Theses and Dissertations Collection

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Approaches and techniques for managing human-elephant conflicts in Western Serengeti, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2018) Chamba, I. Y.
Human-elephant conflicts (HEC) have been persistent in Ikorongo-Grumeti Game Reserves (IGGRs) and the adjacent communities of Bunda and Serengeti districts, Mara region. This study aimed to identify factors leading to HEC, examine losers and gainers, determine barriers to applied measures and suggest new approaches and techniques for effective mitigation of HEC. Data collection involved direct observations, key informant interviews and household survey using questionnaires. The analysis was done using R, SPSS and MS Excel computer softwares. Results showed that factors that significantly influenced HEC occurrence (P<0.05) were crop raiding incidences, increasing elephant population, encroachment, lack of clear buffer zone, lack of compensation plan, infrastructure damages and direct elephant attack. Major effects of HEC in the study villages were crop damage (99%), infrastructure damage (36%), domestic animal killings (18.7%) and human killings and injury (18.3%). Farmers were the main losers, whereas in 2017 about 46.6% of cultivated farms were destroyed and none of which was compensated. On the other hand, corrupt village leaders seemed to gain from the conflicts. The major barriers to HEC mitigation measures included few and large distance between scout camps, use of poor tools like handheld torches, inadequate manpower in HWC mitigation units, and ability of elephants to adapt to most of the detterents used by farmers. A number of non- conventional mitigation measures were identified and recommended; namely construction of trench (95.3%), electric fencing (92.7%), establishment of buffer zone management units (BZMUs) (92.7%), geo- fencing system (92.3%), Wireless Sensing Network (WSN) (85.3%), translocation of problem elephants (11.7%), and evacuation of people near PAs boundaries (22%) as HEC prevention and mitigation measures with long-term impacts. Generally, no single solution is effective as different approaches need to be intergrated to address the problem proactively. Hence, it is recommended that community involvement in decision-making and policy formulation should be emphasized for effective implementation of proposed mitigation measures.
Assessment of actors’ brokerage strategies and power struggles in the national REDD+ process in Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2017) Manyika, K. F. K.
Deforestation and forest degradation are among the sources of greenhouse gases emissions. Therefore, reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, ‘plus’ forest conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon stocks (REDD+)are considered asa unique opportunity of improving forest governance in developing countries. REDD+ has already been included as amitigation mechanismin the Paris Agreement onclimate change.Tanzania is among the countries thatembarked on instituting REDD+ governance structures. This study investigatedbrokerage strategies and power struggles in the national REDD+ process in Tanzania. Data were collected between 2012 and 2014.The study was conducted in Dar es Salaam and some selected districts namely Kilosa, Kondoa, and Rufiji wheresome REDD+ demonstration projects have been undertaken.Data were collected by usingPRA, focus group discussions, structured questionnaire, semi-structured and unstructured interviewsas well asparticipant observation. Structured questionnaire was conducted on 68 actors from government, parastatal organizations, development partners, private sector and non-governmentalorganizations (NGOs). Secondary data wereobtained from NGO pilot project documents, policy briefs, published and unpublished documents and reports.Data were analysed using SPSS version 20 and Social Network Analysis (SNA) with UCINET 6 and NetDraw software. Results revealed thatthe National Fund and Market Based systems arethe emerging National REDD+ governance structures in Tanzania. The study also found that themajority of actors have vested interests in the national REDD+ governance processes.Consequently, both governmental and non-governmentalactors striveto be brokers in the national REDD+ governance process in order to advance or protect their interests. Thebrokerage strategies deployed include:provision of consultancy services, financial resources, and technical services. Other brokerage strategies revealed include:the use of non-state diplomacy or insider-outsider relations, acting as observers, advisers, lobbyists and pressure groups. The study also indicated that power struggles that involvedgovernment and non-government actors emerged during the national REDD+ governance process. The factors underlying power struggles include:the number of assigned roles and responsibilities; the level of awareness and knowledge of actors on REDD+, economic expectations of carbon credits, the level designation or position of actors and ownership of forests. Other factors that contributed to power struggles include membership in the national REDD+ Task Force and organization mandates of actors. The study concludes that brokerage strategies and power struggles may spark legitimacy concerns and subsequently affect performance of the emerging governance structures.The studyrecommends forthe assessment of performance of the emerging governance structures in order to enhance theirlegitimacy.The study also recommends for the establishmentof a national REDD+ dialogue platform todebate and deliberateon REDD+ issues as both national and global lessons unfold. In addition, the study recommends for the revisionof National Forest Policy, Livestock Policy, Agriculture Policy, National Land Policy andother legislations to align them with the implementation of REDD+.
Assessment of degradation in forested areas of Tanzania: a case study of Tanga, Morogoro, Pwani and Dar-es-salaam regions
(2017) Ayila, N. G.
