Browsing by Issue Date, starting with "2003"

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    Operational risk management by commercial banks: a new challenge calls for an integrated solution.
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 2003) Gambalagi, Itandula
    Awareness of operational risk as a separate risk category has been relatively new in most banks in Tanzania. This has been a result of concentration of research efforts on credit, interest rate, and liquidity risk management while leaving out operational risk management. This study examined how commercial banks in Tanzania manage operational risk. Literature proposes two sets of view banks can choose in managing operational risks, which is an integrated approach or a dispersed approach. An integrated approach takes total risk profile for the entire bank while a dispersed approach to operational risk management leaves each business unit or department to manage the risk. Empirical evidence shows that an integrated approach is gaining widest acceptance and many banks are structuring their organizations toward that end. This study was an exploratory one, covered nine commercial banks operating in the country. Questionnaire was used to collect data while interview was used to collect operational loss data. Questionnaires were administered to different respondents from Internal Audit/Operational risk unit, Operations, Finance, IT departments and branches. The findings show that majority of banks have operational risk management policy with multiple definitions. Further established and concludes that operational risk is influenced by the bank's structure.
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    Histological pattern of acquired conjunctival growths and their relationship to HIV infection at Muhimbili national hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania a cross sectional descriptive study at Muhimbili eye department
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 2003) Mwakyusa, Nkundwe G.
    Over the past few years, a considerable body of literature has reported an increase in the | incidence of acquired conjunctival growths. A significant relationship to the HIV/ADDS pandemic has been shown. There is no data representative of Tanzania. This study was conducted at Muhimbili National Hospital eye department to describe the histological pattern of acquired conjunctival growths and to correlate it to the HIV serological status. The study design was cross sectional descriptive involving 120 patients obtained over a period of 8 months (May 2002-December 2002). Collected data were filled in a data sheet for each patient. Recorded data included demographic information, clinical description of the growth, histological type of growth and HTV serological status of the patient. Data were analyzed using the EPINF06 package designed for population surveys in cross sectional studies. The mean age of the study subjects was 35.6 years with a range of 8-80 years. 79.2% of patients were in the age group 16-45 years. Females accounted for 65% of the study population. Histologically benign growths accounted for 46.6%, premaligant 9.2% and malignant growths accounted for 44.2%. The commonest histological diagnosis was squamous cell carcinoma (32.5%), followed by pterygium (24.2%). Pingueculae and Kaposis sarcoma each accounted for 10.0% of all growths. 42.5% of patients were HIV seropositive. Conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma and Kaposis sarcoma were found to be significantly associated with HIV seropositivity (P values <0.01). In conclusion the present findings suggest that conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma and Kaposis sarcoma are significantly associated with HIV infection. Similar findings have been obtained in other African countries. There is need to evaluate the association between the degree of immunodeficiency caused by HIV infection and the development of conjunctival tumours for academic purposes. Early surgical excision of suspicious conjunctival growths for histological studying is recommended.
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    The influence of laboratory testing conditions in the prediction of performance in natural materials for road construction
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 2003) Mugasagasa, Jubilee
    Current design guidelines for roads are based on laboratory field tests in predicting the performance of materials to be used for the construction . This requires that the tests earned out should realistically predict the performance of such materials under field conditions. However. the induced boundary conditions in the current laboratory tests are thought to deviate from those operating in the field. In this research an attempt has been made to induce the field boundary conditions in the laboratory tests in order to evaluate their influence on the test results. These include the effect of prolonged degradation by traffic, degree of lateral confinement, compaction energy levels. Field moisture contents and seasonal variation of field moisture contents on the performance of various locally available road construction materials. The results of tests performed in modified laboratory testing procedures have been compared with those obtained from the standard laboratory testing procedures. The test results indicate that the performance of natural materials for road construction depend on various factors including material type, degree of lateral confinement, degradation and field moisture content, compaction energy employed and compaction moisture content. The performance of natural materials for road construction is revealed to be more sensitive to the degree of lateral confinement among the factors investigated. This suggests that pavements are more prone to failure at their edges where the lateral support is minimum. The material strength is observed to decrease with the degradation of the material suggesting that the most appropriate strength test for material selection would be that performed on the material subjected to degradation to depict the long-term traffic effect. The rate of degradation is observed to depend also on the operating field moisture content.
