Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology

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Adaptation Technologies and Legal Instruments to Address Climate Change Impacts to Coastal and Marine Resources in Tanzania
(2008-09) Sallema, R. E.; Mtui, Godliving Y. S.
The increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and the consequent pressures related to climate change are having significant impacts on the coastal and marine resources on which much of Tanzania’s coastal population depends for its livelihood. A decline in mangrove cover, coral bleaching and mortality and the destruction of seagrass beds are some of these impacts. Coastal erosion also poses threats to the country’s coastal tourism infrastructure. This study examines various approaches that integrate protection and conservation of coastal and marine resources. It briefly highlights the global and regional issues while emphasis is put on Tanzanian perspective. Guidelines and reports for management interventions and adaptive technologies are discussed. Environmental protection remains the most preferred approach with variety of options. An overview is given on soft and hard adaptation technologies. Furthermore, Tanzania’s relevant policies and legislation that address climate change impacts to coastal and marine resources are reviewed.
Additive Effect of Soybean Curd Residue, Okara, for Enhancement of Methane Production from Pretreated Woody Waste
(2005) Take, Harumi; Mtui, Godliving Y. S.; Kobayashi, Fumihisa; Nakamura, Yoshitoshi
In order to convert woody waste into methane gas efficiently, the pretreatment effect of steam explosion and the additive effect of soybean curd residue, okara, were clarified. 180 mL of methane gas was obtained from 1 g of steam-exploded Japanese cedar chips at a steam pressure of 4.51 MPa and a steaming time of 5 min while no methane gas was produced from untreated chips. The addition of okara into the chips was attempted and the optimal condition, i.e. C/N of 18, increased the methane gas produced to 315 mL.
AFLP Markers Support Separation of Solanum Nodiflorum from Solanum Americanum Sensu Stricto (Solanaceae)
(Springer Link, 2007) Manoko, Mkabwa L. K.; van den Berg, Ronald G.; Feron, Richard M. C.; van der Weerden, Gerard M.; Mariani, Celestina
This study was aimed at examining the relationships between the African material of Solanum americanum (also designated as S. nodiflorum), accessions of this taxon from other geographical areas, and American S. americanum using AFLP markers. 96 individuals representing 39 accessions of S. americanum sensu lato and related diploid species from the widest possible geographical range, and one accession of S. dulcamara (as outgroup) were used. The AFLP results suggested that American S. americanum differs from S. nodiflorum and that the material investigated in this study can be assigned to three different species: S. americanum sensu stricto, S. nodiflorum and a Solanum species from Brazil. These species can be differentiated based on a combination of floral and fruit characteristics.
Afrocantharellus Gen. Stat. Nov. is Part of a Rich Diversity of Africancan Tharellaceae
(International Mycological Association, 2012) Tibuhwa, Donatha D.; Savić, Sanja; Tibell, Leif; Kivaisi, Amelia K.
A new genus in the Cantharellaceae, Afrocantharellus, is recognized based on results from phylogenetic analyses of rDNA LSU and concatenated LSU/5.8-ITS2/ATP6 data. It was previously recognized as a subgenus, but comprehensive fieldwork and the acquisition of numerous sequences for previously neglected African Cantharellus species formed the basis for a reappraisal of generic and species delimitations. Afrocantharellus is characterized morphologically by the basidiomes having thick, distantly spaced diverging folds of variegated colour. In contrast to most of Cantharellus, Afrocantharellus mostly lacks clamp connections. Phylogenies of Cantharellus and Afrocantharellus based on LSU and a concatenated data set are provided, along with descriptions of and a key to the four species and one form of Afrocantharellus recognized. Six new combinations are made.
Anaerobic Batch Co-Digestion of Sisal Pulp and Fish Wastes
(Elsevier, 2004) Mshandete, Anthony M.; k, Amelia K.; Rubindamayugi, Mugassa S. T.; Mattiasson, Bo
Co-digestion of various wastes has been shown to improve the digestibility of the materials and biogas yield. Batchwise digestion of sisal pulp and fish waste was studied both with the wastes separately and with mixtures in various proportions. While the highest methane yields from sisal pulp and fish waste alone were 0.32 and 0.39 m3 CH4/kg volatile solids (VS), respectively, at total solid (TS) of 5%, co-digestion with 33% of fish waste and 67% of sisal pulp representing 16.6% of TS gave a methane yield of 0.62 m3 CH4/kg VS added. This is an increase of 59–94% in the methane yield as compared to that obtained from the digestion of pure fractions at 5% TS.
