May Issue No.006 In this issue, you will find: The message from the Director General: P1 COSTECH cerebrates the May Day: P2 Innovation continues at COSTECH: P2 IST- Conference successfully done: P3 DTBi proves its existence: P4 Did you ever know: P5 UK Parliamentarians visit the COSTECH: P6 TanBIF launches its Checklist: P7 Brain drain: A blessing or a curse: P8 COSTECH awards the innovators: P9 PSCI visits the COSTECH: P10 Scientific research report: P11 Pictorial: P12 The newly-COSTECH employees: P13 Upcoming Events: P14

The Message From The Director General

It is my delight to share with you about some of the new directions being taken at the Commission for

Science and Technology (COSTECH), for the Month of May. This month, I attended the board meeting for the Dar es Salaam Teknohama Business Incubator Limited (DTBi). In this meeting, various issues were discussed, but the very important thing was on how the COSTECH and DTBi can continue to work together in order to support local Information and Communication Technologists (ICTs) with high growth potential and youth with creative ideas and innovation grow. We needed to make sure that the DTBi projects get going and I am certain that what were discussed at the meeting coincide fully with the COSTECH mission and vision together with the nation’s Development Vision 2025. I am thankful to the visit paid by the Members of UK’s House of Commons. To fulfill its mandate, COSTECH also needs to partner with the outside world. The British government, being one of the prominent donors to Tanzania, sent the Science and Technology Parliamentary Committee to familiarize themselves with the COSTECH, and also to see how the Commission is committed to promoting evidence-based decisions pertaining to the development of science and technology in Tanzania.

My presence at the UN Commission on Life Saving Commodities for Women and Children meeting made a great contribution on how the world can prevent millions of women and children from deaths caused by preventable diseases. Affordable, effective medicines and health supplies often do not reach the women and children who need them most. A lot of issues related to medical technology transfer and innovation, particularly for Tanzania, were discussed. This time around, I am convinced that the method of using mobile phones to monitor drug requirements in Tanzania will be made effective.

This month, the COSTECH was able to award the grassroots innovators who have exhibited some signs of innovation spirits. As our commitment to science, technology and innovation, we provided the innovators with different equipments that will add value to their missions of making life easy for the Tanzanian community. I hope that by effect ively using these equipments, innovators will also be able to create employment opportunities to fellow Tanzanians. I am also thankful to the visit paid by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Infrastructure. Despite their familiarization with some of the activities that are carried out by the COSTECH, the Committee also provided us with invaluable comments, suggestions, contributions and challenges that we have to work on. Other activities that were being carried out by the COSTECH for the month of May include: hosting the IST- Africa Conference and Exhibitions, meeting visitors from Malaysia, the launching of Nokia mobile phone applications, and the launching of the ICT policy.

Finally, I would like to thank the people who have worked tirelessly in preparing this newsletter and would like to invite1 all of you to contribute to it in the future issues. Best Regards,

Dr. Hassan Mshinda.

On May 1, 2012 the COSTECH employees joined hands On May 18, 2012 the Tanzania Commission for with other employees in the country to participate in Science and Technology (COSTECH), through its the May Day cerebrations that took place at the Center for Development and Technology Transfer Mnazi Mmoja Grounds. The national level May Day (CDTT) hosted a presentation from Alfred Kayombo, cerebrations were marked in Tanga where President from Songea, who claimed to have invented the Jakaya Kikwete was the guest of honour. technological system made up of a combined lever system capable of increasing mechanical advantage The May Day processions started at Kidongo and efficiency a hundred per cent. Chekundo and ended at the Mnazi Mmoja Grounds where the Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner, Said The objective of his presentation was to demonstrate Mecky Sadick was the guest of honour on how one can generate free energy and environmental friendly source of energy for current and future use and basically to do the general review of laws of energy especially by challenging the thermodynamics laws. Mr. Kayombo claimed that he can use the notion of perpetual motion to generate indefinite energy that can be used to run electric power plants so as to curb the shortage of electricity that is troubling the country.

Fig. 1: A portion of the COSTECH staff poses for a group photo at the Mnazi Mmoja grounds on May Day.

