Yoghurt was produced from cow milk partially substituted with almond extract. Samples were formulated from cow and almond extract blends (almond extract added at 5-30%), while yoghurt made from plain cow milk served as a control. Samples were analyzed for physical, chemical, microbial, and sensory properties using standard methods. The moisture content (74-90%), fat (3.5-7.63%), and carbohydrate (8-10.3%) increased, with added almond extract, but ash content (1.06-0.68%) decreased. Mineral contents of yoghurt samples stored for 4 weeks ranged thus; Phosphorus (148.8mg-171.2mg), Magnesium (186.8mg-175.6mg), and Potassium (247.3mg262.5mg), while Calcium (115.5mg-112.4mg) decreased. Bacterial loads increased over 4-week; pH (4.79-4.20), Brix (14.6-14.0), total sugar (12.8-12.7), vitamin C (15.2-15.0) and viscosity (254.1-272.1) of samples slightly decreased, while acidity remained stable. Cyanide contents were below the detectable level, and slight decrease in phytate was noticed. The sample with 30%almond extract addition had the highest rating for overall acceptability, hence, recommended. Feasible production with derivable benefits of almond-enriched yoghurt with improved and acceptable quality is possible.
This study investigated Fusarium species associated with postharvest soft rot disease of white yam (Dioscorea rotundata Poir) and their pathogenic status in Nigeria. Isolates were obtained from tubers showing rot symptoms in nine States in 2023 and 2024. Initial identification was carried out using morphological characteristics, while 29 representative isolates were selected for molecular analyses based on prevalence and pathogenicity. Phylogenetic analysis using partial sequences of the translation elongation factor (TEF1α) gene region was conducted using specific primer pair EF1(5՜-ATGGGTAAGGAGGACAAGAC-3՜) and EF2 (5՜-GGAAGTACCAGTGATCATGTT-3՜). The sequence analysis identified 22 of the isolates as F. oxysporum, while the remaining seven isolates belonged to four other species, F. proliferatum, F. equiseti, F. avenaceum and F. solani. Phylogenetic tree analysis showed interrelatedness among Fusarium oxysporum isolates across geographical origin with close similarity with F. oxysporum strain KY224029.1, while genetic dissimilarity was recorded among seven other Fusarium species. These findings provide a molecular basis for breeding and disease management. This study confirmed pathogenicity of F. oxysporum isolates and also provides first report on F. equiseti as yam rot pathogen in Nigeria.
Climate change disproportionately affects diverse social groups, yet gender-responsive adaptation remains inadequately integrated into local governance frameworks in sub-Saharan Africa. This study assessed gender inclusion in climate adaptation strategies and analyzed gendered decision-making behaviors in their implementation within Mpwapwa District Council, Tanzania, using Intersectionality Theory and the Social Inclusion Framework as analytical lenses. Employing a pragmatist mixed-methods case study design, the research triangulated documentary review ofthree Local Government Authority (LGA) strategic plans, 12 stratified focus group discussions (men ≥40 years, women ≥40 years, youth, and persons with disabilities), 25 key informant interviews with district officials and village leaders, and a household survey (n=384) across three purposively selected villages (Gulwe, Msagali, Mzase). Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests (χ²=8.42, p<0.01), and logistic regression analysis revealed that gender (β=0.67, p<0.05), age cohort (β=-0.42, p<0.05), and disability status (β=-0.89, p<0.001) exerted statistically significant effects on inclusion in planning meetings, adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices, and access to adaptation benefits. While regulatory frameworks demonstrated moderate-to-high gender consideration for men, women, and youth (60-79% scores), persons with disabilities exhibited significantly lower inclusion (30-55%, p<0.001). Implementation was hindered by water scarcity, weak monitoring systems, and transparency deficits in climate finance, with only 25-50% of respondents reporting awareness of adaptation budget utilization. The study contributes empirically by quantifying intersectional disparities in climate adaptation governance and theoretically by demonstrating how Social Inclusion Framework operationalizes Intersectionality Theory in local government contexts. Policy-wise, findings underscore that inclusive regulatory design without strong governance mechanisms produces superficial adaptation outcomes. The study recommends strengthening monitoring systems, enhancing gender mainstreaming for persons with disabilities, and institutionalizing community-based financial reporting mechanisms to foster transparency, ownership, and sustainability of adaptation initiatives.