Anaerobic Co-Digestion of Biological Pre-Treated Nile Perch Fish Solid Waste with Vegetable Fraction of Market Solid Waste
(Asian Research Publishing Network (ARPN), 2012) Kassuwi, Shaaban A. A.; Mshandete, Anthony M.; Kivaisi, Amelia K.
Anaerobic co-digestion of various organic wastes has been shown to improve biogas yield of fish wastes. This paper presents the effect of pre-treating Nile perch fish solid waste (FSW) using CBR-11 bacterial culture (CBR-11-FSW) and commercial lipase enzyme (Lipo-FSW), followed by batch anaerobic co-digestion with vegetable fractions of market solid waste (VFMSW) in various proportions, using potato waste (PW) and cabbage waste (CW) as co-substrates either singly or combined. Results indicated that CBR-11 pre-treated FSW co-digested with PW or CW in 1:1 ratio (substrate: inoculum) had positive effect on methane yield, while Lipo pre-treated FSW had negative effect on methane yield. Using CBR-11-FSW:PW the highest yield was 1.58 times more than the untreated FSW. Whereas, using Lipo-FSW:CW the highest yield was 1.65 times lower than un-treated FSW. Furthermore, the optimal mixture of CBR-11 pre-treated FSW and PW and CW co-substrates resulted into higher methane yield of 1, 322 CH4 ml/gVS using CBR-11-FSW (10):PW (45):CW (45) ratio. The ratio enhanced methane yield to 135% compared to control. In conclusion, results demonstrates that optimal mixture of CBR-11 pre-treated FSW with both PW and CW as co-substrates enhanced methane yield and provide base line data for potential application in continuous anaerobic bioreactors investigation.
The Anaerobic Digestion of Cattail Weeds to Produce Methane using American Cockroach Gut Microorganisms
(2009) Mshandete, Anthony M.
The objective of this study was to characterize anaerobic batch digestion of cattail weeds botanical fractions singly and in combination using American cockroach gut microorganisms as an inoculum. The effects of increasing concentration of cattail weeds expressed as percentage of total solids (TS) from 5, 15, to 30 and 60% on methane yield was investigated at ambient temperature of 29±1°C. The results showed that highest methane yields were obtained at 5% TS for both individual and mixed cattail botanical fractions. A maximum methane yield of 447 CH4 ml/g volatile solids (VS) and 288 ml/gVS added were obtained from leaves and whole cattail weeds (comprised of spikes, leaves, stems rhizomes and roots each 20% wet weight), respectively. An average methane content in the range of 72 and 79% was obtained in the biogas produced at 5 to 60% TS for both separate and mixed cattail botanical fractions. Lower TS % led to faster onset of biogas production and higher methane productivity. Blending of cattail botanical fraction at 5 to 60%TS in general did not improve the methane yield compared to that obtained from separate botanical fractions. Methane yield obtained from whole cattail weed was less by a factor of 1.6 compared to that of leaves at 5%TS. It was concluded, that anaerobic digestion of cattail weed is feasible and could serve the dual roles for producing biogas, a clean renewable energy and reducing the weed as part of its management.
Anaerobic Fermentation of Woody Biomass Treated by Various Methods
(2003-06) Nakamura, Yoshitoshi; Mtui, Godliving Y. S.
Anaerobic fermentation was attempted to produce methane from the wood chip (Eucalyptus globulus). By the pretreatment of the wood chip using hot water with high temperature, NaOH, and steam explosion, the production of methane gas was enhanced. The pretreatment using steam explosion resulted in more amount of methane gas produced than the treatment using either hot water or 1% (w/w) NaOH with high temperature, and the steam explosion at a steam pressure of 25 atm and a steaming time of 3 min was the most effective for the methane production. The amount of methane gas produced depended on the ratio of weight of Klason lignin, a high molecular weight lignin, in the treated wood chip.
Antimicrobial Activity of Ethyl Acetate Extracts from Edible Tanzanian Coprinus Cinereus (Schaeff) S. Gray S.Lat. Cultivated on Grasses Supplemented with Cow Dung Manure
(2010) Lyantagaye, Sylvester L.; Ndyetabura, Theonest; Mshandete, Anthony M.
