Articles, Conference and Workshop Papers Collection

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Genotype and soil fertility interaction in the growth of black spruce progeny from a central New Brunswick population
(Canadian Journal of Forest Research, 1984) Maliondo, S. M.; Krause, H. H.
Seedlings representing 10 half-sib families from a black spruce (Piceamariana (Mill.) B.S.P.) stand in central New Brunswick were raised in a greenhouse on three different soils, each with two levels of fertility. Seedling growth varied significantly with soil, fertility, and half-sib family. After 7 months mean dry weights, for example, ranged from 0.292 to 0.755 g with soil, 0.174 to 0.936 g with level of fertility, and 0.370 to 0.657 g with family. With soil and fertility considered fixed variables, the family and family–fertility interaction accounted for approximately 3 and 20% of the phenotypic variation in mean seedling dry weight, respectively. Similar variance components were observed for shoot and root weights, and root collar diameter. Based on the family – soil fertility interaction, the population was divided into groups of (i) broadly adapted families showing average performance through the full range of fertility environments, (ii) strong responders, i.e., families performing below average at low fertility, but showing a large fertilization response, and (iii) weak or nonresponders, i.e., families performing poorly in all fertility environments.
Gender roles in sustainable use and practices of medicinal plants in urban districts of Morogoro and Iringa Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2002) Augustino Suzana
This study was designed to assess the role played by gender in sustainable use and practices of medicinal plants, in urban districts of Morogoro and Iringa, Tanzania. Data were collected through social survey methods through interviews with herbalists (traditional healers and medicinal plant sellers) and key informants such as Forest extension officers and botanists. A list of medicinal plants given by each informant was compiled. The information gathered included local plant names, type of disease treated, parts of plant used, preparation methods, dosage and other aspects of medicinal plants including practices. The Statistical Package for Social Science Programme (SPSS) including content analysis, chi-square and logistic regression were used in data analysis. The results indicated that out of 246 and 177 medicinal plants recorded in Morogoro and Iringa urban districts respectively, only 108 and 88 were botanically identified. The recorded medicinal plants cure about 72 and 57 diseases and other complications in Morogoro and Iringa urban districts respectively. Male herbalists from the two districts prefer to use roots while female herbalists prefer to use barks. Most male and female herbalists usually harvest parts of medicinal plants outside their districts and traditionally prepare plant medicine using variety of methods like mixture of boiling and grinding. Dosages were not specific for most male and female herbalists and side effects were unknown. Significant differences were observed in the roles played by gender in sustainable use of medicinal plants. Most female than male supported much the idea of training in domestication of medicinal plants or establishment of community based woodlots and involvement in different research on medicinal plants. The medicinal plant practices were found to be gender dependent. While in Morogoro urban District men dominated the practice, in Iringa urban District women were dominantdependent. While in Morogoro urban District men dominated the practice, in Iringa urban District women were dominant. From the results it is concluded that male and female herbalists are very important people in providing primary health care to the urban societies. However, medicinal plant practices do not always depend on gender but are rather influenced much by social-economic and cultural factors that discourage women to participate fully. In order to integrate medicinal plants practices with the health care system in Tanzania it is recommended to; organize public awareness programmes to all herbalists to improve their understanding in aspects connected with medicinal plants and ensure sustainable use of the resources, sensitize most herbalists to change their altitude, start cooperating and pass their knowledge to young generations to sustain their traditional knowledge. Further studies are recommended to domesticate the potential medicinal plants in home gardens, determine their efficacy and safe ways of administering medicinal plant.
The influence of economic reforms on utilisation of forest resources by the local communities in Tanzania: The case of Kitulanghalo forest reserve and its surrounding villages, Morogoro District, Tanzania
(2004-07-10) Ngaga, Y.M.; Kihiyo, V.B.; Kajernbe, G. C.
