Browsing by Author "He, X."

Now showing 1 - 19 of 19

Accumulation of SOC under organic and no-fertilizations, and its influence on crop yields in Tanzania’s semiarid zone
(Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis, 2018-04-15) Mkonda, M. Y.; He, X.
Introduction: To estimate differential accumulation of soil organic carbon (SOC) and its ecological significance is very important to smallholder farmers in the Tanzania’s semiarid areas. This study investigated the accumulation of SOC and other important soil nutrients under organic and no-fertilizations, and correlated SOC with crop yields. Using data from long-term experimental study sites of semiarid in Tanzania, we estimated SOC accumulation in different soil treatments and depths where a total of 128 soil samples were collected at the depths of 0–20 cm and 20–40 cm from two villages (sites) with organic fertilization and nofertilization treatments. Sites under organic fertilization were defined as those which have received manure fertilization for more than 5 years on continuum basis. Outcomes: The accumulation of SOC was significantly greater in soils under organic fertilizations (1.15 and 0.80 MgC ha−1 at soil depth and 20–40 cm) and decreased with increasing soil depths. Similarly, TN and P decreased from 0.40 and 2.40 Mg (0–20 cm) to 0.16 and 2.10 Mg (20–40 cm), respectively. Other important soil nutrients such as calcium (Ca2+), potassium (K+), magnesium (Mg2+), and sodium (Na+) had similar pattern. In addition, soil bulk density was less under organic fertilization (1.1 g/cm3) than under no-fertilization (1.2 g/cm3) and it increased with soil depths. Correspondingly, the crop yields were significantly higher (1.6 tn ha−1) under organic fertilizations than (0.6 tn ha−1) under no-fertilizations indicating that crop yields were significantly affected by SOC. Discussion: Organic fertilization i.e., especially cattle manure in the area has considerable fertility potential. To optimize soil fertility potential, we need to consider such kind of fertilization from household to national level. Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that manure application was the best fertilization method for improving soil fertility in most croplands of Tanzania’s semiarid areas, especially in this era of climate change scenarios.
Agricultural history nexus food security and policy framework in Tanzania
(2018) Mkonda, M. Y.; He, X.
Background: Understanding the production trend of the major food crops is an important step for any nation that evaluates her agricultural progress. This evaluation should mostly focus on the yields per unit area. So far, it can also earmark the expansion of farms to determine the general yields trend. The main objective of this paper is to assess the production trend of the major food crops and their efficacy to food security in Tanzania. This is particular important because for the past three decades, the country has failed to control food security (especially food availability and accessibility). Results: Here, crop data from 1980 to 2015 were gathered from the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fishery (MALF), and in the respective regions. In some incidences, the regional data were averaged to elicit their preciseness. To determine the objectivity of this study, agricultural policy, programs, and plans from MALF were reviewed for similar purpose. Mostly, the Mann-Kendal Test and Microsoft Excel were used for data analyses. The results show that the production of the total yields had a positive trend (i.e., growing at R2 = 0.4 and 0.8), while that of the yields (ton/ha) had a negative trend (i.e., declining at R2 = 0.02 and 0.3). It was further realized that the total yields mostly boomed due to farm expansion. Conclusions: Despite the efforts from various agricultural stakeholders, the country has not yet achieved a sustainable crop yield and food security. Explicitly, this situation has been affecting peoples’ livelihoods, and other sectors either directly or indirectly. Therefore, there is a need to improve the production strategies and approaches (i.e., more especially technology and marketing) to limit this problem.
Are rainfall and temperature really changing? Farmer’s perceptions, meteorological data, and policy implications in the Tanzanian semi-arid zone
(Sustainability, 2017) Mkonda, M. Y.; He, X.