Study was conducted to assess the level of degradation in the forested areas in Tanzania particularly on eastern zone regions (Tanga, Pwani, Morogoro and Dar es salaam). Three vegetation types were taken into consideration where both volume and biomass removed was determined. The NAFORMA data was used where a total of 1413 plots with stumps were used. The study revealed that montane forest lost 48.47+8.2 m3/ha, lowland forest 22.27+2.25 m3/ha and woodland forest 13.77+1.39 m3/ha. The weighted mean volume and biomass removed was 15.67 m3/ha and 11.02 t/ha respectively. Average volume and biomass lost in woodland forests were 13.7 m3/ha and 9.77 t/ha respectively. The most harvested species in woodland were found to be Brachystegia sp. 2.57 m3/ha followed by Commiphora sp. 1.5 m3/ha while other remaining species account for 9.63 m3/ha. Average volume and biomass lost in lowland forests were 22.27 m3/ha and 14.88 t/ha respectively. The most harvested species in the lowland forest were found to be Brachystegia sp. 5.5 m3/ha followed by Combretum sp. 3.4 m3/ha and other remaining species contributed about 13.37 m3/ha. On the other hand average volume and biomass lost in montane forests were 48.46 m3/ha and 33.69 t/ha respectively where as the most degraded species in montane forest were found to be Ocotea usambarensis 14 m3/ha followed by Olea usambarensis 3 m3/ha and other remaining species 31.4 m3/ha. Volume removed in the woodland forest is contributed mostly by charcoal making 2.92 m3/ha followed by timber extraction 2.09 m3/ha, the remaining volume 8.76 m3/ha include other drivers of degradation. For lowland and montane forests, timber extraction is the most driver of degradation where about 5.03 m3/ha (22.5%) and 14.82 m3/ha (30.57%) respectively were extracted.
Assessment of implementation of village land use plans in Ulanga district, Tanzania
(sokoine university of agriculture, 2019) Naiposha, M. N.
Land use plans have been considered as a solution to land use problems. Existing studies have reported cases of non-adherence to the plan though limitedly considered assessing their implementation at village level. Implementation of the land use plan relies on how sufficient are the allocated land use zones, if the land use groups adhere to the plan and whether the available strategies enhance adherence to the land use plan. This study was designed to empirically identify land use implementation problems and suggest solutions relevant to the land users, the government, planners and other stakeholders. Primary data were collected through household survey of 120 respondents from two villages, key informants, focus group discussions and field observation survey while secondary data were collected through review of guidelines for land use planning, village land use plans, district land use framework, books and journals. Information used to assess sufficiency of land use zones and strategies used in Village Land Use Plan (VLUP) from household survey and village records were descriptively analysed. GPS points to examine adherence to VLUPs were analysed using Kappa statistic. Factors influencing adherence to VLUPs were analysed using binary logistical regression and pair-wise ranking. Findings showed that the allocated zones were insufficient for the current and future needs whereby 90% of the respondents declared insufficiency of the allocated zones. Discrepancies were noted in the size of land in the VLUP document and those digitised via Arcview GIS. Kappa analysis resulted to moderate adherence with kappa coefficient of 0.47 and 0.49 for Iragua and Kichangani villages. Corruption of village leaders, failure of village leaders to implement, lack of awareness on land use plans and increased population were the key prioritised factors that affected adherence to land use plans. The study recommends a review of the zoning standards to enhance sufficiency of allocated zones; privatization of grazing land; establishment of communal grazing management plans; and involvement of communities in developing complete plans. The study also recommends close monitoring; reviewing of VLUPs; enforcement of good governance; establishing incentive schemes; offering continuous education and awareness, and developing participatory implementation framework with clearly stipulated roles, strategies, milestones and indicators as well as resource mobilisation strategy.
Assessment of leaf biomass production of selected deciduous indigenous browse shrub in semi-arid ecological zone of Mwanga district, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2015) Fupi, George Ferdinand
The major problem facing ruminant livestock production in semi-arid ecological zone is lack of adequate feed and of good quality throughout the year. The problem is more critical in the dry season. In semi-arid ecological zone leaf litter of shrubs and bushes are an important feed resource during the dry season. Grewia bicolor is the main deciduous indigenous browse shrub dominating the western lowland areas of Mwanga district. This study aimed at investigating the influence of season and lopping on re-growth potential, leaf biomass production and nutritive value of Grewia bicolor in western semiarid area of Mwanga district. The treatments were: T 1 control (where the G. bicolor plant was not- lopped), T 2 where G. bicolor plants was lopped at the start of short rain season (November), T 3 where G. bicolor plants was lopped at the start of long rain season (March). A complete randomized design was used in this study, where four replications were laid across a general slope and three treatments were applied in each replication. The study revealed that the local feed resources for grazing ruminants in the study area during the dry season were mainly leaf litter of deciduous browse shrubs, leaf litter of annual and perennial grasses, and some edible forbs. The leaf litter of G. bicolor deciduous browse shrub had high CP content ranging from 7 – 9 % while the understory grasses were low in CP (4 – 6 %). Lopping of G. bicolor increased leaf litter production from 94 to 217 kgDM/ha. It can be concluded that G. bicolor can be utilized to increase livestock production while undertaking some lopping techniques to increase leaf litter production and to maintain the balance between its canopy size and desirable understory grass species.
