Books by Flora Tibazarwa
This toolkit aims to support the building up of case studies that show the impact of project acti... more This toolkit aims to support the building up of case studies that show the impact of project activities aiming to promote innovation and entrepreneurship. The case studies respond to the challenge of understanding what kinds of interventions work in the Southern African region, where, and why. The toolkit has a specific focus on entrepreneurial ecosystems and proposes a method of mapping out the actors and their relationships over time. The aim is to understand the changes that take place in the ecosystems. These changes are seen to be indicators of impact as increased connectivity and activity in ecosystems are key enablers of innovation. Innovations usually happen together with matching social and institutional adjustments, facilitating the translation of inventions into new or improved products and services. Similarly, the processes supporting entrepreneurship are guided by policies implemented in the common framework provided by innovation systems. Overall, policies related to systems of innovation are by nature networking policies applied throughout the socioeconomic framework of society to pool scarce resources and make various sectors work in coordination with each other. Most participating SAIS countries already have some kinds of identifiable systems of innovation in place both on national and regional levels, but the lack of appropriate institutions, policies, financial instruments, human resources, and support systems, together with underdeveloped markets, create inefficiencies and gaps in systemic cooperation and collaboration. In other words, we do not always know what works and what does not. On another level, engaging users and intermediaries at the local level and driving the development of local innovation ecosystems within which local culture, especially in urban settings, has evident impact on how collaboration and competition is both seen and done. In this complex environment, organisations supporting entrepreneurship and innovation often find it difficult to create or apply relevant knowledge and appropriate networking tools, approaches, and methods needed to put their processes to work for broader developmental goals. To further enable these organisations’ work, it is necessary to understand what works and why in a given environment. Enhanced local and regional cooperation promoted by SAIS Innovation Fund projects can generate new data on this little-explored area in Southern Africa. Data-driven knowledge on entrepreneurship and innovation support best practices as well as effective and efficient management of entrepreneurial ecosystems can support replication and inform policymaking, leading thus to a wider impact than just that of the immediate reported projects and initiatives.
Papers by Flora Tibazarwa
Interviews of selected participants; views from the Regional Experts Workshop on Industrial Efflu... more Interviews of selected participants; views from the Regional Experts Workshop on Industrial Effluents Management in East Africa held on 19-20 May 2014, Ethiopi
The original version of this article [1] unfortunately con-tained a mistake. The presentation of ... more The original version of this article [1] unfortunately con-tained a mistake. The presentation of Table 2 was incor-rect in the HTML and PDF versions of this article with the following errors: The local name ‘Eyabia ’ has moved down a row causing subsequent rows to move out of order. In addition, there are several errors in the reported effects of Ocimum suave, Vernonia amygdalina and Sphaerogyne latifolia. The corrected Table 2 is given below.
African Journal of Biotechnology, 2015
Blue disease of cotton is an economically important disease of the crop first described from the ... more Blue disease of cotton is an economically important disease of the crop first described from the Central African Republic and spread to other countries. Brazil and other South American countries record crop losses of up to 80% from infection but no cases of the disease have been reported in Tanzania. Resistance to the disease has been found in African germplasm and transferred to crop cultivars worldwide. Molecular markers linked to blue disease resistance genes have been identified presenting useful tools to identify resistant germplasm. All plants of three Tanzanian cotton cultivars ( Gossypium hirsutum L.) UK91, UK08 and UKM08 showed resistance alleles for both the simple sequence repeat (SSR) (DC20027-202 bp) and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) (NG0204310-C) markers but some plants of the Brazilian cultivars ( G. hirsutum L .); Ipe, Cedro, Aroeira and Araca lacked resistance alleles. The findings suggest the need for caution to be taken during introduction of exotic germpl...
This toolkit aims to support the building up of case studies that show the impact of project acti... more This toolkit aims to support the building up of case studies that show the impact of project activities aiming to promote innovation and entrepreneurship. The case studies respond to the challenge of understanding what kinds of interventions work in the Southern African region, where, and why.