Although various climate models, statistical crop models and economic simulations have been established to determine the level of farmers’ vulnerability, there has been little systematic assessment of farmers’ perception towards climate change in association with meteorological analyses and policy implications in Tanzania. The results from this assessment will enhance the formation of robust policies that improve resilient livelihoods and the capacity to adapt to climate change and variability. This paper seeks to (i) reveal the farmers’ perception on variation, change of rainfall, and temperature in the Tanzanian semi-arid area; (ii) depict meteorological evidence for the perceived rainfall and temperature changes; (iii) assess the policy perception and responses for the changing climate; and (iv) discuss the correlation between farmers’ perception and meteorological data. Household surveys, informative interviews and discussions were employed during data collection. The Mann-Kendall Test and SPSS (version 20) were used for climate data analyses, while qualitative data were thematically analyzed. The results showed that from 1980 to 2015 the mean annual rainfall decreased ( R2 = 0.21) while temperature increased (R2 = 0.30). Even though majority farmers agreed with these results, they had not yet taken serious measures to curb the situation. Besides, Agricultural Policy has lightly addressed and enforced the implementations of adaptation strategies to reduce climate impacts and vulnerability. Thereby, creation of awareness and intensification of climate adaptation strategies is needed at both farm and policy level.
Climate variability and crop yields synergies in Tanzania’s semiarid agroecological zone
(Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis, 2018) Mkonda, M. Y.; He, X.
The consequences of climate change have been considerably high to smallholders in most of Sub-Saharan Africa. These impacts have been more enormous to crop production and other attached livelihoods. However, the comprehensive assessment of these impacts has suffered numerous challenges because crop productivity is also susceptible to other factors involved in the production process. This study aimed to understand how crop yields are affected by climate change in the semiarid zone of Tanzania. The findings would establish a thorough literature within smallholder adaptation in the area. Furthermore, they will intensify strategies to cope with reduced yields attributed by climate-change impacts. Outcomes: There has been a dramatic decrease in rainfall (R2 = 0.21) and increase in temperature (R2 = 0.30). In addition, we found that rainfall and temperature variability had positive (R2 ~ 0.5) and negative (R2 ~ 0.3) correlations with crop yields, respectively. Discussion: The decline in yields at both local and national levels elevated the magnitude of food shortage and poverty. The increasing climate impacts necessitate undertakings of various studies to plan, design, recommend, and implement various useful adaptation measures, especially in the vulnerable communities. Conclusion: To limit climate effects, we need to increase investments in adaptation and mitigation measures.
Comparing smallholder farmers’ perception of climate change with meteorological Data: experience from seven agroecological zones of Tanzania
(American Meteorological Society, 2018) Mkonda, M. Y.; He, X.; Festin, E. S.
This paper examines and compares smallholder farmers’ perceptions of climate change with the collected meteorological data (1980–2015) across the seven agroecological zones (AEZs) of Tanzania. Systematic and simple random sampling procedures were employed in the selection of districts and villages, respectively. This study used both quantitative and qualitative datasets. Quantitative data were derived from climatic records and questionnaires, while the qualitative data were widely derived from interviews and discussions. The Mann–Kendall test (software) and theme content (method) were used for data analyses. The results showed that rain has experienced a significant change in terms of patterns, frequency, and intensity, while temperature was locally increasing in all the AEZs. Moreover, the farmers’ responses to both closed and open questions indicated that most of them (.70%) noticed these alterations. Comparatively, the farmers residing in the most vulnerable AEZs, that is, arid and semiarid lands, were more responsive and sensitive to climatic impacts than those in the least vulnerable zones, such as alluvial regions. The increase in temperature and change in the rain patterns led to the decrease in crop yields. As a response to this, farmers have adopted new strategies such as early planting and the use of shorter growing crops cultivars. This study concludes that, although farmers’ perceptions were correct and echoed the meteorological/measured data in all the AEZs, adaptation and mitigation strategies are inadequate. 1.
Conservation agriculture for environmental sustainability in a semiarid agroecological zone under climate change scenarios
(Sustainability, 2018) Hong, Z.; Mkonda, M. Y.; He, X.