Assessment of the extent of elephant damage on baobab trees (adansonia digitata) in Mkata flood plain of Mikumi National Park, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2006) Nicolaus, William
A study was conducted in Mkata flood plain of Mikumi National Park (Tanzania) during the dry season of 2003. The aim of the study was to assess the extent of elephant damage to baobab trees and other woody vegetation, with special consideration that elephants will use baobabs extensively when water is limited. Ground survey was employed to assess 50 baobab trees and 724 other woody species in 20 belt transects. Baobab trees were assessed five times at 3-week intervals to monitor new elephant damage. The Mkata river survey was undertaken to see whether there was any area with water. Qualitative survey of baobabs showed 96% of all trees had old damage, 40% of all trees had recent damage and 20% of all trees had new damage. Quantitative survey of baobabs revealed that, recent damage was significantly higher than new one. There was no significant difference in damages between young, medium sized and large baobabs. Medium sized baobabs were damaged more significantly than large baobabs. Damage to baobabs did not differ significantly between different transects. The study revealed 44.6% of woody vegetation of other species to have elephant damage, 55.4% damaged by unknown agents and 0.6% were not damaged. The extent of damage to other woody vegetation was low. Regardless of the cause of damage, 53.6% of the woody species were lightly browsed, 33.3% were intermediately damaged and 13.1% were seriously damaged. Mikumi elephants selectively damaged younger woody species more than larger ones. In overall, Lonchocarpus capassa and Acacia spp. had significantly higher elephant damage than other species. However, Acacia spp. and Commiphora africana had relatively high percentage of new damages (11% and 10.7% respectively), and high preference ratio. It was concluded that, Mikumi elephants were not a threat to baobabs and other woody vegetation. A long-term study to compare elephant damage to baobabs in different dry years is recommended.
Characterization, propagation and management of Jojoba (Simmondsia Chinensis L.) in Semi-Arid Areas of Voi, Kenya
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2016) Inoti, S. K.
Jojoba is a dioecious desert shrub which produces oil of high quality equivalent to that of sperm whale. It is used mainly in the cosmetic and lubrication industry. Currently, there is low production of jojoba globally mainly due to high male to female ratio in the plantations since they are mainly established from seed. To overcome this problem, five experiments were set up with the aim of characterization, propagation and management of jojoba in semi arid areas of Kenya. The experiments included molecular characterization of mature bushes, sex determination in young jojoba seedlings using morphological traits, identifying the most appropriate plant growth regulators and management regimes of mother plants for propagation as well as field established seedlings. Randomized complete block design was used and the treatments were replicated three times. Analysis of variance was carried out using SAS statistical package whereas the differing means were separated using the LSD and DMRT. The experiments were carried out between 2012 and 2014. The results showed that the mature jojoba bushes had a low genetic diversity which was shown by PIC range of 0.2583-0.3748. Single leaf area morphological trait for male seedlings (4.4 cm2) was significantly higher (p < 0.05) compared with the females (3.2 cm2). Anatone gave superior rooting percent of 24.2% for cuttings compared with the other plant growth regulators, IBA, Roothom and the control which were 21%, 14.8% and 11.5% respectively. Consequently, the male genotypes, M2 and M1 showed significantly higher (p < 0.01) rooting percent of 37.6% and 24.2%, respectively compared with the females, F2 and F1 which were 7.6% and 2.2%, respectively. Management regimes performance of the mother plants did not have any significant effect on the rooting of cuttings in the polythene sheet tunnel. However, field established seedlings at 10 months showed that a combination of manure, irrigation and micro catchment was the best management regime since it gave the highest root collar diameter of 17.1 mm which was significantly higher (p < 0.05) compared with the micro catchment (12.2 mm) alone which was the least. On the other hand mcrocatchment and irrigation combination showed the highest height (86.4 cm) which was significantly higher (p < 0.05) compared with the control (61.5 cm) and all the single management regimes. Generally, different management regime combinations gave better growth compared with single management regimes. Due to the low genetic diversity, it is, therefore, recommended that superior genotypes be imported to increase the genetic diversity of jojoba in Kenya. Single leaf area morphological trait should be used for sexing in young seedlings in order to attain the right ratios of male to female of 1:10 respectively during field planting for improved productivity per unit area. On the other hand, Anatone is recommended for propagation of cuttings in a polythene sheet tunnel since it is also cheap and readily available from agri veterinary shops in urban centres. The male genotypes M2 and M1 are recommended for use in future propagation of cuttings although more screening is needed to identify a wide range of genotypes especially the females which are more valued due to their seed production. The ideal management regimes for field planted seedlings are combinations of manure, irrigation and micro catchment as opposed to single management regimes.
