Digital Commons Network^™

Utilization And Accessibility Of Securinega Virosa For Medical Use In Morogoro Municipality, Sasha Friedrich

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Approximately 80% of rural communities in Tanzania utilize the services of traditional healers. This is largely because modern medicine is often expensive, inaccessible, or has undesirable side effects. This study investigates use of traditional medicine in Morogoro Urban district where people do have access to hospitals. In particular, this study aims to assess the utilization and accessibility the plant species Securinega virosa for medicinal use by identifying and interviewing the actors involved in the supply chain from harvester to consumer. I conducted semi-structured interviews with eight traditional healers and one herbal medicine shopkeeper. I expected harvesters to express a decline …

Access Is Not Enough: Family Planning In Dar Es Salaam, Claire Burrus

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Population growth is a large problem, both globally and at local levels. The global population is growing at an unsustainable rate, particularly in developing nations. Tanzania, as a developing nation, is one of the fastest growing countries in the world, and as a result, faces many hardships related to high population. The Tanzanian government, non-governmental organizations, and private institutions have made attempts to address these concerns by encouraging family planning. Even so, the national population continues to rise. Many social and cultural factors have contributed to this phenomenon. This study was performed in the Women’s Clinic at Sanitas Hospital in …

Use Of Cycling Paths Along The Morogoro Brt Line, Ford Sanger

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

As the urban population continues to increase rapidly in Dar es Salaam it will become increasingly important to find sustainable means of urban transportation. With planned infrastructure improvements in the city to help alleviate traffic congestion, bicycles, which represent a largely underutilized form of urban transportation, have the potential to play a large role in the future of the city. Through background research, direct observations, community surveys, and interviews, both formal and informal, this study sought to understand the impact of the recent addition of bike lanes along the first phase of the Dar Bus Rapid Transit line. It was …

An Assessment Of Soil Erosion On Pemba Island Using The Universal Soil Loss Equation, Emily Gillispie

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Healthy soil is necessary for maintaining agricultural productivity, which is the basis of the economy on Pemba Island, Tanzania. Soil erosion is a notable concern for subsidence-farming villages, as it reduces the agricultural potential of farmland through the loss of nutrients, organic matter, and depth of quality growing soil (Georhing, 2009). The island of Pemba is the perfect case study for soil erosion, as their economy is largely based in agriculture, and the combined hilly topography and monsoonal climate make it highly susceptible to soil erosion. Yet, Pemba’s main cash crops are clove and fruit trees, which have potential to …

The Use Versus Availability Of Wood Extraction At The Baga Ii Forest Reserve Border Adjacent To Kizanda Village In The West Usambara Mountains, Tanzania, Rebecca Halter

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Tropical forests, especially in developing countries, continue to face serious threats of deforestation due to human pressures and poor management. These forests are at risk of disappearing and taking their water catchment and ecosystem services with them. Kizanda Villagers’ illegal woodfuel and polewood extraction poses a threat to the future health and existence of the Baga II Forest. This study, conducted from April 5th to April 19th, 2016, aimed to examine the use versus availability of tree species along the forest border. Twenty disturbance transects, each 4 meters wide, were conducted perpendicular to the Baga II forest border. The transects …

Prevalence Of Depression Among Active Tb And Tb/Hiv Patients In Kisumu County, Esther Lee

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in four people have been affected by a mental health disorder at one point in their lives.^[1] Kenya’s mental disorders account for 5.9% of the total global burden.[2] Mental disorders like depression is often comorbid with TB and HIV and disproportionately affects those with lower socio-economic income. Kisumu, a city in Nyanza province, has the highest HIV and TB prevalence in Kenya. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of depression among TB non-coinfected and TB/HIV co-infected patients at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) and the Clinical …

I’M Not A Fishermen, I Don’T Sell Fish, I’M Not Even A Fish: The Microeconomy Of Fish Within The Formal And Informal Markets Of Mwanza, Austin Brush

