Contribution of Marine Protected Areas in Conserving Marine Ecosystems and Improving the Local Communities’ Livelihoods; A Case of the Mafia Island Marine Park (MIMP)

This study focused on investigating the contribution of marine protected areas (MPAs) in conserving marine ecosystems and improving the local communities’ livelihoods in the Mafia Island Marine Park (MIMP) in Tanzania. The study used both purposive sampling and simple random sampling methods to obtain 83 participants from the local community, MIMP staff, NGOs Mafia district staff and investors. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative approaches (a mixed-methods approach). Primary data was collected by using questionnaires and interview methods while secondary data were obtained from reports and publications. The results indicate that the MIMP has been able to redress marine ecosystems leading to increases in the size and abundance of marine organisms such as fish, turtles, and whale sharks, and restoration of marine forests. The MIMP has improved the local community’s livelihoods through providing funds for small-scale projects such as schools classroom building, and water supply projects, and enabling alternative income-generating activities such as seaweed and honeybee farming. In addition, tourism activities have increased, and fishing activities have been improved leading to increase of individual income and the national at large. The study concludes that the MIMP has encouraged and enhanced peoples’ feelings about the MIMP and has greatly contributed in conserving marine ecosystems and improving community’s livelihoods. Finally, the study recommends that the importance of MPAs should not be undermined. The involvement of local people and understanding their needs improve their attitudes and perceptions towards the MPAs. Keywords: Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), Ecosystem, Ecosystem Services, Livelihood

Leadership Styles and School Functioning: The case of Kilosa District Secondary Schools

The purpose of this study was to examine the role of heads of schools in setting school goals, mission and vision, clarifying the paths to subordinates by removing obstacles that are stopping them to achieve desired performance and reward strategies used to motivate teachers and students, the case of Kilosa district secondary schools. The study was conducted under three research tasks which guided the study. Firstly, to find out whether heads of schools clarify schools’ goals, mission and vision to teachers and students and know which way to go. Secondly, to find out if heads schools constantly monitor performance to remove impediments hindering students improved performance. Thirdly, to find out if school heads reward teachers and students as well as facilitate teacher’s professional development in secondary schools. The study employed qualitative approach. Thus, it is qualitative enquiry. Data were collected from Kilosa District in Morogoro Region. Random and purposive sampling procedures were adopted to sample 39 respondents including heads of schools, teachers and students. Data were collected through interviews, documentary review and observation, and analyzed using content analysis technique. The findings revealed that most schools had neither strategic nor whole plans. Some schools had no clear goals, visions or missions. Rewards were provided to teachers and students basing on performances in academic and extra-curricular activities with a tendency of both teachers and students appearing to perform better in aspects which are rewarded and poor where they are not rewarded. The study suggests that heads of schools must clarify goals, missions and visions, monitor performance and reward

Prevalence and factors associated with ongoing transmission of Schistosoma haematobium after 12 rounds of Praziquantel Mass Drug Administration among school age children in Southern Tanzania

Background: World Health Organization (WHO) recommends periodic praziquantel Mass Drug Administration (MDA) to vulnerable populations, especially school-aged children, to reduce the risk of transmission. In the S. haematobium endemic Lindi region, on the southeastern coast of Tanzania, praziquantel has been distributed for more than a decade (12 rounds) in schools. However, there is a paucity of data on the current burden and factors perpetuating ongoing urogenital schistosomiasis among SAC. The study investigated the prevalence and factors associated with the ongoing transmission of S. haematobium among school-age children (SAC) after 12 rounds of praziquantel in Nachingwea, Southern Tanzania. Material and methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted between May and June 2022 among 483 SAC in the Nachingwea district. Macrohematuria, microhaematuria, and S. haematobium eggs were assessed in the collected urine sample for each participant, using macroscopic observation, urine dipstick, and urine filtration techniques, respectively. Infection intensity was quantified for positive S. haematobium urine samples. Knowledge and attitudes towards schistosomiasis were assessed among participants through an interview-administered questionnaire, and water contact practices were registered through an observation checklist. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics, the Chi-square test, and logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of S. haematobium infection was 10.6%, with 0.6% (3/51) prevalence of heavy infection. The factors associated with S. haematobium persistence transmission were a habit of visiting the water bodies (AOR = 1.62, 95% CI: 0.40–1.96), swimming in the visited water bodies (AOR = 4.58, 95% CI: 1.72–12.19), using water from the river source (AOR = 3.79, 95% CI: 1.51–9.51) and attending Mkumba Primary School (17.4%; AOR = 6.12, 95% CI: 1.64–22.85). Conclusions: Findings suggest ongoing transmission of urogenital schistosomiasis in the Nachingwea District despite 12 rounds of praziquantel treatment, with a low prevalence of heavy infection (0.6%). Praziquantel distribution should be complemented with health education, especially on the cause and transmission of urogenital schistosomiasis to increase knowledge that will improve a good attitude towards schistosomiasis prevention. An adequate water supply is to be considered to reduce infections due to the visit to water sources for daily use