The economic reforms undertaken in Tanzania between 1981 and 1994 ill order to redress the deteriorating economy has caused retrenchment, closure or privatization of some of' the parastatals and many people who were formerly employed by these enterprises were forced to find alternative means of survival. A study was therefore conducted with the main objective of analyzing how economic reforms have influenced utilization and management of forest resources of Kitulanghalo forest reserve. The study was conducted between January and March 2000 in Gwata-Ujembe, Maseyu and Lubungo villages surrounding Kitulanghalo Forest Reserve which is located at about 50 kin east ofMorogoro Municipality along Morogoro - Dar es Salaam highway. The tools employed in primary data collection were Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) techniques and househo' ' surveys. About 60 households were sampled in the study villages. Data were analysed by using both PRA techniques and the Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS). The results indicated that agricultural activities and charcoal business are the main economic activities of the people surrounding the forest reserve. More that 75% of the households ill the study villages ranked charcoal making and selling as a first or second source of income after agriculture. The distance from homestead to areas where charcoal burning activities are carried was about /.8 to 18 k111. Furthermore, the results indicated that about 69%, 35% and 65% of the villagers interviewed for Gwata-Ujembe, Lubungo and Maseyu respectively were immigrants and have lived in the villages for 11-23 years. The population by year 2000 in Gwata-Ujembe village had increased by 57% compared to that of year 1980. The growing population has exerted pressure 011 resources due to increased demand for agricultural land, use and trade in forest products. About, 54%, 53% and 86% of the respondents in Gwata-Ujembe, Lubungo and Maseyu villages indicated respectively that there are possibilities of increasing the area owned by individual households by opening up virgin forests. A lso, traditional rules have been eroded (IS people of' different traditions and beliefs moved into the area.
Economics of Rainwater Harvesting for Crop Enterprises in Semi-Arid Areas: The Case of Makanya Watershed in Pangani River Basin, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2005) Mutabazi, K.D.; Senkondo, E. E.; Mbilinyi, B.P.; Tumbo, D.S.; Mahoo, H. F.
Contrary to irrigated agriculture that uses blue water, rainwater harvesting that uses green water as direct rain (in-field management) and runoff (spate irrigation) has been accorded little importance in terms of economic research, investment, technology transfer and management. This paper demonstrates the economic benefits of rainwater management for crop production in a semi-arid Makanya Watershed in the Pangani River Basin. The results from two seasons (2003 to 2004) of yield monitoring for maize and lablab show that rainwater harvesting for crop production has the potential for poverty reduction. During the short rainy season of 2004, which was good (above average) in terms of runoff access, maize enterprise under macro-catchment rainwater harvesting realized yield, returns to land and labour amounting to 2.9 ton/ha, US $718/ha and US $19.5/person-day respectively. For the long rainy season of 2003, which was bad (below average), the performance of maize in terms of yield, returns to land and labour improved appreciably with increasing frequency of runoff reception for spate irrigation. Performance of maize and maize-lablab intercrop improved with increasing frequency of runoff access. Respective returns to land and labour under rainfed (no runoff) were only US $122.5/ha and US $3.3/person-day compared to US $1,011.9/ha and US $26.9/person-day with three incidences of runoff reception. Seasonal returns to land and labour exceed the national annual per caput income of US $280 and the global poverty line of US $1/person/day. These findings justify investment and technology transfer in rainwater harvesting for crop production in the upper watersheds of our major river basins.
Economic assessment of ecosystem goods and services delivered by Pangani basin, Tanzania.