Using the Mann–Kendall Test to analyze data from a survey of 400 farmers, this study compared the rate of adoption of conservation agriculture (CA) in two contrasting villages of Mnyakongo and Ugogoni locating in the Kongwa District, a semi-arid zone in central Tanzania. Results exhibited that the level of CA adoption was <10% of the total households. The trend of CA adoption was determined at the coefficient of R2 = 0.95, 0.90, 0.68 and 0.57 for mulching, crop rotation, agroforestry and little tillage, respectively. Despite little tillage and crop rotation having high acreage under CA, the rate of mulching adoption was significantly higher than that of others. Furthermore, there were significant correlations between the CA adoption and crop yields or environmental sustainability (p < 0.05). Maize, sorghum and millet yields were significantly greater under CA (1.7 t ha􀀀1) than no-CA (0.7 t ha􀀀1). Particularly, maize yields were increased from 1.3 to 2.3 t ha􀀀1 from 2000 to 2015 under CA when it was intercropped with legumes. The majority farmers (>70%) asserted that CA had optimized their yields for both food and economic incentives. Thus, this study recommends the adoption of CA in the semi-arid agro-ecological zones.
Conservation agriculture in Tanzania
(Springer International Publishing Switzerland, 2017) Mkonda, M. Y.; He, X.
Conservation agriculture is promoted to increase crop production and environmental sustainability. It is proposed to be a solution for the problem of poor agricultural yields and soil degradation in most Sub-Saharan African countries. Conservation agriculture is among the climate-smart practices recommended in Tanzania to curb the impacts caused by climate change. It involve the use of organic soil management practices such as reduced tillage, mulching and leguminous crops. Agroecosystems such as agroforesty, soil organic fertilization and better crop rotation are also included. This chapter reviews the adoption trends of conservation agriculture in Tanzania and their implications to both socio-economic and environmental benefits. We found that the adoption of conservation agricultural practices has spatial and temporal variations. For example in Arusha, farmers use mainly terraces while in Dodoma they use conservational tillage. The ‘Matengo pits’ and terraces in the Ruvuma Region have improved both maize and coffee production. In the Southern Agricultural Growth Corridor (SAGCOT) planting basins have doubled maize yields compared to that of conventional tillage. In areas with irrigation potentials, conservation agriculture has increased crop yields in drought ecosystems over time. In the northern part of Tanzania the adoption of conservation agriculture has increased the production of food crop crops from an average of 0.5 ton ha−1 to 1.5 ton ha−1. Subsequently, maize yields have increased from 12,000 kg to 20,000 kg per 4.8 hectares and 3.75 t per hectare when intercropped with lablab. The interest in adopting conservation agriculture has been driven by its ability to enable someyields even in poor rainfall scenario. The review focused on the existing farming management, principles and benefits of conservation agriculture to farmers, society and environment as well as its challenges facing this system.
Efficacy of transforming agriculture for survival to commercial agriculture through 'Kilimo kwanza' initiative in Tanzania
(Natural Resources and Conservation, 2016) Mkonda, M. Y.; He, X.
Kilimo Kwanza which means “Agriculture First” in English, is an initiative launched by the Tanzanian government in 2006 to spearhead the transformation of subsistence to commercial agriculture for curbing poverty. The initiative aimed at solving constrains facing farmers (small, medium and/or large scale). Its implementation is based on ten milestones some of them are the provision of credit to farmers through Tanzania Agricultural Development Bank, good governance, establishment of infrastructure, coordination and evaluation of the milestones. Through “Kilimo Kwanza” for farming credits, the government has pledged 500 million USD to TADB in 2015, though the deal has not made yet. Compared to other initiatives, the special aspect that “Kilimo Kwanza” possesses is that; it is people centered. It works under the patronage of Tanzania National Business Council which involves both private and public dialogue on strategic issues for economic development. Despite of all these efforts and instruments of “Kilimo Kwanza”, Tanzanian agriculture has remained the main employer of Tanzanian labour force (70%), account 24% of the GDP, 30% of export and 65% of raw materials for domestic industry. However, this contribution is insufficient compared to the vision of the initiative. To address the constraints facing Tanzanian agriculture, there is a need to think more widely aiming at arresting all barriers with a clear and committed political will. Among others: motivation/incentives to farmers, extension services, equipping good infrastructures ranging from irrigation, transport and storage facilities. Then, the flow of farm inputs from local government authorities to small and medium scale farmers is a governance issue. The people responsible for the flow of these inputs are not playing their roles despite of the clear directives from the government. Similarly, policies, plans and programmes are well stipulated but, implementation to reach intended outcomes needs further efforts.
