Browsing by Author "Ngonyoka, Anibariki"

Now showing 1 - 8 of 8
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Climate change and variability perceptions and adaptations of pastoralists’ communities in the Maasai Steppe, Tanzania
    (Elsevier, 2021) Nnko, Happiness J.; Gwakisa, Paul S.; Ngonyoka, Anibariki; Estes, Anna
    Designing adaptation strategies to climate change and variability impacts requires an understanding of people's perception of climate change. Despite Maasai of the Maasai Steppe being vulnerable to climate change, how communities understood and interpret climate change have received little attention. A cross-sectional study of community's perceptions of climate change and adaptation was conducted. A multinomial logistic regression in R 3.3.2 was used to analyze the determinants of adaptation decisions at a household level. Perceptions of climate change was based on experience of increasing temperature (94.4%, n = 136), insufficient rainfall with spatial-temporal variation (88.2%, n = 136) and frequent dry spell in recent years (91.2%, n = 136). Impacts of these changes were drop of livestock productivity (85.7%, n = 136), death of livestock (11.9%, n = 136) and conflicts (3.4%, n = 136). Although trekking livestock to ronjo and livestock based donation from relatives were commonly used to moderate adverse impacts of drought, at the 95% CI, at least primary education influenced household decision to move to ronjo (β = 2.5, SE = 1.2, p = 0.045) and donation (β = 3.1, SE = 1.4, p = 0.029) when compared to not adapting. Moreover, few livelihood assets observed in this study may limit perceptions and even adaptations of Maasai communities.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Molecular prevalence of trypanosome infections in cattle and tsetse flies in the Maasai Steppe, northern Tanzania
    (BioMed Central, 2017) Simwango, Mary; Ngonyoka, Anibariki; Nnko, Happiness J.; Salekwa, Linda P.; Ole-Neselle, Moses; Kimera, Sharadhuli I.; Gwakisa, Paul S.
    Background: African trypanosomosis is a disease of public health and economic importance that poses a major threat to the livelihoods of people living in the Maasai Steppe, where there is a significant interaction between people, livestock and wildlife. The vulnerability of the Maasai people to the disease is enhanced by the interaction of their cattle, which act as vehicles for trypanosomes, and tsetse flies close to wildlife in protected areas. This study was aimed at identification of trypanosome infections circulating in cattle and tsetse flies in order to understand their distribution and prevalence in livestock/wildlife interface areas in the Maasai Steppe. Methods: A total of 1002 cattle and 886 tsetse flies were sampled from June 2015 to February 2016 in five villages and PCR was conducted to amplify the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) from trypanosomes. All Trypanosome brucei positive samples were further tested for the presence of the serum resistance-associated (SRA) gene found in human-infective trypanosomes using the SRA-LAMP technique. Results: The overall prevalence of trypanosome infections was 17.2% in cattle and 3.4% in tsetse flies. Using a nested PCR, prevalence and abundance of five trypanosome species, Trypanosome vivax, T. brucei, T. simiae, T. theileri and T. congolense, were determined, which varied with season and location. The highest prevalence of the identified trypanosome species was recorded at the end of wet season with an exception of T. brucei which was high at the beginning of the wet season. No human-infective trypanosomes were detected in both cattle and tsetse fly DNA. Conclusions: This study confirms that seasonality and location have a significant contribution to the prevalence of trypanosome species in both mammalian and vector hosts. These results are important for designing of community-wide vector and disease control interventions and planning of sustainable regimes for reduction of the burden of trypanosomosis in endemic pastoral areas, such as the Maasai Steppe in northern Tanzania.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Pastoralists’ vulnerability to trypanosomiasis in maasai steppe
    (Springer, 2017) Nnko, Happiness J.; Gwakisa, Paul S.; Ngonyoka, Anibariki; Saigilu, Meshack; Ole-Neselle, Moses; Kisoka, William; Sindato, Calvin; Estes, Anna
    Trypanosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease of both livestock and humans. Although pastoral communities of the Maasai Steppe have been able to adapt to trypanosomiasis in the past, their traditional strategies are now constrained by changes in climate and land regimes that affect their ability to move with their herds and continually shape the communities’ vulnerability to trypanosomiasis. Despite these constraints, information on communities’ vulnerability and adaptive capacity to trypanosomiasis is limited. A cross-sectional study was therefore conducted in Simanjiro and Monduli districts of the Maasai Steppe to establish pastoralists’ vulnerability to animal trypanosomiasis and factors that determined their adaptation strategies. A weighted overlay approach in ArcGIS 10.4 was used to analyze vulnerability levels while binomial and multinomial logistic regressions in R 3.3.2 were used to analyze the determinants of adaptation. Simanjiro district was the most vulnerable to trypanosomiasis. The majority (87.5%, n = 136) of the respondents were aware of trypanosomiasis in animals, but only 7.4% (n = 136) knew about the human form of the disease. Reported impacts of animal trypanosomiasis were low milk production (95.6%, n = 136), death of livestock (96.8%, n = 136) and emaciation of animals (99.9%, n = 136). Crop farming was the most frequently reported animal trypanosomiasis adaptation strategy (66%, n = 136). At a 95% confidence interval, accessibility to livestock extension services (β = 7.61, SE = 3.28, df = 135, P = 0.02), years of livestock keeping experience (β = 6.17, SE = 1.95, df = 135, P = 0.001), number of cattle owned (β = 5.85, SE = 2.70, df = 135, P = 0.03) and membership in associations (β = − 4.11, SE = 1.79, df = 135, P = 0.02) had a significant impact on the probability of adapting to animal trypanosomiasis
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Patterns of tsetse abundance and trypanosome infection rates among habitats of surveyed villages in Maasai steppe of northern Tanzania
    (BioMed Central, 2017) Ngonyoka, Anibariki; Gwakisa, Paul S.; Estes, Anna B.; Salekwa, Linda P.; Nnko, Happiness J.; Hudson, Peter J.; Cattadori, Isabella M.