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    A community perceptions on the practice of nylon teeth extraction ( GUM MUTILATION) and factors associated with its continuity in Serengeti district- Mara region, Tanzania
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 2003) Mujungu, Simon Masau
    A Cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in Serengeti district Mara region in June 2003. It involved interviewing 285 selected mothers and/guardians of children aged 0-24 months in order to get insights into the subject of investigation. The main objective was to explore local people's perceptions and associated factors on the practice of nylon teeth extraction with a view of eliciting information that may influence the design of appropriate intervention measures so as to effect changes against the persistence of the cultural practice, which has negative impact on health. Field data collection was conducted in Serengeti, Mara region, Tanzania where through anecdotal reports it is rampant. Data was analyzed using the Epi -info statistical package. The prevalence of tooth bud extraction among children 0 -24 months was found to be 64.9% (The actual figure is expected to be higher than this in the absence of the study limitations encountered). Cure of ill-health conditions associated with infancy was perceived by most of the respondents, 93.7% as a reason for tooth bud extraction responsible for the existence of the practice and that tooth bud extraction is the only way of rescuing children's lives. Persistence of the practice is based on this strong constructed cultural belief. The study leads to the following recommendations: Parents/guardians should be encouraged to send their children in ill-health conditions to any health facility where it will be determined whether it is really the teething process or an illness and treatment given. There is need to ensure that health services are available to the community.
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    The potential of information and communication technology (ICT) in disseminating road safety information and education: a case of Tanzania.
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 2003) Kahatano, Johansen
    This study aimed at investigating the potential of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in disseminating road safety information and education among road safety stakeholders in Tanzania. The study employed both primary and secondary data collection methods so as to collect all necessary information. The sampling technique used was probabilistic, particularly, clustering and, simple and stratified, which comprised a sample frame (clusters) of seven regions namely Coast, Dar es Salaam, Kagera, Mtwara, Mbeya, and Rukwa. Also strata of five road safety stakeholders namely road safety educators, drivers, police officers and other stakeholders were sampled out in this study. The study found that 26.9% of the schools entirely had no books for referencing and 50% had no computers. Thirty seven percent (37%) of the police officers possessed no road safety books while 85% of the same group were computer illiterate. As to the other road safety stakeholders, 92% possessed computers which were all connected to Internet. Also majority of the stakeholders were experiencing problems in accessing information from Traffic Police Division (TPD). About 79.5% of drivers were computer illiterate and majority had limited knowledge of road safety basics particularly in interpreting traffic signs. Basing on the reviewed literature, SWOT analysis made on the covered strata, and the said fact that information is power; majority aspects of efficiency in the road safety area can be realized via application of ICT as a platform for road safety information accessing and sharing among the stakeholders.
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    Community awareness and preferences on health financing mechanisms for priamary health care services in Songea rural district
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 2003) Mlangwa, Marylad Ntiro
    A descriptive cross-sectional study was undertaken in Songea Rural District, Southern part of Tanzania during the period of May to June 2002. The main objective was to determine the community awareness and preferences on health financing mechanisms for primary health care services in Songea Rural District. A total of 622 respondents aged 18-86 years of age were interviewed using structured interviewer-administered questionnaires. The results showed that majority of respondents were aware of Community Health Fund (CHF) and User Fees i.e. 94.9% and 93.2% respectively, while a much lower proportion of them were aware of National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) (34.6%) or that one could get exempted from payment and thus get ‘free care’ (39.5%). Health service providers and village meetings were established to be the main sources of information on CHF and User Fees. User Fees was the main health financing mechanism used by the majority of respondents (81.2%) to obtain primary health care services with all occupational categories using this health financing mechanism except for those employed who were found to be using NHIS. The highest level of satisfaction with the currently used health financing mechanism was expressed by members using NHIS (77.9%), while the least satisfaction was expressed by CHF members (44.7%). Study findings have established that User Fees followed by CHF were the most preferred health financing options among study respondents i.e. 38.5% and 30.6% respectively. A high preference was NHIS expressed by employed respondents (73.7%). While 118 respondents (19%) preferred to be exempted from payment none of the 2 individuals who reported that they had been exempted during their last illness episode preferred it. Study recommendations include the need for raising community awareness on NHIS and exemption using established channels i.e. health service providers and village meetings and a call for further studies to establish factors for the low satisfaction with User Fees and Community Health Fund among residents of Songea Rural district established in this study.
