Comparative Analysis of Non-Infrastructural Impacts of Floods Case Study: 2011 And 2014 Floods in Dar Es Salaam

This study compared and analysed the non -infrastructural impacts of 2011 and 2014 floods disaster in Dar es Salaam. This study area particularly involved the 15 wards in Dar es Salaam. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected using different data collection methods.  The variety of data collection methods were used in this study in which qualitative data were collected through physical investigation/observation including visual inspections of damaged. Questionnaire was conducted to the affected households. Interview was conducted to the ward executive officers (WEOs) and district disaster focal point officer.  Consultation was conducted to the disaster management stakeholder. The findings of this study based on non-infrastructural impacts that occurred in 2011 and 2014 floods include death, damage to property mostly houses. Social impacts include disruption of social service such as school, water system and hospital. Environmental impacts include water and air pollution, destruction of ecosystem. Economic impacts such as the cost for rebuilding, medical treatment, food and shelter. Health impacts include eruption of diseases such as malaria, respiratory disease, and cholera.  The non-infrastructural impacts that are related to floods include death, property damage, economic, social, health, environment and safety and security.  The 2014 flood was more severe as it caused great impacts on infrastructures, economy, social services and environment. Due to lack of awareness, training and preparedness, the 2011 floods also caused great impacts in life and properties. Also, the response authorities did not respond accordingly. The study recommends that areas prone to flood should be mapped and the awareness of people on disaster risks should be created so as to reduce the occurrence of the impacts. Keywords: Non-infrastructural impacts; Flooding and Floods risks; Disaster; Coping strategies

Potentials of Private Sector and Civil Society Organizations in Investing in REDD+ in Tanzania

This paper discusses a study on the roles of private sector and civil society organizations in investing in Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD)for climate change disaster risk reduction in Tanzania. It goes on to assess the existing framework conditions for inclusion of private sector as partners in REDD+ activities, especially with the experience gained from some earlier REDD+ pilot projects in the country. The paper is based on the premise that, inclusion of private sector in the implementation of REDD+ activities will widen and better sustain forest conservation efforts and reduce dependence on government and development partners. Various data collection methods were employed in this study which included; key informants’ interviews, focus group discussion, in-depth interviews using structured questionnaire and literature review. The results indicated that 79% of respondents argued that the existing position for the private sector and civil society in the institution framework for REDD+ is limited and that there is a need to ensure clear position for the private sector and civil society organization. The conditions and incentives observed for private sector and civil society organization to invest in REDD+ were; 87% of the respondents said that private sector and civil society organization and  climate change issues should be mainstreamed into all policies, 89% of the respondents are aware of the impacts of climate change and its impacts on the business investment,  78% of the respondents are willing to participate in climate change adaptation and mitigation initiatives such as REDD+, 77% of respondents see the future of REDD+ and that it needs to be sustained for climate change related risk reduction in Tanzania. Keywords: REDD+, Climate change, Disaster Risk reduction, Private sector, Civil society Organization

Occurrence and Fate of Antibiotics as Trace Contaminants in Wastewater Collection and Disposal Systems - Case Study: University of Dar es Salaam Wastewater Stabilization Ponds, in Tanzania

Antibacterial agents (Antibiotics) are emerging micro-contaminants in institutional and municipal wastewater and the aquatic environment. These substances enter wastewater effluents via urine and faeces and by improper disposal of domestic and or medical waste. An environmental analytical study was conducted at the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) Waste Stabilization Ponds (WSP). These ponds  receives and treats influents from students’ halls of residence and staff quarters (domestic effluents) as well as hospital effluent sources. The study focused on seven (7) antibiotics commonly used in human therapy, which include Ciprofloxacin, Flucloxacillin, Erythromycin, Ampicillin, Penicillin-V, Amoxycillin and Cloxacillin. In hospital wastewater, the detected antibiotics ranged from 0.98 - 7.10 µg/l, while in student’s halls of residence, the range was 0.2- 1.47μg/l. In WSP influent and effluent concentrations ranged from 8.89 to 63.75µg/l and 1.51 to 28.01µg/l, respectively. The concentration in the sewage sludge was from 72.12 to 370µg/l. Results of this study indicated that significant amount of antibiotics remain in the treatment plants during wastewater treatment process, through sorption to sewage sludge. This suggests that wastewater treatment options currently applicable in Tanzania including different sanitation options should now be designed taking into account the presence of trace concentrations of antibiotics for the purpose of sanitation and environmental protection at large. Keywords: Antibacterial Agents and Wastewater Stabilization Ponds

Assessment of Flood Risk Perception and Coping Strategies in Flood Prone Areas: The Case of Msasani Bonde La Mpunga, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

