Engineering Commons^™

A Tool For Assessing The Effectiveness Of Speed Humps As Traffic Calming Measure, Abdulrazak Mzamiru Kachwamba, Enock W. Nshama

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Urban population growth and increasing motor vehicle usage continue to raise concerns regarding road safety in rapidly developing cities. Although previous studies have assessed traffic-calming effectiveness using multiple criteria, they have analysed the criteria separately and have not developed a composite tool for classifying overall effectiveness. This study develops a quantitative assessment tool designed to compute a weighted composite score for evaluating the effectiveness of speed humps as a traffic calming measure. Stakeholder questionnaire responses, complemented by descriptive analysis and exploratory factor analysis, were used to identify key indicators of effectiveness and the variables influencing them. Findings indicate that speed …

Artificial Neural Network-Based Modelling And Prediction Of Key Performance Indicators In Road Construction Projects, Hussein Mativila, John M. Kafuku, Beatus A. T. Kundi

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Road construction projects in developing countries including Tanzania experience several challenges including cost overruns, schedule delays and poor quality. The causes of these challenges include complex interdependencies project’s uncertainty factors. This makes traditional methods for predicting Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) less effective. This study has developed a robust Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model for accurate modelling and predicting KPIs for road construction projects in Tanzania. The analysis was based on data obtained from 281 projects implemented by TANROADS in 11 regions from 2015 to 2025. Fourteen uncertainty factors were measured on a five-point Likert scale and screened using Principal Component …

Recent Advances In Bioethanol Production From Water Hyacinth: A Critical Review, Umuamina A. Matola, Mahir Mohammed Said, Olga-Ioanna Kalantzi, Abraham K. Temu

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Water hyacinth (WH) is a highly invasive tropical aquatic weed with high holocellulose and low lignin content, making it a promising lignocellulosic feedstock for second-generation bioethanol production. Producing bioethanol from WH offers a sustainable approach to simultaneously managing invasive biomass and producing renewable energy. This review critically evaluates recent advancements in bioethanol production from WH by examining pretreatment, hydrolysis, and fermentation technologies reported between 2014 and 2024. A PRISMA-guided literature search was conducted using the Scopus and Web of Science databases, and fifty-nine original research articles were selected for analysis. The reviewed studies were comparatively assessed based on pretreatment strategies, …

Urban Spatial Development Control In Tanzania: Analysis Of Factors Influencing Gis Application Using Structural Equation Modelling (Sem)., Happiness Protas Mmanda, Nestory Yamungu

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Rapid urbanization in developing countries has intensified urban expansion, creating challenges for sustainable development. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) enhance spatial planning, but empirical evidence on factors influencing their effectiveness remains limited. This study examines determinants of GIS application in Urban Spatial Development Control (USDC). The objectives are to (1) identify and categorize factors affecting GIS use, (2) assess relative strength, and (3) develop a validated structural model explaining GIS adoption in USDC. Data were collected from 103 LGAs by a mixed sampling method. Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analysis classified influencing factors into technology-related (α = 0.869, CR = 0.881), process-related …

Decision Support Tool For The Maintenance Of Meter Gauge Railway Permanent-Way Infrastructures: A Concept Paper, Hamisi J. Maulid, Beatus A.T Kundi, Juma M. Matindana, Ismail W. R. Taifa Dr

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

A Decision Support Tool (DST) represents a transformative way of modernising maintenance practice on the permanent-way infrastructure of Meter Gauge Railway (MGR). Maintenance practice remains largely reactive, as the MGR plays a strategic role in transporting both freight and passengers, resulting in inefficient resource allocation, high operational risk, and growing Lifecycle expenses. This concept paper explores the potential and the design challenges for a DST that combines fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (Fuzzy-AHP) modelling, multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA), Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and predictive machine learning (ML) analytics for evidence-based, future-oriented maintenance management. The paper draws on peer-reviewed studies from …

Hybrid Solar - Coal Thermal Energy System For Industrial Process Heat At Sayona Drinks Limited In Tanzania, Santos Kihwele, Elisha D. Bitesigirwe

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Over the past two decades, global efforts to mitigate pollution from conventional energy sources have intensified, with coal remaining a major contributor to carbon emissions. While fossil fuels cannot be eliminated from thermal generation in manufacturing industries, particularly in middle‑income countries such as Tanzania, they continue to dominate as the primary energy source. Industries including food and beverage, paper, textile, paints, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals require substantial thermal energy for heating and drying, and typically rely on coal and natural gas.This study introduces a unique application of a parabolic trough solar thermal system with integrated thermal energy storage, specifically tailored to …

