Browsing by Author "Kimaro, D. N."

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Anthropogenic soils and land use patterns in relation to small mammal and flea abundance in plague endemic area of Western Usambara Mountains, Tanzania
(Tanzania Journal of Health Research) Kimaro, D. N.; Msanya, B. M.; Meliyo, J.; Hieronimo, Proches; Mwango, Sibaway; Kihupi, N. I.; Gulinck, Hubert; Deckers, Jozef, A.
Anthropogenic soils and land use patterns in relation to small mammal and flea abundance in plague endemic area of Western Usambara Mountains, Tanzania
(Tanzania Journal of Health Research, 2014-07) Kimaro, D. N.; Msanya, B. M.; Meliyo, J.; Hieronimo, Proches; Mwango, Sibaway; Kihupi, N. I.; Gulinck, Hubert; Deckers, Jozef, A.
Heterogeneity in the landscapes of West Usambara Mountains on land use and human activities has been reported. However, the interface of land use patterns and human modified soils with small mammal and flea abundance for possible explanation of plague has not been explored. This study was carried out to determine the link between anthropogenic soils and land use patterns on small mammal and flea abundance and the occurrence of reported plague in the Western Usambara Mountains in Tanzania. Standard soil survey methods were used to identify and describe soils and land use patterns on lower slopes and valley bottoms on which the surrounding villages are reported to have high and medium plague frequencies. The identified soils were characterised in terms of their morphological and physico-chemical properties and classified according to FAO-World Reference Base for Soil Resources. Small mammals were trapped on the same landscape positions and identified to genus/species level. Fleas were removed from the trapped small mammals, counted and identified to species level. In total 57 small mammals were captured from which 32 fleas were collected. Results show that human settlements and mixed cultivation on lower slopes and continuous vegetable cropping in the valley bottoms are dominant land use types. Intensive use of forest soils, manuring and irrigation on farms in the studied landscapes have contributed to the development of uniquely human modified soils namely Hortic Anthrosols in the lower slopes and Plaggic Irragric Hortic Anthrosols in valley bottoms. The identified anthropogenic soils and land use patterns are associated with high abundance of small mammals (Mastomys natalensis) and flea species (Xenopsylla brasiliensis and Dinopsyllus lypusus). This phenomenon is vividly apparent in the villages with medium to high plague frequencies. The study suggests that plague surveillance programmes should consider the existing relationship between anthropogenic soils, land use patterns, small mammal and flea abundance.
Contribution of land use to rodent flea load distribution in the plague endemic area of Lushoto District, Tanzania
(Tanzania Journal of Health Research) Hieronimo, Proches; Kihupi, Nganga I.; Kimaro, D. N.; Gulinck, Hubert; Mulungu, Loth S.; Msanya, B. M.; Leirs, Herwing; Deckers, J
Cyanosoils project site and soil characterization
(Sokoine University of Agriculture) Msanya, B. M.; Kimaro, D. N.; Maliondo, S. M. S.; Semu, E.; Madoffe, S. S.; Mvena, Z. K. S.
Cyanosoils project site and soil characterization
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2002) Msanya, B. M.; Kimaro, D. N.; Maliondo, S. M. S.; Semu, E.; Madoffe, S. S.; Mvena, Z. K. S.
The objective of the study was to select sites for the Cyanosoils project and to characterize the soils on which experiments will be carried out. Through field visits and studies three sites were identified and described in Morogoro Urban and Mvomero Districts. Soil profiles were excavated, described and sampled for laboratory analyses.
Ecological biogeography of West Usambara Mountains: a study on the influence of abiotic factors to spatial distribution of plant and animal species
(INTECH) Meliyo, J. L.; Masuki, K. F. G.; Msanya, B. M.; Kimaro, D. N.; Mulungu, L. S.
Ecological biogeography of West Usambara Mountains: a study on the influence of abiotic factors to spatial distribution of plant and animal species
(INTECH, 2018) Meliyo, J. L.; Masuki, K. F. G.; Msanya, B. M.; Kimaro, D. N.; Mulungu, L. S.