Workers from private and public institutions matched past the guest of honour’s shade, carrying banners and posters with different messages. In almost all the banners, the employees urged the government to improve workers’ welfare, saying that they are unhappy with the current situation, especially with the current pay and working Fig. 2: Mr. Kayombo demonstrating on how a little energy can be applied environment. Among issues raised at the cerebrations to generate huge impact. included low salaries, inflation, high taxes and a low pension that is unsustainable at retirement. Speaking after the presentation, Dr. Dugushilu Mafunda, the Acting Director at the Directorate of Most employees were carrying banners with the Center for Development and Transfer of Technology messages that alert the government to ensure the (DCDTT) said that the Commission is searching for current conditions are improved, especially by paying people like Mr. Kayombo who have innovative ideas the workers’ salaries they deserve and control so that it can assist them in making their dreams inflation to curb commodity prices, especially basic come true. He added, “If his work will be approved by food items. the panel, and the panel sees that his ideas is worth promoting, Mr. Kayombo will be sent to any of the Mr. Sadick said that he is aware of the current technical institutes for further technical studies in situation and will make sure that the workers’ plights order to improve his ideas on science, technology and are received by the president. Mr. Sadick also urged innovation.” the workers to work hard and continue to trust the government to solve the workers’ problems. 2

On May 9-11, 2012, the Government raised awareness of African research Plenary Sessions and 48 parallel of Tanzania through the Tanzania capacity, promoting participation of scientific sessions featuring over 180 Commission for Science and African organizations in the ICT presenters from government, Technology (COSTECH) hosted the Theme of FP7 (FP7-ICT), ACP-ICT and industry and research organizations prestigious Innovation, Science and ACP-ST Calls and identified co- in 39 countries. The Conference & Technology in Africa (IST-Africa operation opportunities in fields of Exhibitions provided opportunities 2012) Conference and Exhibitions in mutual interest. IST-Africa 2008 was for Tanzanians and people from Dar es Salaam. hosted by Government of around the world to showcase through Ministry of Education in Information Society and The IST-Africa 2012 is part of the IST- Windhoek, 07 - 09 May 2008 Information, Communication and Africa Initiative, a strategic and IST-Africa 2009 Conference was Technology (ICT). More than 400 partnership between International hosted by Government of senior representatives from leading Information Management through the Ministry of ICT in government, industry, research and Corporation Ltd (IIMC), from Ireland, Kampala, 07 - 09 May 2009. civil society organizations in 45 and 19 African Governments. The countries around the world were IST-Africa is supported by the brought together to share ideas on European Commission (EC) and research, ICT and innovation. Commission (AUC) and co-funded under Framework The goals of the IST-Africa Programme 7 (FP7). Conference series are to showcase Innovation in host countries, Speaking during the Press community building to facilitate Conference, Paul Cunningham, The international research cooperation, IIMC Director, noted that the IST- and knowledge sharing between Africa Initiative is an active and government, industry and research growing partnership, founded by institutions to exploit research IIMC, Ireland in 2002. During 2005 - results and stimulate socio- 2007 with European Commission Fig. 3: A portion of the IST-Africa economic development. funding under the IST Programme of participants attending one of the plenary Framework Programme 6 (FP6), IST- sessions at the conference. During the conference, delegates Africa has trained over 1,000 proposed and discussed solutions to government officials and During 2010 - 2011 the IST-Africa bridge the Digital Divide by sharing researchers in Botswana, South partnership expanded to include 14 knowledge, experience, lessons Africa, Mozambique and Tanzania in African countries. IST-Africa has learnt and good practice and key areas including eGovernment, undertaken a review of ICT policy, discussed policy-related issues eHealth, eLearning and organized ICT Initiatives and research related to Information Society and two very successful international priorities. IST-Africa in cooperation ICT. The IST-Africa 2012 focused on research conferences in Africa; IST- with LLiSA has authored a White the Role of ICT for Africa's Africa 2006 (304 delegates from 38 Paper entitled Supporting the Development and specifically on countries) hosted by the Evolution of Sustainable Living Labs Applied ICT research topics Government of South Africa through and Living Labs Networks in addressing major societal and the Department of Science & Africa. IST-Africa 2010 (19 - 21 May) economic challenges. The Technology, and IST-Africa 2007 was hosted by South Africa and IST- Conference Programme combined (over 470 delegates from 51 Africa 2011 (11 - 13 May) was strategic keynote presentations, countries) hosted by the hosted by the Government of technical and policy papers, case Government of Mozambique Botswana, one of the countries that studies, workshops, an exhibition through the Ministry of Science & are committed to using science and and social activities. Support Technology. technology to better the lives of its Organizations for the IST-Africa 2012 Mr. Cunningham added, “During people. included the TANZICT, NOKIA and 2008 - 2009 with European Uhuruone. Commission funding under the ICT This year, the IST-Africa 2012 Programme of Framework Conference & Exhibitions were held For More information, please visit Programme 7 (FP7), IST-Africa has at Kunduchi Beach Hotel, in Dar es http://www.ist-africa.org Salaam, where the Final Programme consisted of opening and closing 3