    Background: Changes of land cover modify the characteristics of habitat, host-vector interaction and consequently infection rates of disease causing agents. In this paper, we report variations in tsetse distribution patterns, abundance and infection rates in relation to habitat types and age in the Maasai Steppe of northern Tanzania. In Africa, Tsetse-transmitted trypanosomiasis negatively impacted human life where about 40 million people are at risk of contracting the disease with dramatic socio-economic consequences, for instance, loss of livestock, animal productivity, and manpower. Methods: We trapped tsetse flies in dry and wet seasons between October 2014 and May 2015 in selected habitats across four villages: Emboreet, Loiborsireet, Kimotorok and Oltukai adjacent to protected areas. Data collected include number and species of tsetse flies caught in baited traps, PCR identification of trypanosome species and extraction of monitored Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) data from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MODIS). Results: Our findings demonstrate the variation of tsetse fly species abundance and infection rates among habitats in surveyed villages in relation to NDVI and host abundance. Results have shown higher tsetse fly abundance in Acacia-swampy ecotone and riverine habitats for Emboreet and other villages, respectively. Tsetse abundance was inconsistent among habitats in different villages. Emboreet was highly infested with Glossina swynnertoni (68%) in ecotone and swampy habitats followed by G. morsitans (28%) and G. pallidipes (4%) in riverine habitat. In the remaining villages, the dominant tsetse fly species by 95% was G. pallidipes in all habitats. Trypanosoma vivax was the most prevalent species in all infected flies (95%) with few observations of co-infections (with T. congolense or T. brucei). Conclusions: The findings of this study provide a framework to mapping hotspots of tsetse infestation and trypanosomiasis infection and enhance the communities to plan for effective control of trypanosomiasis.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Potential impacts of climate change on geographical distribution of three primary vectors of African Trypanosomiasis in Tanzania's Maasai Steppe: G. m. morsitans, G. pallidipes and G. swynnertoni
    (National Library of Medicine (NLM), 2021) Nnko, Happiness Jackson; Ngonyoka, Anibariki; Gwakisa, Paul Simon; Sindato, Calvin; Estes, Anna Bond
    In the Maasai Steppe, public health and economy are threatened by African Trypanosomiasis, a debilitating and fatal disease to livestock (African Animal Trypanosomiasis -AAT) and humans (Human African Trypanosomiasis-HAT), if not treated. The tsetse fly is the primary vector for both HAT and AAT and climate is an important predictor of their occurrence and the parasites they carry. While understanding tsetse fly distribution is essential for informing vector and disease control strategies, existing distribution maps are old and were based on coarse spatial resolution data, consequently, inaccurately representing vector and disease dynamics necessary to design and implement fit-for-purpose mitigation strategies. Also, the assertion that climate change is altering tsetse fly distribution in Tanzania lacks empirical evidence. Despite tsetse flies posing public health risks and economic hardship, no study has modelled their distributions at a scale needed for local planning. This study used MaxEnt species distribution modelling (SDM) and ecological niche modeling tools to predict potential distribution of three tsetse fly species in Tanzania's Maasai Steppe from current climate information, and project their distributions to midcentury climatic conditions under representative concentration pathways (RCP) 4.5 scenarios. Current climate results predicted that G. m. morsitans, G. pallidipes and G swynnertoni cover 19,225 km2, 7,113 km2 and 32,335 km2 and future prediction indicated that by the year 2050, the habitable area may decrease by up to 23.13%, 12.9% and 22.8% of current habitable area, respectively. This information can serve as a useful predictor of potential HAT and AAT hotspots and inform surveillance strategies. Distribution maps generated by this study can be useful in guiding tsetse fly control managers, and health, livestock and wildlife officers when setting surveys and surveillance programs. The maps can also inform protected area managers of potential encroachment into the protected areas (PAs) due to shrinkage of tsetse fly habitats outside PAs.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Seasonal variation of tsetse fly species abundance and prevalence of trypanosomes in the Maasai Steppe, Tanzania.