Comparative study between government and private forest plantations management practices: Case studies of Sao hill and green resource forest plantations, Mufindi, Iringa, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2017) Akyoo, E. W.
The study was carried out in Sao Hill and GRL for comparison of management practices applied between government and private forest plantations. The study focused at identifying existing management practices, examining cost involved in forest management practices, assessing forest stand parameters and identify challenges facing management practices in Sao Hill and GRL in five years from 2012 to 2016. Data were collected through direct measurement in the forest stand parameters, structured interview for key informants, review of documents and observation. To access the stand parameters, a systematic sampling with two stages stratified sampling technique was applied and strata of age 5, 10 and 15 years were established for Pinus patula and Eucalyptus grandis. With equal allocation 180 sample plots of 0.04 ha were laid out and measurements were taken for estimation of stem quality, diameter and height, stand density, volume and basal area per hectare. Data collected were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS computer programs for descriptive and inferential statistics tools. The findings indicate that Sao Hill and GRL forest plantations practices similar major forest management practices based on establishment, tending operations, and forest protection and nursery silviculture. Between 2012 and 2016 Sao Hill was paying an annual average cost rate of TZS 6 811.06/man/day task and planting cost of TZS 70 247.32/ha for casual labour. On other hand GRL was paying annual relative lower cost rate of TZS 4 917.30/man/day and planting cost of TZS 16 750.15/ha. However Sao Hill spent the lowest cost in nursery with average of TZS 92.29 per seedling compared to TZS 145.92 per seedling in GRL. The results showed that there was a significant cost differences between Sao Hill and GRL and therefore concluded that Sao Hill spent extra cost per unit area in many areas of forest operations which should also reflect the production efficiency. Study also indicated that Sao Hill and GRL performed basic tending (weeding, pruning and thinning) as recommended in Technical Orders specifications. Stand density performance in P. patula was in moderate with Sao Hill having average of 692 sph in age 5 years’ strata alongside GRL with 520 stems per hectare, and for E. grandis Sao Hill performed better in the strata of age 5 years with mean density of 614 sph, while GRL did well for age 10 years strata with mean of 519 sph. With applied spacing of 3m x 3m still both plantations could have achieved higher stand density per hectare under proper practices. In volume performances for P. patula, the significant variations were observed in age 5 and 15 years strata whereby GRL had higher mean volume of 53.6m3/ha and 184m3/ha compared to mean volume of 24.2m3/ha and 154.1m3/ha in Sao Hill. For E. grandis major volume variations were found at ages 5 and 15 years as Sao Hill respectively had higher mean volumes of 109.1m3/ha and 261.3 m3/ha compared to 67.6m3/ha and 112.4m3/ha in GRL probably because E. grandis in Sao Hill was established under coppice regenerations. The implication of volume parameters for P. patula was associated with stem form quality of 96.43% straightness in Sao Hill and 92.79% in GRL while the E. grandis having 93.0% straightness form in Sao Hill and 92.89% straightness in GRL stands. Consequently from 2012 to 2016 Sao Hill and GRL plantation were prone to fire incidents and GRL lost 1592.5 ha of planted forests while Sao Hill lost at least 227.14 ha because of uncontrolled human activities and low technology in firefighting gears. Fund limitation was to some extent influencing management of Sao Hill and GRL forest plantations regarding fire and other issues.
Contribution of district agriculture development plans to poverty reduction at the household level: a case study of Korogwe district, Tanzania
(Sokoine University Of Agriculture, 2013) Shemkai, Bilali Seif
Agriculture is a key element of the Tanzanian economy, it contributes about 46% of the GDP. It is not well mechanized, most of small scale farmers using rudimentary and poor technologies. Following the decentralization policy, the District Agriculture Development Plans (DADPs) established project programme to boost up agriculture to promote economic growth and poverty reduction at household level. This study was conducted in Korogwe District, Tanga Region in order determine the contribution of the DADPs to poverty reduction at the household level. Random sampling was used to select 6 villages and 20 households (DADPs and non DADPs member) in each village. Data collected was edited, coded and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) Computer programme version 16.0. The Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) using the Least Significant Difference (LSD) was used to test the difference between the means. The paired t-test was used to assess for existence of significant difference between the means annual incomes between the DADPs and non DADPs households. It was observed that plough and Cart was the most adopted (51%), followed by the powertiller (24%) and lastly the poultry and the improved goats (25%). However households participation in DADPs projects was through monetary contribution (55%) and activity packages that combines materials and money (30%) and monetary and labour (15%). It was also observed that the remarkable important improvement in the programme activities gained by the households were the expansion of cultivation land which ultimately increased the crop yields (62%), means of transportation of goods (33%) and education (20%). Moreover the mean annual income DADPs member was TZS 702000 and while Non DADPs member was TZS 302385. The most limiting factors were shortage of tools (33%) and tools breakdown (23 %). Furthermore, the most important intervention measures suggested were tools (49%) and tractor (24%). The study recommends provision of pair of oxen’s as loans to the households and access to credits facilities.
