Impact of soil erosion control practices on household food security and income: a case of east Usambara highlands, Tanzania
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Date
2010
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Publisher
Sokoine University of Agriculture
Abstract
The study was conducted to assess contribution of soil and water conservation practices on
household food security and income in East Usambara highlands, Tanzania. Purposive
sampling procedures were used to obtain six representative villages. In each village, 40
respondents were randomly selected leading to a sample size of 240 respondents. Structured
and non-structured interview questions were used to collect data. Data collected by using
questionnaires were supplemented by field observations and secondary data. Collected data
were analysed using statistical package for social science software. Results indicated that five
soil erosion control practices were introduced in the study area by various projects. These
include agro-forestry, contour farming, planting crops in rows across the slope, application of
animal manure and deep tillage. Contour farming was practiced by most farmers (56%)
followed by agro-forestry. Preference for contour farming was based on multiple benefits that
farmers get beside soil erosion control per-se. Significant proportion of farmers in the study
area (74.8%) are aware of the soil erosion problem, consequences and control measures.
Results also indicated that group approaches such as group discussions, demonstrations and
field days were used to disseminate SWC technologies. These are considered to be among the
most effective dissemination approaches. Results further indicated that there was substantial
increase in yield following introduction of SWC technologies although this increase was far
below potential yields. Significant proportion of households in the study area (87.5%) is food
secure for most time of the year. The introduced SWC practices significantly (P < 0.001)
correlated with annual income and crop yields pointing to possibility of enhanced food
security and household income. It is therefore recommended that introduction of SWC
technologies should also consider “multiple benefits” that farmers are likely to get beside
erosion control. It is further recommended that extension services should be improved in order
to increase the rate of implementation of SWC technologies. Technologies should be
productive-enhancing and conservation effective.
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Keywords
Food security, Soil erosion control, Food security, Usambara highlands
Citation
SENKORO,A.J(2010) Impact of soil erosion control practices on household food security and income. a case of east usambara highlands, tanzania .Morogoro ;Sokoine University of Agriculture