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    Effectiveness of the house of representatives of Zanzibar in making public bureaucracy accountable
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 2003) Nassor, Aley Soud
    This study was aimed at assessing the level of effectiveness of the House of Representatives of Zanzibar in up-holding accountability of the public bureaucracy, where by the working of the committees of the House was taken to be a focus of the study. The committees of the House are one of the most useful devices which is used by the House to perform its oversight role. Effectiveness of the committees as defined in this study was conceived in terms of the level of the competence of committee members in education and professional experience, and power enshrined to them. Also it was arranged to be determined through extent of resources availability, which include human, financial and material resources. The study findings revealed that despite the fact that the committees of the House have played an important role in enabling the House to discharge its function of scrutinizing the performance of the Government, they are not able to reach the desired results. 1t was observed that ineffective performance of the committees to a large extent is contributed by lack of adequate power to enable them carry out their duties accordingly. It was also found that most of the committee members lack basic academic qualifications and enough experience on committee practices and procedures. Therefore, they are not capable of performing their duties properly. Further, it was observed that resources availability to the committees is a constraint to the effective performance of the committees. The committees lack sufficient resources in terms of both financial and human resources. Financial constraint also, affects availability of adequate material resources such as computer facilities, transport and other office equipment.
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    Corruption in the public sector in Tanzania: an assessment of the government efforts against corruption under Mkapa regime
    (2003) Nkembo, Edward Jorgrucs Kassanga
    This study sought to find out factors that lead to persistent corruption in the Public Sector in Tanzania, despite the government intensive war against it. The study is approached using a combination of two perspectives - namely Functional and economic perspectives. Some literature shows that corruption is accelerated by numerous factors, ranging from poor remuneration to workers, rigid procedures and existing social networks. Based on a sample of 63 Public officials and 75 ordinary citizens, who comprised category A and B respondents respectively, it was found that corruption in Tanzania is largely caused by poor remuneration to workers and cumbersome bureaucratic procedures. Other factors, such as social networks, emerged as subsidiary factors. To wind up the study it is argued that the government would need to improve remuneration packages whereby it is argued that Tshs 174,285.70 ought to be the minimum wage. Furthermore, it is proposed that if the war against this evil is to be won, all outdated rules and regulations have to be repealed.
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    Repayment rate analysis for microcredit loans extended to women: a case of Temeke District.
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 2003) Hoyya, Angela
    Microcredit programmes have been initiated as efforts to alleviate poverty and empower disadvantaged people. Some financial institutions, non-governmental organizations and the Tanzanian Government are involved in such programmes. The Government's popular initiatives include Youth and Women Development Funds (YWDF). Local authorities, through the central government's directive, finance women and youths by giving soft loans of at least ten percent of their revenues. The government has been providing loans with plans that are aimed to make funds revolving. However, repayment has been poor to the extent that frustrates revolving schedules. For example, Temeke district was unable to provide credit in 2001. Thus, it was necessary to carry out the study so as to identify causes for such a poor repayment rate. The study was based in Temeke district. It was limited to funds provided by Temeke Municipal Council. Sampling was based on geographic clusters of which the ward was the cluster unit. 38 groups were interviewed in the district. Hypothesis one sought to find whether or not repayment is a function of knowledge in business management and lending policy, business experience, as well as coordination and follow up schedules. Hypothesis two sought to find out whether or not funds applied by the client significantly differ from that provided by the lender. It has been established that the credit culture in Tanzania is underdeveloped because some people regard loans as grants. The solution to overcome the grant attitude is to abolish it. The study has identified that pre-loan training has the strongest relationship with repayment rate. Pre-loan training can enhance culture change. Also the amount of funds applied by clients was proved to be significantly different from the amount provided for by the lender. Most borrowers were unable to invest. Instead, they diverted funds for other uses, for example, consumption. It is suggested that sufficient training should be provided. The vocational and managerial training to equip entrepreneurs with technical and managerial skills for running their enterprises lead to behavioral change, good self-selection and enhanced survival of new enterprises.