Contribution of on-farm trees towards conservation of the biodiversity of Amani nature reserve, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2013) Mallya, Bruno Samwel
On-farm tree planting has been practiced all over the world in order to supplement reserved forests in terms of wood products. On-farm tree planting was a strategy to reduce pressure in the Amani Nature Reserve (ANR), which is biologically important in the Eastern Arc Mountains and globally at large. The objectives of this study were to assess the contribution of on-farm trees in conservation of the biodiversity of ANR. Measurements were taken from total of 135 on-farm plots measuring 0.125 ha per plot for determination of on-farm tree composition, stocking, richness and diversity. The type of forest products collected from ANR were assessed in a 1 km transect from the boundary by identifying and counting the number of cut trees and poles. Questionnaire survey administered to 135 households was used to determine tree uses, preference and factors influencing on-farm tree planting. On-farm tree species richness was determined by the total number of tree species while tree diversity was determined using Shannon-Wiener index. A total of 99 tree species belonging to 39 families either planted or retained on-farm were identified. Of all trees measured, 40.5% were deliberately planted and 59.5% retained on the farms. The dominant species included Maesopsis eminii, Grevillea robusta, Gliricidia sepium and Cedrella odorata. The Shannon-Wiener index of diversity for on-farm trees was 4.15. This shows a high diversity of on-farm tree species comparable to undisturbed natural forests. On farm trees are used as fuelwood, building poles, tool handles, timber and animal fodder. About 69.5% of some tree based products were obtained from on-farm trees, while other products such as herbal medicines, alpenstock and weaving material were collected from ANR. Farm size and income were the major factors influencing tree planting on farm. It is concluded that on-farm trees have positive impact on ANR conservation as well as improving future household income.
Contribution of Paddy Production to Household Income in Farmer-Managed Irrigation Scheme Communities in Iringa Rural and Kilombero Districts, Tanzania
(Journal of Agricultural Studies, 2018-05-09) Mosha, D. B.; Vedeld, P.; Katani, J. Z.; Kajembe, G. C.; Tarimo, A. K. P. R.
Irrigation reduces risks involved in agriculture and enables farming throughout the year. Improved irrigation systems enhance access to irrigation water. However, most smallholder farmers continue to use traditional irrigation schemes as if the difference in water use and crop yields between the two is insignificant. It seems essential to assess the paddy crop yield difference and its contribution to household incomes between traditional and semi-improved Farmer-Managed Irrigation Schemes (FMISs) in Iringa Rural and Kilombero districts in Tanzania. A cross-sectional research design was used in this study involving 48 key informants and 172 randomly selected households. Household survey using a structured questionnaire was the major method for data collection. Data from focus group discussions and key informants supplemented the information collected using household survey. The data were analyzed using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS). Results indicate that yield of paddy was higher in semi-improved schemes (2.5-3.6 tons/ha) compared to traditional irrigation schemes (2.2-2.9 tons/ha). This was attributed to the presence of improved water intake structures and existence of main canals, which facilitated an improved water supply to the irrigation fields. In spite of the poor and incomplete irrigation infrastructure, the paddy production contributed very significantly (73-80%) to the total annual household income of smallholder irrigators and somewhat more in the improved system than the traditional system. Other income sources are quite marginal in the study areas. The study recommends that the government should invest in irrigation infrastructure development to increase irrigation water use efficiency and increase agricultural values added.