(2006) Lalika, Makarius C.S; Deckere, Eric; Ngaga, Yonika M
Ecosystem services are increasingly promoted as a means for documenting the values humans place on ecosystems and evaluating benefits derived from natural resources. However, one of the main reasons that scientists and decision-makers are worried about the current trend of ecosystem degradation is that ecosystems provide valuable services and there are strong indications that these services have been degraded considerably. This draft paper on economic assessment of goods and services delivered by Pangani Basin is part of a PhD study that focuses on Potential for Payment for Water Services in Pangani Basin Tanzania. Field surveys, structured questionnaires, interviews with key informants and literature reviews were the main tools for data collection. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was the main software for data analysis. Microsoft excel was used to produce figures and tables. Although the analysis is still going on, preliminary findings indicated that goods and services include water for power production, domestic uses, irrigation; aquaculture and small scale fishing nutrient regulation; commercial crops irrigation; enjoyment of scenic beauty and eco-tourism; just to name a few a just some of the ecosystem goods and services delivered by Pangani Basin. Commercial flower growers (mainly companies from Holland) are the water user stakeholders in Pangani Basin. These include: Dekker Tanzania-Arusha, Tanzania Flowers, Dekker Moshi, Kilflora Fower Cuttings, etc. The average value of water in Basin and Pangani Basin was Tanzania shilling 36, 769 and 52, 960 millions respectively where as the upper bound was 45, 962 and 66, 200 respectively. Also the average prices of water in villages were Tsh1.50/lt in the highlands, 1.25/lt in the Kirua Swamps area and Tsh1.20/lt at the coast. These prices, equivalent to Tsh 1500, Tsh 1250 and Tsh 1200 per m3 respectively. It can be concluded that, a thoroughly economic assessment of water values should be undertaken in Pangani Basin. The way forward is to finish data analysis for the data collected so far and collect more information for the study.
Tobacco growers at the crossroads: towards a comparison of diversification and ecosystem impacts
(2009) Geist, Helmut J; tsung Chang, Kang-; Etges, Virginia; Abdallah, Jumanne M
An international Framework Convention on Tobacco Control has been in force since 2005, also aimed at regulating tobacco farming: FCTC article 17 on diversification, and FCTC article 18 on socio-ecological issues. Relating to the FCTC, information was gained and evaluated from tobacco farmers of growing areas sampled from major world regions (Rio Grande do Sul/Brazil, Tabora/Tanzania, Meinung/Taiwan, and Germany/Europe). A local farming survey was carried out in 2007, using a common data protocol, which covered, among others, questions on area and production development, energy used in curing, workforce, economic livelihood situation, and diversification opportunities. In addition to the survey, secondary (national-scale) statistics, public testimonies and other published data were explored. We analyzed these data using a portfolio approach, which combined statistical analysis, meta-analytical study and descriptive narratives. The projected trend of a global shift of tobacco cultivation into the developing world is confirmed, but also refined. Wood is used in Brazil and Tanzania for curing Virginia green leaf, thus contradicting the projected continuous reduction of this energy source. Child labour remains a major component of family farm tobacco operations in Brazil and Tanzania, while the cost and availability of seasonal labour turns into a bottleneck of production in Germany. More diversification opportunities exist than generally claimed, but no efforts are seen to address poor and vulnerable growers, in particular. German and Taiwanese tobacco growers can reasonably be predicted to discontinue farming in the near future, while tobacco cultivation in Brazil and Tanzania is seen to expand, mainly due to the political economy of low-cost production. Conclusions are drawn with respect to the work of the UN Study Group on Economically Sustainable Alternatives to Tobacco Growing (ESATG), effective since 2007.
Competition between maize and pigeonpea in semi-arid Tanzania: effect on yields And nutrition of crops
(Elservier, 2009) Kimaro, A.A; Timmer, V.R.; Chamshama, S.A.O; Ngaga, Y.N; Kimaro, D.A
Productivity of maize–pigeonpea cropping systems is dependent on facilitative and competitive interactive effects on resource availability. Controlling these interactions may benefit farmers through increased productivity associated with optimized crop yields. Previous research on maize–pigeonpea culture in Sub-Saharan Africa has focused on yield and soil fertility, but provided inadequate information on the mechanisms of possible interspecific competition. We employed a factorial field experiment to examine yield and nutritional responses of maize and pigeonpea to cropping systems (sole maize, intercropping, and improved fallow), N and P fertilizer additions, and cattle manure additions in Dodoma, Tanzania. The study objectives were to assess competition between crops and to determine how manure or fertilizer inputs may mitigate such interactions to improve yields. Intercropping enhanced maize yield over sole maize only when fertilized, reflecting probable nutrient competition. Improved fallows alone or with fertilizers (1.2–1.6 Mg ha 1 ) increased maize yields over sole maize (0.6 Mg ha 1 ). These increases were attributed to pigeonpea facilitation through soil nutrient replenishment, reduced competition associated with sequential cropping arrangements, and added nutrients from fertilization. Combined fertilizer and manure applications also improved maize and pigeonpea yields. Plant nutrient diagnosis indicated primary and secondary P and Ca deficiencies, respectively associated with P-fixation and leaching of cations due to high soil acidity and exchangeable Al. Maize competed strongly in mixture suppressing biomass and grain yields of the unfertilized pigeonpea by 60% and 33%, respectively due to limited soil nutrients and/or moisture. These yield reductions suggest that the intercropped pigeonpea did not recover from competition after maize harvesting that reduced competition. Optimizing yields of both maize and pigeonpea would require the addition of prescribed fertilizer when intercropped, but applications can be reduced by half under the improved fallow system due to alleviating interspecific competition.