West Usambara Mountains, Tanzania are famous for rich biodiversity and endemic species of plants and animals. Although there have been extensive studies on plant and animals species, little attention has been given on abiotic factors influencing their spatial distribution. Given rampant degradation of vegetation and associated consequence on biodiversity, knowledge on abiotic factors influencing distribution of species along the landscape become pertinent for conservation. A study was carried out to explore abiotic factors impacting plant and animals species distribution. Soil, landform and land use/cover were studied using grids of 20 m × 20 m using FAO Guidelines for Soil Profile and Habitat Descriptions. Soils were described, sampled for laboratory analysis. Spatial distribution of plant species were determined in the grids, and along the transects, every time estimating the percent cover and describing the habitat. Distribution of animal species was studied using both small mammals and rodent burrows as proxies. Trapping was done using different traps sizes, checking daily for animal caught, counting and re-trapping. Rodent burrows were estimated in same grids by examining a width of 0.5 m from end to end of grid and total number of burrows recorded. Determination of species distribution was done using GLM regression. Results show that species are influenced by elevation, which was common to both plants and animals. Topsoil soil depth was positive to plant species whereas hillshade, surface stones, cultivation and atmospheric temperature were negatively influencing plant species. Rock outcrops, surface stones and cultivation were positively influencing small mammals distribution. It is concluded that factors influencing distribution of small mammals are elevation, surface stones, rock outcrop and cultivation. Factors influencing plant species are elevation soil depth whereas cultivation, hillshade, surface stone and rock out crops negatively impact distribution. For conservation, it is recommended that the best steps are to stop human activities leading to depletion of plant species and accelerating soil erosion and allow for self-regeneration. Control of soil erosion strongly recommended as way of plant species re-establishment.
Effect of conservational tillage on soil loss and plant nutrient status on vegetable yield, Northern slopes of Uluguru Mountains, Morogoro, Tanzania
Msita, H. B.; Mtakwa, P. W.; Kilasara, M.; Kimaro, D. N.; Msanya, B. M.; Ndyetabula, D. K.; Deckers, J. A.; Poesen, J.
Effectiveness of mulching under miraba in controlling soil erosion, fertility restoration and crop yield in the Usambara mountains, Tanzania
(Wiley Online Library) Mwango, Sibaway Bakari; Msanya, B. M.; Mtakwa, Peter W.; Kimaro, D. N.; Deckers, Jozef; Poesen, Jean
Effectiveness of mulching under miraba in controlling soil erosion, fertility restoration and crop yield in the Usambara mountains, Tanzania
(Wiley Online Library, 2014-09-23) Mwango, Sibaway Bakari; Msanya, B. M.; Mtakwa, Peter W.; Kimaro, D. N.; Deckers, Jozef; Poesen, Jean
Soil erosion is a major threat to food security in rural areas of Africa. Field experiments were conducted from 2011 to 2014 in Majulai and Migambo villages with contrasting climatic conditions in Usambara Mountains, Tanzania. The aim was to investigate the effectiveness of mulching in reducing soil erosion and restoring soil fertility for productivity of maize (Zea mays) and beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) under miraba, a unique indigenous soil conservation measure in the area. Soil loss was significantly higher (p < 0·05) under miraba sole than under miraba with mulching, for example, 35 versus 20 and 13 versus 8 Mg ha 1 y 1 for Majulai and Migambo villages, respectively, in 2012. Soil fertility status was significantly higher (p < 0·05) under miraba with Tughutu mulching than under miraba sole, for example, 0·35 versus 0·25% total N, 37 versus 22 mg kg 1 P and 0·6 versus 0·2 cmol(+) kg 1 K for the Majulai village; and 0·46 versus 0·38 total N, 17·2 versus 10·2 mg kg 1 P and 0·50 versus 0·2 cmol(+) kg 1 K for the Migambo village. Maize and bean yields (Mg ha 1 ) were significantly higher (p < 0·05) under miraba with Tughutu mulching than under miraba sole, 2·0 versus 1·3 for maize and 0·9 versus 0·8 for beans in Majulai; and 3·8 versus 2·6 for maize and 1·0 versus 0·8 for beans in the Migambo village in 2012. This implies that Tughutu mulching is more effective in improving crop yield than Tithonia, although both could potentially protect the arable land from degradation caused by water erosion under miraba. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effectiveness of selected soil conservation practices on soil erosion control and crop yields in the Usambara mountains, Tanzania
(SCIENCEDOMAIN international) Mwango, S. B.; Msanya, B. M.; Mtakwa, P. W.; Kimaro, D. N.; Deckers, J.; Poesen, J.; Massawe, I.; Samwel, J.