Optimal Design And Techno-Economic And Environmental Analysis Of A Hybrid Solar Pv-Battery-Generator System For Off-Grid Telecom Towers And Rural Households: Case Of Misughaa Village In Tanzania, Ibrahim Mwammenywa, Martha Mwaikenda

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Telecommunication services are pivotal for the socio-economic development of communities, regions, and countries. Extensive and reliable telecom infrastructure enables populations to leverage development opportunities and bridge the urban-rural divide. However, extending these services to rural areas often necessitates the deployment of telecommunication towers in locations lacking national grid access. Consequently, service providers typically rely on diesel generators (DG) for power, which introduces significant challenges. These challenges include a high operational expenditure (OPEX), rendering telecom services unaffordable for rural communities, and substantial environmental pollution from greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This study aims to present an optimal design, encompassing sizing and economic …

Voltage Profile Enhancement In Iliceto Shield Wire Scheme For Rural Electrification: Case Study Of Chalinze-Mbwewe Transmission Line In Tanzania, Ebeneza Chaula, Ibrahim Mwammenywa, Santos Kihwele

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Rural electrification faces challenges due to significant voltage drops over long transmission distances, affecting reliability and power quality. While the Iliceto Shield Wire Scheme (ISWS) offers a modern cost-effective solution, voltage stability remains a challenge. This study analyses voltage profile enhancement within ISWS, focusing on the Chalinze-Mbwewe section of the 132 kV transmission line, using LTSpice simulations. Due to LTSpice limitations, direct solar PV integration was mimicked by introducing a secondary voltage source at each load centre, producing 33 kV to match the original source voltage. This approach maintained improved voltage profile from Msoga Village to Mbwewe over 80.9 Kilometers. …

Enhancing Community Engagement Through ‘Nitunze Kilombero’ Mobile App: Case Of Climate Land Use And Cover Management For Kilombero Basin, Ghanima Chanzi, Subira Munishi

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

The Kilombero Basin in southeastern Tanzania faces significant challenges due to rapid land use and land cover (LULC) changes driven by climate change, population growth, and unsustainable farming practices. This study assessed the role of community engagement and digital reporting through the 'NITUNZE KILOMBERO', mobile application in supporting water resources management in the basin. The App facilitates real-time reporting of environmental issues, provides educational resources, and enables collaboration between local communities and authorities. A mixed-methods approach, including household surveys and key informant interviews, was employed to assess the app's effectiveness. Results indicate high community awareness of LULC impacts, with 85% …

Load Flow And Fault Performance Evaluation Of Interconnected Minigrids In Uganda Using Digsilent Powerfactory, Prossy Mutesi, Santos Kihwele, Emmanuel Matee

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

The increasing demand for decentralized, reliable electricity in rural Sub-Saharan Africa has catalyzed the deployment of minigrids as an intermediate electrification strategy. This study investigates two solar photovoltaic (PV) mini-grids: Kyamugarura and Kanyegaramire, located in western Uganda, approximately 3km apart. Each mini grid initially consisted of 13 kW installed photovoltaic (PV) capacity, supplying power to households and small businesses. Due to rising demand and regular evening blackouts, both mini-grids are being upgraded to 57 kWp each. The integration of these upgraded systems into the national utility grid is proposed and simulated to evaluate performance improvements under two medium-voltage interconnection options: …

A Review Of Energy Storage Technologies With Hydro Energy System Design For Off-Grid Electricity, Daniel H. Ngoma, Banet L. Masenga

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Many renewable energy sources such hydropower—particularly small-scale run-of-river and micro-hydro—offers reliable, low-cost generation. However, their inherent intermittency (due to seasonal flow variations) and inability to instantly match demand necessitate integrated energy storage to ensure a stable, continuous power supply. This review synthesizes contemporary energy storage technologies in the context of their integration with off-grid hydro energy system design.

