Institut für Tropische Agrarwissenschaften (Hans-Ruthenberg-Institut)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hohpublica.uni-hohenheim.de/handle/123456789/21

Browse

Browsing Institut für Tropische Agrarwissenschaften (Hans-Ruthenberg-Institut) by Sustainable Development Goals "6"

Type the first few letters and click on the Browse button
Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
  • Thumbnail Image
    Publication
    Spatio-temporal water quality determines algal bloom occurrence and possibly lesser flamingo (Phoeniconaias minor) presence in Momella lakes, Tanzania
    (2022) Lihepanyama, Deogratias Ladislaus; Ndakidemi, Patrick Alois; Treydte, Anna Christina
    Eutrophication and algal blooms have sparked worldwide concern because of their widespread effects on water-dependent species. Harmful algal blooms can cause fatal effects to lesser flamingos (Phoeniconaias minor), obligatory filter feeders and vital bio-indicators in soda lakes. Thus, early detection of algal blooms and potential indicators in water quality is critical, but general tools are lacking in eastern African soda lakes. We monitored algal biomass changes and related water physico–chemical variables for 12 consecutive months in the lakes Big Momella and Rishateni in northern Tanzania. We used chlorophyll-a to measure algal biomass and quantified water physico–chemical variables that might influence algae growth. We also monitored lesser flamingo numbers to understand trends across the year and according to algal bloom occurrence. Algal biomass was strongly related to water nitrogen (r = 0.867; p < 0.001) and phosphorus (r = 0.832; p < 0.001). Monthly patterns showed significant differences in water quality and algal biomass (F = 277, p < 0.001) but not across sampling sites (F = 0.029, p = 0.971). Lesser flamingo numbers seemed to be related to algal biomass at Lake Big Momella (r = 0.828; p < 0.001) and shortly after algal biomass peaked high (i.e., March and April 2021), flamingo numbers declined. Lake Rishateni showed similar patterns. Our findings can provide a basis towards understanding the factors contributing to temporal changes in lesser flamingo abundance due to spatio–temporal water quality variations, which is important for optimising conservation efforts for the species in these unique Momella lakes.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Publication
    Why are toilets not used? Using system effects modelling to understand stakeholder perceptions on the impacts and barriers to Taenia solium control in Eastern and Western Uganda
    (2025) Ngwili, Nicholas; Ahimbisibwe, Salaviriuse; Sentamu, Derrick N.; Craven, Luke; Thomas, Lian F.; Roesel, Kristina; Ngwili, Nicholas; Health program, International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya; Ahimbisibwe, Salaviriuse; Health program, International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya; Sentamu, Derrick N.; Department of Public Health Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya; Craven, Luke; Partnerships for Local Action and Community Empowerment, Melbourne, Australia; Thomas, Lian F.; Health program, International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya; Roesel, Kristina; Health program, International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
    Taenia solium taeniasis/cysticercosis in humans and pigs remains endemic to Uganda. Although, looking at the lifecycle of the parasite, the risk factors are well known, and many biomedical control options exist – no substantial progress has been made in the eradication of T. solium infections in Uganda to date. Contextual factors including socioeconomic, cultural and infrastructural factors, may influence the adoption of interventions. A community-based study using mixed methods and relying on system effects modelling approach was carried out between March and April 2021 in Kamuli district, Eastern Uganda, and Hoima district, Western Uganda. System effects modelling is a non-linear methodology that captures the varied nature of the unique, individually lived experiences and aggregates them to reflect what is experienced at a population level. The aim of the study was to capture individual stakeholder perceptions on the consequences of T. solium infections and barriers to practice known control options. Overall, 27 factors were identified by 192 participants as consequences of being infected with neurocysticercosis (NCC). For taeniasis, 35 factors were identified with 700 edges/connections made by the participants. Enlargement of stomach, weight loss, diarrhoea, weakness, and stunted growth were the most important consequences. Although porcine cysticercosis (PCC) seemed to be poorly understood by the participants, 14 factors were identified which included poor pig growth, loss of market for pig/pork, and poor pork quality. The study also identified important barriers hindering the adoption of control practices, including lack of knowledge on transmission, sociocultural factors, and resource constraints. For women, lack of knowledge on the mode of transmission and lack of a toilet in the compound ranked highly as important barriers with a weighted degree of 31 and 21, respectively, meaning they were identified by more participants unlike men who ranked lack of a toilet first with a weighted degree of 39, followed by lack of knowledge at 24. Different barriers are associated with the adoption of T. solium control practices among community members, stakeholders, and farmers. Despite efforts to address T. solium infections, misconceptions and limited understanding persist among stakeholders, particularly regarding NCC and its associated consequences. The system effects approach supports developing contextualized interventions to help in the control of the diseases associated with this parasite.