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

The purpose of this study was to examine the microeconomy of fish in the city of Mwanza in the context of the formal and informal market place and how it operates on a daily, monthly, and annual basis. In particular, I examined the different roles of fishermen, formal vendors, and informal vendors within the harvest, movement, and sale of fish and their perspectives on their own contributions and those of others at each stage. Between November 7th and November 26th, data was collected through 102 nonrandom, opportunistic interviews with my sample population of fishermen, formal vendors, informal vendors and professors …

Investment Opportunities In Solar-Powered Lighting For Small Rural Shops In Zanzibar, Alexander Cheston

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Small shop-owners in rural Zanzibar, Tanzania were surveyed on their shops lighting fixtures and requirements to determine whether using a solar home system to power the shops lights would be a profitable investment. The shops surveyed in 4 grid connected rural villages in Zanzibar had very similar requirements, and a high-quality, affordable solar home system was designed to meet the requirements of the majority of these shops. Potential savings were calculated for each shop that replaced its current lighting fixture with a solar home system. 20% of the shops surveyed were found to potentially profit from investing in the solar …

The Effects Of Altitude And Micro-Spatial Habitats On The Physiognomic Characteristics Of Syzygium Guineense In Mazumbai Forest Reserve, Erin Brynn Zalmanek

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

In order to examine the affects that altitude and micro-spatial habitat have on the physiognomy of Syzygium Guineense; buttress sphere size, number of buttresses, relative size of the buttresses, DBH, and height were measured in three different altitudinal bands (1400 - 1500 m, 1500 - 1600 m, and 1600 - 1700 m) and three different habits portraying concave, convex, and intermediate landscapes. Micro-spatial habits showed to have weak to no effect on all measured physiognomic variables giving insignificant p-values according to ANOVA. However, correlation tests against leaf litter depth and slope showed to have some relation to the size and …

Agency Of The South Sudanese: Compensating For Health Care In Mungula Refugee Settlement, Lauren Schmidt

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

In reaction to the endemic violence, which has forced many South Sudanese to flee their homes and seek refuge within Uganda’s borders, the researcher spent the practicum interning with the Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS) in Mungula refugee settlement, under academic advisor Steven Mawa. As the organization is the leading health provider in the settlement, the researcher gained insight into the provision of social services to the population, which allowed an extensive study on the ability of the South Sudanese to compensate for shortages in care and various complications associated with doing so.

The researcher sought to entertain these inquiries …

The Conceptualization Of “Environmentalism” In Sagara, Emma Chapman

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

My study focused on the perceptions of “environmentalism” in Sagara, Tanzania and attempted to compare Sagaran concepts to those of a more Western model. My study also identified the “actors” that taught Sagarans about the environment. After finding that Sagarans held a strong resource conservation focus in their responses, I then focused on the details of their resource use to see whether what they have been taught about conservation has been actualized in their daily life. I predicted to find that Sagarans have a much more generalized and resource conservation focused definition of “environmentalism” and that their patterns of resource …

Bioremediation Of Polluted Zanzibar Seawater: The Nutrient And Bacterial Bioextraction Potential Of Native Seaweeds And Bivalves, Katie Bergman

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

In Stone Town, Zanzibar, increasing populations and insufficient sewage treatment has greatly increased harmful levels of nutrients and anthropogenic-sourced contaminants along the city’s coastal waters. In this study, the nutrient and bacterial bioextractive abilities of local species of bivalves (A. antiquata, P. margaritifera) and seaweeds (E. denticulatum, U. reticulata) were examined in order to determine the potential for these species to remedy the local polluted waters. It was hypothesized that due to bivalves’ suspension-feeding activity, both species of bivalves would be able to decrease turbidity and fecal indicator bacteria (Enterococci) levels in sample polluted …

Pollution In Stone Town’S Coastal Waters: An Assessment Of Environmental Influences On Fecal Contamination, Socorro Lopez

