1

In this issue, you will find:

Message from the Director General: P1 COSTECH celebrates Zanzibar Research and Innovation Day: P2

COSTECH hands over a new research Lab to ARI -Kizimbani: P3

COSTECH bids farewell to three of its staff: P4 Eng. Omar Bakari appointed as a new SIDO boss: P5

Swiss Minister for Education and Research visits COSTECH: P6 Dar rules out Biotech penalty repeal: P7

PM: Make more use of local researchers: P8 Amb. Manongi calls for research to find solutions to the poor: P9

History as IITA researchers grow 'seed yams in the air': P10 5 Ways to protect yourself from cell phone radiation: P11

Plea for safety in uranium mining: P12 Scientific research report: P13

Pictorial: P14 Upcoming Events: P14

December Issue No.025

Message from the Director General

Dear readers, On behalf of the COSTECH team I would like to welcome you all to the December issue of our e-newsletter and wish you the very best on the holidays season. In this issue you will come to learn about the involvement of COSTECH in the cerebration of the Golden Jubilee of the Zanzibar Revolution. COSTECH was among the organizers of the Zanzibar Research and Innovation Day whereby the event brought together researchers, students, community, policy makers, media, funding bodies, NGOs and developmental partners to discuss issues pertaining to research, at the same time the event provided an opportunity for researchers to showcase their research findings and grassroots innovators to showcase innovation products, talents, and creativity. I am thankful to the H.E Dr. Ali Mohammed Shein, the President of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, who through that day promised to increase the budget for research and development activities in Zanzibar. As we have successively managed to see to the end of the year 2013, let me take this opportunity to thank all of you who contributed greatly to make sure COSTECH fulfill its objectives. This year was marked with a lot of successes that anyone could not imagine. As the Commission, we were able to continue to provide support to human resources development, support research infrastructures, support research projects, support small and medium enterprises and commercialize their products; support cluster development initiatives, grassroots innovations; establish various professional platforms, build strong partnership with the outside world, and more importantly, finalize the Zanzibar Research Priority document and the National Research Agenda. We trust that all this could not have been done without much of your support. We are proud of the above achievements and we look forward to fulfilling more on the coming year. We are committed to continue promoting the use of research findings to enable policy, planning, legal, and in various disciplines; to enhance research in all areas of the national priorities; to promote the use of technology for sustainable development, and to continue raising awareness of science, technology and innovation in society. May I again take this opportunity to remind you that as a nation, Tanzania still faces a lot of challenges which include: climate change, environment, health, energy, space administration, ICT, food security, etc. The COSTECH needs your inputs to address these problems and other national priority areas. As you read along, I hope you will be able to discover other events that took place at the COSTECH during this month which we thought we ought to share with you. With these few words, let me take this opportunity to thank you for continuing to be part of the COSTECH community, and welcome you to contribute to our e-newsletter in the future issues. Regards, Dr. Hassan Mshinda DIRECTOR GENERAL.

2

By Merchades M. Rutechura

As part of commemorating the Golden Jubilee of the Revolution of Zanzibar, the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH), in collaboration with the State University of Zanzibar (SUZA), the Second Vice President Office, and the Zanzibar College of Health Sciences (ZCHS), organized a special day focusing on Research

and Innovation within the theme, “Advancing knowledge, encouraging creativity and promoting evidence- cased decisions.” The event which took place at the Zanzibar Beach Resort on the 19th December, 2013 was officiated by H.E Dr. Ali Mohammed Shein, the President of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, who among other things urged researchers, scientists, and innovators, to create a forum that will enable them to share knowledge and promote technology in the country. Dr. Shein also urged researchers to share research findings with decision and policy makers and also promised that his government will continue to embrace those findings when making decisions. He further promised to increase the budget for research and development activities in Zanzibar. He also revealed that his government is in the final stages of formulating the Zanzibar Research Agenda which intends to guide planning for research programmes, projects and activities in the country.

“The Zanzibar Research Agenda focuses on National research priority areas, possible themes, giving direction to managers at all levels, researchers and the academia as well as development partners as they plan and fund their related research activities,” he noted. The Zanzibar Research Agenda also provides evidence necessary for decision making in line with national priorities.

Fig. 1: H.E Dr. Ali Mohammed Shein, the

President of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar (middle), addresses researchers, scientists, and innovators, decision and policy makers during the Zanzibar Research and Innovation Day

“I urge research and academic institutions and other stakeholders to therefore promote, plan and undertake research that is in line with the research agenda with the intention to deliver quality evidence to matters of national priorities, “ he added. Delivering the message from COSTECH on research and development activities in Tanzania, the COSTECH Director General Dr. Hassan Mshinda hailed the President of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, H.E Dr.