Cereal-based complementary foods are a primary source of nutrition and potential aflatoxin exposure for young children in Tanzania. This study aimed to quantify total aflatoxin and aflatoxin B1 contamination in household ready-to-cook complementary food samples and to assess the association between contamination and parental awareness, knowledge, perception, and practice (PKPP) in central Tanzania. A cross-sectional study was conducted across 228 randomly selected households with children aged 6-23 months. Ready-to-cook complementary food samples werecollected and analyzed for total aflatoxin (AFT) and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) contamination using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Data on parental PKPP were gathered via an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Logistic regression was used to determine the odds of aflatoxin contamination based on PKPP and food preparation practices. Significant aflatoxin contamination was detected in the samples. AFT was detected in 37.3% of samples, with levels reaching up to 60.3µg/kg. Critically, 9.6% of total samples exceeded the European Union (EU) regulatory limit of 10µg/kg for AFT in processed cereal-based foods. AFB1 was detected in 15.4% of samples (range: 0.0-38.2µg/kg), with 7.02% exceeding the EU limit of 5µg/kg. Logistic regression models revealed that lower parental awareness (OR = 2.93, 95% CI: 1.23–6.98, p = 0.015), lower knowledge (OR = 2.74, 95% CI: 1.18–6.35, p = 0.019), and lower perception scores (OR = 3.10,95% CI: 1.18–8.17, p = 0.022) were significantly associated with an increased odds of AFB1 contamination in the complementary foods. Furthermore, the use of undehulled flour (flour with the husk still attached) significantly increased the risk of AFB1 contamination (OR = 2.76, 95% CI: 1.12–6.84, p = 0.028) compared to dehulled flour. The high prevalence of aflatoxin contamination in ready-to-cook complementary foods in central Tanzania poses a serious public health risk to infants and young children. Poor parental awareness, knowledge, and risk perception contribute to contamination, highlighting the urgent need for targeted health education and behavior change interventions. Promoting de-hulling of grains before milling, alongside strengthened food safety measures, is essential to reduce aflatoxin exposure and improve child health.
The Dutch dairy sector is widely regarded as a global leader in productivity, sustainability, and resource-efficient management, particularly through the utilisation of Friesian cattle and advanced farming practices. In contrast, Tanzania’s dairy industry remains underdeveloped, with domestic production unable to meet rising demand, which results in heavy reliance on imported dairy products. This paper examines lessons from the Dutch dairy sector and explores their applicability in strengthening Tanzania’s dairy industry. This study adopted a qualitative comparative casestudy design that incorporated quantitative secondary data. It drew on field-based experiential learning in the Netherlands, expert consultations, and a review of Tanzanian dairy policies and reports to inform a comparative analysis of the Dutch and Tanzanian dairy sectors. The multiple sources of evidence were used to identify best practices in breeding, feed management, farmer training, and environmental stewardship. Comparative analysis reveals that Tanzania’s Dairy Development Roadmap 2030 presents a strong strategic vision for transforming the dairy sectorthrough improved productivity, sustainability, and capacity building. The Roadmap’s emphasis on policy coherence and food security offers a valuable opportunity to reduce import dependence and enhance sectoral resilience. However, the study also notes significant shortfalls, including limited implementation mechanisms, weak institutional and financial support systems, and inadequate adaptation of Dutch models to Tanzania’s socio-economic and infrastructural realities.Furthermore, the absence of robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks may hinder progress tracking and long-term sustainability. The paper concludes that while the Dairy Development Roadmap 2030 provides a promising framework for sectoral transformation, its success will depend on contextualised implementation, coordinated institutional support, and sustained investment to bridge the gap between policy ambition and practical outcomes.