Efficacy of transforming agriculture for survival to commercial agriculture through 'Kilimo Kwanza' Initiative in Tanzania
(2016) Mkonda, M. Y.; He, X.
Kilimo Kwanza which means “Agriculture First” in English, is an initiative launched by the Tanzanian government in 2006 to spearhead the transformation of subsistence to commercial agriculture for curbing poverty. The initiative aimed at solving constrains facing farmers (small, medium and/or large scale). Its implementation is based on ten milestones some of them are the provision of credit to farmers through Tanzania Agricultural Development Bank, good governance, establishment of infrastructure, coordination and evaluation of the milestones. Through “Kilimo Kwanza” for farming credits, the government has pledged 500 million USD to TADB in 2015, though the deal has not made yet. Compared to other initiatives, the special aspect that “Kilimo Kwanza” possesses is that; it is people centered. It works under the patronage of Tanzania National Business Council which involves both private and public dialogue on strategic issues for economic development. Despite of all these efforts and instruments of “Kilimo Kwanza”, Tanzanian agriculture has remained the main employer of Tanzanian labour force (70%), account 24% of the GDP, 30% of export and 65% of raw materials for domestic industry. However, this contribution is insufficient compared to the vision of the initiative. To address the constraints facing Tanzanian agriculture, there is a need to think more widely aiming at arresting all barriers with a clear and committed political will. Among others: motivation/incentives to farmers, extension services, equipping good infrastructures ranging from irrigation, transport and storage facilities. Then, the flow of farm inputs from local government authorities to small and medium scale farmers is a governance issue. The people responsible for the flow of these inputs are not playing their roles despite of the clear directives from the government. Similarly, policies, plans and programmes are well stipulated but, implementation to reach intended outcomes needs further efforts.
The Emerging Population Increase and Its Environmental Challenges and Remedies in Iringa Municipal, Tanzania
(SCIENCEDOMAIN international, 2017-02-16) Mkonda, M. Y.; He, X.
The study has shown that the environmental challenges encountered in Iringa and most other urban areas in Africa are due to the anthropogenic activities arising from the influxes of migrants from rural areas. The urban areas are continuing to receive mostly rural migrants beyond their demographic carrying capacities, hence suffering from the environmental degradations arising from the living activities of their increasing populations/overpopulations on struggle to make livelihoods attainable. The aim of this study is to show the link between the influxes of migrants and environmental degradation in the Iringa municipality of the Southern highlands of Tanzania. Household surveys, informative interviews, physical observations, group discussions and literature reviews were employed in the data collection and crosschecking. The SPSS v. 20, Microsoft excel and themes content methods of data analysis were also used. The results show that poverty and population increase are the root causes contributing about 90% of environmental degradation. In addition, food and energy requirements, and inadequate awareness on the issues of environmental management were found to be obstacles in the addressing of the problem. Deforestation, monoculture, poor waste management, and pollution of heavy metals (especially lead, copper and arsenic) are some of the anthropogenic activities creating environmental degradations in the Iringa municipality. These anthropogenic activities increase the emission of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O), which are some of the greenhouse gases that cause some of the very harmful climate change going on in the world. The study also revealed that, the existing relationship between man and environment is parasitic and asymmetric, and that, there is more environmental degradation than conservation. Therefore, recommends that proper agronomic practices and alternative energy sources should be employed to enhance crops yield and environmental goods and services as well.
Long-term chemical fertilization in Tanzania
(Springer International Publishing AG, 2017) Mkonda, M. Y.; He, X.
