Contribution and potential of indigenous fruits to household food security in Uluguru Mountains areas in Morogoro District, Tanzania
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Date
2002
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Sokoine University of Agriculture
Abstract
Tanzanians in different parts of the country, experience various degrees of food
insecurity. However, as in other tropical and sub tropical countries, exploiting fully
indigenous fruit
resources available in their areas can alleviate the situation. A study
, /
was therefore conducted to assess the food security situation, the contribution and
potential of indigenous fruits to household food security in the Uluguru mountain
areas in Tanzania. The attitudes towards utilization by traders, consumers in
Morogoro Municipality and attitude of fruit processors based in Morogoro and Dar es
Salaam were also assessed. Data were collected by using face-to-face interviews
using 123 respondents. The respondents consisted of 87 farmers in six villages, 22
urban consumers of fresh fruits and fruit products, nine processors and five traders of
IFs. Collected data were analysed using statistical Package for Social Science. In the
study area some households were found to be food insecure, particularly during the
rainy season. Families adjust down the meal portions, sell labour and obtain gifts as
coping strategies. Thirty six different types of IFs were available in the study area,
however, these were known to about one-third of the population. The five top-most
popular fruits known to about 50% of the population are Saba florida (rubber vine)
Vitex doniana (black plum), Tamarindus indica (tamarind), Sclerocarya birrea
(marula) and Syzygium guineense (zambarau). IFs are used mainly as a snack and as
part of the meal. Their contribution to household food availability and income is rated
low (about 3%) probably due to lack of knowledge on value and handlingiii
technologies. A small proportion (2.9 - 21.7%) of respondents (n = 87) in the villages
were engaged in marketing different types of fruits, mainly due to lack of demand for
the fruits. A very small proportion of households practiced limited processing and
preservation of the identified fruits. The fruit processors, however, were willing to
process the fruits if made available in adequate quantities. Similarly, consumers were
willing to consume fresh or processed IFs if made available. Consumers preferred IFs
to exotic ones because IFs are naturally produced i.e. without use of chemicals. The
fact that local people, consumers as well as processors are ignorant on value and use
of IFs, calls for intervention strategies that will create awareness among them.
Description
The Degree of Master of Arts (Rural Development)
Keywords
Indigenous fruits, Household food security, Uluguru Mountains areas, Morogoro District, Tanzania