Challenges and opportunities for sustaining the Usangu wetland in Tanzania
(2013) Njau, P. H.; Munishi, P. K. T.; Mbije, N. E.; Kadigi, R .M. J.
Despite the many benefits that wetlands provide, the same resources constitute one of the most threatened, degraded and lost habitats in the world. Sustaining them and restoring the lost ones require a thorough understanding of the roots of the problem and the means to overcome it. Based on this ground, a study was conducted in Usangu Plains in the southwestern part of Tanzania using various Participatory Rural Approaches (PRAs) and a semi structured questionnaire so as to explore the challenges and opportunities for achieving sustainable management of the Usangu wetland. The following major challenges were identified: a) the challenge of ensuring a year round environmental water flow to the Usangu wetlands, b) the challenge of resolving the “paradigm dichotomy” between the natural resource conservationists and local communities (i.e. the conservation dilemma of whether to adapt a complete preservation approach or a flexible conservation approach to wetland resources, by allowing multiple uses of wetland resources), c) the challenge of winning the support of the local communities or actively involving them in ensuring sustainable management of wetlands, and d) the challenge of ensuring a thorough understanding of the trade-offs between utilization and sustainability of wetland resources, given the current rate of degradation and losses. Community-based conservation was perceived as the most preferable wetland conservation approach, which seeks to co-opt the managerial capacities of the wetland resources to the local people themselves, who have been very often by-passed in the conventional approaches.
Usage of indices for extraction of built-up areas and vegetation features from Landsat TM image: a case of Dar es salaam and Kisarawe peri-urban areas, Tanzania
(International Journal of A griculture and Forestry, 2013) Mwakapuja, Francis; Liwa, Evaristo; Kashaigili, Japhet
This paper address the use of Indices Co mbination with Supervision Classification methods to extract urban built-up areas, vegetation and water features fro m Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM7) imagery covering Dar es Salaam and Kisarawe peri-urban areas. The study uses three indices; Normalized Difference Bu ilt-up Index (NDBI), Modified Normalized Difference Water Index (MNDWI), and Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index (SA VI) to reduce the seven bands Landsat TM7 image into three thematic-oriented bands. Data correlation, spectral confusion and redundancy between original mu ltispectral bands were significantly reduced upon application of the techniques. As a result, the spectral signatures of the three urban land-use classes are mo re distinguishable in the new co mposite image than in the original seven-band image since the spectral clusters of the classes are well separated. Through a supervised classification on the newly formed image, the urban built-up areas, vegetation and water features were finally extracted effect ively; with the accuracy of 82.05 percent attained. The results show that the technique is effective and reliable and can be considered for use in other areas with similar characteristics
Analysis of climate variability, perceptions and coping strategies of Tanzanian coastal forest dependent communities
(2013) Kashaigili, J. J.; Levira, P.; Liwenga, E.; Mdemu, M. V.