Mohammed Shein for establishing the Directorate of Policy, Planning and Research in every ministry (16 ministries) and promised to work with these units to deliver evidence-informed decisions for policy making, good governance and for sustainable development by using research findings. He revealed that the Commission has received the fund from the Department of International Development (DFID), in the United

Kingdom – part of which will be used for human development, education, water, and strengthen the component of promoting evidence-based decisions to Zanzibar researchers, policy and decision makers. The main objective of holding the Research and Innovation Day is to showcase and promote research and

innovation activities in Zanzibar with specific focus on: exhibiting research related products across higher learning Institutions, Research and Development Institutions, grassroots innovators, policy makers, planners and the community. The event also promoted networking among researchers, students, community, policy makers, media, funding bodies, NGOs and developmental partners at the same time provided an opportunity for researchers to showcase their research findings and grassroots innovators to showcase innovation products, talents, creativity and sensitize Science and Technology Agenda to the Society.

3

By Merchades M. Rutechura

On 30th December, 2013 the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH), handed over a newly-built research laboratory to the Kizimbani Agricultural Research Institute, in Zanzibar. The event was officiated by the Zanzibar’s First Vice President, Hon. Seif Sharif Hamad. Delivering the message from COSTECH, the COSTECH Director General Dr. Hassan Mshinda hailed the ARI Kizimbani’s integrity in spending the fund allocated for the refurbishment and building a new laboratory noting that the fund was spent in a modest way. “COSTECH has had few issues with some of research institutions concerning the immodest expenditure of the fund allocated to them for infrastructure development, but surely I tell you, ARI Kizimbani is not one of them,” He then revealed that apart from supporting infrastructure development projects, COSTECH provides sponsorship to Zanzibar students to study at local universities at masters and PhD level, and also supports various projects. “Fulfilling all these responsibilities is not COSTECH’s favor to Zanzibar but rather its responsibility to make sure the organization promote research in both Tanzania mainland and the isles,” he emphasized.

Fig. 2: The newly-built Kizimbani research laboratory.

Fig. 3: The Director General of COSTECH, Dr. Hassan Mshinda, plants a historical coconut tree as a sign of opening the

ARI- Kizimbani Laboratory.

Fig. 4: The First Vice President, Hon. Seif

Sharif Hamad (in a black suit), poses for

a group picture with the Zanzibar top-

officials, the Director General of

COSTECH, together with the Kizimbani

Researchers.

Delivering the opening remarks Hon. Seif Sharif Hamad commended the COSTECH for supporting various projects in Zanzibar and noted that for a few months since its launch in Zanzibar, the organization has

managed to accomplish a lot of projects that some of the union institutions have not. Honorable Hamad urged the COSTECH to make sure it works very closely with researchers and research institutions in order to make science, technology and innovation become the driving forces for Tanzania’s economy. He also urged Zanzibari researchers to use the laboratory to maximize agricultural products, increase value addition in agricultural produce especially research on rice, which is the Zanzibar’s staple food. He revealed the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar value the importance of using to deliver evidence-informed decisions for policy making, good

governance and for sustainable development that is why established the Directorate of Policy, Planning and Research in every ministry. “Through these units, we expect that research findings will be announced, published, analysed and reach the end users,” he added.

In early January 2013 the COSTECH granted Tshs. 722,857,000.00 million for the construction of a new laboratory and renovation of existing ones. The new laboratory, which is equipped with modern equipment, will serve as a soil sample lab, cold room, green house, screen house, seedlings production and agribusiness incubation.

4

By Merchades M. Rutechura

On 20th December, 2013 the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH), bid farewell to three of its staff namely Dr. John Kasonta, Mr. Mgogiley Fivawo and Mrs. Asia Kapoli, who retired from the public service after attaining the official retirement age. The farewell party took place at the COSTECH Conference hall. Representing the Director General, the Director of Innovation, Entrepreneuship and Competitiveness Dr. Dugushilu Mafunda revealed that Mr. Fivawo joined the COSTECH in the early 1980s and has served the organization for about 33 years. He commended Mr. Fivawo for devoting most of his time for COSTECH noting that in these days, it is probably a luck thing for an employee to stay at the same organization for more than twenty years. Dr. Mafunda revealed that Mr. Fivawo was one kind man, determined, and someone who could mingle with employee. “As far as I can remember, I have never gotten into conflict with, or hearing from someone that Mr. Fivawo has bothered him,” Dr. Mafunda added. He added that apart being a technician, Mr. Fivawo once served as the Secretary for RAAWU COSTECH, and was an active member of the COSSACOSS.

Fig. 5: Ms. Bestina Daniel pours some champagne onto Mr. Fivawo’s glass as sign of saying, “We’ll always miss your company.”

Fig. 6: Dr. John Kasonta listens very attentively to Dr. Mafunda’s tribute during the farewell party.

Fig. 7: Across-section of COSTECH employees during the farewell party.