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    Health services utiliization among small scale enterpreneurs: a case study of medicare security in Dar es Salaam.
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 2003) Urassa, Jenesta Aikaeli Elisa
    The main objective of this study was to examine the utilization of health care services under the Medicare Security for Small Scale Entrepreneurs. Methodological triangulation was used to collect information on the utilization of health care services. This involved the use of survey interviews, focus group discussions, in-depth interviews and documentary review. The results show that, (i) respondents had different background characteristics such as age, gender, educational level, marital statuses, religion, household size, income level, occupation and distance. (ii) Respondents used various health care providers as a source of their health care (Medicare Security, public health care providers, private health care providers, pharmacies and First Aid Kit). On the patterns of the utilization of the health care services under the Medicare Security for Small Scale Entrepreneurs, the results showed that lower income people utilized less health care services than high income people. Also findings on the factors that influence the utilization of health care services under the Medicare Security for Small Scale Entrepreneurs showed that predisposing and enabling variables had an influence on the utilization of health care services. Of these, enabling variables (income and quality of health care) were the most important predictors. Furthermore, the results on equity in access to health care showed that equity prevailed in respect to the use of health care services, medical care costs, and distance from home to the nearest health facility under the Medicare Security for Small Scale Entrepreneurs, availability of health care services, opening hours and days, satisfaction with health care services and quality of health care. However, inequities in access to health care under the Medicare Security for Small Scale Entrepreneurs were found in respect to members with different incomes, gender, marital status, and spatial distribution of health facilities. The study concludes by drawing policy and research implications of the findings.
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    The role of information and communications technologies in insurance industry: the case of Tanzania Insurance Organizations.
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 2003) Suluo, Awadhi Juma Saidi
    During this Information and Communication Technologies era, an organization can achieve a significant return in its business investment through adoption of this technology. Use and application of this technology have shown positive improvements to the life of individuals as well as organizations throughout the world. ICT use in the Tanzanian insurance industry have great potential benefits and the need to adopt, implement and utilize them effectively is of great importance. However, its use has so far not been effective to the extent that there has been failures in promoting and developing ICT. However, paces to adopt ICT, to a large extent depend on the stage of development of a country's specific organization. A written or non-written national information policy, which a country may have, does not necessarily serve ICT objectives. The national ICT policy helps to set agenda and priorities for infrastructure as well as appropriate ICT use including applications. This research has revealed that Tanzanian Insurance Organizations lag behind in adoption, diffusion, implementation and effective use of ICT. Strong measures are needed to tackle this situation. Recommendations have been given on how this technology can be implemented within the insurance industry.
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    Knowledge, perception, attitudes and practices of safer sex among youth in Moshi rural district, Kilimanjaro region
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 2003) Moshi, Sisty Joseph
    Safer sex is considered to be the best way to fight against the growing pandemic of HIV/AIDS among youth in Africa. Good knowledge, appropriate perceptions and attitudes towards safer sex methods are the cornerstone for the practice of safer sex among youth. To assess the knowledge, perceptions, attitudes and practices of safer sex among youths in Moshi rural district Kilimanjaro region Tanzania, 264 unmarried youths in Moshi rural district were interviewed in June 2003. In this study it was found that 99.6% of the respondents were aware that HIV is transmitted through sexual contact. Practice of various methods of safer sex was significantly low. Only 62.1% of the respondents had ever used a condom among which only 16.7% were using condoms consistently. Also 52.3% had had two or more sexual partners. However although the majority of the youth agreed strongly that methods of safer sex can help to reduce HIV transmission, the majority also admitted that they are difficult to practice The proportion of the respondents who had correct knowledge, attitudes, perceptions and practices with regard to safer sex was much higher among those with secondary education compared to those with primary education and those with no formal education. Also was much better in those above 20 years of age. Sex and religion of the respondents had no significant effect on the measured issues. It seems AIDS activists still have work to do to bridge the gap between knowledge and practice of safer sex.
