| 1. |
- Mwansasu, Simon, 1961-
(author)
-
Causes and Perceptions of Environmental Change in the Mangroves of Rufiji Delta, Tanzania : Implications for Sustainable Livelihood and Conservation
- 2016
-
Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Mangroves are ecosystems with enormous ecological importance, supporting both terrestrial and marine food webs. They provide ecosystem services (e.g. food, medicines, fuel, constructing material) to communities near and far. Despite their importance, mangrove areas are facing numerous threats. Based on neo-Malthusian narratives, population growth is an alleged main cause of mangrove degradation, especially in developing countries. This thesis investigates the Rufiji Delta mangroves, from several perspectives including: recent history, present condition, use of land and other resources, as well as actual and potential impacts of government policies and management on mangrove conservation and for the local communities. Of special interest is the examination of multiple, and often diverging, perceptions concerning these variables and processes. Both qualitative and quantitative methods have been used. Interviews were conducted with relevant stakeholders. Analysis of census data (1957–2012), to ascertain population trends in the Delta, spans the pre- and post-Ujamaa villagization programme. Old maps were scanned and geo-referenced in GIS to compare administrative units between successive censuses. Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imagery, spanning from 1994 to 2010, was explored for analysis of mangrove dynamics and stand structure. The analysis of population trends in the Delta revealed decreasing population in the South Delta and a low population increase in the North Delta, in comparison with neighbouring non-delta areas. This is contrary to the assumption by government authorities that the Ujamaa villagization programme instigated migration to the Delta which caused mangrove degradation. Spatio-temporal changes in mangrove area and land use, observed and confirmed by SAR imagery and field control, is part of the highly dynamic eco-hydrology and geomorphology of the delta ecosystem. While some areas have been converted to rice farms, other areas have gained in mangrove coverage. Overexploitation of mangroves occurs, primarily by external actors, and both local communities and representatives of government authorities ascribe this to lack of financial and human resources to enforce current laws and regulations. Ever since the Rufiji mangrove forest was declared as a forest reserve in 1898, it has been a legal quagmire, with legally established village land within a state forest where human habitation is prohibited by law. This thesis explores management approaches that will embrace conservation with sustainable development. That can only be achieved when local communities are legally recognized as inhabitants and important stakeholders in the conservation of the Delta. A conservation approach that removes land tenure uncertainty among the local communities and takes into consideration the dynamic nature of the Delta must be devised for the Rufiji mangroves.
|
|
| 2. |
|
|
| 3. |
- Kangwe, Juma W., 1967-
(author)
-
Calcareous Algae of a Tropical Lagoon : Primary Productivity, Calcification and Carbonate Production
- 2005
-
Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- The green algae of the genus Halimeda Lamouroux (Chlorophyta, Bryopsidales) and the encrusting loose-lying red coralline algae (Rhodophyta, Corallinales) known as rhodoliths are abundant and widespread in all oceans. They significantly contribute to primary productivity while alive and production of CaCO3 rich sediment materials on death and decay. Carbonate rich sediments are important components in the formation of Coral Reefs and as sources of inorganic carbon (influx) in tropical and subtropical marine environments. This study was initiated to attempt to assess their ecological significance with regard to the above mentioned roles in a tropical lagoon system, Chwaka bay (Indian Ocean), and to address some specific objectives on the genus Halimeda (Chlorophyta, Bryopsidales) and the loose-lying coralline algae (rhodoliths).Four Halimeda species were taxonomically identified in the area. The species identified are the most common inhabitants of the world’s tropical and subtropical marine environments, and no new species were encountered. Using Satellite remote sensing technique in combination with the percentage cover data obtained from ground-truthing field work conducted in the area using quadrants, the spatial and seasonal changes of Submerged Aquatic Macrophytes (SAV) were evaluated. SAV percentage cover through ground-truthing was; 24.4% seagrass, 16% mixed Halimeda spp., 5.3% other macroalgae species while 54.3% remained unvegetated. No significant changes in SAV cover was observed for the period investigated, except in some smaller regions where both loss and gains occurred. The structural complexity of SAV (shoot density, above-ground biomass and canopy height) for most common seagrass communities from six meadows, dominated by Thalassia hemprichii, Enhalus acoroides and Thalassodendron ciliatum, as well as mixed meadows, were estimated and evaluated. Relative growth of Halimeda species was up to 1 segment tip-1 day-1. The number of segments produced was highest in hot season. Differences between the numbers of segments produced were insignificant between the two sites investigated. The C/N ratios obtained probably shows that Halimeda species experience nitrogen limitation in the area and may be a factor among others responsible for the varying growth of species obtained. However, this can be a normal ratio for calcified algae due to high CaCO3 content in their tissues. Standing biomass of mixed Halimeda species averaged between 500-600 g dw m-2 over the bay, while the mean cover in Halimeda meadows was about 1560 g dw m-2. Carbonate production in Halimeda beds varied between 17-57 g CaCO3 m-2 day-1 and for H. macroloba between 12-91 g CaCO3 m-2 day-1. This indicates a high annual input of carbonate in the area. Decomposition of Halimeda using litter bag experiments at site I and II gave a decomposition rate (k) of 0.0064 and k = 0.0091 day-1 ash-free dry weight (AFDW) respectively. Hence it would take 76-103 days for 50% of the materials to decompose.Adding inhibitors or varying the pH significantly reduced inorganic carbon uptake, and demonstrated that the two photosynthesis and calcification were linked. Addition of TRIS strongly inhibited photosynthesis but not calcification, suggesting the involvement of proton pumps in the localized low pH acid zones and high pH basic zones. The high pH zones were maintained by the proton pumps maintaining high calcification, while TRIS was competing for proton uptake from acid zones causing photosynthesis to drop. Rhodoliths were found to maintain high productivity at a temperature of 34oC, and even at 37oC. It is therefore concluded that, rhodoliths are well adapted to high temperatures and excess light, a behaviour which enables them to thrive even in intertidal areas.
