Agriculture is the main driver of deforestation in Tanzania

Reducing deforestation can generate multiple economic, social and ecological benefits by safeguarding the climate and other ecosystem services provided by forests. Understanding the relative contribution of different drivers of deforestation is needed to guide policies seeking to maintain natural forest cover. We assessed 119 randomly selected plots from areas deforested between 2010 and 2017, in Tanzania. Through ground surveys and stakeholder interviews we assessed the proximate deforestation drivers at each point. Crop cultivation was the most commonly observed driver occurring in 89% of plots, compared to livestock grazing (69%) and charcoal (35%). There was evidence of fire in 77% of plots. Most deforestation events involved multiple drivers, with 83% of plots showing signs of two or more drivers. Stakeholder interviews identified agriculture as the primary deforestation driver in 81% of plots, substantially more than charcoal production (12%), timber harvesting (1%) and livestock (1%). Policy-makers in Tanzania have sought to reduce deforestation by reducing demand for charcoal. However, our work demonstrates that agriculture, not charcoal, is the main driver of deforestation in Tanzania. Beyond protected areas, there is no clear policy limiting the conversion of forests to agricultural land. Reducing deforestation in Tanzania requires greater inter-sectoral coordination between the agriculture, livestock, land, energy and forest sectors

Intestinal helminthiasis in children in a suburb of Lagos, Nigeria: Evaluation of risk factors and habits

Various risk factors have been known to predispose children to intestinal helminths infections. We evaluated the impact of multisectoral risk factors on infection prevalence in school children using questionnaire and stool examination. Pupils' hawking habits, schools, classes, antihelminthic prophylaxis, parents' occupation and mothers' educational status were the significant risk factors identified. Logistic regression identified four of the aforementioned factors, age, sex, disposal of excreta and/or septic tanks overflow into open drainages as factors influencing prevalence in this population. Irregular deworming probably reduced the effect of prophylactic use of antihelminthic on prevalence. Hawkers (odds ratio = 3.78) and pupils living in faeces contaminated environs were identified as at risk groups. Public enlightenment campaigns on worms' infestation control strategies, including the reduction of environmental contamination with faeces should reduce intestinal helminthiasis in these children. African Journal of Clinical Experimental Microbiology Vol. 8 (2) 2007: pp. 107-11

The influence of energy policy on charcoal consumption in urban households in Tanzania

The sustainability of energy use in the residential sector has relevance for global initiatives to achieve sustainable development and limit climate change. Using the city of Dar es Salaam, in Tanzania, as a case study, we look at how national energy policy has influenced household cooking energy use between 1990 and 2018, and how energy policy could achieve further progress to realise national and global priorities. The study involved questionnaire surveys of households, retailers, transporters and producers of charcoal; semi-structured interviews with government officials and non-charcoal fuel suppliers; price data collection; a comparative analysis of prices and taxes for different cooking fuels; and policy and document review. Trends in energy policy and demand for different fuels, are compared. We find that Tanzania's national energy policies have focused on achieving an energy transition from biomass to electricity and fossil fuels, with an increasing focus on supply-side issues. Fiscal policy tools have been used effectively to reduce demand for kerosene, while increasing demand for liquefied petroleum gas. However, this has not resulted in a transition away from biomass, with most households using multiple fuels (fuel stacking). Charcoal remains the cheapest (excluding firewood) and most widely used fuel, reflecting the strong influence of price in consumer fuel choices. Energy policy needs to acknowledge the continued dominance of charcoal in urban energy use. In the context of rapid urbanisation and increased energy demand, there is a need for sustainable urban energy planning across a range of fuel types including charcoal, in ways that balance economic, social and environmental outcomes. Greater inter-sectoral coordination is needed to improve the sustainability of urban residential energy supplies