The cost of managing forest carbon under REDD+ initiatives: a case of Kolo hills forest in Kondoa district Dodoma, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2013) John, Kabura
There is no doubt that REDD+ payments can do many activities that lead to deforestation and forest degradation less attractive. However, countries considering participating in REDD+ mechanism, need information on what it would cost them to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation. This study was delimited to estimate transaction costs of REDD+ project with the Advancing REDD+ in Kolo Hill pilot project in Kondoa District as a case study. Socio-economic and biophysical data regarding routine, non-routine activities, their associated transaction costs and carbon stock were collected. The socio-economic data were collected through interviewing 40 households in Mnenia village while 39 sample plots were systematically established in the Mnenia forest. The qualitative data from structured questionnaires were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) while the quantitative data such as costs were analysed using Microsoft excel spreadsheet. The carbon stock were analysed using locally allometric equation that estimated the biomass and converted into carbon by multiplying biomass by 0.49. The routine and non- routine identifed were boundary making and attending the village meetings among others. The average total cost incurred in setting up and running by project stakeholders was US$76.06ha-1 while the average carbondioxide stored was 72.48tCO2eha-1. The average costs incurred by managing the forest in relation to a tCO2 stored was $1.0485tCO2e-1ha-1. Estimates suggest that abatement transaction cost in Non-Annex I countries ranges between 0 - 3.48 US$tCO2e-1ha-1 for projects. According to the available carbon stock and costs incurred, the project was found to be economically profitable at 5%, 10%, 15% and 25% discount rates with NPVs of about US$19021.92, US$9061.366, US$5426.22, US$3754.257 and US$2838.799 respectively. Although the estimates suggest that abatement costs observed was between the ranges on the estimates in Non-Annex I countries more investigation should be done to other forest ecosystems so as to establish abatement cost in Tanzania.
Crown and root pruning of four year old boundary trees at Siaya and Nyabeda in Western Kenya: socio-economics, utilization of soil water, and maize and wood yields
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2004) Tefera, Almaz Tekleberhan
Farmers' survey and two field experiments were carried out at Siaya and Nyabeda in western Kenya to investigate the effect of crown and root pruning on tree growth. soil water dynamics, maize and wood yields, when trees are boundary planting along agricultural crops. The experiment carried out at Siaya included 4 years old trees of Casuarina equisetifolia. Eucalyptus grandis, Grevillea robusta and Markhamia hitea while the one carried out at Nyabeda involved 5 years old G. robusta. The following parameters were assessed over 5 and 4 cropping seasons at Siaya and Nyabeda respectively: tree growth, light interception, soil water dynamics, tree water uptake and maize yield. Results from the Siaya survey showed that 74% of the farmers grow M. hitea on their farms, which is an indigenous tree species in western Kenya. Eighty-four percent of the respondents observed that crop yields that are close to the trees were very low compared to crops that were far away from the trees. The result from the experimental data showed that all the four tree species in the test at both sites survived both heavy crown and root pruning without any mortality or reduced growth. Tree species showed significant (P<0.001) variability in branch biomass produced from crown pruning at Siaya site. Eucalyptus grandis had the highest biomass (107.2 kg/tree) production at the time of first pruning while M. lutea had the lowest (5.5 kg/tree). New branch sprouts of pruned trees continued to grow in both length and diameter. Eucalyptus grandis had the highest growth in both new branch length and basal diameter (10.49 m and 13.44 cm respectively) while M. lutea had the least (5.39 m and 6.75 cm respectively). Soil water under crown and root pruned trees were significantly (P<0.05) high compared to the unpruned (control) tree plots. Soil water content decreased by 25-35% under un-pruned (control) tree plots of all species as compared to soil water content under crown and root pruned tree plots. Transpiration of crown and crown plus root pruned C. equisetifolia and G. robusta trees was reduced by 50% as compared to unpruned trees. Maize grain yield was positively influenced by photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) under both C. equisetifolia (R2 = 0.84) and E. grandis (R2 = 0.97) boundary trees. During the first 3 maize cropping seasons, maize crops adjacent to pruned trees produced significantly (P<().01) higher yield (50-80%) compared to that growing adjacent to the unpruned (control) trees. Based on maize yield production, crown only pruning is recommended for M. lutea and E. grandis trees while crown plus root pruning is recommended for C. equisetifolia trees. Root only pruning is recommended for G. robusta trees. Trees of all species need to be re-pruned every 1-2 years.
Diameter crowth variation for miombo tree species in Kitulang’alo forest reserve, Morogoro Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2011) Njoghomi, Elifuraha Elisha
With the aim of developing an understanding of diameter growth variation in miombo tree species, this study examines the diameter growth of 53 selected trees from twelve (12) species using dendrometer bands in Kitulang’alo Forest Reserve, Morogoro Tanzania. The selected tree species included Julbernardia globiflora, Brachystergia boehmii, Combretum molle, Dalbergia melanoxylon, Pterocarpus species, Pteliopsis myritifolius, Xeroderris stulhumanii, Diospyros kirkii and Acacia nigrescens, Acacia senegal, Acacia robusta and other Acacia species. The study was done from July 2007 to December 2010. The study complements dendrometer band growth increment data by caliper based method to allow comparison of the two methods in measuring diameter growth. The study revealed that diameter growth rates vary significantly between and within tree species, and also in relation to age, season and microclimatic conditions of the forest. When fitted to nonlinear growth models, parameters were found to be significant Julbernardia globiflora, Brachystergia boehmii and all Acacia species. while non-significant to the rest of the studied species (P>0.05). The study also, found no significant difference between the dendrometer band and the calliper method in measuring diameter increment. However, the band dendrometer method is recommended for short term diameter increment studies (daily to monthly fluctuations) while the calliper method is suitable for long term monitoring of diameter increment studies. The use of high quality dendrometer bands is ideal for quality diameter increment data.