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Urbanized areas in Tanzania, including Zanzibar Town on Unguja, are struggling to deal with the large amount of waste generated by growing populations and increasing tourist industries. In 2010, the waters surrounding Stone Town, a subsection of Zanzibar Town, were found to be highly polluted by fecal waste. This study attempted to determine whether pollution has lessened or worsened in the past four years. Furthermore, environmental components of the coastal area, particularly tides, were tested in order to determine whether they had an impact on pollution in the waters. Using the membrane filtration method, mean enterococci were quantified in two …

Population, Progeny And Power: Analyzing Population Growth, Family Planning And The Factors That Contribute To High Child Bearing Rates In Kizanda Village, Tanzania, Jade Enright

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

The population growth rate is reaching an astounding level in Tanzania and Eastern Africa. It is applying increasing pressure on things like social services, land availability, job opportunities, conservation and localized resources. This study looks at the perceptions of both men and women surrounding social and environmental factors contributing to the high population growth rate. It looks more specifically at factors including childbearing, birth control methods and their effectiveness, and how the birth rate correlates with changing quality of life. This study was conducted in Kizanda Village in the West Usambara Mountains of Northern Tanzania, a region following the trend …

Pollution In Stone Town’S Coastal Waters: An Assessment Of Environmental Influences On Fecal Contamination, Socorro Lopez

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Urbanized areas in Tanzania, including Zanzibar Town on Unguja, are struggling to deal with the large amount of waste generated by growing populations and increasing tourist industries. In 2010, the waters surrounding Stone Town, a subsection of Zanzibar Town, were found to be highly polluted by fecal waste. This study attempted to determine whether pollution has lessened or worsened in the past four years. Furthermore, environmental components of the coastal area, particularly tides, were tested in order to determine whether they had an impact on pollution in the waters. Using the membrane filtration method, mean enterococci were quantified in two …

Trouble In Paradise: State Of Coastal Erosion Of Unguja Tourist Destinations Shoreline Analysis And Community Responses Of Nungwi And Paje Beaches, Emily Pitman

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Beach erosion is a significant problem facing the coastlines of Zanzibar. This study addresses the current status of coastal erosion for the beaches of Paje and Nungwi, Unguja Island, Zanzibar. These sites were selected for their popularity as tourist destinations and likelihood of significant anthropogenic influence on shoreline change. Field observations were made and indicators of erosion were recorded during transects in both locations. Sediment samples were collected at fixed intervals along the transects and then analyzed statistically for grain size distribution trends at the Institute of Marine Science. Interviews were conducted with village residents to determine community response, and …

The Invading Fly: Innovative Pest Management Solutions For Control Of Bactrocera Invadens In Pemba, Zanzibar, Mccall Calvert, Lindsay Gucker

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

An integrated pest management study was conducted targeting the invasive fruit fly, Bactrocera invadens, on the island of Pemba, Zanzibar. Male annihilation technique (MAT) traps were set in geographically dispersed sites featuring mango fruit hosts. Three locally sourced essential oils,eucalyptus citriodora, clove and lemongrass were tested against the standard attractant methyl eugenol. Rainfall quantities at each site were collected and interviews with local farmers were conducted on the subject of B. invadens infestation and management. Over the course of the two week study, April 2^nd to April 18^th, 2014, methyl eugenol baited traps had an …

The Status Of Coastal Birds On Uzi Island: A Coastal Survey Of Birds And Their Interactions With Fishermen And Seaweed Farmers, Anna Curtis-Heald

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Birds are useful environmental indicators and play important roles in the lives of people. A survey of coastal birds was completed around the shores of Uzi Island, Zanzibar. Intertidal flats surveyed at low tide proved to be the most diverse. Mangrove habitat surveyed at high tide was less diverse, yet a mangrove island hosted an abundance of roosting birds.