On May 10, 2012, the incubatees at order to come up with something The launch was also attended by Her the Dar es Salaam Teknohama better like what we are going to Excellency, Sinika Antila, the Finish Business Incubator Limited (DTBi) in witness today.” Engineer Mulamula Ambassador to Tanzania who among partnership with the COSTECH pointed out that the Nokia training other things said that she feels launched the first ever Nokia mobile program was pushed by the DTBi but proud to see Finland is doing its level phone applications at the COSTECH if not the unyielding efforts of Dr. best in helping Tanzania to bridge Conference Hall, on the ground Hassan Mshinda, the program would the digital divide. floor. not have succeeded. During his presentation, Mr. Jussi The incubatees went through a two- Speaking before the launch of the Hinkkanen, the Vice- President for month training programme aimed at applications, Dr. Mshinda, the Nokia Corporate Relations and equipping them as a new set of Director General of COSTECH Business Environment in Middle East developers with skills to create pointed out that the Commission and Africa reported that more than applications using Java and to have recognizes the potential 5.3 billion people have been access to an array of tools that will contribution of ICT in promoting subscribed to Nokia applications allow them to push the boundaries science and technology which include making calls, forum of what is possible with Java-based development in the country. He for information sharing, for applications. added, “We want to establish the monetary transaction, for accessing technological entrepreneurial skills training, health, education, and for DTBi, which is a business incubator in order to enable our youth to farmers to get information about with the aim of supporting local stand on their own in supporting the markets for their crop produces. Information and Communications their companies. This is the best Technologists (ICTs) with high time to embark on this new venture, The guest of honour for the event growth potential and youth with in collaborating with multilateral was Honourable January Makamba, creative ideas and innovation grow, companies like Nokia. We should no the Deputy Minister for was created in support of the longer talk of science as Physics, Communication, Science and nation’s Development Vision 2025. Biology and Chemistry but rather Technology who congratulated the The COSTECH together with the make science cut across other incubatees for the steps that they partners from the Tanzanian private sectors such as business and have taken. Mr. Makamba revealed and academic sectors, and the entrepreneurship.” that Tanzania is a country which is World Bank infoDev has facilitated much more connected to mobile its creation. phones than to computers. With this connection, he urged young Delivering the welcome remarks, entrepreneurs to invest into ICT the Chief Executive of the DTBi, business. He added, “The Engineer George Mulamula said that government is aware of the DTBi brings together individuals and challenges that the youth are facing small and medium enterprises with especially with access to finance, ICT talents and provides them with low level of entrepreneurial skills, necessary mentorship they might and lack of networking among need in order to create and grow themselves, business persons and their own businesses. He added, traders as well as access to technical “The incubator provides the skills.” He also pointed out that the incubates with the necessary government is committed to ICT as business concepts, support services one of the ways to achieve the and training; physical facilities such Millennium Development Goals and as the whole top floor of one wing Fig. 4: From left: Eng. George Mulamula, will do her best to make sure the with office rooms, a kitchen, Ambassador Sinika Antila, the Finish youth get attention. bathroom, a Boardroom and 2 Ambassador to Tanzania, Hon. January meeting rooms. We inculcate the Makamba, the Deputy Minister for CST, Mr. Jussi Hinkkanen, the Nokia Vice- President, idea to the incubatees that failing is Middle East and Africa, together with Dr. not criminal. Everyone has to fail in Hassan Mshinda, testing applications on a Nokia mobile phone.

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Spotted hyenas are found in to eat meat from kills near the Did you ever know about the grasslands, woodlands, savannas, den at about 5 months, but they inside out of the Africa’s spotted subdeserts, forest edges and are suckled for as long as 12 to hyena? Did you ever know that mountains. Spotted hyenas are 18 months, an unusually long spotted hyena is believed to be organized into territorial clans of time for carnivores. This is Africa’s most common large related individuals. The center of probably a necessity, as most kills carnivore? If never, keep reading. clan activity is the den, where the are made far from the den and cubs are raised and individuals hyenas, unlike jackals and Over the years hyenas and meet. hunting dogs, do not bring back humans have come into close food and regurgitate it for their contact in Africa and, in earlier Hyenas mark and patrol their young. times, in Asia and in Europe, territories by depositing a strong- often leading to mutual smell substance produced by the At about 1 year, cubs begin to predation. anal glands on stalks of grass follow their mothers on their along the boundaries. ‘Latrines,’ hunting and scavenging forays. In ancient hyenas were places where members of a clan Until then, they are left behind at domesticated, fattened and deposit their droppings, also the den with a babysitting adult. eaten, and in turn humans have mark territories. on occasion become food for The spotted hyena is not only a hyenas. Reputed to be cowardly skillful hunter but also an and timid, the hyenas can be opportunistic scavenger. It bold and dangerous, attacking consumes animals of various animals and humans. types and sizes, carrion, bones, vegetables matter and other Female spotted hyenas are animals’ droppings. The powerful dominant over the males and jaws and digestive tract of the overweigh them by about 3 hyena allow it to process and pounds. It is difficult to obtain nutrients from skin and distinguish between the sexes in bones. The only parts of prey not the field because external female fully digested are hair, horns and genitalia have a superficial Fig. 5: One of the Africa’s spotted hooves; these are regurgitated in similarity to those of the male. hyena. (Photo courtesy of the internet) the form of pellets. The high Why the female hyena mineral content of the bones Hyenas are social animals that developed in this manner is hyenas consume make their communicate with one another unknown, but it may have been droppings a highly visible and through specific calls, postures necessary for them to appear chalky white. and signals. Hyenas usually bear large and strong to protect their two to four cubs, which, unlike Source: Compiled by Niva Priva. young from males, as hyenas the other two species, are born The Guardian on Sunday May 13- have cannibalistic tendencies. with their eyes open. Cubs begin May 19, 2012, Pg 29. Col. 1.