Long-term application of chemical fertilizers has both positive and negative impacts on soil and the environment. Chemical fertilizers fertilize the soil and increase crop yields but they modify microbial functions involved in bioremediation and organic matter processing. As a consequence soils become unproductive. In the 1960s the Ismani area was the major growing zone of maize in Tanzania. From the 1960s to early 1990s this area attracted more people to invest in maize production. People immigrated in the area because of soil fertility where they grew maize to curb food insecurity and poverty. In 1976 Ismani contributed over 10% of the total maize in the National Milling Corporation. Subsequently, in 1983 Ismani produced 250,000 tons of maize. This production was mainly catalyzed by the application of chemical fertilizers. However, in 1990s the production trend started to diminish rapidly. The major reason for this downfall was acidification of the soils due to increasing soil pH. Long-term chemical fertilization was the major reason for this. Acidic soil limited the availability of plant nutrients and raised the concentration of toxic metals in the soil. Subsequently, this situation impaired the life of micro-organism such as earthworms, which forms humus useful for crop production.
The potentials of agroforestry systems in east Africa: a case of the eastern arc mountains of Tanzania
(SCIENCEDOMAIN international, 2017) Mkonda, M. Y.; He, X.
The optimization of crop yields and environmental services need a proper selection and adoption of sustainable farming systems. Agroforestry is a farming system which involves the integration of trees and crops in the same plot. It is a climate-smart environmental conservation system that aims at increasing crop yields as well as environmental services. The Eastern Arc Mountains (EAM) of Tanzania, which cover Usambara and Uluguru Mountains, have a significant potential for agroforestry. They are characterized by potential biophysical resources such as fluvial, vertisol and xerosols soils with the annual rainfall exceeding 1200mm per year. We reviewed over 40 peer reviewed publications to assess the ecological significance of the agroforestry system in the EAM with clear focus on Usambara and Uluguru Mountains and found that the agroforestry system has been in practice on a small scale for a couple of years. The agroforestry has significantly increased crop yields by 50% in few areas where it is practised and has protected the environment by improving soil fertility, enabling the carbon sequestration and protecting water resources. As a result, this study recommends further researches on the same to reveal its potential in improving the conditions of small-scale farmers in East and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Production trends of food crops: opportunities, challenges and prospects to improve Tanzanian rural livelihoods
(Natural Resources and Conservation, 2016) Mkonda, M. Y.; He, X.
Tanzanian agriculture employs about 80% of the national labour force and most of these are rural dwellers. The country has about 44 million hectares of arable land but less than 24% of the area has been harnessed. Similarly, the country has inland rivers, lakes and other water bodies that could supply water for irrigation, however only 2% of the irrigation potential has been exploited. Here we reviewed 54 scientific publications on potentials, challenges and prospects of agriculture in the country and found that; its production trend has been fluctuating over time in a decreasing manner. Tanzania Agricultural Policy aims at stimulating agricultural growth from 3.6% to at least 6%. However, inadequate market systems, transportation and storage infrastructures among others things, have been the major hindrances to make agriculture a commercial industry. On top of that, the adverse impacts of climate change have exacerbated the situation. Similarly, lack of political willingness and shortage of capital for agricultural investment have increased the magnitude of the problem. This paper highlights on the opportunities, challenges and prospects of agriculture with the aim of transforming it from subsistence to commercial farming. Therefore, to increase agricultural productivity and transform the sector to commercial industry; innovative strategies and technologies with great political willingness of the government are urgently needed to address both natural and man-made challenges facing the sector.
Soil quality and agricultural sustainability in semi-arid areas
(Springer Nature Switzerland AG, 2018) Mkonda, M. Y.; He, X.
Soil quality and agricultural sustainability are required to feed about nine billion people by the year 2050. To feed such a population, the planet ought to increase food production by 60%. To attain agricultural sustainability, there should be a balance among biophysical, economic and social dimensions under which soil quality is a core aspect. It is worthwhile to explore soil quality versus agricultural sustainability in sub-Saharan countries because the population is expected to increase by 80%. This chapter reviews the current agronomic practices in countries characterized by semiarid agro-ecological zones and their implications to soil quality and agricultural sustainability, using Tanzania as a case study. We found that agro-pastoralism based on maize, sorghum, millet, sheep, cattle and cow is a current dominant agricultural system but with low yields. Monoculture has contributed to the degradation of soil quality. Drought has raised issues to already stressed ecosystems and made rain-fed agriculture a vulnerable and unsustainable livelihood for smallholder farmers. This situation has reduced the per capita grain harvested area from 0.6 to less than 0.4 ha and thus, affected for more than 70% the smallholder farmers’ livelihoods. Fortunately, areas using fertilizations of animal manure and other organic soil management practices have increased soil fertility and crop yields from 0.82 tn ha−1 under no-fertilization to 1.8 tn ha−1 under organic fertilization.