This study is the first broad investigation of antimicrobial activity of different development stages of Coprinus cinereus from Tanzania. The indigenous edible wild C. cinereus mushroom was successfully grown in tropical conditions on dried grasses supplemented with different amounts of cow dung manure. Ethyl acetate crude extracts were prepared from different developmental stages of the mushroom, and were screened for antifungal and antibacterial activities using agar well method. Different extracts from black caps, post capping stage and black stem exhibited activity against Escherichia coli, Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger none of the gram positive bacteria was inhibited to grow. Differences in the substrate composition presented differences in the bioactivity of the mushroom extracts with 2: 3 ratio of cow-dung: grasses producing the highest activity. The results obtained clearly indicated that Tanzanian C. cinereus extracts contains bioactive components and are potential sources of antimicrobial compounds that could be used for development of new agents for the treatment and prevention of diseases.
Antioxidant Properties of Seven wild Edible Mushrooms from Tanzania
(2015) Hussein, Juma M.; Tibuhwa, Donatha D.; Mshandete, Anthony M.; Kivaisi, Amelia K.
Consumption of mushroom has increased remarkably because of their desirable aroma, taste and high nutritional content. Wild edible mushrooms (WEM) are well known for their nutritious and antioxidant properties. This study was conducted to measure and compare the antioxidant activity, total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) of six WEM from selected indigenous Tanzanian forests and one domesticated grown form in methanolic extracts. Results show that among the seven mushroom species extracts, the methanolic extract from Auricularia judae showed the most potent radical scavenging activity of 93.33% while Panus conchatus revealed lowest antioxidant activities of 46.53%. The strongest EC50 was observed in Auricularia judae 0.08 mg/ml while weakest was in P. conchatus >0.3 mg/ml. Nevertheless total phenolics in the methanolic extracts were the highest in P. tenuiculus (431.03±3.63 mg GAE/100 g) and lowest in Macrolepiota procera (136.21±0.98 mgGAE/100 g). Lentinus squarrosulus possessed highest content of β-carotene and flavonoids were 48.15±1.04 mg/100 g and 25.62±1.78 mg/100 g, respectively meanwhile the lowest concentration was found in wild L. sajor-caju 5.35±0.68 mg/100 g and 2.49±1.28 mg/100 g, respectively. Comparatively, domesticated mushroom showed higher scavenging ability of 76.61% than its wild counterparts 62.94%. In conclusion, high antioxidant activity in methanolic extract of WEM due to presence of phenolic content can potentially be used as a source of natural antioxidants.
Antioxidant Properties of Seven Wild Edible Mushrooms from Tanzania
(2015-09-30) Hussein, J. M.; Tibuhwa, Donatha D.; Mshandete, A. M.; Kivaisi, A. K.
Consumption of mushroom has increased remarkably because of their desirable aroma, taste and high nutritional content. Wild edible mushrooms (WEM) are well known for their nutritious and antioxidant properties. This study was conducted to measure and compare the antioxidant activity, total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) of six WEM from selected indigenous Tanzanian forests and one domesticated grown form in methanolic extracts. Results show that among the seven mushroom species extracts, the methanolic extract from Auricularia judae showed the most potent radical scavenging activity of 93.33% while Panus conchatus revealed lowest antioxidant activities of 46.53%. The strongest EC50 was observed in Auricularia judae 0.08 mg/ml while weakest was in P. conchatus >0.3 mg/ml. Nevertheless total phenolics in the methanolic extracts were the highest in P. tenuiculus (431.03±3.63 mg GAE/100 g) and lowest in Macrolepiota procera (136.21±0.98 mgGAE/100 g). Lentinus squarrosulus possessed highest content of β-carotene and flavonoids were 48.15±1.04 mg/100 g and 25.62±1.78 mg/100 g, respectively meanwhile the lowest concentration was found in wild L. sajor-caju 5.35±0.68 mg/100 g and 2.49±1.28 mg/100 g, respectively. Comparatively, domesticated mushroom showed higher scavenging ability of 76.61% than its wild counterparts 62.94%. In conclusion, high antioxidant activity in methanolic extract of WEM due to presence of phenolic content can potentially be used as a source of natural antioxidants.
Antiradical and Antioxidant Activities of Methanolic Extracts of Indigenous Termitarian Mushroom from Tanzania
(2012) Tibuhwa, Donatha D.
