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Reid. Microbiome Res Rep 2024;3:10 https://dx.doi.org/10.20517/mrr.2023.46 Page 3 of 8

A key element of healthy soil is the range of arthropods, which process organic matter translocation, break
[15]
down and decompose material to release nutrients, regulate water, and maintain the structure of the soil .
Biofertilizers and animal waste increase organic matter, micronutrients, and soil microbial diversity and can
affect soil arthropod groups [16-18] . While this makes a rationale for cow manure application in Mwanza,
research would be required to identify the microbiota and the response of arthropods to its application.
With mosquitos carrying infectious diseases, any increase in their abundance would not be favourable.

An important issue is using locally sourced material rather than relying on importation. This helps with
sustainability and affordability for economically challenged residents. This was explored in 2011 by
harvesting locally grown Moringa oleifera leaves, which contain a range of important nutrients and
medicinal properties. The addition of the powder to the probiotic yoghurt was safe and well-received by
[19]
consumers . Given the widespread presence of Moringa trees in East Africa and their ability to grow fast
and well in drought, they offer another option for sustainability during climate change. Moringa can also be
[20]
used to purify water, albeit the process is not simple .

The milk supply is not well coordinated in Tanzania, but this has advantages for local Fiti producers as they
have easier access to it locally rather than acquiring it from a large collection center. Access to fermentable
crops such as millet and fruit diversifies the value chain and increases seasonal business. The ability of the
two organisms in the Fiti sachet to produce fermented fruit juice allows for seasonal income and a wider
variety of offerings . In addition, these organisms ferment almond milk and plant-based foods [22,23] .
[21]
[2]
Concepts such as the microbiome, biofertilizers, and climate change are new to many rural populations in
Tanzania, including farmers. Explicit educational material, often using diagrams, is needed to explain these
concepts and why they can be important to farming practices. Useful tools include repetitive messaging,
field tests to show positive results, and the development of practical steps that can easily be followed.
Members of the agricultural community, including highly qualified and experienced personnel, provide a
good resource for developing and implementing these programs.

For sustainability, it is important that the broader community is involved. In the past, women were often in
the household caring for children and able to produce probiotic fermented foods. However, with the success
of the microenterprises and better access to education and training, many women are becoming
entrepreneurs and community leaders. This changes the societal dynamics and offers unemployed men an
opportunity to further participate all along the value chain by helping to transport the raw materials,
produce and package the foods, and then deliver the end-products to retailers, schools, and community
locations (meetings, churches, restaurants). The ability of the microenterprises to succeed depends on many
other factors including cost of production and packaging, consumer purchasing power, retention of a
marketing and sales niche, and flexibility in offering different products.

The health of the broader ecosystem is critical to longevity and expansion. Microbial diversity is a major
component in the intestinal tract of humans, animals, and insects. For pollinators whose activities produce
much of the food sources, this requires diversity and access to flowering plants. Given the continual loss of
habitat, use of toxic chemicals on land (lambda-cyhalothrin, cypermethrin, imidacloprid, glyphosate, and
organochlorine ), and presence of pathogenic bacteria such as Paenibacillus, bee colony losses are almost
[24]
to the point of extreme danger for the global food supply. In Tanzania, challenges to hives also come from
wax moths and ants.