Use of simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers for screening blue disease resistance in cotton germp... more Use of simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers for screening blue disease resistance in cotton germplasm exchange
Bacterial blight or leaf blight is a common disease of cotton in almost all cotton growing countr... more Bacterial blight or leaf blight is a common disease of cotton in almost all cotton growing countries, including Tanzania. Bacterial blight is caused by infection of plants with the bacteria ( Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. malvacearum ) and the use of resistant cultivars is the most effective long-term strategy to manage the disease. The strategy starts with identification of resistant individuals, which can be identified either phenotypically by inoculation or by use of molecular markers linked to genes that confer resistance. The B12 gene is known to confer a high level of resistance to all Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. malvacearum races found in USA and Africa. Four Brazilian and three local cultivars were screened for the presence of SSR (CIR246) and SNP NG0207155 markers linked to B12. The SNP marker showed the greatest frequency of resistance-linked alleles in the cultivar UK08 (85.71%) followed by UK91 (75%),UKM08 and Ipe (25%), Araca(8.33%),Aroeira (7.1%) and the least in Cedro (0%...
Journal of Experimental Biology and Agricultural Sciences, Aug 31, 2016
Fusarium wilt of cotton caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. vasinfectum Atk. Sny & Hans is one of ... more Fusarium wilt of cotton caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. vasinfectum Atk. Sny & Hans is one of the major diseases of cotton in Tanzania. Resistant varieties provide useful tools for management of this disease. Varieties developed at Lake Zone Agricultural Research and Development Institute with previous records of resistance are currently susceptible in areas with high level of inoculums warranting the need to search for additional sources of resistance. Further, cotton varieties of Brazil indicate some level of resistance against F. oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum that can be exploited in breeding programmes. In present study, four varieties from Brazil and three from Tanzanian were screened under greenhouse conditions for resistance to Fusarium wilt. A population of 40 plants per variety was inoculated with a crude inoculum of F. oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum by root-dip method. Randomized complete block design was used with four replications. Resistance was evaluated on basis of foliar symptoms (disease severity index) and plant survival percentage. Further, all plants showing wilting symptoms were examined for vascular discoloration. Among various tested varieties, two cultivars from Brazil (Ipê and Aroeira) had relatively lower disease severity index and higher plant survival, these results suggesting their potential candidature for use in breeding programmes for Fusarium wilt resistance. On the other hand, two local cultivars (UK91 and UK08) presented the highest disease severity index and lowest plant survival.
Journal of Virological Methods, 2017
Cassava brown streak disease (CBSD) is the most important virus disease of cassava and a major fo... more Cassava brown streak disease (CBSD) is the most important virus disease of cassava and a major food security threat in Africa. Yearly economic losses of up to $100 million USD have been attributed to CBSD. The lack of information on plant-virus interactions has restricted progress in breeding for CBSD resistance. Virus quantification is becoming a major tool for the quick and reliable assessment of plant host resistance. Therefore, a protocol for specific absolute quantification of Cassava brown streak virus (CBSV) and Ugandan cassava brown streak virus (UCBSV) was developed. CBSV and UCBSV coat protein (CP) specific standard templates: CBSV (pFer2, 826 bp) and UCBSV (pUF1-R1-1, 732) respectively were generated and maintained in a TA cloning vector. These were used to construct standard curves using a TaqMan qPCR assay. Standard curves with acceptable amplification efficiencies (90-105%) and coefficients of determination (R 2) greater than 0.99 were obtained. Infected cassava plants were sampled from a screenhouse and the field and used to validate this assay. Results obtained by testing several screenhouse and field samples revealed consistent absolute quantification assays for different CBSV and UCBSV isolates. This study presents the first protocol for absolute quantification of CBSVs and is expected to accelerate screening for CBSD resistance and hence breeding for CBSD resistance. The use of the method presented here should improve the clarity of virus quantification data as the results obtained are not influenced by varietal, host, seasonal or environmental conditions. Screening efficiency will also be greatly improved as there is no need for the use of reference genes consequently allowing for a larger number of samples to be analyzed. This will increase experimental precision in a timely and cost effective manner.
ABSTRACT In this chapter, two conservation areas, Lake Natron and Kitulo Plateau, are used to exe... more ABSTRACT In this chapter, two conservation areas, Lake Natron and Kitulo Plateau, are used to exemplify the challenges and delineate best practices, with Kitulo presenting a notable example of conservation to be emulated. The chapter demonstrates the challenges to and opportunities for achieving sustainable development in Tanzania, based on two development projects. One is a soda ash extraction project and the other a dairy farm converted to a national park. In particular, the chapter focuses on the gray areas where benefits are considered losses and vice versa and the realities of striving towards a balance between development and conservation. Lake Natron and Kitulo National Park are protected for their biodiversity and conservation value under Tanzanian policies and legislation for natural resource management.