Climate variability and change are among the biggest challenges of the 21st century. Like in many other areas globally, the coastal communities of Tanzania have always been facing climatic variability at various time scales. Using focus group discussion and a household survey, this study analyzes the perceptions of climate variability and change and the strategies for coping and adaptation by the selected coastal rural and peri-urban communities in Tanzania. The perception of climate variability and change is complemented with the time-series analysis of rainfall and temperature data from Julius Nyerere International Airport Met. station and Kisarawe using Instant Statistical Software. Results indicate that households are aware of climate variability and identify indicators of climate change and variability as being decreasing rainfall trends, increasing incidences of droughts, unpredictable rainfall patterns, disappearance of wetlands and failure to predict on-set of rainy season using traditional knowledge. Households primarily attribute reduced crop yields to changes in rainfall pattern and increasing incidences of drought leading to soil moisture stress. The implications are that the agriculture dependent households are now food insecure. As a way of coping to the observed changes, the coastal communities among others have shifted to production of high value horticultural crops and use of forest resources. Nevertheless, the increased use of forest resources is threatening the existence of coastal forests and contributes to the decline of forest resources and disappearance of wildlife in the forest reserves. It is concluded that the communities studied are aware of climate issues as revealed from perceived indicators of climate variability and changes. The results from statistical analysis of 30 years climatic data are consistent with community’s perception of climate variability and change. The study recommends examining the present coping strategies for the sustainability of the coastal forests and in designing of alternative adaptive strategies such as alternative energy options, crop diversification and environmental friendly activities such as beekeeping.
Analysing ecosystem services at watershed scale: implications for conservation in Upper Kikuletwa Sub-Catchment, Tanzania
(DAAD, 2014) Lalika, M. C.S.; Meire, P.; Ngaga, Y. M.; Ngowi, S. E.
Catchment forests perform myriad ecological functions including provision of ecosystem services. They are, however, increasingly degraded due to anthropogenic activities in such a way their capacity to regulate and supply watershed services is significantly dwindling. We carried out this study in order to identify and document ecosystem goods and services in Upper Kikuletwa Sub-Catchment, Tanzania. A structured questionnaire was administered so as to solicit socio-economic data. Qualitative data was collected through group focus discussions and formal and informal interviews. Statistical Package for Social Sciences was used to compare means and MS excel was applied to generate figures. T-test and one-way ANOVA was applied to test the variation between location and across villages. Wild fruits, vegetables, grasses, birds, mushrooms are the ecosystem goods available in the area. Ecosystem services encompass control of soil erosion, climate regulation, water flow regulation, production of hydroelectricity, water purification, etc. The reason for WTP was people’s reliance on irrigated agriculture. We concluded that sustainable supply of ecosystem goods and services in depends largely on how forests and watersheds are conserved. Therefore, we recommend designing of a feasible PWS scheme that could ensure increased and sustainable supply ecosystem goods and services especially water flow for irrigated agriculture.
Analysis of staffing and training needs for Effective delivery of extension service in Sustainable land management in Kilimanjaro region, Tanzania
(Scientific Research Publishing, 2014) Kessy, John F
An assessment of staffing and training needs for effective delivery of extension services in main- streaming sustainable land management (SLM) practices in Kilimanjaro Region was conducted in June/July 2013. Data collection methods included discussions with key informants at the regional and district levels, consultations with village level stakeholders and potential collaborators, re- view of human resources data both at regional, district and ward levels and collection of individu- al staff bio-data including capacity deficiencies. The staffing situation at the regional and district levels was considered to be adequate for effective mainstreaming of SLM interventions in the re- gion. Staffing at ward and village levels was very poor and largely inadequate for sustainable ex- ecution of extension services. It is optimistically estimated that on average the staffing at ward level needs to be increased by at least 50%. In some districts the deficiency of extension staff at ward level was as high as 80%. Training needs exist at all levels from the region down to commu- nity level. At the regional and district levels both long and short term training programs were re- quired. At the community level required training is more practical and purely focused in main- streaming SLM interventions at individual households and community lands. Potential collabora- tors with local government were identified in four main categories namely, NGOs/CBOs, private sector, government departments and faith-based organizations. The study recommends a capacity building program on specific knowledge gaps identified at regional, district, ward and village le- vels. The study further recommends that immediate measures need to be taken by the district au- thorities to address the staffing problem at ward level including recruitment of volunteers and developing collaboration framework with identified potential partners.
