Land use patterns and their implication on malaria transmission in Kilosa district, Tanzania: the case of Kimamba “a” and “b” Villages in Kimamba ward

This study assessed land use patterns and their implication on malaria transmission in Kimamba villages. It identified potential land use patterns associated with malaria transmission. Multiple research methods were used for data collection, including literature review; household interviews using a structured questionnaire; key informant interviews; transect walks and direct field observations. A larval search was conducted using the dipper standard method whereby mosquito larvae and pupae were identified to genus level. Data analysis was undertaken using the STATA software Version 10. Descriptive statistics were used to obtain frequencies, proportions and cross-tabulations. This study observed that there is a diversity of mosquito breeding sites ranging from small areas such as hoof prints, coconut shells to large ones such as swamps created through anthropogenic activities. A total of 211 mosquito habitats were observed. The study observed that the relationships between land use patterns and malaria transmission are statistically insignificant; indicating that malaria transmission in Kimamba could possibly be due to other human activities, including seasonal movement to distant farms during farming season as their farms are located far away from homesteads. However, people are knowledgeable about malaria preventive measures such as the use of mosquito nets. While knowledge that links mosquitoes and malaria is relatively high among respondents, knowledge related to mosquito ecology and breeding sites was generally low. This study suggests that to effectively manage malaria transmission, multi-sectoral collaboration, public education on land-use and better management of the ecosystem are needed in controlling mosquitoes and malaria transmission.