The study examine a spectrum of storage solutions, evaluating their technical characteristics, costs, and suitability for hybrid hydro applications. Pumped Hydro Storage (PHS), while highly efficient and large-scale, is often geographically constrained and capital-intensive for small off-grid projects. Battery Energy Storage Systems …

Revitalising Tanzania’S Textile Industry Through The Uk Textile System’S Role, Charles M. Kahabi

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Currently, there is the environmental and social challenges emerging from the global clothing and textile industry, specifically on textile waste management.  Additionally, the flow of second-hand clothing (SHC) between European countries especially the UK and Tanzania is increasing. In the UK, rapid growth of second-hand clothing (mitumba) driven by fast fashion results in vast quantities of discarded garments, of which only a fraction is recycled, leaving the remainder in landfills. Conversely, Tanzania has long depended on imported SHC a practice that, while affordable, has undermined local textile industries and contributed to waste accumulation. By examining Tanzania’s textile landscape, the research …

Techno-Economic Analysis Of Captive Solar Power Systems For Tanzania’S Manufacturing Sector: Barriers, Opportunities, And Feasibility, Edson Uhale, Sarah P. Ayeng'o

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

This study provides a comprehensive techno-economic analysis of the barriers, opportunities, and feasibility of adopting captive solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in Tanzania’s industrial manufacturing sector. Despite Tanzania’s high solar irradiation potential, averaging 4.5 to 7.0 kWh/m²/day, the uptake of captive solar systems remains minimal, with only 2.3 percent of surveyed firms currently using solar energy, primarily for non-productive uses such as security lighting. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 43 manufacturing firms in the Dar es Salaam and Pwani regions through structured questionnaires, supported by PVSyst simulations and financial modelling to assess two system configurations: grid-connected PV systems …

The Use Of Local Materials For The Interior Quality Of Swahili Building Design In Tanzania, Luiana Makundi, Jacob Lutta

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Swahili architecture in Tanzania is recognized by spatial capacity to adapt environmental changes. This research explores the role of locally available materials in shaping the interior quality by focusing on functional, aesthetic appeal and supporting sustainable environment. A mixed-methods approach was applied which, involves field surveys, case study and interviews with different local professionals in building industry. Dar-es-Salaam was used as a case study area that was critically analysed to identify construction practices and applications of local materials in building interior spaces. A particular focus was placed on materials durability, aesthetic, ecological, environmental balance and thermal efficiency which seems to …

Combined Optimisation Of Machining Parameters, Tool Wear, Dimensional Errors And Quality Deviations In Multi-Pass Turning Operations, Mussa I. Mgwatu

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Measurements of on-line tool wear and part dimensional accuracy in machining operations are not readily available in machining shop floor because they involve higher investment such that the decisions of tool wear and part quality for intermediate cutting passes cannot be justified. This paper demonstrates how the optimisation of machining parameters can be made together with tool wear and part quality for turning operations. Two optimisation models were developed for maximum material removal rate and minimum production cost. A theoretical framework was initially presented before the two models were formulated. Input data for the models were adopted from previous studies …

Analysing The Impact Of Bi-Directional Application Of Iliceto Shield Wire Scheme For Rural Electrification In Tanzania: A Chalinze-Hale Transmission Line Case Study, Santos Kihwele, Prisca Paul

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Clean energy accessibility including electricity remains a major challenge in Tanzanian villages despite the many efforts made by its government.  The primary obstacle is that these villages are located more than 100 kilometres away from high-voltage to medium-voltage (HV/MV) transformer stations. Therefore, electrifying these villages by conventional method is financially not feasible. One of the low-cost rural electrification techniques that can be used to solve the issue is the "Iliceto Shield Wire Scheme" (ISWS) technology, In Tanzania, the application of ISWS technology seems to be very promising.  However, the technology can be integrated with locally available renewable energy sources ( …

The Performance Of Satellite-Based Precipitation Data To Reproduce Observed Precipitation In Tanzania's Little Ruaha Catchment, Florence H. Mahay

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Satellite-based precipitation datasets have emerged as promising tools for addressing rainfall data scarcity in regions with limited ground observations, such as Sub-Saharan Africa. This study evaluates the performance of five satellite-based precipitation products CHIRPS, CPC, GPCC, MERRA-2, and ERA5 in capturing rainfall characteristics over the Little Ruaha Catchment in Tanzania. The assessment was carried out at daily, monthly, and seasonal timescales and focused on key rainfall indices including onset and cessation dates, length of the rainy season, total rainfall, and frequency of rainy days. Validation was conducted using statistical indicators such as the correlation coefficient (r), Nash–Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE), Root …

Techno-Economic Analysis Of Hybrid Pv-Wind-Diesel Generator Swarm Grid For Rural Electrification In Tanzania, Ibrahim Mwammenywa