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On May 16, 2012 the Tanzania Commission for Science and so that they can be beneficial to partnership with the outside Technology (COSTECH) hosted the end users. He added, “With world in order to support the United Kingdom’s House of evidence-based research on postgraduate studies. We need Commons Science and malaria, we managed to team up our graduates to deliver the Technology Parliamentary with private sector, especially expected outcomes.” Committee. Led by Andrew local industries, and now it is Miller, the chairperson of the proven that insecticide- Among other things, the Science and Technology treated nets reduce death in production of the mosquito Committee, the delegation also children for about 27% and treated bed nets seemed to included Stephen Metcalfe, malaria and anemia by 60%. attract a lot of attention to the Pamela Nash, together with UK Parliamentarians who This shows how research has Roger Williams. The chairperson promised to provide more mentioned the purpose of their turned into policy.” support to this endeavor. visit was to find out how the British taxpayers’ money is being The Committee spent a bit of spent and also to provide time with the COSTECH support to the third world management team at the countries for international innovation space hall, talking development. about issues in general and COSTECH’s role in particular and While making a presentation, Dr. later on, they were invited Hassan Mshinda, the Director upstairs to visit the Dar General of the COSTECH said that Teknohama Business Incubator the Commission has been (DTBi), which is an innovation relentless in making sure that its corridor. mission and vision are achieved. Fig. 6: A group picture featuring the Dr. Mshinda also elaborated the United Kingdom’s Science Technology While at the DTBi, the DTBi’s COSTECH’s strategic plan and Parliamentary Committee together with Chief Executive Office Engineer pointed out the activities that are the COSTECH management team. George Mulamula gave a being sponsored by the presentation about the overall Commission. These activities The Director General also function of DTBi and later on, a which are a result of clusters revealed that the Commission is few entrepreneurs who own formation range from crop currently prioritizing on research startup companies in the building production, livestock breeding, by collaborating with the presented their companies’ fisheries, laboratory Tanzania, Sweden and the business profiles. rehabilitation, manufacturing of Netherlands (TASENE), network machineries to the production of that aims at enhancing scientific Speaking during the closing the bed nets. excellence and strengthening remarks, Mr. Miller made a research collaboration between promise to strengthen the Dr. Mshinda also pointed out Europe and Africa, on the basis of continued relations that exist that the role of the Commission, equality in research support and between Tanzania and the UK. as an umbrella for research and research management. He He assured the COSTECH development institutions (R&Ds) added, “This program provides management team that in his is to make sure that researchers an avenue for post-doctoral report, he will make sure that the are conducting evidence-based students to add new knowledge British government gives a hand research and the research to their existing ones. With more in addressing scientific challenges findings are translated into policy than 48 universities in the in Tanzania. country, we need to seek for