Wet season bird species richness and diversity along urban-rural gradient in Morogoro municipality and surrounding areas, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), 2014-06) Rija, Alfan A.; Bugingo, Adili; Said, Abubakari; Mwamende, Kuruthumu A.
This study examined the variation in diversity and distribution of avian species across an urban–rural gradient during the wet season in Morogoro municipality and its surroundings. A total of 2547 individuals comprising 86 species belonging to 11 orders and 37 families were recorded across urban-rural habitats. The highest (65) species richness was recorded in rural zone, followed by suburban zone (56) and Morogoro core urban zone, the lowest (29). Similarly, species diversity was highest in rural zone (H’= 3.107) and lowest in Morogoro core urban (H’= 2.021), suggesting that increasing urbanization is adversely impacting bird communities across the rural-urban stretch. No significant difference in species diversity was detected between rural and sub-urban zones, but relative abundance of birds differed between the zones. Further, diverse bird guilds were recorded varying across the urban-rural gradients indicating the area’s conservation importance. Increasing urban development severs more suitable habitats with dire consequences on the survival of disturbance-sensitive bird species. These results underpin the need for considering integrated avifaunal conservation strategies and are important for planning local avitourism activities and to protect remaining natural habitats in the municipality. Key words: bird guilds; bird richness; species diversity; urban habitats; urbanrural gradients; Morogoro Tanzania
Mixed method approaches to evaluate conservation impact: evidence from decentralized forest management in Tanzania
(Foundation for Environmental Conservation, 2014-06-01) Lund, Jens Friis; Burgess, Neil D.; Chamshama, Shabani A. O.; Dons, Klaus; Isango, Jack A.; Kajembe, George C.; Meilby, Henrik; Moyo, Francis; Ngaga, Yonika M.; Ngowi, Stephen E.; Njana, Marco A.; Mwakalukwa, Ezekiel E.; Skeie, Kathrine; Theilade, Ida; Treue, Thorsten
Nearly 10% of the world’s total forest area is formally owned by communities and indigenous groups, yet knowledge of the effects of decentralized forest management approaches on conservation (and livelihood) impacts remains elusive. In this paper, the conservation impact of decentralized forest management on two forests in Tanzania was evaluated using a mixed method approach. Current forest condition, forest increment and forest use patterns were assessed through forest inventories, and changes in forest disturbance levels before and after the implementation of decentralized forest management were assessed on the basis of analyses of Landsat images. This biophysical evidence was then linked to changes in actual management practices, assessed through records, interviews and participatory observations, to provide ameasure of the conservation impact of the policy change. Both forests in the study were found to be in good condition, and extraction was lower than overall forest increment. Divergent changes in forest disturbance levels were in evidence following the implementation of decentralized forest management. The evidence from records, interviews and participatory observations indicated that decentralized management had led to increased control of forest use and the observed divergence in forest disturbance levels appeared to be linked to differences in theway that village-level forest managers prioritized conservation objectives and forest-based livelihood strategies. The study illustrates that a mixed methods approach comprises a valid and promising way to evaluate impacts of conservation policies, even in the absence of control sites. By carefully linking policy outcomes to policy outputs, such an approach not onlyidentifies whether such policies work as intended, but also potential mechanisms.
Potential of carbon storage in major soil types of the Miombo woodland ecosystem, Tanzania: A review
(Academic and Scientific Publishing, 2014-07) Shelukindo, H. B.; Semu, E.; Msanya, B. M.; Munishi, P. K. T.; Maliondo, S. M. S.; Singh, B. R.