Dispossession and power struggles in community - based natural resources management: a case of burunge wildlife management area, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2018) Kicheleri, R. P.
Institutions remain one of the biggest hindrances to achieving sustainable community-based natural resources management. In Tanzania, knowledge about institutional adequacy, and the contribution of institutions to accumulation by dispossession and power struggles in the Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) is limited. This study was conducted in Burunge WMA in Babati district, Manyara region, Tanzania to assess the effects of institutions on dispossession and power struggles. The specific objectives were to (i) examine institutional challenges facing WMAs (ii) assess institutional rhetoric versus local reality in Burunge WMA (iii) assess evidence of accumulation by dispossession in Burunge WMA and (iv) examine power struggles in the management of Burunge WMA. A cross sectional research design was used. Data collection methods were focus group discussions, key informant interviews, telephone interviews, questionnaires, and literature review. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 20 was used in descriptive statistical analysis to compute frequencies, means and standard deviations. Content analysis method was used to analyse qualitative data where common themes related to institutions, dispossession, and power struggles were analysed. Results showed that participation of local communities in the management and rules making for WMAs have not been sufficiently elaborated in the National Wildlife Policy and Legislation. Moreover, access to resources, land tenure and property rights are unclear in the rules. Likewise, rules do not provide for accountability and transparency to occur, revenues are recentralised, benefits are inadequate and besides existing conflicts, there are no locally based established conflict management mechanisms. Furthermore, respondents had little knowledge of rules on the management of the WMA. Similarly, inadequate participation of local communities in the policy process for WMA establishment and its subsequent management was observed. Rules were used to dispossess local people’s resources including land and revenues. After the WMA establishment, the village land within the WMA changed legal status from village land to reserved land and village councils lost their power over that land. There are power struggles over revenues, land and access to resources that have resulted in conflicts which lacked management mechanisms besides existing land tribunals. Therefore, it is recommended that a review of the Wildlife Policy including taking into account local livelihoods dependence on wildlife resources need to be done. This will accommodate changes that will reinforce devolution rather than recentralisation and accumulation by dispossession, livelihood improvement, accountability, transparency, secure land tenure and property rights, and access to resources and village councils as sole managers of WMAs. Also, a genuinely inclusive process should be employed in the policy and rule making process in WMAs. Lastly, to manage conflicts among actors, low cost locally-based conflicts management mechanisms need to be established in the WMAs.
Diversity, distribution and abundance of avifauna in respect to habitat types: a case study of Kilakala and Bigwa, Morogoro, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2013) Bideberi, Gloria
The purpose of this dissertation was to find out the diversity, distribution and abundance of avifauna in respect to habitat types within Kilakala and Bigwa wards in Morogoro. The study was conducted between November and December 2011, by dividing the area into five habitat types which are settlement, farmland, shrubland, woodland and forest. Bird’s abundance and diversity were compared between habitat types also related to habitat features. Point count method was used to collect data on bird diversity, abundance and distribution. Nested plots were used to collect data on habitat features. The Kruskal Wallis test was applied to test the difference in bird abundance between habitat types whereas Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H′) was used to determine species diversity. On other hand, Sørensen’s similarity index was used to find out similarities between habitats while the Spearman correlation coefficient was used to determine the relationship between bird abundance and habitat features within habitat types. A total of 3747 birds from 40 families and 159 species including six endemic species and two threatened species were recorded. The study found no significance differences in bird’s abundance neither between habitat types nor between sampling periods. During November, diversity indices ranged from 3.224 to 3.865 with highest being shrubland and lowest being farmland while in December diversity ranged from 2.84 to 3.419 with highest being forest and lowest being settlement. Sørensen’s similarity index ranged from 0.475 to 0.071, with the habitats in proximity showing higher similarity than the distant habitats. Spearman correlation analysis suggested that bird abundance is associated with habitat features. The findings from this study provide evidence that settlement areas can serve as a refuge for birds. Therefore, conservation efforts should as well be directed towards making communities view human occupied areas as a habitat for birds, and not as a lost habitat.
The Eastern Arc mountain forests of Tanzania: their role in biodiversity, water resource conservation, and net contribution to atmospheric carbon
(North Carolina State University, 2001) Munishi, Pantaleo K. T.