Dr. Mafunda also revealed Dr. Kasonta was one of the resource persons to the organization since he joined the Commission in 1990. He describe him as a perosn who has published extensively in different research areas of science and technology.

“By realizing his high potential, in 2007, COSTECH promoted Dr. Kasonta to become a Chief

Research Officer, and in 2008, he was transferred to the Ministry of Communication, Science and Technology to assist in the

implementation of its policies,” he added. As for Mrs. Asia Kapoli, popularly known as ‘Mama Kapoli,’ who was the Personal Secretary, Dr. Mafunda noted that she was the woman of the people who devoted most of her time to fight for workers’ welfare. “Since 1983 when Mama

Kapoli joined COSTECH, she has participated in the national leadership of the RAAWU, and

was an active member of the COSTECH SACOSS. Without her some of the benefits we are enjoying as employees would have not been realized,” he concluded. All retirees worked away with a certain amount of corrugated iron sheets, bags of cements, and some amount of cash, as part of the COSTECH’s retirement

benefits.

5

By Merchades M. Rutechura

On December 16th, 2013, the President of the United Republic of Tanzania H.E Dr. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete appointed the COSTECH Senior Research Officer Eng. Omar Jumanne Bakari as a new Small Industries Development Organization (SIDO) Director General. According to a statement issued by the President’s Directorate of Communication, through the Chief Secretary Ambassador Ombeni Sefue, Eng. Bakari’s appointment started officially on 4th December, 2013. Holding a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Engineering from the Sokoine University of Agriculture and an MBA (Marketing) from the University of Dar es Salaam, Engineer Omar Jumanne Bakari is a Harvard Alumna on Innovation for Economic Development and the World Bank Institute on Innovation Policy for Developing Countries. He is an expert on Innovation and Entrepreneurship working at the Directorate of Competitiveness, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology. As a Business Advisor and Innovation and competitiveness expert he participated in a number of technical meetings organized by both local and international organizations such as the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), East African Community, World Bank, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNCTAD, ECOSOC as an individual and representing

the country. He has experience in working with private sector locally and internationally for more than ten years.

Fig. 8: Eng. Omar Jumanne Bakari addresses

the participants (not pictured) at the high

level dialogue during the Zanzibar Research

and Innovation day held in December 19th

,

2013.

He is a member of the board of trustee of the Tanzania Entrepreneurship and Competitive Centre. He is a secretary of the Pan African Competitive Program which promote Cluster Development program supported by SIDA (This is a program which facilitates the linkages between academia, privates sector and the government) where he managed to coordinate and facilitate the establishment of more than thirty clusters in the country. He is a National Steering Committee member of Tanzania – Finland Information Knowledge Project (TANZICT) under the Ministry of Communication Science and Technology. He participated on the establishment of the first ICT – Incubator in the country with INFODEV – World Bank and also the

establishment of Innovation fund to support ICT Innovative Entrepreneurs. He recently developed the draft Science Park Strategy for Tanzania in

collaboration with Innopolis expert from South Korea. He is one of five African Certified Trainer and Facilitator in Managing Innovation designed by CENTRIM- University of Brighton - UK. He has done some consultant works with the UNESCO, ICON – International – German and other public and private sector organizations and also has worked with Engineers

Registration Board as a Judge. He is one of the team members in the establishment of Human Development Fund. This is a-30 -million Pound project funded by DFID - UK to support Innovation in Water and Sanitation, Health and Education). He is interested on strengthening National Innovation System, promoting use of Science and Technology and Innovation for business competitiveness (Incubation and Clusters). He also promotes Inclusive Innovation, financial inclusion, and procurement to promote innovation and disruptive innovation for public service performance. We, at COSTECH, wish Eng. Bakari the very best in his new appointment, and hold hope that he will lead the organization to a better SIDO we all so desire to see.

6

By Merchades M. Rutechura

On the 19th December, 2013 the Swiss Minister for Education, Research and Innovation Mr. Mauro Dell’Ambrogio visited the Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH) to discuss issues pertaining to research and innovation. The minister led a delegation of six more Swiss government officials, including Ambassador Mauro Moruzzi, Head of International Relations, Prof. Marcel Tanner, Director of Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Prof. Patrick Aebischer, President of Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Prof. Jean-Claude Bolay, Sociologist and Head of Cooperation, Prof. Gilles Carbonnier, Economist, Graduate Institute of Development Studies, together with Prof. Luca Crivelli, Economist at the University of Italian-speaking Switzerland. The delegation took part in the celebration of the Zanzibar Research and Innovation Day which took place the same day as part of commemorating the Golden Jubilee Anniversary (50 years) of the Revolution of Zanzibar. While in Zanzibar, the delegation managed to meet and hold a discussion with the Second Vice President, Ambassador Seif Ali Iddi who among other things told them that Zanzibar is in the final process of establishing the Zanzibar Research Priorities, a document that guides

the implementation of research activities based on the priorities set by the Zanzibar Presidential Research Committee in collaboration with the Planning Commission.