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On May 22, 2012, the COSTECH She also pointed out that the Echinoderms (144) and Poriferans employees together with principle format for sharing (120), and the catalogues of various Biodiversity scientists joined the Vice information online is through the important species including pest President of the United Republic of worldwide web and everyone is species (566), invasive species (60), Tanzania, His Excellency Honorable invited to submit any biodiversity threatened species (652) and Dr. Mohammed Gharib Bilal to information that he or she might endemic species (327). commemorate the International have. She also pointed out that the Biodiversity Day and the launching portal is in both English and Kiswahili Dr. Tibazarwa also mentioned that of the book on the Checklist of to enable every Tanzanian citizen, compiling the Checklist could not Tanzanian Species. even primary school children, to have been accomplished without the access information. partnership from , Uganda, The event, which was also tabled as Alberline Rift, SEP-CEPDEC, South a dissemination workshop was held Dr. Tibazarwa also revealed that Africa, the Spanish node, and many at the Kunduchi Beach Hotel, in Dar biodiversity information is not only other sources. Before ending her es Salaam, and was also attended by available online, but also TanBIF has speech, Dr. Tibazarwa credited the Hon. Professor Makame Mnyaa taken some initiatives to publish COSTECH for agreeing to become Mbarawa, the Minister for information on leaflets, brochures, the TanBIF host and for its support Communication, Science and posters, banners, and now, the data in every means possible. She added, Technology, environmentalists, and on plants, animals and small living “I would like to end my speech by many other stakeholders. organisms will be available on the recognizing the support from the book titled Tanzanian Species COSTECH for providing every The opening remarks were delivered Checklist. support we needed, especially the by Professor Burton Mwamila, the fastest internet service that made Chairman of the Commission for our work a lot easier. I also thank Science and Technology (COSTECH) the Royal Danish Embassy and all who among other things thanked the participants who put everything the Royal Danish Ministry of Foreign together and now our efforts can Affairs for major financial support easily be seen.” through Biodiversity Information Capacity Enhancement Programme The vote of thanks was delivered by (CEPDEC) and mentioned that the Dr. Ngahunga from the Tanzania programme was a collaborative Institute of Fisheries, who on behalf effort between the COSTECH and of the Tanzanian biodiversity experts the Global Biodiversity Information noted that the day will be Facility (GBIF). Prof. Mwamila also remembered as a milestone of promised that the Commission is Fig. 7: H.E. Dr. Mohammed Gharib Bilal, the Biodiversity in the country. Dr. working towards establishing other Vice President of the United Republic of Ngahunga pointed out that the collaborations. Tanzania showing the book to the public after biodiversity think tank of this launching it. Standing on his left is Hon. Prof. country is committed to leverage Delivering the overview of Global Makame Mnyaa Mbarawa, the Minister for the biodiversity field in many ways, Biodiversity Information (GBIF) and Communication, Science and Technology and and this is just the beginning. He the CEPDEC pilot project in Tanzania on his right is Prof. Burton Mwamila, the also pointed out that a team of Chairman of the COSTECH. Dr. Flora Tibazarwa, the Chairperson experienced and motivated experts for the Tanzania Biodiversity According to Dr. Tibazarwa, the could not pass without encountering Information Facility (TanBIF) Tanzanian Species Checklist is some challenges. He added, “The governing board also pointed out believed to be the first book of its biggest challenge beyond the donor- that the aim of establishing the kind in Tanzania and East African funded project was the scarcity of TanBIF was to provide free access to countries in general. It contains resources, and communication biodiversity information on Tanzania 14,336 Tanzanian species including amongst us. Language barrier was and worldwide. plants (7,714), Fishes (1,568), Birds also a problem as we were not able (1,148), Terrestial Arthropods (867), to find common Swahili names for Fungi (810), Algae (556) Cnidaria some of the plants, animals and (365), Reptiles (334), Mammals lower organisms.” 7 (334), Amphibians (197),

Edited by Furaha Kabuje.

This is a story of a U.S-based “Are you still with the IMF?” I the same in you and me. We are Zambian media practitioner and asked. the same people. All white, author, name withheld for moral Asian, Latino, and black people reason. He is a PhD candidate “I have since moved to yet on this aircraft are the same.” with a B.A. in Mass another group with similar Communication and Journalism, intentions. In the next few I gladly nodded. and an M.A. in History. I received months my colleagues and I will it in my e-mail and edited a bit to be in Lusaka to discuss your He continued, “Excuse what I am suit the moral of the story, but debts. I work for the broker that about to say. Please do not take generally speaking, I find it has acquired a chunk of your offense.” amazing, with probably debt. Your government owes not I felt a slap of blood rush to my something to learn based on the the World Bank, but us millions head and prepared for the worst. fact that Tanzania and of dollars. We will be in Lusaka to are in the journey of becoming offer your country a couple of “You my friend flying with me developed countries. millions and fly back with a check and all your kind are lazy”, he twenty times greater,” he added. said. “When you rest your head The Zambian guy was on his way on the pillow you don’t dream from Los Angeles to Boston, and That white man then said, “We big. You and other so-called he met brawny, fully bald- came here on Mayflower and African intellectuals are damn headed mzungu in the plane. turned Indian land into a lazy, each one of you. It is you, paradise and now the most and not those poor starving “My name is Walter,” he powerful nation on earth. We people, who is the reason Africa extended his hand as soon as I discovered the bulb, and built is in such a deplorable state.” settled in my seat. I told him this aircraft to fly us to pleasure “That not a nice thing to say,” I mine with a precautious smile. resorts Lake Zambia.” protested. “Where are you from?” he asked. “I see you are getting pissed off,” He was implacable. “Oh yes, it is “Zambia” I responded. “Zambia!” Walter said and lowered his and I will say it again, you are he exclaimed, “Kaunda’s voice. “You are thinking this lazy. Poor and uneducated country?” Bwana is a racist. That is how Africans are the most most Zambians respond when I hardworking people on earth. I “Yes,” I said. tell them the truth. They go saw them in the Lusaka markets ballistic. Okay. Let for a moment and on the street selling “I spent three years in Zambia in put our skin pigmentations, this merchandise. I saw them in the 1980s”, he continued. “I black and white crap, aside. Tell villages toiling away. I saw wined and dined with many me, my friend, what is the women on Kafue Road crushing highly intelligent Zambians,” he difference between you and stones for sell and I wept. I said lowered his voice. “I was part of me?” to myself where are the Zambian the IMF group that came for intellectuals? Are the Zambian special mission and I was put in a “Absolutely none,” he exclaimed. engineers so imperceptive they million dollar mansion “Scientists in the Human cannot invent a simple stone overlooking a shanty called Genome Project have proved crusher, or a simple water filter Kalingalinga. From my patio I saw that. It took them thirteen years to purify well water for those it all; the rich and the poor, the to determine the complete poor villagers? ailing, the dead, and the sequence of the three billion healthy,” he added. DNA subunits. After they were all To be continued on the next done, it was clear that 99.9% issue… 8 nucleotide bases were exactly

