage in their traditional ways of crop production. Therefore, this study examined determinants of smallholder farmers’ adoption of drought-resistant crops and the choice of adaptation strategies to drought in the Kishapu District. Using cross-sectional data obtained from 242 households. A probit model was used to examine the factors determining the adoption of drought-resistant crops while a multinomial logit model was used to examine the factors influencing the choices of drought adaptation strategies. Results show that household head age, distance from farm input markets, participation in village meetings, access to extension services, access to information, and access to credits are the influencing factors for drought-resistant crop adoption. On the other hand, household income, experience, distance from farm inputs, access to weather information, access to extension services, and gender were found to be significant factors influencing choices of adaptation strategies to drought and climate change in the study area. Therefore, proper and extensive farming extension services covering all age groups and relevant farming knowledge should be compulsory to increase smallholder farmers' adoption of drought-resistant crops. Also, establishing proper market channels is crucial for the input market, enabling communities to access inputs at the right time and at an affordable price.

Factors influencing farmers’ participation in the beef market chain: The case of Arusha City and Longido district, Tanzania

C.O. Malaki — 2024-09-13

The performance of the beef industry in Tanzania is heavily dependent on the participation of a few actors in it. The decision to participate in the beef market chain is likely to be influenced by several factors. However, there is a paucity of knowledge on the determinants of farmers’ decisions to participate in the beef market chain. Therefore, this paper assesses factors that influence farmers’ participation in the beef market chain in Longido District and Arusha City. Data for this study were collected from 270 respondents in Longido District and Arusha City. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS software. The number of cattle sold used as a proxy variable for participation in the beef market chain. Data were analyzed using the linear regression model. Factors that were identified to have a significant positive influence on the famers’ participation in the beef market chain were distance to the nearby auction (p = 0.026), number of cattle owned by the household (p = 0.05), plot size for improved pasture development (p = 0.000), and repeated transaction (p = 0.008). Meanwhile, a farmer’s age had a significant negative influence on the farmers’ participation in the beef market chain (p = 0.097). The results show that 56.4% of the respondents kept cattle, 39.1% kept shoats, 1.8% were self-employed providing veterinary services and 2.7% were casual labourers. The results also show that distance positively influenced participation in the beef market chain because farmers from a distance villages once they reached the auction were forced to sell whatever stocks they brought. The opportunity cost was too high for them to return with their animals if they do find the price at the auction too low. In conclusion, policies should emphasize equipping the auction with infrastructure that shall reduce transaction costs to all actors. This will enable a fair price determination in which each actor will have a commitment and participate to get a good price based on live weight.

Nutritional composition, descriptive sensory analysis and consumer acceptance of processed red-billed quelea bird's meat in Tanzania

R.J. Mongi — 2024-09-13

Consumption of red-billed quelea birds, as an alternative affordable source of meat and proteins is common in various low-income resource communities in African countries, including Tanzania. However, information on nutritional quality, sensory profile and consumer acceptance of the processed bird's meat products is limited. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the proximate composition, descriptive sensory profile and consumer acceptance of processed quelea bird meat. A total of 465 live male birds were obtained from hunters in Kelema village located in Chemba District, Dodoma region. The birds were slaughtered, and their meat was processed by boiling, deep-frying and grilling before being subjected to nutritional composition and sensory analyses using standard methods. Moisture, protein, and fat contents varied from 56.7 to 60.6, 26.9 to 31.3 and 3.0 to 4.4 g/100 g fresh weight (FW), respectively, whereas energy values ranged from 158.7 to 177.1 Kcal/g FW. Sodium was the most abundant mineral in the meat samples (505.9-546.7 mg/100g FW). There were also significant (p<0.05) differences in the meat samples' proximate composition parameters and mineral contents between the processing methods. Grilled meat samples had significantly (p<0.05) higher intensities for juiciness, tenderness, aroma and consumer acceptance than processed samples. Therefore, processed quelea bird meat is rich in nutrients with appealing sensory properties. Hence, their consumption as an alternative source of meat and proteins in the study area and country at large is recommended.

Socio-economic determinants of choice between layers and broilers farming among smallholder chicken farmers in Tanzania

Joseph Longo — 2024-09-13

Poultry farming is among emerging important sub-sectors in Tanzania. The sub-sector has a potential to spearhead the transformation of the agriculture sector due to its inclusive nature and flexibility for diversified production systems. Data were collected from Dar es Salaam and Morogoro (Eastern zone), Kilimanjaro (Northern zone), Dodoma (Central zone), Mbeya and Iringa (Southern Highlands), Mwanza and Geita (Lake zone), and Mtwara and Lindi (Southern zone), aiming at identifying socio-economic factors that influence the choice of chicken farmers for either broilers or layers production, as these factors are important for business development advisors. The collected data were analyzed through descriptive and inferential approaches. Inferential analysis was done by using a binary logistic regression. The key interest in doing inferential analysis was the identification of socio-economic variables that influence choice between broilers and layers farming. The inferential analysis involved one dichotomous dependent and four dichotomous independent variables. The dependent variable was chicken type kept by the farmer (Yi ). The independent variables were; gender of the farmer (Xi ), marital status of the farmer (X2 ),employment status of the farmer (X3 ), and labor availability (X4 ). Results show that marital status, and labor availability have a significant positive influence at 1% level of significance. On the contrast, salaried employment has a significant negative impact on choice of layers farming at 10% percent level of significance. The paper conclude that in planning chicken development programs, socio-economic factors such as marital status, availability of labor, and employment status have to be considered.