Fig.9: The Second Vice President, Ambassador Seif Ali Iddi (with grey hair), holds a discussion with the Swiss Minister for Education, Research and Innovation Mr. Mauro Dell’Ambrogio (first right) together with his entourage.

Fig.10: Swiss Minister for Education, Research and Innovation Mr. Mauro Dell’Ambrogio greets the audience during the Zanzibar Research and Innovation Day. Led by the Director General of COSTECH Dr. Hassan Mshinda, the delegation had an opportunity to visit some places in Tanzania where

research and innovation is regarded as a core function including the Ministry of Communication, Science and Technology, Ifakara Health Institute – Mikocheni and Bagamoyo

Centre, REPOA, and some of higher learning institutions. The delegation witnessed some of the ongoing research activities through round table discussions and short presentations of

innovation-focused activities made by representatives of key Universities and start-up companies in the country. Holding a talk with the

COSTECH Director General, Mr. Mauro Dell’Ambrogio promised to strengthen collaboration between Tanzania and the Switzerland, especially on Massive Online Open Courses (MOOCS) to State University

of Zanzibar (SUZA), Ifakara Health Institute and the Open University of Tanzania – a project which will be monitored by COSTECH. He also promised to build capacity to young researchers and scientists especially on commercialization of mosquito research results of the malaria vaccine trial and also build capacity

The meeting between COSTECH and the Swiss Minister for Education, Research and Innovation also led the Graduate Institute of Geneva to expressed interest in establishing an Executive Program on oil and gas for Tanzania citizen a call that was received with great pleasure by the Director General of COSTECH.

7

By Orton Kiishweko December 18th, 2013

THE government has ruled out a review and repeal of a legal clause that holds everyone liable to punitive sanction —from developers, financiers and other partners, down to the last sales outlet, should anything go wrong in the development and utilisation of agricultural biotechnology. In an interview with the ‘Daily News‘ in Dar es Salaam, the Director of Environment in the Vice President's Office, Dr Julius Ningu, said the president has decided not to review the law. He added, however, that the government has given a goeaheadto scientists to go ahead with research into the safety of biotechnology before any further step is taken. ‘We want local researchers to do research into safety of the crops. So, if researchers do those trials, then we are sure of their safety. The researchers can do their research and determine that safety,’ he said. He explained that as a government, they have met and decided that researchers in public institutions, including the Commission for Science and Technology, among others, were their employees and hence they were accountable for any research finding they make. According to him, the Attorney General has said that the clause should not be removed,’ he said. The decision, not to amend some of the critical clauses is a blow to scientists who have always

argued that scientific inquiry must take its course because the government needs to make its policy decision on ‘sound scientific evidence.’ Commenting on the development in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday, the Principal Research Officer of the Mikocheni Agriculture Research institute (MARI), Dr Alois Kullaya, said there were still fears among localscientists regarding the existing legal framework as to whether they can take on the task into biotech or not. Dr Kullaya, who is also Coordinator for Water Efficient Maize for Africa ONEMA), initiative noted that local scientists say that the ‘strict liability clause in the country's regulatory framework ‘is so prohibitive that even Tanzanian experiments involving regional biotech programmes have had to be done on foreign soil. ‘Tanzania is currently implementing a regional collaborative project known as Water Efficient Maize for Africa (WEMA), aimed at developing drought resistant maize varieties along with Kenya and Uganda in East Africa, as well as Mozambique and South Africa within the SADC region. But further progress beyond ‘mocktrials’ at an experimental farm at Makutopora in Dodoma has been held back pending current consultations that could pave the way for the partners, Melinda and Bill Gates Foundation, the

Nairobi-based African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) and others, to proceed to the next steps that could lead to Tanzania‘s first commercial GM maize, possibly by 2017 as earlier envisaged. The defining moment for Tanzania had come at a consultative meeting held on September 13, 2010, bringing together the country's decision-makers and top lawyers from the Vice- President's Office (VPO), Ministries of Agriculture Food Security and Co-operatives; Communication, Science and Technology; Livestock Development and Fisheries and other stakeholders, to discuss the implications of the 2009 Bio-safety Regulations. At issue were three clauses that ‘appeared’ to hinder effective research and development in GM technology in Tanzania, namely, the Precautionary Principle; Strict Liability and a Requirement for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) at the level of doing any research in agricultural biotechnology. In particular, the ‘Strict Liability‘ clause states that ‘a person who imports, arranges transit, makes use of releases or places on the market a GMO or product of a GMO shall be strictly liable for any harm caused by such a GMO or product of a GMO‘ and that ‘the harm shall be compensated.’ Source: http://www.touch.dailynews.co.tz/index.php/local-news/25978-dar-rules-out-biotech-penalty-repeal