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    The role of drug sellers in the management of uncomplicated malaria in Kinondoni Municipality
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 2003) Mohamed, Mohamed Ally
    A cross-sectional survey was undertaken in Kinondoni Municipality during May-June 2003, to explore the role of drug sellers in the management of uncomplicated malaria. A total of 200 drug sellers were interviewed. The results of this study indicated that over 90% of the drug sellers mentioned mosquitoes as the cause of malaria. About 90% of these drug sellers mentioned ITNs as the key measure in malaria prevention. Headache (90%), joint pains (65%) and fever (64%) were the common symptoms of malaria mentioned by the drug sellers. Fansidar (96.5%), Amodiaquine (81.9%) and Quinine (43.7%) were mentioned as the drugs that are recommended for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria. Of the mentioned correct dosage for adults, SP was (86.5%) and Amodiaquine was (94%), while the correct dosage for children was SP (67%) and only 19.5% for Amodiaquine. About (48.5%) of the drug sellers advise their customers to buy a half dose of antimalarials. In simulated customer interview only (55.6%) of the drug sellers interviewed gave instructions which were clear to the customers and only (44.4%) were correct. Only 18% of the drug sellers requested prescriptions before selling antimalarials. It was concluded that despite having good knowledge on new recommended anti-malarial drugs, the drug sellers do not conform to the required regulations in the treatment of malaria according to national malaria treatment guidelines. These results emphasize need to give more education to the drug sellers on the correct treatment of uncomplicated malaria.
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    The prevalence of trachoma in primary school children in Mkuranga district coast region, Tanzania: a cross sectional descriptive study in Mkuranga primary schools
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 2003) Mataka., Christine
    Objective: This was a cross-sectional school based study designed to determine the prevalence of trachoma in primary school pupils in Mkuranga district Coast region, Tanzania. Methods: From the second to last week of July 2002, a total of eight primary schools were visited. One thousand, seven hundred and thirty nine (1739) pupils, aged between 5 and 20 years had their eyes examined for signs of trachoma. A World Health Organization grading chart of 1987 was used to assess for trachoma. Facial cleanliness assessment was also made of the pupils examined. In this study, a clean face is defined as one with no eye discharge, nasal discharge or left over food around the mouth. A dirty face was diagnosed if a child had at least one or more of the above clinical appearances. Environmental sanitation was assessed as being fair or poor based on the availability of a water source within the school compound, presence of a latrine and on the presence of a refuse pit. Results: The examined population varied in age from 5 to 20 years, with a mean age of 11.74 years. Males comprised 49.7% whereas females comprised 50.3%. Active trachoma (T.F. and T.I) was diagnosed in 9% of the examined pupils. There were about four times more pupils with T.I (6.2%) than with T.F (2.8%). The prevalence of trachoma significantly decreased with increase in age from 14.8%(5-9years) to 4.7%(15-20years) p=0.00185972. Of the pupils examined 68(3.9%) had dirty faces 55 (12.3%) and 2(0.6%) from the youngest and oldest age groups respectively. Out of those who had a dirty face 15(22.0%) had trachoma. Environmental Sanitation was poor in terms of proximity to water, unavailability of refuse pits and inadequate latrines. Conclusion: The findings suggest that trachoma is present in primary school pupils in Mkuranga district. Active trachoma is associated with dirty faces. The visited schools sanitation is poor.
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    Puerperal sepsis: predisposing factors, microbial agents, and antiPuerperal sepsis: predisposing factors, microbial agents, and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns among patients admitted at Muhimbili national hospital.microbial susceptibility patterns among patients admitted at Muhimbili national hospital.