Effectiveness of selected soil conservation practices on soil erosion control and crop yields in the Usambara Mountains, Tanzania
(SCIENCEDOMAIN international) Mwango, Sibaway Bakari; Msanya, B. M.; Kimaro, D. N.; Mtakwa, Peter W.; Deckers, Jozef; Poesen, Jean; Massawe, I.; Samwel, J.
Effectiveness of selected soil conservation practices on soil erosion control and crop yields in the Usambara mountains, Tanzania
(SCIENCEDOMAIN international, 2014-12-16) Mwango, S. B.; Msanya, B. M.; Mtakwa, P. W.; Kimaro, D. N.; Deckers, J.; Poesen, J.; Massawe, I.; Samwel, J.
Indigenous soil conservation measures such as miraba have been widely used in Usambara Mountains for controlling soil erosion but with little success. On-farm runoff experiments were set from 2011–2014 on Acrisols in Majulai and Migambo villages with contrasting agro-ecological conditions in the Usambara Mountains, Tanzania. The aim was to investigate the effectiveness of miraba and miraba with various mulching materials in reducing runoff, soil and nutrient losses and improving productivity of maize (Zea mays) and beans (Phaseolus vulgaris). Results show that mean annual runoff coefficients (mm mm-1) ranged from 0.72 for cropland with no soil conservation measure (control) to 0.15 for cropland with miraba and Tithonia (Tithonia diversifolia) mulching in Majulai village and respectively from 0.68 to 0.13 in Migambo village. Soil loss was significantly (P = .05) higher under control than under miraba with either Tughutu (Vernonia myriantha) or Tithonia mulching e. g. 184 vs. 20 in Majulai and 124 vs. 8 Mg ha-1 year-1 in Migambo village in 2012. The Pfactors were significantly (P = .05) higher under miraba sole than under miraba with mulching in Majulai village (0.18 vs. 0.11) and in Migambo village (0.10 vs. 0.05).The annual nutrient losses in kg ha-1yr-1 were significantly (P = .05) higher under control than under miraba with mulching 367 vs. 37 total N, 0.8 vs. 0.1 P and 14 vs. 4 K for Majulai village; 474 vs. 26 total N, 0.7 vs. 0.1 P and 20 vs. 1.2 K for Migambo village in 2012. Maize and bean yields were significantly (P = .05) higher under miraba with Tughutu mulching than under control (e.g. 2.0 vs. 0.7 Mg ha-1 for maize in Majulai in 2012). Thus miraba with Tughutu mulching is more effective in improving crop yields than miraba with Tithonia and miraba sole.
Effectiveness of selected soil conservation practices on soil erosion control and crop yields in the Usambara Mountains, Tanzania
(SCIENCEDOMAIN international, 2014-12-16) Mwango, Sibaway Bakari; Msanya, B. M.; Kimaro, D. N.; Mtakwa, Peter W.; Deckers, Jozef; Poesen, Jean; Massawe, I.; Samwel, J.
