The role of small scale farming as a livelihood strategy among the Maasai pastoralist community in Ngorongoro district, Tanzania
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Date
2011
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Sokoine University of Agriculture
Abstract
This study was undertaken to explore the role of small scale farming as a livelihood
strategy among the Maasai pastoralist community. The study was conducted in four
villages, two villages from each of the following wards namely; Esoit Sambu and
Olgosorok in Loliondo Division in Ngorongoro District. The sample involved 100
respondents and two Extension Officers from each ward who were responsible for the
sampled villages. The specific objectives of the study were; to find out how small-scale
farming addresses food insecurity problems among the Maasai, to determine the
contribution of small-scale farming as a source of income in the Maasai household, to
determine if small scale farming plays a role in increasing of Maasai herd size per
household, and to identify the contribution of small-scale farming to the proper land
utilization and environmental management. Data were collected using structured
questionnaire with open ended and close ended questions. Personal observation and
secondary data supplemented the questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used in data
analysis. The results revealed that 72.7% of the respondents depend on small scale farming
as a livelihood strategy. It was found that small scale farming among the Maasai has
contribution to food security, generating income, providing local employment as well as
making the Maasai to lead a more sedentary lifestyle. Despite the fact that small scale
farming is practised in many areas of the Maasai land, there are some constraints that are
hampering Maasai farmers. Examples were lack of improved tools, lack of cash to buy
improved seeds, soil exhaustion, pest and diseases, lack of farming skills as well as formal
education. Geographical locations of many of the Maasai villages hinder the Ward
Extension Officers from visiting all the pastoralist farmers. Lack of credit facilities and
reliable market where the pastoralist farmers can sell crops were also identified as
obstacles. Recommendations from the study include; providing more training on farming
rather than on livestock keeping, giving them at least an exposure outside of their areas to
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Thesis
Keywords
Small scale farmerming, Livelihood Strategy, Maasai Pastoralist Community, Ngorongoro