This review was undertaken to explore the potential of soils to sequester and store large quantities of carbon (C) in the form of soil organic carbon (SOC) from the view point of global climate change regulation and reduced CO2 emissions. Miombo woodland forest soils are an important sink of atmospheric C. The major soils found in the Miombo woodlands include: Cambisols (Inceptisols), Leptosols, and Fluvisols (Entisols), Luvisols (Alfisols), Acrisols (Ultisols), Ferralsols (Oxisols), and Vertisols (FAO-WRB classification system and USDA- Soil Taxonomy). The soils differed in physico-chemical properties and exhibited differences in morphological characteristics, nutrient status and SOC storage, suggesting a remarkable variation in potential, constraints and management strategies for the different soil types. The review underscored the potential of soils as one among the important strategies in fighting against climate change due to the presence of soil humus that stabilizes soil organic carbon for a long period of time. Overall, Miombo woodland soils have a high potential for storing substantial SOC stocks. Miombo are composed of different tree species (average of 45 species per biome) with differences in C storage capacity. Thus, strengthening land/forest conservation could lead to build up of SOC stocks that would contribute to global climate change regulation.
Understanding watershed dynamics and impacts of climate change and variability in the Pangani River Basin, Tanzania
(Elsevier, 2014-12-02) Lalika, Makarius C.S.; Meire, Patrick; Ngaga, Yonika M.; Chang’a, Ladislaus
Watersheds and rivers are vital ecological features for the provision of hydrological services for the health, welfare and prosperity of human communities. Nevertheless, anthropogenic activities coupled with climate change and climate variability are blamed for degrading watersheds and rivers and decreasing their capacity to irrigate. To address the situation, it is important to understand why and how water shortages are occurring. This paper reports findings of a study carried out to identify and assess drivers of water shortages and adaptation strategies to climate change and variability in Pangani River Basin of Tanzania. To assess the influence of climate change and variability on hydrological flow and water shortages, time series data on rainfall and temperature were compiled from the Tanzania Meteorological Agency. We also used structured questionnaires to collect data on villagers’ perceptions about the drivers of water shortages and adaptation strategies. Results indicated a decreasing trend of water flow (p < 0.05) at Kikuletwa– Karangai gauging station along Pangani River Basin. Trend analysis indicated a slight decrease of rainfall and increase of temperature. Although there is no empirical evidence to associate climate change with the decline of rainfall and water flow, adaptation measures need to be put in place in order to mitigate against increasing climate variability, reduced water flow, and projected climate change. Therefore, watershed conservation strategies should also focus on improving the welfare of local communities. Additionally, involvement of stakeholders in the entire PRB is crucial toward watersheds conservation for steady flow of hydrological services.
Exploring watershed conservation and water governance along Pangani River Basin, Tanzania
(2015 Elsevier Ltd., 2015) Lalika, M. C. S.; Meire, P.; Ngaga, Y. M.
tWater scarcity is among the contemporary problems of our time across the globe. The problem is wors-ened by policy failures to enforce water governance and watershed conservation. Consequently, it hascurtailed the capacity of watersheds to release hydrological services, water in particular. We carried outthis study to explore approaches for watershed conservation and investigate water governance challengesin Pangani River Basin, Tanzania. We collected data by using structured questionnaires and meetings withdifferent actors in the study area. We found that retaining riparian vegetation is the appropriate strategyfor watershed conservation and sustainable water flow. Water governance challenges include ineffectiveand uncoordinated water governing institutional structures; and untrustworthy financial management.We feel that building the capacity of water users association could bring about positive outcomes forboth watershed conservation and water governance. We recommend that strategies and policies aimedat improving the flow of hydrological services should also focus on improving the welfare of the localcommunities, who are the primary beneficiaries of water from watersheds.