8

By Guardian Reporter

23 December, 2013

Public institutions, agencies and departments should make the best use of local researchers as among requisites of attaining sustainable development. The advice was given by Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda when he officially inaugurated the Mzumbe University (MU), Dar es Salaam campus on Saturday. Pinda, who also commissioned a five-storey building at the campus, said there was no reason for the government to hire foreign researchers and consultants for activities that can be performed by local experts. “The government trusts local experts for they know our environment better than foreign ones,” he said. Giving the example of MU, he said the higher learning institution has for the past six decades of its existence become one of the strongest and most reputable academic institutions in Tanzania. He therefore challenged leaders in the country to make good use of it. “Utilise the brains at the MU,” he told senior government officials who attended the event. He said it can conduct studies that help the government solve challenges in various fields. Turning to the MU leadership, he urged it to come up with tailor-made leadership and management courses for leaders and government officials.

“Such courses will help shape people holding government positions, but have never had such skills,” he said, adding that some people carry out their duties through experience.

Fig. 11: Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda

Pinda hailed MU for its decision to start training people expected to manage huge projects in mining as well as gas and oil fields. For better performance, he urged it to co-operate with countries that have more expertise in those fields. “Such countries as Norway and others know the sectors better…seek partnerships with them for you to know the nitty-gritty of the sectors,” he said. Pinda hailed the MU for doing well in gender balance, but called for more efforts to increase the number of female students in the various programmes being offered. Earlier, the MU Vice Chancellor Prof Joseph Kuzilwa, said the decision to build the complex

was mooted to cater for the growing number of people seeking to study at the MU. The building has three lecture theatres capable of taking 132 students each; a two-storey modern library; offices of the vice chancellor and the campus principal as well as a conference hall. Prof Kuzilwa said the campus will be opened for use this academic year for virtually all the programmes. “This will help the university to save more than 300m/- per year that was being spent on rent,” he explained. He said MU planned expansion of infrastructure and programmes and human resources. “Mzumbe is ready and committed to expand higher learning for many people in the country as a way of making progress in the education sector,” he said. The MU Dar es Salaam campus was established in 2005 with 146 students and two Master’s degree courses. A total of 1,052 students were enrolled by the Dar Campus this academic year, comprising 504 women and 548 men pursuing more than ten Master’s degree programmes. Expansion of the Dar Campus has greatly contributed to the growth of MU which now has about 8,000 students.

Source: The Guardian

9

By Correspondent 10

th December, 2013

Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the United Republic of Tanzania to the United Nations Tuvako Manongi said that since science and technology is a crosscutting issue then research and discoveries done by scientists and various professionals should be geared towards finding solution to the challenges facing poor people particularly in rural areas. He gave that statement when he took part in side event discussion that was discussing issues on, “Science as a future hope for sustainable development: its challenges and opportunities”. Ambassador Manongi was among the four discussants in the discussion organized jointly between the UNESCO and the International Council for Science (ICSU). Other discussants were Director of UNESCO in the United Nations, Ms. Bek Jensen, Mr. Gisbert Glaser, who is a Senior Consultant from ICSU, and Ms. Paula Caballero, Director of Economic Affairs, Social and Environmental Affairs Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Colombia. "When I talk to my parents in the village where I was born on the effect of environmental degradation including deforestation, the question they ask me is, what alternative do you offer to us? This is one part of the challenges that our expertise, through science, are required to provide answers to or provide alternatives for people who depend on forests for their livelihood," said Ambassador Mongi. He added that Tanzania, as that for other developing countries is convinced that science and technology has an invaluable role in

managing the implementation of sustainable development goals due to the fact that it touches every aspect of human development.

Fig. 12: Ambassador Tuvaku Manongi (2

nd right) stresses a point during the

side event discussion at the UN Headquarters.

He however noted that despite the developed nations acknowledge the importance of science and technology in development, the issue was not given its importance during the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) which are reaching the end by 2015. He said that Tanzania, which is one of 30 countries that have been identified as participating partners in governmental discussions to prepare new goals for sustainable development after 2015 (SDGs), will make sure the issue of science and technology and its implementation has been incorporated in the new goals. The side event discussion has been done at a time when delegates from around the world are at the UN Headquarters to attend phase six governmental discussion civil (Intergovernmental Negotiations), about preparation of new targets for sustainable development goals (SDGs) after in 2015. During the discussion Ambassador Manongi described the experience

of Tanzania as not only the development of policies governing the issues of science and technology, but also how the government in collaboration with internal and

external stakeholders has managed to expand the scope of application of science and technology by the enhancement of funding in higher learning institutions in the field of ICT especially by empowering women to take science subjects. He also noted that Tanzania, like many other African countries, is facing some of the challenges in implementing science and technology which include, the huge

gap of technology in the developed world as compared to the developing world, the problem of the exchange of knowledge and the wave of African experts abandoning their countries in search for a better life. He called for developed countries to continue extending their assistance to Tanzanians especially in the area of capacity building and exchange of knowledge. In this sixth phase of the discussion participants are concentrating, together with other issues, to discuss and exchange views on the implementation in the area of science, technology, exchange of knowledge and empowerment and its relationship to the new goals of sustainable development. The Tanzanian delegation in this discussion was led by Ambassador Tuvako Manongi, and involving the Director of the Department of International Cooperation, Ambassador Celestin Mushi, and Dr. Hassan Mshinda, the Director General of the Commission of Science and Technology (COSTECH). Translated by: Merchades M. Rutechura