Although the coastal bird species found on Uzi are of “Least Concern” according to IUCN ratings, conservation of bird habitat, such as mangroves, is a vital step in maintaining biodiversity. Human subjects reported that fishermen and seaweed farmers do not disturb …

Species Censes & Local Conceptions Of Ornithological Fauna, Uzi, Alexandria Vandervest

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Uzi Island is a rapidly growing and developing island with a wealth of flora and fauna found in very few other places around the world. Study is needed in every field, this was a preliminary study into the residential and migrant bird species presence on Uzi Island. Birds were observed in two of the main habitats present on Uzi Island, intertidal/mangrove and coral-rag. Three transects were cut and laid through each of the two habitats and monitored in the morning and evening hours over the course of 20 days. A total of 1949 birds were recorded comprising 71 species (708 …

An Evaluation Of Potential Management Options For The Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops Aduncus) Population In Kizimkazi, Zanzibar, Rebecca Hamilton

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

A short-term study was conducted between November 3rd and November 30th of 2013 in which dolphin area usage was assessed and interviews conducted in order to evaluate which actions should be considered in order to improve dolphin management in Kizimkazi, Zanzibar. GPS coordinates during dolphin sightings were recorded while on tourist and volunteer boat trips to assess dolphin movement and distribution. While on the tourist boats, observations were also made regarding boat operator, tour guide, and tourist knowledge and behavior in relation to tourism interaction guidelines. Interviews were conducted with locals involved in the dolphin tourism sector, tour company representatives, …

Traditional Boat Building: An Intersection Of Zanzibar’S Culture And Environment, Eric Levenson

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

This study examined traditional boat building on Uzi Island as a manifestation of Zanzibar’s relationship of environment and culture. Information was gathered about traditional boat building practices, the resource use and management pertaining to boats, the cultural reliance on boats, and local views on environment and conservation. This information showed that the people of Uzi Island were dependent on the use of traditional boats to maintain their livelihood, however the tree types used for boat building are being over-harvested. This tension of culture and environment exposed the need for conservation of Zanzibar’s natural resources in a manner that does not …

Tanzanian Agricultural Markets And The Resulting Effects On Farmers Market Mechanisms At A Local Level In The Western Usambara’S Lushoto District, Carson A. Casey

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

As a developing nation Tanzania is highly dependent on its agricultural sector, serving as a source of income generation for more than 80 percent of the population. Moreover, agriculture in Tanzania currently accounts for more than half of the country’s total Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Currently smallholder farmers dominate the Tanzanian agricultural market. In the Western Usambara’s Lushoto District there is a high concentration of smallholder farmers who are involved in both the cash crop and subsistence agricultural markets of Tanzania. The sample population was Lushoto District farmers identifying as head of household individuals from either the village of Mazumbai, …

Bioremediation Mariculture In Zanzibar, Tanzania: A Viability Assessment Of Using Bath Sponge And Pearl Oyster Farms To Filter Highly Olluted Waters In The Zanzibar Channel, Hayley Oakland

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Bioremediation of polluted water off the coastline of the urban center of Zanzibar—Stone Town, Unguja—was assessed for implementation feasibility through bath sponge and pearl oyster mariculture. A vast research base of the city’s coastal area exists, including the pollution concentrations at various locations, the ramifications of this pollution on the fringing ecosystems, and the relevant water circulation system of eddies and passageways produced by the north flowing East African Counter Current. In following the experimental examples of bioremediation projects around the world, this study tested facets of the filtration abilities of marine sponges and oysters. Both organisms suggested strong pollution …

Livelihood Decisions “Choosing” Protein Deficiency: Relationship Between Meat Consumption, Livestock Production, And Globalization In The Bangatan Household, Corey Wood

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

This study examines the protein deficiency in Tanzania from a livelihood, decision based perspective, by looking at household decisions concerning meat protein consumption and production, in the Bangatan village area. More specifically it examines decisions regarding selling livestock rather than consuming it, the purpose of this cash generation, and globalization’s effects on these livelihood decisions. Predictions included: 1) no correlation or possibly a negative correlation between amount of livestock owned and meat protein consumed 2) families with more cash wealth eat more meat and 3) globalization has effected livelihood decisions regarding the direction of cash over the last 10 years …