Indigenous soil conservation measures such as miraba have been widely used in Usambara Mountains for controlling soil erosion but with little success. On-farm runoff experiments were set from 2011–2014 on Acrisols in Majulai and Migambo villages with contrasting agro-ecological conditions in the Usambara Mountains, Tanzania. The aim was to investigate the effectiveness of miraba and miraba with various mulching materials in reducing runoff, soil and nutrient losses and improving productivity of maize (Zea mays) and beans (Phaseolus vulgaris). Results show that mean annual runoff coefficients (mm mm -1 ) ranged from 0.72 for cropland with no soil conservation measure (control) to 0.15 for cropland with miraba and Tithonia (Tithonia diversifolia) mulching in Majulai village and respectively from 0.68 to 0.13 in Migambo village. Soil loss was significantly (P = .05) higher under control than under miraba with either Tughutu (Vernonia myriantha) or Tithonia -1 -1 mulching e. g. 184 vs. 20 in Majulai and 124 vs. 8 Mg ha year in Migambo village in 2012. The P- factors were significantly (P = .05) higher under miraba sole than under miraba with mulching in Majulai village (0.18 vs. 0.11) and in Migambo village (0.10 vs. 0.05).The annual nutrient losses in kg ha -1 yr -1 were significantly (P = .05) higher under control than under miraba with mulching 367 vs. 37 total N, 0.8 vs. 0.1 P and 14 vs. 4 K for Majulai village; 474 vs. 26 total N, 0.7 vs. 0.1 P and 20 vs. 1.2 K for Migambo village in 2012. Maize and bean yields were significantly (P = .05) higher under miraba with Tughutu mulching than under control (e.g. 2.0 vs. 0.7 Mg ha -1 for maize in Majulai in 2012). Thus miraba with Tughutu mulching is more effective in improving crop yields than miraba with Tithonia and miraba sole.
Environmental profile for agricultural production and development of conservation strategies in Mahenge village, Mbinga district, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture and ARI Mlingano) Maggogo, J. P.; Msanya, B. M.; Kimaro, D. N.
Environmental profile for agricultural production and development of conservation strategies in Mahenge village, Mbinga district, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture and ARI Mlingano, 1996) Maggogo, J. P.; Msanya, B. M.; Kimaro, D. N.
Factors influencing soil distribution and their implication for agricultural land management in Morogoro urban District, Tanzania
Msanya, B. M.; Mbogoni, J. D. J.; Kimaro, D. N.; kimbi, G. G.; Kilasara, M.; Deckers, J.S.
Human activity spaces and plague risks in three contrasting landscapes in Lushoto District, Tanzania
(Tanzania Journal of Health Research) Hieronimo, Proches; Gulinck, Hubert; Kimaro, D. N.; Mulungu, Loth S.; Kihupi, Nganga I.; Msanya, B. M.; Leirs, Herwing; Deckers, J.
Human activity spaces and plague risks in three contrasting landscapes in Lushoto District, Tanzania
(Tanzania Journal of Health Research, 2014-07) Hieronimo, Proches; Gulinck, Hubert; Kimaro, D. N.; Mulungu, Loth S.; Kihupi, Nganga I.; Msanya, B. M.; Leirs, Herwing; Deckers, J.
Since 1980 plague has been a human threat in the Western Usambara Mountains in Tanzania. However, the spatial-temporal pattern of plague occurrence remains poorly understood. The main objective of this study was to gain understanding of human activity patterns in relation to spatial distribution of fleas in Lushoto District. Data were collected in three landscapes differing in plague incidence. Field survey coupled with Geographic Information System (GIS) and physical sample collections were used to collect data in wet (April to June 2012) and dry (August to October 2012) seasons. Data analysis was done using GIS, one-way ANOVA and nonparametric statistical tools. The degree of spatial co- occurrence of potential disease vectors (fleas) and humans in Lushoto focus differs significantly (p ≤ 0.05) among the selected landscapes, and in both seasons. This trend gives a coarse indication of the possible association of the plague outbreaks and the human frequencies of contacting environments with fleas. The study suggests that plague surveillance and control programmes at landscape scale should consider the existence of plague vector contagion risk gradient from high to low incidence landscapes due to human presence and intensity of activities.
Integrating land cover and terrain characteristics to explain plague risks in Western Usambara Mountains, Tanzania: a geospatial approach
(Tanzania Journal of Health Research) Hieronimo, Proches; Meliyo, Joel; Gulinck, Hubert; Kimaro, D. N.; Mulungu, Loth S.; Kihupi, Nganga I.; Msanya, B. M.; Leirs, Herwing; Deckers, J.