    (PupMed, 2017) Nnko, Happiness J.; Ngonyoka, Anibariki; Salekwa, Linda; Estes, Anna B.; Hudson, Peter J.; Gwakisa, Paul S.; Cattadori, Isabella M.
    Tsetse flies, the vectors of trypanosomiasis, represent a threat to public health and economy in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite these concerns, information on temporal and spatial dynamics of tsetse and trypanosomes remain limited and may be a reason that control strategies are less effective. The current study assessed the temporal variation of the relative abundance of tsetse fly species and trypanosome prevalence in relation to climate in the Maasai Steppe of Tanzania in 2014-2015. Tsetse flies were captured using odor-baited Epsilon traps deployed in ten sites selected through random subsampling of the major vegetation types in the area. Fly species were identified morphologically and trypanosome species classified using PCR. The climate dataset was acquired from the African Flood and Drought Monitor repository. Three species of tsetse flies were identified: G. swynnertoni (70.8%), G. m. morsitans (23.4%), and G.pallidipes (5.8%). All species showed monthly changes in abundance with most of the flies collected in July. The relative abundance of G. m. morsitans and G. swynnertoni was negatively correlated with maximum and minimum temperature, respectively. Three trypanosome species were recorded: T. vivax (82.1%), T. brucei (8.93%), and T. congolense (3.57%). The peak of trypanosome infections in the flies was found in October and was three months after the tsetse abundance peak; prevalence was negatively correlated with tsetse abundance. A strong positive relationship was found between trypanosome prevalence and temperature. In conclusion, we find that trypanosome prevalence is dependent on fly availability, and temperature drives both tsetse fly relative
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Variation of tsetse fly abundance in relation to habitat and host presence in the Maasai Steppe, Tanzania
    (Wiley Online Library, 2017) Ngonyoka, Anibariki; Gwakisa, Paul S.; Estes, Anna B.; Nnko, Happiness J.; Hudson, Peter J.; Cattadori, Isabella M.
    Human activities modify ecosystem structure and function and can also alter the vital rates of vectors and thus the risk of infection with vector‐borne diseases. In the Maasai Steppe ecosystem of northern Tanzania, local communities depend on livestock and suitable pasture that is shared with wildlife, which can increase tsetse abundance and the risk of trypanosomiasis. We monitored the monthly tsetse fly abundance adjacent to Tarangire National Park in 2014–2015 using geo‐referenced, baited epsilon traps. We examined the effect of habitat types and vegetation greenness (NDVI) on the relative abundance of tsetse fly species. Host availability (livestock and wildlife) was also recorded within 100×100 m of each trap site. The highest tsetse abundance was found in the ecotone between Acacia‐Commiphora woodland and grassland, and the lowest in riverine woodland. Glossina swynnertoni was the most abundant species (68%) trapped throughout the entire study, while G. pallidipes was the least common (4%). Relative species abundance was negatively associated with NDVI, with greatest abundance observed in the dry season. The relationship with the abundance of wildlife and livestock was more complex, as we found positive and negative associations depending on the host and fly species. While habitat is important for tsetse distribution, hosts also play a critical role in affecting fly abundance and, potentially, trypanosomiasis risk.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    “Wild birds are our gold”: What livelihood implications does it hold for local communities in Chemba district, Tanzania?
    (Heliyon, 2023) Makupa, Enock; Philemon, Theresia; Ringo, Japhet; Ngonyoka, Anibariki
    Hunting wild birds for food, ornaments, and business purposes has been a longstanding practice in the Chemba district, and local communities consider the wild bird business as the "gold" that transforms their livelihoods. This article builds on a livelihood framework to document livelihoods gained from wild bird business across livelihood capitals at the household level. We conducted a 146-household survey, 16 interviews, 4 focus group discussions, and observations to gain field information that helped to develop the article. Results show that Quelea quelea species are the most targeted wild birds; however, other, non-targeted species were harvested in the study villages. There are significant livelihood contributions among wild bird hunters, processors, and sellers, with disproportionate benefits across the livelihood assets in the study area. The mean weekly income from selling live wild birds varies across the villages and ranges between USD 13.5 and 18.48. A significant difference is observed when comparing the income gained from selling roasted wild bird meat and selling live birds. The most commonly acquired physical assets are related to buying consumables to meet family needs, followed by buying livestock and bricks for the construction of houses. Those who engage in the wild bird business also diversify their livelihood strategies by engaging in farming and non-farming activities. We argue that, despite the different livelihoods gained from hunting and selling live or roasted wild birds’ meat, the practice in the study area should be regulated to ensure that the health of wild bird consumers and the ecological functions of the targeted wild bird species are not compromised. The article provides socio-ecological information that is useful in designing sustainable methods for harvesting Quelea quelea while protecting other bird species in central Tanzania and elsewhere with similar experiences.