Angela Mwakatobe

Bio: Angela Mwakatobe is an academic researcher. The author has contributed to research in topics: Crop yield & Biodiversity. The author has an hindex of 3, co-authored 4 publications receiving 49 citations.

The impact of crop raiding by wild animals in communities surrounding the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Abstract: Crop damage is a serious source of conflict in communities adjacent to protected areas. Data on crop raiding were collected through questionnaires in villages at different distances from the Serengeti National Park in northern Tanzania. Multiple response analyses were used to calculate the frequencies of the types of crops damaged, the levels of crops growth when damaged and the estimated economic losses caused per household. The results indicate that crop raiding differed significantly on farms along a distance gradient from the protected area. Baboons were reported to be the most destructive wild animals, followed by elephants, which were destructive especially in the villages located near the protected area. Wild animals caused significant economic losses for households. We recommend further studies on the crop yield gap caused by crop-raiding wild animals and human-primate conflict in communities around protected areas. For effective protection of crops from wild animals, we recommend that local communities adopt a combination of methods to reduce the levels of crop raiding. Key words: Crop raiding, Serengeti ecosystem, human-wildlife conflict, wild animals.

Parasitic mite, Varroa species (Parasitiformes: Varroidae) infesting the colonies of African honeybees, Apis mellifera scutellata (Hymenoptera: Apididae) in Tanzania

Abstract: Assessment of parasitic mites (Varroa spp) infesting the colonies of African honeybees (Apis mellifera scutellata) was conducted in 25 districts of Tanzania mainland from August, 2010 - May, 2012. The research investigated the occurrence, prevalence and examined diagnostic features of Varroa mite’s infestation in colonies. Purposive sampling was used in each district; three apiaries and hives were randomly selected for inspection. Interviews, direct observation and experimental set up were the main data collection techniques used to gather the information. The results revealed the presence of Varroa mites in honeybee in 23 (92%) out of 25 studied districts. Out of 175 inspected honeybee colonies, 85 (48%) were found infected with mites. Infestation levels showed significant relationship with changing altitudes, being highest (219 mite count) at altitudes ranging between 1201 and 1500 m a.s.l. The study showed that bee colonies were performing well probably that the African honeybees is adaptive and co-exist with the mites. Authorities are advised to come up with an urgent monitoring programme to determine mite infestation levels and its effects to honeybee colonies in the managed and feral colonies.

Income generation promote the participation of youth and women in beekeeping activities in Western Tanzania

Abstract: Participation of rural women and youth in beekeeping activities provides a unique opportunity to improve rural livelihood and hence poverty reduction. This paper explores the extent of accessibility of women and youth in beekeeping industry in Tanzania. Data were collected from Kigoma Region in Western Tanzania through Participatory questionnaire survey, Focus Group Discussions and Key Informant Interviews. Results indicate that women have explored their own niche in beekeeping industry by actively engaging in post harvesting of bee products. Income generation was the major reason for participating in beekeeping activities and beekeeping was ranked number one at the same level as agriculture as major sources of income. Post harvesting beekeeping, however, needs liquid capital investment which, limit women and youth to participate fully in the business. Cultural practices were also mentioned as other main hindrance for adult women and youth to participate in beekeeping activities. Nonetheless, presence of beekeeping groups and associations, community banks, forest reserves and beekeeping awareness campaigns in the areas provided opportunities for women and youth to participate in beekeeping. We recommend for strengthening and empowerment of beekeeping groups, associations and cooperatives with particular emphasis to women and youth to access credits facilities, donor supports and training. In order to increase income accrued from beekeeping activities, promoting and support of training on processing of secondary bee products to women and youth beekeepers are important. Stakeholder’s involvement in promoting and support beekeeping awareness campaigns is crucial to enhance the contribution of the sector for livelihood improvement and environmental conservation.

Honeybee health in Africa—a review

Abstract: Honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) pathogens and parasites and the negative effects thereof on honeybee populations remain an issue of public concern and the subject of active research. Africa with its high genetic diversity of honeybee sub-species and large wild population is also exposed to various factors responsible for colony losses in other parts of the world. Apart from the current American foulbrood epidemic in the Western Cape of South Africa, no large-scale colony losses have been reported elsewhere on the continent. We discuss the presence of pathogens, parasites, pests and predators of African honeybees as well as the threats they face in relation to habitat changes arising from the impact of increased human populations. In addition, we discuss current efforts aimed at protecting and promoting the health of African honeybees.

Scaling-Up the Use of Chili Fences for Reducing Human-Elephant Conflict Across Landscapes in Tanzania:

Abstract: Elephants (Loxodonta africana) raiding crops around Tanzanian national parks threaten farmers' lives and livelihoods, thus contributing to negative local attitudes towards wildlife. As a result, th...

Mobile Phone Use and Human-Wildlife Conflict in Northern Tanzania.

Abstract: Throughout the developing world, mobile phones are spreading rapidly into rural areas where subsistence livelihoods, biodiversity conservation, and human–wildlife conflict (HWC) are each common. Despite this trend, little is known about the relationship between mobile phones and HWC in conservation landscapes. This paper examines this relationship within ethnically Maasai communities in northern Tanzania on the border of Tarangire National Park. Mixed qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection and analysis are used to (1) describe how Maasai agro-pastoralists use phones to manage human–wildlife interactions; and (2) assess the relationship between phone use and measures of HWC, controlling for other factors. The findings indicate that households use phones to reduce the number and severity of HWC events and that the relationship between phones and HWC varies according to the type of HWC.