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 2003) Makuwani, Ahmad Mohamed
    Maternal mortality due to puerperal sepsis at Muhimbili National Hospital in the year 2000 was almost 17%. There are no data showing causes of puerperal sepsis. The common aetiological agents and their corresponding ant microbial susceptibility pattern are also unknown. This study sought to address this gap. Objectives: To determine the predisposing factors, microbial agents and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern among women with puerperal sepsis admitted at Muhimbili National Hospital from July 2002 - January 2003. Study population: Puerperal women with a diagnosis of puerperal sepsis (cases) and a comparison group of women without puerperal sepsis. Study design: Case control study. Data collected: Information on socio-economic status, antenatal clinic problems, intrapartum events, haemoglobin level, malaria parasitaemia and HIV status was collected from fifty-nine cases and referents. Others investigations including endocervical swab, mid-stream urine, blood for culture and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern, were done in all cases. IU'*ult«; Socio-dcmoitriiphic (acton, tntotWUA din'tc booking MA \>kly 'tndeti (UMl) were similar In case# and Cftntrol*, Prolonged labour, rnuhtptc va#)r*al examination* >4-ti men, prolonwul rupture of membrane# (ROM) *\2 Yu ran were significantly more prevalent in case* armpuraJ to referent*, More ca%«* than cortf/oJ* had delivered by caesarean section and had higher rate of intrapartum foetal !//*♦, and the difference was statistically significant. Postpartum unaernia (iHy'K)J) O/dt) vm significant more prevalent among the cases, (71/2%) than referent», (32/2%), and there was no statistically significant difference in HIV seropositive status among the case* (23.9%) and referents (17/6%)/ About 47.4% (28/59) endocervical swabs and 27.1 %f I 6/59) mid-stream urine M.SIJ) samples yielded bacteria growth. IttcherlchUi coll 3(X4%04/46j and Klebsiella *pp 39.1% (18/46) were prominent isolates, the isolates showed susceptibility to ceftriaxone, ceftazidime, ciprofloxacin, ceclor and gentamycin and were resistant to chloramphenicol and ampicillin. Conclusion: Strategies needs to be developed to prevent prolonged labour and its related risk factors for developing puerperal sepsis such as prolonged ROM and multiple vagina] examinations. Similarly, when conditions mentioned above are present give ant microbial agents. And treatment of puerperal sepsis should be guided by ant microbial susceptibility pattern.
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    Middle Stone Age occurrences and hominid behavioural patterns in West Lake Natron Region, Northern Tanzania
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 2003) Bushozi, Pastory Gozibart Magayane
    This dissertation deals with Middle Stone Age (MSA) Occurrences and Hominid Behavioural Patterns in West Lake Natron, Ngorongoro District, Arusha Region, Northern Tanzania. This research aimed to reconstruct the behavioural patterns of MSA foragers using the ecological adaptation approach. The field-work sought to recover archaeological and paleontological data of middle and late Pleistocene age in order to reconstruct the MSA foragers adaptive strategies across the West Lake Natron Region (WLNR) and their resultant behavioural as well as technological developments. Ecological adaptation theory and comparative approach have been employed in this study. The data showed that movements and habitation strategies of MSA foragers in WLNR were influenced by climatic and environmental fluctuations. The escarpment area was occupied during wet seasons and the lowland plain in dry seasons. The MSA forager subsistence strategies depended much on local environmental resources, but they may have utilized very diversified food resources including animal, plant as well as macro and micro-organism food resources. Technological attributes and tool types represent significant differences in terms of lithic raw material and core reduction techniques in comparison with other MSA assemblages of northern Tanzania. In most cases, the observed differences reflect the nature and forms of desirable raw material types and sometimes, probably individual abilities and experiences as well as different artifact functions.
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    Modeling of Nitrogen transformation and removal in horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetlands during treatment of Domestic wastewater
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 2003) Senzia, Masudi Athumani
    Field investigations were made on pilot scale horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetlands units located at the University of Dar es Salaam main campus. Four units covering surface area of 40.7 m2 each were constructed downstream of the primary facultative pond and two units each of surface area 15.9 m2 were constructed downstream of the maturation pond. The performance of systems planted with local available macrophytes, Phragmites mauritianus or Typha domingensis were studied and mathematical model was developed to permit dynamic simulation of nitrogen interaction in horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetland treating domestic wastewater. Nitrification, denitrification, plant uptake, plant decaying and accretion of organic nitrogen are the processes considered in the model. Stella II software (STELLA ® 6.0.1) was used to simulate these processes. the system located downstream of the primary facultative pond, which were planted with Phragmites mauritianus, the denitrification process accounted for 0.219 gN/m2.d, which was 15.0°/o of the incoming nitrogen (1.458 gN/m2.d). Plant uptake accounted for 0.195 gN/m2.d (13.4°/o) from the system. f above ground biomass is harvested, 10°/o of incoming nitrogen will be removed from the system. About 6.2°/o of influent nitrogen load was unaccounted for. Similar trends of nitrogen dynamics were found in model for Typha domingensis with slight differences in internal cycling rates. The model developed for the system downstream of the maturation pond showed that, denitrification was major removal mechanism accounting for 20.5010 . The model presented in this work is suitable for design of horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetland receiving domestic wastewater for secondary treatment in tropical climates.