On May 25, 2012 the Tanzania has been awarding Tanzanian Before handling the awards to the Commission for Science and innovators in a variety of ways. He innovators, Dr. Hassan Mshinda, the Technology (COSTECH), through its added, “Since 1981, the Commission Director General of the COSTECH Center for Development and used to recognize Tanzanian revealed that Tanzania as a nation Transfer of Technology (DCDTT) innovators by providing them with cannot develop without fully awarded 5 grassroots innovators certificates, shields and medals, but utilization of science and who have exhibited some signs of then in 2010, we saw the need to technology. He pointed out that innovation spirits. provide the innovators and many people use the words ‘science inventors with some money, and technology’ on political The innovators received different equipments and tools that will help platforms without fully equipments that will add to their simplify their work.” understanding its application. He mission of making life easy for the gave an example of the discoveries Tanzanian community. These made from the touch phones, to innovators include David Kyando feature phones and now to smart from Makambako (2010) who phones such as iPhones as what we invented an hydro-electricity can refer to as ‘science and generator, and was awarded Hand technology.’ Grinder, Grinding Disc, Bench grinder, Hand Drill Machine, Vice Dr. Mshinda added, “Today’s event Clamp, Air Compressor, Spray gun, marks the Commission’s Gas welding set, Welding machine, commitment to making live easy to Shearing machine, Digital meter, fellow Tanzanians. At least now

Mega insulation resistance tester Fig. 9. Dr. Dugushilu Magunda, the Acting people can use electricity generated (bench drill), Piller drill machine, and Director for the DCDTT briefing the media from wind. Tanzanian innovators can a Puller drawer. personnel (not pictured). now compete among themselves; compete with companies as well as Boniface Kimaryo from Moshi (2010) Dr. Dugushilu Magunda also noted compete as a nation, and that is all who invented the charcoal that the equipments that were about science and technology – production method using improved handled to the innovators cost the competition.” traditional earth kilns was awarded a Commission more than 30 million Chain saw, Crosscut saw, Bow saw, Tanzanian shillings. He also pointed The Director General applauded the and a Hand anvil. Daudi Matiya from out that the Commission also finds a innovators for their inventions and Mbulu (2010) invented a way of way of nurturing innovators’ talents promised that the Commission will generating electricity from the by linking them up with other continue to keep track and see how milling machine, and was awarded sectors such as industries or they are progressing. He urged the the magnets. academic institutions. He gave an innovators to sing the COSTECH example of Said Mjulizi, who praises and spread the words about Said Mjulizi from Dar es Salaam invented the natural dye, whereby the opportunities that it can offer to (2010) invented the natural dye, and the Commission sent him to SIDO’s Tanzanian innovators. was awarded natural dye processing incubator program where he is facility and raw materials; Mohamed learning how to prepare himself to Delivering the vote of thanks, on Elmi (2010) from Katesh, Arusha enter his invention into the market. behalf of the awardees, Mr. Idrisa invented an Agro-machinery, and Witalla, who claimed to be Mr. was awarded an air compressor, Kyando’s mentor, said that since he assorted bits, and a piller drill has been involved himself with the machine. COSTECH in the 1980s he has never came across such a committed and Delivering the opening remarks, Dr. hardworking team like the one led Dugushilu Mafunda, the Acting by Dr. Mshinda. Mr. Witalla, who is a Director at the Directorate and retired Lightning Protection Officer Center for Development and thanked the Commission and Transfer of Technology (DCDTT) said promised to bring more grassroots that the Commission, since its innovators as they come across his establishment , Fig. 10. David Kyando (standing), together way. with other 4 grassroots innovators during the 9 award ceremony.