Termitomyces mushrooms grow symbiotically with termites. They are abundantly distributed in the country, mostly consumed and liked by people. However, their antiradical and antioxidants activities are not yet established. In this study, both qualitative and quantitative values of antiradical and antioxidant of crude methanolic extracts of six Termitomyces species (T. titanicus, T. aurantiacus, T. letestui, T. clypeatus, T. microcarpus and T. eurhizus) were investigated. The investigation used DPPH (1, 1-diphenyl-2 picrylhydrazyl) free radical as a substrate to determine both scavenging abilities and antiradical activities. Antioxidant was further analysed quantitatively for β-carotene, flavonoid content, total phenolic compounds and vitamin C content in the crude methanolic extracts using spectrophotometric assay at 515 ηm. The result showed that they all exhibited scavenging ability and antiradical activity although the ability differed markedly among the species. The highest antiradical activity unit (EAU515) was from T. microcarpus (EAU515 1.48) followed by T. aurantiacus (EAU515 1.43) while the lowest was from T. eurhizus (EAU515 0.7). The scavenging power was also highest in T. microcarpus (EC50 < 0.1 mg/ml) followed by T. letestui (EC50 = 0.14 mg/ml); while T. eurhizus showed the least power (EC50 = 0.36 mg/ml). In quantitative analysis, T. microcarpus was also found having high content of phenols, Flavonoid, and β-carotene except lycopene and Vitamin C content which were high in T. aurantiacus and T. eurhizus respectively. Based on these results, all studied termitarian mushroom are good source of antioxidants while T. microcarpus could be considered as potential antiradicals of high profile thus thought for selection in preparation of mushroom-based nutraceutics. The results also endorse the continuing harvesting of these wild mushrooms for including them in our daily food for healthy diets.
Assessment of Antioxidant Potentials of the Wild and Domesticated Saprophytic Edible Mushrooms from Tanzania
(2016) Juma, I.; Mshandete, Anthony M.; Tibuhwa, Donatha D.; Kivaisi, Amelia K.
Tanzania natural forests harbor several indigenous edible mushrooms that are meagerly exploited due to various reasons including unawareness on their potential values. This study establishes antioxidant potentials of seven wild edible mushroom species, and their two domesticated forms. The investigation used mushroom methanolic extract for antioxidant activities’ determination. A DPPH (1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) radical was used as a substrate to determine radical scavenging abilities whereas ferrozine was employed to determine ferrous ion chelating abilities. Additionally, quantitative analyses for β-carotene, lycopene, flavonoids, and total phenolic compounds were done using spectrophotometric assay. Mushrooms analysed displayed amazing antioxidant potentials which varied between different species and between the wild and domesticated forms of the same species. The range of EC50 values for DPPH free radical scavenging activity (DRSA) was . . mg m , with the strongest and weakest EC50 recorded from P. tenuiculus and the wild Amylosporus sp. IJ-2014, respectively. The range of EC50 values for ferrous ion chelating activity (FICA) was . . mg/mL, with the strongest and weakest EC50 noted in domesticated Amylosporus sp. IJ-2014 and L. sajor-caju, correspondingly. The maximum and minimum total phenolic content (TPC) recorded were 537.39 and 160.97 mg GAE/100g, from domesticated Amylosporus sp. IJ-2014 and Laetiporus sp. IJ-2014, respectively. The highest and least quantities of β-carotene (BC) recorded were 48.59 and 5.56 mg/100g, from P. tenuiculus/wild Amylosporus sp. IJ-2014 and P. cystidiosus, respectively. Lycopene contents (LC) ranged from 2.24 to 18.95 mg/100g, with P. cystidiosus and P. tenuiculus having the slightest and peak values, correspondingly. Maximum value for total flavonoid contents (TFl) recorded was 25.27 mg QE/100g from P. tenuiculus whereas the minimum value was 3.71 mg QE/100g from P. cystidiosus. Due to the antioxidant potentials of these mushrooms, people are advised to maximally exploit them for improved nutrition and health.
Assessment of Antioxidant Potentials of the Wild and Domesticated Saprophytic Edible Mushrooms from Tanzania
(2016) Juma, I.; Mshandete, A. M.; Tibuhwa, Donatha D.; Kivaisi, A. K.