|
|
| 4. |
- Mulokozi, Deogratias, 1986-
(author)
-
Integrated Agriculture and Aquaculture Systems (IAA) for Enhanced Food Production and Income Diversification in Tanzania
- 2021
-
Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Aquaculture production in Tanzania has increased in recent years, responding to an increased demand for fish, partly because of an increasing population and declining catches of wild fish. However, the current aquaculture production is still low, dominated by small scale farming systems, that are struggling with a number of challenges such as lack of improved fish breeds, feeds, technical skills and low adoption rates.This thesis aims to assess the status of fish pond farming with a focus on integrated agriculture and aquaculture (IAA) systems in Tanzania, and to provide guidance on how these systems could be further developed to help local farmers to diversify their food production and income generation.Methodologies included field observations, interviews, structured questionnaires, field experiments and laboratory analyses. Two field surveys in six districts and seven regions of Tanzania provided insights on the current status and the contribution of small-scale pond farming and IAA to household income and food production. Differences between IAA and non-IAA fish farming practices, and their influence on farm productivity and profitability were assessed. Also, opportunities, constraints and farmers’ future plans for fish farming were explored. Two field experiments were conducted on selected IAA systems identified during the surveys. One assessed the effect of including amaranth (Amaranthus hybridus) waste in locally produced fish feed on the yield of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Another investigated how the combination of different vegetables (A. hybridus and Brassica rapa pekinensis) and stocking densities of O. niloticus affected the water use efficiency, need for synthetic fertilizers and overall farm productivity and profitability.The results show that small scale fish farming contributed with 13% of the farmers’ income. 38% of the fish was used for consumption and the remaining part was sold, contributing to both food security and livelihood diversification. Integration of tilapia and vegetables was the most common type of IAA system applied. Local feed ingredients contained medium to high content of crude protein, with high fat content in some animal by-products. The fish yield from the IAA ponds was 60% higher compared to non-IAA ponds because of a more frequent use of on-farm resources and better management. The net income from IAA ponds was 175% higher compared to non-IAA ponds, due to reduced costs and higher yields. Major constraints included water problems, lack of technical skills and good quality fish seeds and feeds. Overall, fish farmers had a positive attitude towards fish farming and the majority were willing to continue with fish farming, with IAA farmers being more positive than non-IAA farmers. The use of amaranth wastes as a fish feed ingredient in a tilapia-amaranth integrated system did not affect the fish growth and yield, but rather improved the feed conversion ratio. The multiple use of water in integrated tilapia-vegetable systems increased the water use efficiency and reduced the need for synthetic fertilizers. Although water from high fish stocking densities increased the vegetable yield, the overall farm productivity in the IAA system was negatively affected because of low fish growth and survival rates. Since agriculture is already popular and fish farming is expanding, promotion of IAA systems could provide an entry point for an increased adoption of aquaculture among rural farmers.
|
|
| 5. |
- Mwandya, Augustine, 1969-, et al.
(author)
-
Distribution patterns of the striped mullet (Mugil cephalus) in mangrove creeks of Zanzibar, Tanzania
-
Other publication (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Spatial and seasonal variations in density of the striped mullet Mugil cephalus were investigated in four mangrove creeks in Zanzibar (Tanzania) during a one-year cycle. Fish were collected monthly in the lower, intermediate and upper reaches of each creek using a beach seine net (each haul covering 170 m2). All individuals collected were juveniles with a mean size of 2 to 16 cm (standard length). The density of juvenile mullets inhabiting mangrove creeks differed significantly among the different creeks, but the patterns within creeks were consistent, with higher densities upstream in three of the creeks. In general, small-sized juvenile mullets (2-10 cm) were more abundant in the upper reaches compared to the lower and intermediate sites in most creeks. Seasonal patterns were fairly weak, although high mullet densities were observed during the period of heavy rains (from March to May). Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that a muddy bottom with microphytobenthos was likely important to explain high mullet densities, although site-specific variables like low water depth and water clarity may also be important. Our findings suggest that the densities of juvenile striped mullet vary among sites and creeks in response to refuge availability from turbid shallow waters and the accessibility of food resources from benthic microalgae.
|
|
| 6. |
- Rönnbäck, Patrik, et al.
(author)
-
Coastal Aquaculture Development in Eastern Africa and the Western Indian Ocean : Prospects and Problems for Food Security and Local Economies
- 2002
-
In: Ambio. - Stockholm : Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. - 0044-7447 .- 1654-7209. ; 31:7/8, s. 537-542
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This paper reviews the experience and status of coastal aquaculture of seaweeds, mollusks, fish and crustaceans in eastern Africa and the islands of the western Indian Ocean. In many respects, coastal aquaculture is still in its infancy in the region, and there is a pressing need to formulate development strategies aimed at improving the income and assuring the availability of affordable protein to coastal communities. This paper also draws from positive and negative experiences in other parts of the world. The requirements of feed and fry, and the conversion of mangroves are used to illustrate how some aquaculture activities constitute a net loss to global seafood production. The paper presents both general and specific sustainability guidelines based on the acknowledgement of aquaculture as an ecological process. It is concluded that without clear recognition of its dependence on natural ecosystems, the aquaculture industry is unlikely to develop to its full potential in the region.
|
|