On May 29, 2012, the research findings into business is Parliamentary Standing its best to make sure that its still so low. Committee on Infrastructure mission and vision are achieved. paid a visit to the Tanzania The Chairperson for the Commission for Science and Dr. Mshinda noted that the committee, Hon. Peter Technology (COSTECH) in order Commission is on the process of Serukamba said that there is no to inspect some of the activities establishing Technology Park, any nation on earth that can that are carried out by the alias the ICT village, which will develop without the utilization of commission and also to learn carter the demand for data science and technology. He about the challenges that the storage center in the country. added, “We are proud that we commission is facing in can now see that the 1% of the accomplishing its mission and He also revealed that apart from nation’s GDP that the president vision. being used as a data storage assigned to COSTECH is being port, the village will also have used properly. We could see Led by Honorable Peter business and banking services, how the Commission is Serukamba, the committee and will provide employment committed into nurturing the which included 30 opportunities, broaden skills and innovation talents in the country representatives was also knowledge of local experts and as well as engaging the accompanied by Honorable Prof. enhance cooperation between universities and research and Makame Mbarawa, the Minister international and local development institutions into for Communication, Science and companies. doing research. COSTECH, Technology together with the through DTBi has also showed us Minister’s Deputy Permanent that it is possible to create self- Secretary, Dr. Patrick Makungu. employment to young men and women who cannot hit upon the The committee participated in government employment. As a exhibitions that were prepared committee, we will make sure by the COSTECH, together with that the 1% of the nation’s GDP the Dar Teknohama Business goes into research.” Incubators (DTBi) of which the parliamentarians learned about The committee also challenged how the Commission supervises the commission to: immediately the research fund, the cluster, fill the positions that its directors the teleconferencing Fig. 11. A group picture featuring the are acting; to make sure all the equipments, the academic COSTECH employees together with the researches done in the country funding opportunities, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on are registered and monitored in research registry, the biodiversity Infrastructure. order to avoid monotonous; to information and the research make sure that the research Dr. Mshinda also noted that website. The committee also had findings reach the end users; to accomplishing the COSTECH an opportunity to participate in increase the number of staff who mission and vision has not been the DTBi exhibitions whereby the are competent and experienced; so easy due to the fact that the incubatees and small and to establish more clusters; to budget is still so scarce compared medium enterprises provided cooperate with other research to the demand of the projects to information on business and institutions in east Africa and the be done; there is a challenge as electronic gadgets that they deal world; to engage the Tanzanian the culture of using research with. Diaspora in matters related to findings is still so low; the Speaking during a briefing to the science, technology and motivation to utilize science and Committee the COSTECH innovation; and to strengthen technology as a tool to widen the Director General, Dr. Hassan public-private partnership. economy is still not common, Mshinda the Commission is doing 10 and the motivation to turn

After being granted the permit (Cercocebus sanjei), respond information about the ability of by the COSTECH, to conduct his behaviorally to fluctuations in juvenile Sanje mangabeys to or her research, a researcher is the distribution and abundance sustain adequate foraging supposed to provide reports on of resources. In particular, the efficiency, in an increasingly progress made after three months, submit three copies of researcher will be investigating competitive context. the final report the social and feeding strategies RESEARCH RESULTS/FINDINGS: dissertation/theses derived from used to mitigate competition for the research undertaken in resources. This includes how Between October 2011 and Tanzania, and any other papers social status (rank, age/class) November 2011 the researcher and her assistant collected three or publications based on the affects foraging efficiency and research done in the country. spatial position of individuals types of results which are based The researcher is also supposed within the group and the on: (i) behavioral observations, to send a copy of publication to (ii) phonological observations, the local advisors appointed to ecological conditions responsible and (iii) vegetation transects. assist him or her. for variable inter-individual

spacing and sub-grouping. RESEARCH CONCLUSIONS: Below is a summary of progress According to researchers, the report received from one of the RESEARCH OBJECTIVES AND project made a very good researchers who have conducted GOALS: According to the research in Tanzania. researcher, the main objective of progress and acceptable