Tanzania natural forests harbor several indigenous edible mushrooms that are meagerly exploited due to various reasons including unawareness on their potential values. This study establishes antioxidant potentials of seven wild edible mushroom species, and their two domesticated forms. The investigation used mushroom methanolic extract for antioxidant activities’ determination. A DPPH (1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) radical was used as a substrate to determine radical scavenging abilities whereas ferrozine was employed to determine ferrous ion chelating abilities. Additionally, quantitative analyses for β-carotene, lycopene, flavonoids, and total phenolic compounds were done using spectrophotometric assay. Mushrooms analysed displayed amazing antioxidant potentials which varied between different species and between the wild and domesticated forms of the same species. The range of EC50 values for DPPH free radical scavenging activity (DRSA) was . . mg m , with the strongest and weakest EC50 recorded from P. tenuiculus and the wild Amylosporus sp. IJ-2014, respectively. The range of EC50 values for ferrous ion chelating activity (FICA) was . . mg/mL, with the strongest and weakest EC50 noted in domesticated Amylosporus sp. IJ-2014 and L. sajor-caju, correspondingly. The maximum and minimum total phenolic content (TPC) recorded were 537.39 and 160.97 mg GAE/100g, from domesticated Amylosporus sp. IJ-2014 and Laetiporus sp. IJ-2014, respectively. The highest and least quantities of β-carotene (BC) recorded were 48.59 and 5.56 mg/100g, from P. tenuiculus/wild Amylosporus sp. IJ-2014 and P. cystidiosus, respectively. Lycopene contents (LC) ranged from 2.24 to 18.95 mg/100g, with P. cystidiosus and P. tenuiculus having the slightest and peak values, correspondingly. Maximum value for total flavonoid contents (TFl) recorded was 25.27 mg QE/100g from P. tenuiculus whereas the minimum value was 3.71 mg QE/100g from P. cystidiosus. Due to the antioxidant potentials of these mushrooms, people are advised to maximally exploit them for improved nutrition and health.
Assessment of Native Agar Gels Extracted from Gracilaria debilis and Gracilaria salicornia Harvested Along the Tanzanian Coast for Culturing Microorganisms
(2008) Kivaisi, A.; Buriyo, Amelia S.
Native agar gels extracted from Gracilaria debilis and G. salicornia harvested during the rainy and dry seasons, were assessed for culturing the microorganisms Micrococcus luteus, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Pleurotus flabellatus. Agars extracted from plants harvested during the rainy season were suitable for culturing bacteria, and yeast cells using the ‘Pour Plate’ method, and for mushroom tissue culture. Agar extracted from G. debilis harvested during the dry season could be used for culturing bacterial cells by the ‘Spreading and Streaking’ method. The potential for laboratory applications and for mushroom spawn production using agar extracted from Tanzanian seaweeds is discussed.
Bioactivity of Crude Extracts of Ascomycetes Isolated from Tanzanian Traditionally Fermented Milk, Mtindi
(2014-01) Mlimbila, Jane; Muruke, Masoud H.; Hosea, Ken M.
In an attempt to find potential functional foods in Tanzania, a study was conducted to assess bioactivity of 18 ethyl acetate extracts from nine (9) Ascomycetes strains. Namely; Candida tropicalis, C. pararugosa, Clavispora lusitaniae, Issatchenkia orientalis, Pichia kudriavzevii, Pichia guilliermondii, Galactomyces geotricum, Debaryomyces hansenii and Yarrowia lipolytica isolated from traditional fermented milk “mtindi”. Lethality test of the extracts was determined using Artemia salina naupalii in a Brine Shrimp Test (BST). The lethal concentration (LC50) obtained ranged from 89.7µg/ml to over 1000 µg/ml. Bioactivity results showed that, one of the 18 extracts had exhibited a strong antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aureginosa and Vibrio cholera having minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 0.1653mg/ml on each account. More than 40% of extracts exhibited strong to moderate antifungal activity against Cryptococcus neoformans (MIC 0.16 mg/ml – 1.25 mg/ml). In conclusion, these results suggest that yeasts found in traditional fermented milk have potential biological activity that could be used for treatment of some diarrhoeal and fungal infections and possibly tuberculosis.
Bioconversion of Lignocellulosic Waste from Selected Dumping Sites in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
(2004-11) Mtui, Godliving Y. S.; Nakamura, Yoshitoshi
The poor management of solid wastes in Tanzania urban centers is a chronic problem that has increasingly become a source of environmental pollution. Bioconversion offers a cheap and safe method of not only disposing these wastes, but also it has the potential to convert lignocellulosic wastes into usable forms such as reducing sugars that could be used as food. This paper reports a preliminary study on the physical characteristics, acid pretreatment, saccharification by cellulase from Trichoderma reesei and fermentation by Saccharomyces cerevisiae of the lignocellulosic component of the solid wastes collected from various dumping sites located in Kinondoni Municipality, Dar es Salaam city. The results showed that overall, the lignocellulosic component constitute about 50% of solid wastes dumped in the study areas. Maximum production of reducing sugars was obtained after 6 h of saccharification while highest concentrations of bioethanol were achieved after 48 h of fermentation. Microbial bioconversion of lignocellulose component yielded up to 21% bioethanol.