Source: Michuzi blog

10

By Correspondent 23rd December 2013 Researchers at the Ibadan-based International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) have made history by growing seed yams in the air using aeroponics technology. The development raises hopes and more options for the propagation of planting materials that are free from virus and disease. In preliminary trials, Dr Norbert Maroya, Project Manager for the Yam Improvement for Incomes and Food Security in West Africa (YIIFSWA) project at IITA, together with a team of scientists propagated yam by directly planting vine cuttings in Aeroponics System (AS) boxes to produce mini-tubers in the air. Aeroponics System is the process of growing plants in an air or mist environment without the use of soil or an aggregate medium. The technology is widely used by commercial potato seed producers in Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda and other parts of eastern Africa as well as in Malawi, Mozambique and elsewhere in southern Africa. However, growing yam on aeroponics is a novelty for rapidly multiplying the much-needed clean seed yam tubers in large quantities. “With this approach we are optimistic that farmers will begin to have clean seed yams for better harvest,” Dr Maroya said on Friday.

Preliminary results showed that vine rooting in AS had at least 95 per cent success rate compared to vine rooting in carbonised rice husk with a maximum rate of 70 per cent, while rooting time was much shorter in aeroponics. Aeroponics is coming at an opportune time for African farmers. Traditionally, seed yam production is expensive and inefficient. Farmers save about 25 to 30 per cent of their harvest for planting the same area in the following season, meaning less money in their pockets. Moreover, these saved seeds are often infested with pathogens that significantly reduce farmers’ yield year after year. With an established AS for seed yam propagation at the premises of an interested private investor, seed company or humanitarian NGO however, yam producers can have access to clean seed yams. The soilless yam propagation system will increase the productivity of seed and ware yam and effectively reduce diseases and pest incidence and severity, as there are no soilborne or vector-transmitted pests or diseases during the vegetative phase. Dr Robert Asiedu, IITA Director for Western Africa described the results as “impressive”, adding: “Yam is an important crop in Africa and addressing the seeds’ constraint will go a long way in improving the livelihoods of farmers who depend on the crop for their livelihood.”

In conducting the aeroponics trial, a special structure was built in an existing screen house with Dixon shelf frames using perforated Styrofoam box, as support for plant vines. The developing roots of the plants in the air were meanwhile enclosed in conditions of total darkness to simulate the situation of soil to the roots. For the plant and tuber to develop, an automated power house system was established for atomising periodically a nutrient-enriched water solution in the form of mist to feed the plants. Founded in Nigeria in 1967, IITA is one of the world’s leading research partners committed to finding solutions to hunger, malnutrition and poverty. Its award-winning research for development approach addresses the development needs of tropical countries. The non-profit organisation works with partners to enhance crop quality and productivity, reduce producer and consumer risks, and generate wealth from agriculture. IITA works on a wide range of crops, mainly cowpea, soybean, banana/plantain, yam, cassava and maize. It is a member of CGIAR, a global agriculture research partnership for a food secure future. SOURCE: The Guardian

11

By Environmental Working Group December 14, 2013

Back in 1996, when the Federal Communications Commission set a legal maximum on cellphone radiation, Motorola was touting its tiny $2,000 StarTac, the first clamshell phone and an early adopter of texting!

Sixteen years later, cell phones—with 6 billion subscriptions worldwide and counting—have revolutionized how we communicate. The technology that powers them has changed just as dramatically. Today’s smartphones vibrate, rock out, show high-def movies, make photos and videos, issue voice commands, check email, go underwater, navigate with global positioning systems and surf the web in 3-D. Yet those 16-year-old FCC rules still stand. Are they protecting the public from radiation coming out of those multi-tasking marvels and the networks that enable them? We doubt it. Studies conducted by numerous scientific teams in several nations have raised troubling questions about possible associations between heavy cellphone use and serious health dangers. The World Health Organization has declared that cellphone radiationmay be linked to brain cancer. Ten studies connect cellphone radiation to diminished sperm count and sperm damage. Others raise health concerns such as altered brain metabolism, sleep disturbance, and behavioral changes in children. These studies are not definitive, and much more research is needed. But they raise serious questions that cast doubt on the adequacy of the FCC rules to safeguard public health.