this study is to contribute to a quantities of behavioral and PROGRESS REPORT RECEIVED ecological data were collected. greater understanding of the FROM EMILY K. LLYOYD, The researchers were also able to December 2011. ecological factors responsible for train one or two TANAPA rangers shaping primate social behavior. each month in ecological data PRIMARY INVESTIGATOR: Emily Other objectives include: (i) to K. Lloyd – Doctoral Student, determine the current levels and collection techniques and in GPS Department of Anthropology, types of competition experienced ranging methods. The University of Texas at San by the Sanje mangabey, and the Antonio, U.S.A. RESEARCH OUTPUTS: The social relationships exhibited researchers believe that Sanje LOCAL SPONSOR: Dr. Julius among adult females, in this mangabey is endemic to an Keyyu. COSTECH PERMIT: No. heterogeneous and highly extremely heterogeneous 2011- 352 – ER-2010 – 130. seasonal, tropical, montane environment and thus can inform an understanding of the environment. (ii) to determine evolution of behavioral flexibility. RESEARCH TITLE: INTRA-GROUP the behavioral flexibility aspect FEEDING COMPETITION IN THE They also believe that this study of primates and the key factors in will significantly contribute to a SANJE MANGABEY (CERCOCEBUS shaping primate sociability. (iii) number of related yet poorly SANJEI), UDZUNGWA to inform a better understanding studied aspects of primate MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK. of the evolution of the behavioral ecology including cercopithecine cheek pouch. (iv) cercopithecine check pouch use, RESEARCH SUMMARY AND juvenile behavioral ecology and to undertake simultaneous INTRODUCTION: This project spatial dimensions of animal examines how Sanje mangabeys studies of adults and the behavior. immature, so that the study can provide new and critical

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Fig. 12: Dr. Raphael Mmasi, the Director of Information and Documentation (left) together with Paul Cunningham, the Fig. 15: Some of the committee members who attended the IIMC Director, from Ireland, briefing the journalists (not Systematic Reviews meeting at the COSTECH on May 14, pictured) during the IST-Africa 2012 Press Conference at 2012. the COSTECH.

Fig. 13: Clara Hyldgaard, the coordinator of the seminar Fig. 16: COSTECH staff perusing the news from the daily (left-standing) presenting her ideas at the local organizing newspapers at the COSTECH library. committee meeting on upcoming seminar for Developing the Learning Potential and Efforts of Local Communities. The seminar is organized by the Swedish-Tanzania Friendship Association (SVETAN) and is scheduled to take place in mid September, this year.

Fig. 17: COSTECH employees from the Directorate of Information and Documentation deliberating ideas during the staff meeting on May 15, 2012.

Fig. 14: A portion of the committee members during the Research Registry Committee meeting on May 18, 2012.

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Through its process of re-engineering, COSTECH is Victoria Philemon Rutakara slowly picking up its strength by recruiting new Network Security Specialist staff who will contribute towards achieving satisfactions of the stakeholders. Below are the newly-COSTECH employees who reported to work in the beginning the month of May.

Ramadhani Hamis Athuman Network Infrastructure Specialist

Victoria Philemon Rutakara holds a Master of Science degree in Telecommunications and Networks from City University, in London. She has a BSc. in Computer Systems Engineering from Buckinghamshire University, United Kingdom, a professional certificate in Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) and a Mr. Athuman has a BSc degree in Information Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH). Ms. Rutakara is joining Technology and Computer Engineering from COSTECH in capacity of National Education Research Network Security Specialist. Prior to joining COSTECH, Vladimir State University and an MSc degree in she worked with the United Nations and Tanzania Engineering and Technology in the field of Chamber of Commerce Industry and Agriculture as Radio - Engineering from Vladimir State Senior IT Specialist, with experiences in University named after Alexander Grigoryevich Telecommunications, cryptography and coding, and Nikolay Grigoryevich. Before joining the Networks Security, Optic Communications and Mobile COSTECH Mr. Athuman was a Country Assistant Communications, Cryptography and coding, Networks Technical Director at NEYMON ICT SOLUTION Security, Optic Communications and Mobile dealing with Network Infrastructure, software Communications. Ms. Rutakara has also worked as an solutions, and data backup solutions. He has also IT analyst at Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO) in the worked with the Ministry of Defense at Lugalo United Kingdom before returning back to Tanzania in Military Workshop. November 2010. She is among developers in the Nokia mobile Applications launched on 13th May 2012

at COSTECH, developing Nokia Apps in Tanzania, and also is a trainee in the first pillar of African Leadership in ICT (ALICT) launched in February at Tanzania Global Development Learning Centre (TGDLC) which runs in 5 Africa countries including Tanzania, Kenya, Zambia, and South Africa expected to be done in August 2012.

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Events

The Launch of the COSTECH branch in Zanzibar

The Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH), launched its branch at the office of the Vice President of the United Republic of Tanzania His Excellency Honorable Dr. Mohammed Gharib Bilal Office, in Tunguu,

Zanzibar on June 11th, 2012. The Guest of Honor was the Zanzibar’s Second Vice President H.E. Ambassador Seif Idd.

More details for the event will be available on the June issue.

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