Bacterial blight or leaf blight is a common disease of cotton in almost all cotton growing countr... more Bacterial blight or leaf blight is a common disease of cotton in almost all cotton growing countries, including Tanzania. Bacterial blight is caused by infection of plants with the bacteria (Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. malvacearum) and the use of resistant cultivars is the most effective long-term strategy to manage the disease. The strategy starts with identification of resistant individuals, which can be identified either phenotypically by inoculation or by use of molecular markers linked to genes that confer resistance. The B12 gene is known to confer a high level of resistance to most Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. malvacearum races found in USA and Africa. Four Brazilian and three local cultivars were screened for the presence of SSR (CIR246) and SNP NG0207155 markers linked to B12. The SNP marker showed the greatest frequency of resistance-linked alleles in the cultivar UK08 (85.71%) followed by UK91 (75%), UKM08, Ipê (25%), Araça (8.33%), Aroeira (7.1%) and the least in Cedro (0%). Comparable results were recorded for SSR marker where the cultivar UK08 presented relatively higher frequency of resistance alleles (85.71%) of samples tested followed by UK91 (68.75%), UKM08 (25%), Ipê, Aroeira and Araça (8%) and the last was Cedro (0%). The results suggest the potential utility of Tanzanian germplasm in breeding for resistance to Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. malvacearum race 18 and the need to purify the same germplasm by marker assisted selection.
Journal of Life Sciences, 2013
Understanding microbial growth is essential to any research conducted in the fields of microbiolo... more Understanding microbial growth is essential to any research conducted in the fields of microbiology and biotechnology. Current methods of determining growth characteristics of microbes involve subjective graphical interpretations of linearized logarithmic data. Reducing error in logistical data decreases disparity between graphical and analytical predictions of microbial characteristics. In this study, a method has been developed to calculate the kinetics of microbial characteristics utilizing a modified Maclaurin series. Convergence of this series approaches the true kinetic value of microbial characteristics to include specific growth rates. In this research, a modified Maclaurin series is used to evaluate microbial kinetics in comparison to graphical determinations.
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 2015
Abscisic acid (ABA) and dehydrin proteins are thought to confer tolerance to plant tissue under p... more Abscisic acid (ABA) and dehydrin proteins are thought to confer tolerance to plant tissue under physiological stress and drought. Rhizophora mucronata, a true mangrove species, is subjected to physiological drought from fluctuating high saline conditions where leaf loss or senescence is considered a possible regulation mechanism to combat stress. Levels of ABA and proteins that cross reacted with anti-dehydrin antibody were assessed through development with the aim of correlating these factors to physiological water stress or salinity stress in R. mucronata leaves. Younger leaves showed lower levels of ABA than mature and senescing leaves. In situ production and translocation from mature to younger leaves is thought to be due to the presence of low levels of physiological activity. Proteins detected by anti-dehydrin antibody require cDNA confirmation, but the visibility increasing intensity of a band at ~64kDa through development suggests potential correlation to drought or salinity...
The paper presents a critique of advances and applications of technologies in the management of i... more The paper presents a critique of advances and applications of technologies in the management of insect pests of agricultural crops. The management technologies discussed include; biological control, host resistance, use of genetic modification of crops, traditional pesticide materials, and legislative control. Further, the implications of each management technology to the welfare of the communities and the ecosystems in general are discussed. These are technologies which could form components in the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach to combating insect pests of crops. It is revealed from the analysis that when wisely employed, developments in pest management play a great role in increasing food security, environmental conservation, reduction of poverty and ultimately improving the peoples’ quality of life.
Bacterial blight or leaf blight is a common disease of cotton in almost all cotton growing countr... more Bacterial blight or leaf blight is a common disease of cotton in almost all cotton growing countries, including Tanzania. Bacterial blight is caused by infection of plants with the bacteria (Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. malvacearum) and the use of resistant cultivars is the most effective long-term strategy to manage the disease. The strategy starts with identification of resistant individuals, which can be identified either phenotypically by inoculation or by use of molecular markers linked to genes that confer resistance. The B12 gene is known to confer a high level of resistance to most Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. malvacearum races found in USA and Africa. Four Brazilian and three local cultivars were screened for the presence of SSR (CIR246) and SNP NG0207155 markers linked to B12. The SNP marker showed the greatest frequency of resistance-linked alleles in the cultivar UK08 (85.71%) followed by UK91 (75%), UKM08, Ipê (25%), Araça (8.33%), Aroeira (7.1%) and the least in Cedro (0%)...