Stocks and ecological significance of soil carbon in Tanzania
(Natural Resources and Conservation, 2016) Mkonda, M. Y.; He, X.
Numerous documentations have paid a few attentions to the mapping of soil organic carbon (SOC) in Tanzania. To any country, the estimation of SOC is very important as provide social, ecological and economic values just to mention a few. Here we reviewed over 55 publications be journal papers, government and international organization reports to ascertain on the amount of SOC, factors influencing its accumulation, and highlight its ecological and socio-economic significance. Despite of the limited information, the Eastern Arc Mountains seem to have an average carbon stock of 100 – 400MgCha-1 in the undisturbed and 85 MgCha-1 in the disturbed areas; while the semi-arid areas have about 0.4-10 MgCha-1 only. In most cases, SOC were highest on the surface (0-20cm) and decreased with increasing soil depth. This is because most anthropogenic activities i.e. organic fertilizations take place at the top sub-soils. Edaphic and climate factors had as well significant contribution to the accumulation of SOC. Rainfall and temperature appeared to facilitate numerous soil processes that lead to SOC accumulation. Potentially, SOC improves soil fertility for higher crop yields, mitigates the emission of greenhouse gases and eventually improves the people’s livelihoods. For example, maize yields were significantly higher under SOC 1.9 ton per hectare than has without it 0.9 ton per hectare. In addition thousands of carbons dioxides tones are seized in the soil. Otherwise, its offset would have serious atmospheric pollution. We therefore, recommends for more original researches on SOC to harness its economic, social and ecological potentials for the benefits of the people.
Sustainable environmental conservation in East Africa through agroforestry systems: A case of the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania
(2017-07-26) Mkonda, M. Y.; He, X.
Sustainable conservation of any ecosystem needs a balance between resource utilization and management. The Eastern Arc Mountains (EAM) of East Africa which covers a large area more particularly in Tanzania needs such kind of balance for its sustainability. With potential biophysical resources such as fluvial, vertisols and xerosols soils with the annual rainfall exceeds 1200 mm per year, may attracts more degradation than conservation. This review aims to assess the influence of agroforestry and related farming systems in the intensification of sustainable conservation in the area. Thereby, we reviewed 39 peer reviewed publications from the data base and some secondary data to attain the goal. It is discernible that agroforestry has increased crop yields for over 50% in the area. However, the ongoing degradation threatens the sustainability of the EAM. Forest degradation will offset over 100 million tons of carbon that is stored in the EAM. Besides, environmental degradation will significantly affect the water sources that feed over 3.5 million people in the downstream. Then, the supply of water for Hydro-Electric Power, environmental requirements and agricultural activities in the downstream will be adequate affected. To curb the authentic and potential degradation, the Eastern Arc Mountains Conservation Endowment Funds (EAMCEF) is operational in the area. Norway is among the great funders of EAMCEF. Therefore, for the robustness of sustainable conservation in EAM, a collective effort from various stakeholders especially donors are needed.
Tanzanian controversy on resources endowments and poverty
(Environment and Ecology Research, 2017) Mkonda, M. Y.; He, X.