The FCC emissions cap allows 20 times more radiation to reach the head than the body as a whole, does not account for risks to children’s developing brains and smaller bodies and considers only short-term cellphone use, not frequent calling patterns over decades.

Fig. 13: One of the uses of cellphone The FCC’s safety standards for cellphone radiation safety were based on studies conducted in the 1980s. These studies have long since been rendered obsolete by newer research. Yet for years the FCC refused to update or even review its standards. Instead, the federal agency simply sat on its hands while cellphones became ever more powerful and ubiquitous. The agency is finally moving to meet the realities of the 21st century and the Information Age. In June, FCC chairman Julius Genachowski circulated a proposal to his four fellow commissioners calling for formal review of the 1996 regulations. To advance, his plan must be approved by a majority of the commissioners. If they agree, the FCC could take the long overdue step of modernizing its safety standards. But the pace is likely to be glacial. Americans need new, more protective cellphone standards that

reflect the current science and society’s heavy dependence on mobile communications. Consumers need—now more than ever—real-world, relevant data on how much radiation their phones emit under various circumstances. The FCC does not require the cellphone industry to disclose these data. One important

study showing that certain networks could expose consumers to 30 to 300 times more radiation than other networks was hidden from the public until the information was dated to the point of irrelevancy. Given this appalling lack of information in the face of a cellphone market where just

about anything goes, the Environmental Working Group is suspending publication of the EWG guide to cellphones until the FCC makes the responsible decision to require cellphone makers to generate and disclose data about device and network emissions under real-world conditions. We strongly believe that as cellphones become more powerful and ubiquitous, it is critical that people have a right to know how much radiation they can expect their cellphones to generate. As things now stand, the FCC’s cellphone safety rules are as obsolete as the StarTac. In the meantime, here are 5 things you can do to protect yourself when using a cellphone: 1. Use a headset or a speaker. Choose either wired or wireless. If you go wireless, make sure to take your headset out of your ear when you’re not on a call. Use your phone in speaker mode. For more information about this story, please click here

12

By Orton Kiishweko Friday December 20th, 2013.

TANZANlA'S scientists have called for strict adherence to safety standards as the country seeks to move towards uranium mining. At a meeting in Dar es Salaam on Thursday by Tanzania Academy of Sciences (TAAS), dubbed ‘Uranium Mining: ls Tanzania ready?‘ scientists have stressed on the need to manage radiation risks and other uncertain consequences of exposure to radiation, the effects of which may remain latent for long periods. In his presentation, titled ‘Uranium Mining (Safety and Security),' Mr Dennis Mwalongo of the Tanzania Atomic Energy Commission (TAEC) said there is need to make certain consideration in the uranium mining life cycle, which comprises all the activities involved in the production of natural uranium. “All these stages create radiological and non- radiological waste, health, safety and environment. There is need to manage radiation risks,‘ he said "Also uranium is unique and differs from, for example, coal, copper, gold or iron because it is raw material from which nuclear weapons are made,” he said. He said uranium export control and accountancy is essential for reasons of good governance to protect the public and companies against theft and other criminal activities, to protect government revenue, including royalties and taxes. He noted that there was need to maintain international confidence in the security and safety of the

nuclear industry, adding that independent assessment of the regulatory preparedness is vital for sustainable uranium mining. He called for considerations of nuclear safety to protect people and environment from harmful effects of ionizing radiation and nuclear security, to protect persons, property, society and the environment from harmful consequences of a nuclear security event. He noted that there was need to maintain international confidence in the security and safety of the nuclear industry, adding that independent assessment of the regulatory preparedness is vital for sustainable uranium mining. Other calls were for protection of employees and the public from all conventional mining hazards to airborne contaminants, ground stability and structure, geological and hydro-geological conditions, storage and handling of explosives and mine flooding. He asked those in the industry to ensure compliance with the occupational and public dose limits laid down in Atomic Energy Act.No.7 of 2003. “The regulations classify, according to risk, site personnel and work areas that are subject to radiation exposure,” he said. TAEC Director General, Prof lddi Mkilaha called for planning and carefully monitoring of employees and contractor doses, radioactive discharges and emissions as well as resulting environmental concentrations and exposure rates.