Voices from the Tropics, 2013
ABSTRACT In this chapter, two conservation areas, Lake Natron and Kitulo Plateau, are used to exe... more ABSTRACT In this chapter, two conservation areas, Lake Natron and Kitulo Plateau, are used to exemplify the challenges and delineate best practices, with Kitulo presenting a notable example of conservation to be emulated. The chapter demonstrates the challenges to and opportunities for achieving sustainable development in Tanzania, based on two development projects. One is a soda ash extraction project and the other a dairy farm converted to a national park. In particular, the chapter focuses on the gray areas where benefits are considered losses and vice versa and the realities of striving towards a balance between development and conservation. Lake Natron and Kitulo National Park are protected for their biodiversity and conservation value under Tanzanian policies and legislation for natural resource management.
BMC pregnancy and childbirth, Jan 19, 2014
BackgroundThe circumstances under which women obtain unsafe abortion vary and depend on the tradi... more BackgroundThe circumstances under which women obtain unsafe abortion vary and depend on the traditional methods known and the type of providers present. In rural Tanzania women often resort to traditional providers who use plant species as abortion remedies. Little is known about how these plants are used and their potential effect.MethodsData were obtained among women admitted with incomplete abortion at Kagera Regional Hospital during the period January - June, 2006. The women underwent an empathetic interview to determine if they had experienced an unsafe abortion prior to their admission. In all 125/187 women revealed having had an unsafe abortion. The women identified as having had an unsafe abortion underwent a questionnaire interview where information about abortion provider and abortion method used was obtained through open-ended questions. To get more detailed information about the traditional methods used to induce abortion, in-depths interviews and focus group discussions...
Journal of Plant Physiology, 2015
Accumulation of compatible solutes is considered a key adaptation mechanism in many plants in res... more Accumulation of compatible solutes is considered a key adaptation mechanism in many plants in response to abiotic stress. The expression of four genes, involved in sucrose metabolism (SPS and SuSy), biosynthesis of galactinol (GoLS1) and proline accumulation (P5CS) was compared: at meiosis (MM), vacuolated and mature stages of pollen development in heat tolerant and heat sensitive tomato genotypes. The results showed differences in gene expression across tomato genotypes and stages of pollen development. Three genes (P5CS, SPS and SuSy) were up regulated in heat tolerant genotype CLN1621L at the mature stage and one gene (P5CS) in genotype CLN5915-93D at the MM stage. Two genes (SPS and GoLS1) were down regulated in heat sensitive genotype CA4 and one gene (GoLS1) in genotype CLN2498E at the MM stage. Additionally, the continuous exposure of tomato genotypes to temperatures of 35°C/28°C day/night completely impaired flower development in genotypes CA4 and CLN2498E but not in genotypes CLN1621L and CLN5915-93D. Tomato genotypes CLN1621L and CLN5915-93D produced fully developed flowers containing mixture of non viable pollens and very few viable pollens grains. Membrane permeability was affected at all stages of development under heat stress with heat tolerant genotypes CL5915-93D4, CLN2498E and CLN1621L showing varying degrees of heat acclimation. Significant increases in total chlorophyll were seen in all genotypes in response to heat stress. The expression of compatible solute genes at MM is more critical than at mature stage for the development of viable pollen grain.
PeerJ PrePrints, 2013
In order to conduct a replicable analysis of the possible phylogenetic patterns of extinction ris... more In order to conduct a replicable analysis of the possible phylogenetic patterns of extinction risk, one must first formulate a clear set of definitions of ecosystem boundaries and risk categories. Subsequently, a robust and internally consistent dataset that includes all the available information on species distributions and risk assessments must be assembled. Here, we review the dataset and methodology of a recent paper focused on phylogenetic patterns of plant extinction risk in the Eastern Arc Mountains of Kenya and Tanzania and point out some of the limitations of inferring such patterns from inadequate and biased data. We show that bias in the dataset is probably responsible for the conclusion that Vulnerable species are more closely related than expected by chance, and provide guidelines for the construction of an appropriate dataset for such an analysis.
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Books by Flora Tibazarwa
Papers by Flora Tibazarwa