Biodegradation of Endocrine-disrupting Phenolic Compounds Using Laccase Followed by Activated Sludge Treatment
(2003-07) Nakamura, Yoshitoshi; Mtui, Godliving Y. S.
Endocrine-disrupting phenolic compounds in the water were degraded by laccase fromTrametes sp. followed by activated sludge treatment. The effect of temperature on the degradation of phenolic compounds and the production of organic compounds were investigated using endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as bisphenol A, 2,4-dichlorophenol, and diethyl phthalate. Bisphenol A and 2,4-dichlorophenol disappeared completely after the laccase treatment, but no disappearance of diethyl phthalate was observed. The Michaelis-Menten type equation was proposed to represent the degradation rate of bisphenol A by the lacasse under various temperatures. After the laccase treatment of endocrine-disrupting chemicals, the activated sludge treatment was attempted and it could convert about 85 and 75% of organic compounds produced from bisphenol A and 2,4-dichlorophenol into H2O and CO2, respectively.
Biofuels in Tanzania: Status, Opportunities and Challenges [REVIEW PAPER]
(2011) Mshandete, Anthony M.
Biofuels in solid, liquid and gaseous forms are all renewable fuels derived either directly or indirectly from plant material. Recently biofuels have emerged as alternative fuel with potential to replace finite fossil fuels resources. In Tanzania liquid biofuel (biodiesel and bioethanol) developments are at an infancy stage and there is so far no commercial liquid biofuel production. Nevertheless, such biofuel activities in Tanzania show that being part of the world is not left behind for the promotion of biofuels as an alternative source of energy. To that effect the objective of this review article was to understand the key issues pertaining to liquid biofuels and their status as well as to highlight gaps and strategies to address the gaps in Tanzania. Therefore this study is based on reviewing pertinent literature relating to liquid biofuels in Tanzania and elsewhere. The study looked at policies and strategies in place, mode of production of biofuels feedstock’s, players in biofuels and their roles, value chain, social-economic and environmental issues of biofuels, land tenure issues and food security, sustainability, research and development. Information generated in this article revealed that policy, foreign influence, economics, environmental and political factors are main drivers for biofuel industry. It was also evident that in Tanzania biofuels could provide some opportunities for national consumption or for export and offer some genuine development opportunities. However, clear policies, strategies as well as regulations for biofuels development are still not in place. One important and immediate activity needed is for Tanzania’s government and stakeholders to fast tracking the establishment of national biofuel policy to ensure sustainability of the biofuels industry. In conclusion, Tanzania has comparative advantages in the production of biofuels. However management of the potential negative effects of the biofuel industry to ensure that benefits outweigh any ecological, economic and/or social costs should to be taken into account and given utmost priority.
Biogas Technology Research in Selected Sub-Saharan African Countries–A review
(2009) Mshandete, Anthony M.; Parawira, Wilson
This reviews aims to provide an insight and update of the state of biogas technology research in some selected sub-Saharan African countries in peer reviewed literature. This paper also aims to highlight the sub-Saharan countries’ strengths and weaknesses in biogas research and development capacity. An attempt is made to pinpoint future research in critically reviewing the biogas technology research. The methane-producing potential of various agriculturally sourced feedstocks has been researched, as has the advantages of co-digestion to improve carbon-to-nitrogen ratios and the use of pretreatment to improve the hydrolysis rates. Some optimisation techniques associated with anaerobic digestion including basic design considerations of single or two-stage systems, pretreatment, co-digestion, environmental conditions within the reactor such as temperature, pH, buffering capacity have been attempted in some of the researches in Nigeria, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. However, there appears to be little research in biogas technology in many sub-Saharan African countries in internationally peer reviewed literature. Biogas production from large quantities of agricultural residues, animal wastes, municipal and industrial wastes (water) appears to have potential as an alternative renewable energy for many African countries if relevant and appropriate research is carried out to adopt the biogas technology to the local conditions in African countries. African scientists are urged to carry out research in biogas technology to locally demonstrate the feasibility, application, and adaptation of this technology and help improve the quality of energy supply in their respective countries.

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