Exploring the future land use- biodiversity-climate nexus in East Africa: an application of participatory scenario analysis
(Whiterose University, 2015-11) Capitani, Claudia; Norfolk, Olivia; Platts, Philip; Burgess, Neil; Mukama, Kusaga; Mbilinyi, Boniface; Malugu, Isaac; Munishi, Pantaleo; Marchant, Rob
Climate change and land-use-land-cover change (LULCC) are expected to have major impacts on global biodiversity. In highly diverse tropical moist forests, future biodiversity trajectories will also depend on political and societal will to undertake the changes needed to reduce those impacts. We present a framework to build participatory spatially- explicit scenarios that can be used to analyse the biodiversity-climate-land-change trade- offs, and we applied at different scales in East Africa. In Tanzania, under the business-as- usual pattern of economic growth, the Eastern Arc Mountains forests and biodiversity will be heavily impacted on, with increasing pressure on protected areas. Increasing variability of rainfall and temperature are likely to impact on where the LCLCC are going to be, with the mountains likely to be refuges that are even more important for local communities. That may intensify impacts on biodiversity. In Taita Hills (Kenya) and Jimma Highlands (Ethiopia), stakeholders expected that adaptation interventions to climate change would generally improve biodiversity state. Preliminary data on birds community diversity in Taita Hills showed that though agroforestry system supports higher diversity than natural forest, species richness of rarer forest specialists remained highest within natural forests. Anticipating future conservation and agriculture interaction under climate change may contribute to set spatial priorities for intervention sites. Further investigations are required that could benefit from integrating local stakeholders’ perceptions and visions for the future.
Eliciting smallholder farmers’ tradeoffs and preferences on the attributes of climate smart agriculture in the breadbasket areas of Tanzania using a conjoint experiment method
(Science Publishing Group, 2015-11-13) Mussa, Kassim R.; Saria, Josephat A.; Kusiluka, Lughano J. M.; Jiwaji, Noorali T.; Gwambene, Brown; Pauline, Noah M.; Msofe, Nangware K.; Tegeje, Juma A.; Messo, Innocent
While policy and decision-makers are striving to enhance food security amidst maddening impacts of climate change, climate smart agriculture is thought of as a promising breakthrough for responding to climate change impacts in Tanzania and elsewhere in the world as it strives to increase food productivity; build resilience of agricultural systems to climate change impacts and reduce agricultural greenhouse gas emission. Studies show that agricultural sector is both, a cause and a victim of climate change. It significantly contributes greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. However, achieving climate change mitigation through agriculture without compromising food security is a huge policy and research challenge, some scientists say, it is practically impossible. This study sought to determine tradeoffs and preferences of smallholder farmers on the attributes climate smart agricultural practices, specifically modeling choices of smallholder farmers using choice experiment method. Upon estimating three different models, positive utilities were observed in high productivity, Moderate and low GHG emission as well as on moderate and high resilient farming systems. Smallholder farmers showed a complete disutility on low and moderate agricultural productivity, high GHG emission and low resilient farming systems. The models therefore justified the fact that, attaining more yield without a compromise in greenhouse gas emission reduction targets is a blue-sky dream. In order to concisely inform policy, more research on farmers’ preference and tradeoff on the attributes is needed to establish a scientific and logical progression about the tradeoffs people are willing to make with regard to the attributes of climate smart agriculture practices.
Modelling environmental attitudes of the users of Kilombero valley wetlands, Tanzania
(Scientific Research Publishing, 2016) Mombo, Felister; Pieniak, Zuzanna; Vandermeulen, Valerie
Development policies have for a long time made it more profitable for people to de- grade than to conserve environment. The adoption of these economic wide policies by Africa especially during colonial time and after independence has resulted into erosion of its communities’ conservation behaviour and attitude. Although many studies assess environmental attitudes, those focussing on African regions or coun- tries using New Environmental Paradigm (NEP) scale are very limited. Such studies in the African context using NEP scale are very important, simply because many peo- ple depend on the environment for their livelihood, and in the process they destroy the world’s valued ecosystems including wetlands. This study is meant to fill in the gap using Kilombero valley wetlands in Tanzania as a case. The study used Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) to predict the behaviour of the users based on attitudes, environmental knowledge and awareness. The findings indicate that users of the Kilombero wetlands have a generally positive attitude towards the environment, de- spite a great degree of variability among the study participants. The study shows also that a certain level of environmental awareness is needed in order to increase peo- ple’s knowledge about environmental issues and change their environmental atti- tudes. The NEP scale does not fully fit into the Tanzanian context, thus suggesting that further research into the adaptation of the scale is needed.

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