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    The utilization and sustainability of ethno-medicinal plants in western Serengeti, Tanzania
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 2003) Nkya, Hassan Maktauwa
    Western Serengeti has experienced a continuous movement of multicultural groups of people towards the fringes of the protected area since the 1940s with an increased subsistence need that threaten the survival of the Serengeti ecosystem. Studies on the utilization of medicinal plants were conducted in the area with an assumption that their utilization in the open areas was unsustainable because people had started getting into protected areas for the resource. It was also assumed that indigenous knowledge on the use and conservation of medicinal plants was disappearing before it was documented. Cluster analysis indicated that floristic composition of a site was dependent on its conservation status, anthropogenic activities as well as its historical background. A total of 77 medicinal plant species were recorded in western Serengeti representing 66 genera and 36 families. Tabora “B” study site had higher abundance and diversity of medicinal plants than either Robanda or Mihale. There were more medicinal plants in the protected areas than in the open areas. A total of 122 plant species belonging to 109 genera and 49 families were reported to be used for medicinal purposes. The Kuria tribe of Tabora “B” used more medicinal species (92) than Sukuma of Mihale (78) and Ikoma of Robanda (53). However, the Ikoma people had more medicinal plant applications than either Kuria or Sukuma. Fabaceae was the most frequently used plant family accounting for 21.0% of the total medicinal families cited. Trees and shrubs, which accounted for about 69.0% of reported medicinal plants, were the main sources of traditional medicine. The use of roots accounted for 40.0% of all reported uses.
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    Clients’ perceptions on the new policy for uncomplicated malaria case management and available alternative treatment options for childhood malaria in Kibaha district, Tanzania
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 2003) Manyilizu, Wilbert Bunini
    Community involvement is very important in assurance for the succesful implementation of most health interventions. Clients were considered as a crucial part in the success of case management of uncomplicated childhood malaria following new malaria treament policy, which introduced SP in place of chloroquine. The true profile of practices and clients’perceptions with regard to the current drug policy was not clearly known. Thus this study was conducted aiming at generating information on awareness, existing practices, clients’ perceptions and available treatment options to the under five malaria case management in Kibaha district. Using cross sectional descriptive design, a total of 375 clients, mostly mothers of under five children diagnosed to have malaria were interviewed using structured questionnaire at health facilities, and four key informants were interviewed using a standardized semi structured guidelines. Majority of clients (84.0%) were aware of the new policy. The practices by both clients and health workers were inconsistent with the recommended policy. Clients were generally satisfied with use of SP though some are not, due to perceived bad adverse effects, resistance and lack of antipyretic activity. The study revealed that chloroquine is still preferred and used, as perceived efficacious and prescribed in public health facilities. There was a limited knowledge of SP names, which resulted into paradoxical concepts that ended into misuse of the drug.
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    Quality control experience in Tanzania Industries
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 2003) Ahmed, Ally
    In any industry, quality control should be taken continuously. In order to meet the specified quality requirements, there must be proper planning on who will do it, how it will be done, the materials, tools, and equipment to be used, and the delivering time of the product. Then the product has to be assessed to ensure that it conforms to the established quality standards. If the product deviates from the quality requirements, corrective measures should be taken. Quality control should be applied to all activities of the process, from the cleaner to the president of the organization. Each person concerned with production process is responsible for producing products that meet the quality requirement. The aim of the study is to look at the quality control practices in different industries in Tanzania. The survey was done using questionnaire addressed to TBS staffs and a sample of industries based in Dar es Salaam region. The results obtained show that, TBS lacks appropriate skills for determining the quality of products. The results support the statement that quality control procedures used in different industries are not appropriate to the products produced. Also results support the statement that quality control personnel do not have the required skills to perform their tasks adequately. The findings suggest that, the most important factors affecting quality control in Tanzanian industries are lack of communication within the industries, lack of competent personnel, lack of facilities and the use of poor quality raw materials.