Comparison Study Of Fish Species Richness Of Two Mangrove Forests On Misali Island: Eastern (Extractive) V. Western (Core) Mangrove Forests, Spencer M. Mallette

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

The fish species richness of two mangrove forests adjacent to non-extractive and extractive zones, respectively, was investigated on Misali Island, Tanzania. Observations were done at each site for seven samplings, recording the different species observed upon each visit. A general list of species found in the intertidal area was also composed to get an idea of what species use this region as well. A total of twenty-four species were observed between the two sites, leading to a similarity index of 0.29, representing very little similarity between the two stands. Two different diversity indices (Shannon-Wiener and Simpson’s) also supported the hypothesis …

Mangrove Species Identification On Uzi Island, Zanzibar Archipelago, Mariah Kuitse

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

This study assesses the population of mangrove species at three locations on Uzi Island off the coast of Unguja at their most highly populated regions: Nyeke, Dikokuu, and Chokaani. Collection of tree samples occurred for identification of mangrove species. Observations and fieldwork were used to obtain information regarding the species that populate the island and the makeup of those communities. Nine total species were found to live within the boundaries of Uzi Island. These species were identified as Xylocarpus moluccensis, Pemphis acidula, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, Ceriops tagal, Rhizophora mucronata, Sonneratia alba, Xylocarpus granatum, Avicennia …

The Impact Of Income Generating Programs At Tarangire National Park, Tanzania, Dylan Mcdowell

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Tarangire National Park (TAR) is Tanzanian’s third largest grossing park, and is surrounded by 42 villages in five districts. The park’s single Outreach Warden has undertaken many projects since the park’s creation in 1970 to engage the villagers in natural resource conservation, including wildlife. The newest pilot project at TAR is Income Generating Programs (IGP) where community groups organize themselves around an activity that earns income. From September 24-29, 2012, TAR selected 10 members from three groups in the park’s northern end and 15 members from two groups in the park’s southern end to attend an all-expenses paid business class …

Paleoecological Study Of Unguja: Can Past Environments Be Inferred From Fossilized Corals And Mollusks?, Meredith Burger, Jory Lerback

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

A study was conducted on Unguja, an island off the eastern coast of Tanzania, to provide an overview of the paleoecology found in the cliff shelves across the island. It is known that Zanzibar was a submerged reef from the Neogene, approximately 23 million years ago (Ma). Two tests were carried out in 16 sites around the island. One test looked at coral fossils, while the other studied fossilized shells. Both tests measured biodiversity, with one specifically studying patterns of ocean currents, and the other studying nutrient levels and deposition rates. Biodiversity tests were inconclusive but coral diversity showed a …

How Does Climate Change Affect Agricultural Stability In Southeast Unguja? An Assessment Of The Threats To Agriculture And Food Security From Rising Temperature And Changes In Predictability And Intensity Of Rainy Seasons., Eloise Reid

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

The relationship between climate change, agriculture, and food security on the island of Unguja was studied. Informal interviews were carried out in the south-eastern coastal communities of Bwejuu, Paje, and Jambiani in order to gain perspective and awareness of local knowledge concerning changes in climate and it's affects on crop production. Formal interviews were conducted in Stone Town with the Ministry of Agriculture, the Department of Environment, the Sustainable Management of Land and the Environment office, private climate change experts and environmental consultants, and local NGO's to gain insight on what aspects of climate change are most detrimental in the …

Assessing The Viability Of Desalination For Rural Water Supply In Chwaka, Zanzibar, Roy Yu, Daniele Packard

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Zanzibar has been struggling with water scarcity issues over the last few decades due to an increase in consumption on the island and a deterioration of existing supply infrastructure. Poor distribution has affected rural communities most, due to their absence of tourism development, which has gone hand in hand with infrastructure establishment. Foreign aid has begun to address the issue by investing in alternative forms of water supply. On November 15, 2011, The Minister for Housing, Lands, and Water, Ali Juma Shamhuna inaugurated the Mörk desalin® RO 100 SW desalination machine, a solar and wind powered desalination unit in Chwaka …