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Remote, rural, and off-grid communities, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), face significant challenges in securing reliable and affordable electricity. While solutions such as solar home systems (SHSs) and diesel generators (DGs) have been adopted by some individuals, their deployment is often not optimized to meet the full load demand. This study addresses this challenge by proposing a hybrid swarm grid (HSG) design that integrates photovoltaic (PV), wind energy, and diesel generators (DGs). Utilizing MATLAB/Simulink and HOMER, the HSG is modeled and optimized for a typical SSA village, incorporating real-world variables such as load demand profiles, solar irradiance, and wind patterns. …

Adoption Of Agrivoltaics In Developing Countries: A Review On Challenges, Opportunities And Future Prospects, Abdi J. Athumani, Pater Makolo

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

This paper provides a review of agrivoltaics technology and how it has been applicable in developing countries, including African countries. Agrivoltaics, the integration of agricultural production with photovoltaic energy generation, offers promising solutions to water- energy-food nexus in developing countries. This technology offers the dual benefit of increasing agricultural productivity while generating clean energy, which is very important for regions facing frequent electricity shortages and declining agricultural yields due to climate change. However, despite its potential, the adoption of agrivoltaics in developing nations remains limited in comparison to developed countries due to financial, technical and policy constraints. This paper explores …

The Royal Academy Of Engineering, Uk And The Enriching Of Engineering Education Training And Practice Programme In Sub-Saharan Africa, Bavo B. Nyichomba

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

This paper elucidates initiatives taken by the Royal Academy of Engineering, UK, to overcome barriers in education and training in Sub-Sahara African higher learning engineering institutions. The said barriers include mismatches of curriculum, ineffectual teaching and learning and little exposure of academic staff to engineering practice. In order to overcome such barriers, the Royal Academy of Engineering established the two programmes in the region. The first one, Enriching Engineering Education Programme (EEEP) from 2014/15 to 2015/16 where the University of Dar es Salaam coordinated this programme as a hub for East African universities namely; Makerere University (Uganda), Moi University (Kenya), …

Strategies For Overcoming Product Certification Challenges Faced By Food Manufacturing Small And Medium Enterprises In Tanzania, Peresi M. Bulemo

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Tanzania face significant regulatory challenges within bureaucratic, costly, and centralized environments. These challenges contribute to an increase in unregistered enterprises and substandard products in the market. This study aimed to address the challenges SMEs encounter in obtaining product certification to improve their product quality and market competitiveness. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining qualitative and quantitative research through surveys, interviews, and document analysis, with respondents from the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS), Small Industries Development Organization (SIDO), and SMEs in the food manufacturing sector. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS and JASP. Findings revealed …

Prospects Of Clean Cooking Energy In Africa - Transition Pathways And Implications, Joseph H. Kihedu Dr.

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Despite abundant renewable energy resources, African countries still suffer from energy poverty, particularly in cooking. Up to 2022, about 74% of the African population had no access to clean cooking energy. With focus to Sub-Saharan African population, 90% has no access to clean cooking energy which decrease by 7% when kerosene is included. Traditional cooking, which involves the use of charcoal and firewood, is associated with health problems, environmental degradation, socioeconomic issues, and gender inequality. Transitioning to clean cooking energy not only promises significant health benefits but also offers opportunities for sustainable economic development and environmental preservation. In this study, …

Towards Metrology 4.0 In Developing Countries’ Manufacturing Industries, Jailos Nzumile

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

A systematic literature review was conducted to unveil the status of the digital transformation of metrology in developing countries, as they are lagging in utilising fourth industrial revolution (IR4.0) technologies to transform manufacturing industries. A PRISMA technique was employed using various keywords to identify, screen, and select the relevant literature. Forty publications were selected for the review, mainly discussing IR 4.0 technologies in metrological operations. The results indicate that the digital transformation of metrology has yet to be initiated in developing countries. However, the employment of IR4.0 technologies in advancing metrological operations in manufacturing industries is mostly discussed in the …

Fuzzy Logic-Based Decision Support System For Adoption Of Industry 4.0 Predictive Maintenance By Manufacturing Industries, Fred E. Peter