In recent years, perception of flood risks has become an important topic to policy makers concerned with flood risk management and safety issues. Knowledge of public risk perception is considered a crucial aspect in flood risk management as it steers the development of effective and efficient flood mitigation measures. The aim of this study is to assess the flood risk perception of residents of Msasani Bonde la Mpunga in Dar es Salaam city and identify the residents coping strategies to flood hazard. The research employed both quantitative and qualitative techniques for data collection using household structured questionnaires and Focus Group Discussions (FGD). Flood awareness, flood experience, degree of worry are the variables used in this study to assess flood risk perception level among residents of Msasani Bonde la Mpunga neighborhood. Results show that flood risk perception was high among the household respondents of Msasani Bonde la Mpunga. Women in particular had high flood risk perception than men. Furthermore, a correlation analysis revealed that flood risk perception had a positive correlation with flood coping strategies, which implies high level of household respondent’s perception to floods may lead to household resident’s adoption of flood coping strategies. Keywords: flood risk perceptions, coping strategies, flood risk managemen

Spatial Distribution of Fluoride Concentration in Drinking Water Sources in Northern Tanzania

Study on Fluoride concentration levels and spatial distribution was carried out in a total of 366 drinking water sources in Arusha city, Ngorongoro, Arumeru, Monduli, Karatu, Meru, and Longido districts in Arusha Region, Northern Tanzania. The main objective of the study was to map occurrence and level of Fluoride concentrations in the existing and potential sources of drinking water supply in the case study areas. Determination of Fluoride concentration was analysed by electrochemical methods using a Fluoride ion selective electrode. The obtained results indicate that out of the 22 water sources assessedin Arusha city, only 14 (63%) meets the recommended Fluoride concentration level (4 mg/L) for drinking water standards of Tanzania. In Karatu district out of the 22 water sources assessed, 9 sources (41%) do not meet the Tanzania standards of Fluoride concentration levels in drinking water sources, while in Longido all 18 boreholes had Fluoride concentration levels above the recommended Tanzania standards. Out of the 11 assessed spring water sources, 6 (55%) had concentration above the recommend levels. However, Fluoride concentrations in all rivers in Longido district were found to be within the allowable standards. In Monduli district 2 dug wells had Fluoride concentration between 0.34 and 1.0 mg/L, respectively. Fluoride concentration in Lake Manyara was found to be as high as 18 mg/L, which is far beyond the recommended concentration level in Tanzania as well as by World Health Organization (WHO). Fluoride concentrations in almost all spring water sources in Monduli district have Fluoride concentrations allowable both by Tanzania and WHO standards. In Meru district the percentage of water sources with Fluoride concentration within the allowable levels in Tanzania and can thus can be tapped for safe water supply are boreholes 64.3%, springs 66.7%, shallow wells 25.7% and rivers 71.5%. In Arusha District springs constitute the main water source. Out of these 77% have Fluoride concentration within Tanzania allowable standards. As for Ngorongoro out of 51 water sources assessed only 4 have Fluoride concentration above 4.0 mg/L, suggesting a major leeway and flexibility in terms of selection of water supply sources in this district. Results of this study indicate a challenging situation in terms of selection of source of safe water supply in Arusha city and Meru district as many of their water sources have Fluoride concentration above the permissible levels in Tanzania. However, the situation is different in Karatu, Longido and Monduli, Arumeru and Ngorongoro districts where substantial water sources have Fluoride concentration within levels acceptable for drinking water supply in Tanzania. Keywords: Fluoride Concentrations, Allowable Concentration levels, Drinking Water Source

Insuring Disaster Risks in Tanzania: Challenges and Opportunities

The study aimed at characterizing the background and status of the insurance industry in relation to disaster risk management and analyzes the challenges and opportunities associated with insuring Disaster related risks in Tanzania. Ten insurance companies both local and foreign in Dar es Salaam region were involved in the study. The study used case study approach and employed both qualitative and quantitative methods of data analysis. The study covered the 2004 to 2012 period. The study found that despite the fact that from the historical development of the insurance industry globally and in the country disasters were not insured as they were and are still considered as uninsurable because of the catastrophic nature and the significant cost they impose to a particular company when they are realized.  It was also found that several challenges exist for the industry in covering disaster risks such as the reluctance of large reinsurance market players to invest in the development of small risk market. Also lack of regulatory frameworks, lacking data on disaster risk, a lack of a culture of risk financing, and Lack of insurance culture, Urbanization and unplanned settlements were identified as challenges. However the following some of the identified opportunities available in insuring disaster risks in Tanzania include the creation of a pool of large customer base for insurers providing disaster covers to bring business in the companies to increase income. This study concludes that, if people are taking or purchasing other forms of insurance policies, they can also purchase disaster related policies too. Key words; Insurance Business, Insurer, Insured, catastrophe and disaste