On water quality, he called for developing and implementing of site-specific water management practices that meet defined water-quality objectives for surface and ground waters focusing particular attention on potable water. On environmental protection, he urged for overall avoidance of the pollution of water, soil and air, optimise the use of natural resources and energy and minimise any impact from the site and its activities on people and the environment. "The obvious risk is theft or unauthorised removal of UOC -from the mine/mill or during subsequent transport and storage,” he said. On illicit trafficking incidences, he said Tanzania joined IAEA illicit Trafficking DataBase (ITDB) in 1996. Between 1999-2009: African member states which reported significant number of uranium incidents to ITDB were Tanzania, Uganda, Nigeria, Algeria, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Namibia and Kenya. Tanzania was on top on the list with 14 reported incidents followed by Kenya and Namibia. In the last quarter of 2012, illicit trafficking incidents involved radioactive materials in a natural form either as processed uranium concentrate (yellow cakes) or NORM related materials. Source: http://www.m.dailynews.co.tz/index.php/local-news/26058-plea-for-safety-in-uranium-mining

13

This article was submitted as part of the progress reports for research projects that are registered with the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH). The report was submitted by the Cooperation on Bioresource between Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute (TAWIRI), and Korea National Research Resource Center (KNRRC) on June 4th, 2012.

Research abstract:

Dr. Mduma (Director General of TAWIRI) and Dr. Yeonhee Lee (Director General of KNRRC) signed Memorandum of Understating between TAWIRI and KNRRC (May 31, 2011) at the National Assembly in Seoul, Korea.

Two institutes agreed on research resource development, exchange of information and promotion of research projects.

Since August 2012, Korea National Research Resource Center (KNRRC) has been cooperating with TAWIRI on bioresources.

The two institutes have built a strong relationship through academic and technical exchanges.

Korean scientists have collected endo and ecto parasites and provided guidance to TAWIRI

technicians on contemporary methods of collecting and preserving methods for research purposes.

KNRRC is planning and preparing for the opening of a Research Resource Center at TAWIRI headquarters in early next year.

Research Objectives/Goals:

- Collection and identification of endo and ecto parasites, and microbial pathogens causing diseases to wildlife animals in Tanzania.

- Preservation of wildlife animal biodiversity in Africa’s Serengeti region with the establishment of a biological resource center for pathogens in the future,

- Establishment of a bridge-head for collaboration between biological resource center in Tanzania and Korea.

Research hypotheses:

- The Serengeti National Park has a significantly different ecosuystem, comparable with that of the developed countries,

- Microbial populations and their genetics will be significantly different, comparable and with that of the developed countries,

- Identification and characterization of pathogens in wildlife is essential for prescription,

- Storage of bacteria pathogens and their data will be essential for the epidemiology of bacterial infections in wildlife, and

- Techniques of local trainee will be applicable to the extent of research range.

Expected Research Conclusion/Outputs:

- The research will result into signing of an MoU between the KNRRC and the TAWIRI in order to establish biological research centres,

- TAWIRI researchers will be invited in Koreafor experimental research techniques, biological resources management, and biological resource centre operation, and

- Training and educating local researchers in the Serengeti National Park.

It is reported that the KNRRC dispatched Korean researchers to the TAWIRI and the team has visited wildlife-protected areas in Tanzania twice; they have collected endo and ecto parasites and other future plans are underway.

14

Fig. 14: H.E Dr. Ali Mohammed Shein, the President of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar (middle), posses for a group picture with Zanzibar top-government officials together with Director General of COSTECH Dr. Hassan Mshinda (2nd left sitting), and the COSTECH Zanzibar Office Coordinator Prof. Mohammed Sheikh (1st right standing) during the celebration of Zanzibar Research and Innovation Dar which took place on December 19

th, 2013.

Fig. 15: Two of COSTECH employees, Dr. John Kasonda (left) together with Mr. Mgogiley Fivawo (right), pay attention to the Acting Director General of COSTECH Dr. Dugushilu Mafunda (not pictured), during the send off party. On 20

th

December, 2013 COSTECH bid farewell to three of its staff including Dr. John Kasonda and Mr. Mgogiley Fivawo after attaining their retirement age (i.e. 60 years).

Fig. 16: The Director General of COSTECH Dr. Hassan Mshinda addresses the audience during the hading over ceremony. On 30

th December, 2013 the COSTECH handed

over a newly-built research laboratory to the Kizimbani Agricultural Research Institute, in Zanzibar. The event was officiated by the Zanzibar’s First Vice President, Hon. Seif Sharif Hamad.

Fig. 17: Some of COSTECH employees chat with senior researchers from the Mwalimu Nyerere Biography Project after conducting Monitoring and Evaluation exercise. COSTECH has commissioned senior researchers from the Mwalimu Nyerere Chair to write a comprehensive biography about Mwalimu Nyerere and use the material collected to establish the Mwalimu J.K. Nyerere Resource Centre at COSTECH.

15

Announcement

We invite news, features, letters, opinions and analyses about science, technology and

innovation for socio-economic development

Write to:

The Science Editor, COSTECH,

P.O. Box 4302, Dar es Salaam.

Or email:

mrutechura@costech.or.tz

So, what do you think of this e-Newsletter?

If you have any comments or suggestions on how we can improve this newsletter, or have any feature story to share, please email

the editor at mrutechura@costech.or.tz