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

In the context of Industry 4.0, predictive maintenance enhances operational efficiency by optimizing processes, minimizing downtime, and improving cost-effectiveness. However, implementing predictive maintenance requires a systematic approach due to its complexity. This study collected expert input from 15 food and beverage manufacturing industries located in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, using a purposive sampling technique. Six representatives were selected from each industry, and their opinions were analyzed using MATLAB 7.6 through a fuzzy logic inference system. The analysis focused on key factors influencing Industry 4.0 technology adoption for predictive maintenance, including adoption intention (strategic decision, equipment data, perceived benefit) and perceived …

Potential Use Of Pump As Turbine Coupled To Self-Excited Induction Generator For Micro-Hydro Cooking And Cooling Applications, Emanuel J. Nyirenda

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Clean cooking and efficient cooling in developing countries have recently become areas of great focus. Further, the environmental impact of flooding in high-capacity hydroelectric plants has become a major concern. As a result, there is growing emphasis on developing sustainable and decentralized energy solutions, focusing on the potential of micro-hydro systems, especially in rural and remote areas. Although there are several alternative energy generation methods, their application is not straightforward. One of the latest technologies under research is using pumps as turbines coupled to an induction generator. This paper explores through a rigorous experimental approach the possibility of using a …

Towards Effective Academia-Industry Collaborations: The Case Of Higher Learning Institutions In Tanzania, Fatuma S. Ikuja

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Industries are the main consumers of products from higher learning institutions (HLIs); graduates for employment and research outputs for socio-economic development. Research outputs from HLIs are commercialized as services or products facilitated by academia-industry collaborations. The collaborations are expected to address mismatch between labour market needs and HLIs’ products, which has resulted in graduates’ employability challenges. Despite their importance, effective academia-industry collaborations remain challenging. This study explores the effectiveness of Academia-Industry collaborations established by HLIs in implementing the Higher Education Economic Transformation (HEET) project (2021-2026) in Tanzania. One of the project objectives is to build functional linkages between industry and …

Fuzzy-Ahp Based Decision Support System For The Selection Of Optimal Maintenance Strategy For Meter Gauge Railway Infrastructure: A Review, Hamisi J. Maulid

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

There are many uncertainties and complexities associated with maintaining Meter Gauge Railway (MGR) infrastructure, which calls for a methodical approach to decision-making. The development and application of a fuzzy-AHP-based decision support system (DSS) to select the optimal maintenance strategy for the MGR are presented in this study. The review covers research from 2013 to 2023 and focusses on the use of Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) and Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (Fuzzy-AHP) techniques in railway infrastructure maintenance. To manage the inherent uncertainties and subjective judgements involved in maintenance decision-making, the Fuzzy-AHP methodology combines fuzzy logic with the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). …

Evaluation Of Thermal And Emission Performances Of Briquettes Produced From Carbonized Corn Cob And Corn Husk, Karina S. Motani

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

The Mozambican agro-industrial sector relies heavily on various crops, with maize being the most significant. During processing, substantial waste is generated, which is often discarded as organic matter or burned, contributing to environmental pollution and the loss of potential energy resources. This study evaluated the thermal and emission performance of briquettes made from carbonized corn cob (CCC) and carbonized corn husk (CCH), using cashew nut skin as a binder for clean cooking applications. The briquettes were assessed against firewood and charcoal as control fuels, focusing on several energy performance parameters: water boiling time (WBT), combustion index (CI), thermal efficiency (TE), …

The Impacts Of Renewable Energy Sources: A Review On Grid Inertia And Frequency Regulation, Sospeter Gabriel

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

The power system is gradually transitioning into low inertia due to integrating substantial intermittency quantity of converter-based renewable energy sources, such as wind and photovoltaic power, into the current power grid network. This integration presents significant inertia and frequency control challenges to the network as a result of a decrease in the percentage of synchronous generators. Moreover, faster frequency deviations are posed by the mismatch between the supply and demand during contingencies, which creates difficulties in preserving the frequency stability of the power system. This research explores the impacts of renewable energy sources (RESs) on grid inertia and frequency management …

Calibration Of Measurement Tools In The Experimental Test Rig For Hydropower Performance Evaluation, Ombeni J. Mdee

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

The demonstration of a typical hydropower plant requires the development of a test rig with the installation of tools to measure the performance parameters. The measurement tools require a calibration process to improve the quality of recorded data. This study involved the calibration of traditional and automated measurement tools connected to the hydropower test rig through an Arduino microprocessor. The automated measurement tools included a pressure transducer, flow meter, digital tachometer, and torque transducer, while traditional measurement tools, including a pressure gauge, concrete water tank, contact tachometer, and force lever arm balance, were connected in the same test rig during …