This paper examines the existing resources curse in Tanzania with detailed analyses on the controversy. A country with high resources endowments: i.e. about 44 million hectares of arable land, precious minerals, forests resources, water and wildlife but is among the poorest countries in the planet Earth. Here we reviewed over 25 reports, journal papers and books and found that all precious natural resources have insignificant contribution to socio-economic development of the people. The resource curse is confirmed in about all resources as there is no correlation between the quality of life and resources endowments. In recent years, the country has recorded the lowest per capita income at $ 960 with weak purchasing power parity. This declares that all consumptions, investments and government spending are insignificant. In addition, approximately 75% of the population depends on under-developed smallholder primary agricultural production, small-scale mining and other micro economic sector. Under such a situation, about 51% of the Tanzanians are poor and roughly one-third of these people live in abject poverty. Similarly, despite of the recent discovery of 2.17 trillion cubic feet of natural gas deposit, more than 50% of households have no access to basic requirements such as electricity, medical care etc. The human development index (√LEI−EI−II3.) = 0.521 (low) i.e. life expectancy has decreased to about 50 years, illiteracy rate is about 68%, high rates of malnutrition and poor access to safe water both in urban and rural areas are other acute problems to the Tanzanians. Food insecurity is about 41% of households due to poor yields. The major causes for all these misfortunes are poor governance, policy failure, interference of political interest in professionalism, inadequate technology and corruption just to mention a few. Despite of the efforts as stipulated in section 7 of this paper, it is further projected that competition over resources use is expected to elevate being from within and outside the country. This will exacerbate the level of poverty among the poor and increase their vulnerability. To address the problem, the government needs to undertake serious and sustainable measures over the control and use of natural resources.
Vulnerability Assessment of the Livelihoods in Tanzania’s Semi-Arid Agro-Ecological Zone under Climate Change Scenarios
(MDPI, 2018) Mkonda, M. Y.; He, X.
Despite the established literature on the vulnerability to climate change in various parts of Tanzania, it is worthwhile to assess the extent of this vulnerability of the peoples’ livelihoods and predict its future outcome. This is particularly important in the vulnerable ecosystems, that is, the semi-arid zones of Tanzania where the people’s livelihoods are highly attached to the declining local condition. The present study aims to assess the livelihoods vulnerability in Kongwa District, the semi-arid zone of Central Tanzania. In doing so, a wide range of methods were employed during data collection and analyses including surveys, informative interviews, discussions and observation. The study sampled 400 ( 10%) respondents during a survey. The Mann-Kendall Test with SPSS V20, Microsoft Excel and Theme content techniques were used for data analyses. The results indicate that climate stress has adversely impacted the quality of soil, vegetation, crop yields and intensified environmental degradation. Since most people depend upon the mentioned affected aspects, it is expected that also the level of livelihood vulnerability has elevated. Further, this situation has greatly contributed to increased poverty and thus, propagates the “tragedy of the common” to the available environmental resources. As a response to increased vulnerability, some farmers have abandoned thousands of hectares of agricultural farms that seemed to be less productive. Despite this, slight measures have been taken by both the government and other key stakeholders to limit vulnerability. The findings of this study provide a theoretical and practical basis for coordinating a sustainable man-environment relationship, ensuring the sustainability of the environment which is the major source of peoples’ livelihoods.
Yields of the major food crops: Implications to food security and policy in Tanzania’s Semi-Arid Agro-Ecological Zone
(2017) Mkonda, M. Y.; He, X.
While Tanzania has been facing food shortage for some decades, little efforts have been made to elicit optimal crop yields. To limit this problem, there is a need for a robust agricultural policy that aims at stabilizing agricultural production and socio-economic entitlement among the farmers. The present study analyses the production trend of maize, sorghum and millet (i.e., staple food crops) under rain fed agriculture in Kongwa District, the semi-arid agro-ecological zone of Central Tanzania, and envisage their implications to food security and policy. We collected a set of crop data (1980–2015) from the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries. In addition, 400 respondents were sampled randomly in the study area during household survey while a series of interviews and discussions were conducted mostly basing on the expertise. The Mann-Kendall Test and Microsoft excel (window 13) and theme content methods were employed for data analyses. The results showed that the production trends for maize, sorghum and millet yields have been decreasing at R2 = 0.40, 0.35 and 0.11 respectively and this trend was supported by 80% of the respondents. This decrease was greatly influenced by the temporal decrease in the mean annual rainfall (R2 = 0.21). The diminishing production trend has already decreased food security for 30% in the area. Since agricultural policy can be among the main sources of this poor yields, an explicit and sound agricultural policy should be the central aspect in planning and implementing agricultural activities.