Mountain forests play major ecological and environmental roles. This study evaluated the roles of the Eastern Arc Mountain forests of Tanzania in conservation of biodiversity, water resources, and net contribution to atmospheric carbon. The major objectives were three-fold: (1) the classification and description of plant community composition, diversity patterns, and their environmental correlates, (2) assessment of biomass and carbon pool in the phytomass and soils, (3) assessment of rainfall interception throughfall, stemflow, streamflow, and their correlation with rainfall. Data on vegetation, topography, soils, and hydrology were collected from the Usambara and Uluguru ranges. Using cluster analyses, Non-metric Multidimensional Scaling (NMS) ordination, and indicator species analyses, five different plant communities were identified on each range. These communities were associated with two topographic and fourteen edaphic factors. Elevation was the strongest correlate of community composition in individual ranges, followed by several edaphic factors. Landform index and soil sodium concentration [Na] play major roles in separating plant communities between different mountain ranges. The proportions of rare species were high raising a conservation concern as to whether this is evidence of species’ declines or a biological characteristic. The forests have tremendous capacity for C storage both in the phytomass (517 ± 17 t ha’1 in the Usambaras and 384 ± 10 t ha’1 in the Ulugurus), and in the soil (420 ± 100 t ha’1 in the Usambaras and 290 ± 53 t ha’1 in the Ulugurus). Phytomass C was higher in mid elevation communities while high elevation communities had higher soil carbon, and total carbon. Rainfall interception was 23% in the Usambaras and 20% in the Ulugurus. Throughfall was more than 76% in both forests and stemflow was less than 2%. Streamflow was best modeled using three or more months running mean rainfall. The results suggest that plant community patterns in the Eastern Arc are associated with a complex of topographic and edaphic factors. This complex of factors is an important consideration in restoration and conservation programs. Attention to rare species is especially important. The forests have substantial capacity for carbon emission mitigation. The slow response in streamflow to rainfall events shows the efficiency of the forests to store water, mitigate storm water impacts by reducing runoff, delaying onset of peak flows, and ensuring constant water supplies.
The effect of forest degradation on forest structure and carbon stock in Kiwengwa pongwe forest reserve, Zanzibar
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2013) Haji, Ngwali Makame
This work reported in this dissertation was conducted in Kiwengwa-Pongwe Forest Reserve (KPFR) in Zanzibar. Specifically, the study assessed the forest structure, carbon stock and forest degradation. Eleven transects were laid out in the North – South direction and plots located along each transect. The distance between transects was 600 meters and plots were laid down systematically at intervals of 300 meters along each transect. Clusters of concentric circular plots of 5, 10 to 15 metres radius were established for measurement of diameter at breast height (dbh). The measured trees were grouped into the following classes: <4, 5-10, 11-20 and >20 cm. The forest had composition of 60 species in 52 families, Stand density of 281 stems ha-1, Basal area of 5.75 m2ha-1 and Volume of 33.97 m3ha-1. Biomass was 22.9 tha-1 with a Carbon stock of 11.5 tCha-1. These results were slightly lower than earlier reported (1997) for the same forest, where volume and biomass then stood at 35.37 m3ha-1 and 26.39 tha-1, respectively. The mean Shannon & Wienner species diversity Index ranged from 0.83 at the forest edge to 1.74 at the forest centre, with a mean of 1.34, which is considered to be low to medium. Assessment of forest degradation showed removals of 159 stems ha-1 corresponding to a basal area of 2.6 m2ha-1, volume of 18 m3ha-1, carbon of 6.1tCha-1 and CO2 emission of 12tCO2-e. These results indicated that KPFR is subject to degradation and hence a high potential for enhance carbon sequestration and storage through sustainable forest management. The study recommends that there is a need to upgrade the status of the surveyed forest reserve to improve its forest structure and carbon sequestration and storage potential.
Estimation of tree removals in Miombo woodlands of mainland Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2020) Manyanda, Bernardol John
Miombo woodlands are major vegetation type covering about 93% of the forest land of Mainland Tanzania. It forms an integral part of the rural landscape in Tanzania and plays a crucial role in providing a wide range of goods and services including carbon sequestration. However, the sustainability of miombo woodlands resources depend on the balance between increment/growth rate and the magnitude of utilization. While many studies have been conducted to evaluate growth rate/increment little has been done to evaluate tree removals in miombo woodlands of mainland Tanzania. Quantification of volume, biomass, and carbon stocks removals is vital in developing effective climate change mitigation strategies, decision making, and promoting sustainable forest management.The overall objective of this study was to assess volume and carbon removals in miombo woodlands of mainland Tanzania as a result of tree cutting. Specifically, the present study intended to: 1), develop biomass and volume models based on stump diameter for assessing forest removals; 2) estimate volume and carbon stocks removals as a result of tree cutting; 3) examine drivers of removals and their influences on aboveground carbon removals in miombo woodlands and 4) estimate volume loss due to extra stump height in miombo woodlands of mainland Tanzania. To this end, two main data sets were used. The first is composed of field data collected from miombo woodlands located in three regions i.e. Manyara, Tabora and Lindi. The data were used for developing individual tree biomass and volume models essential for estimating biomass and volume removals directly from stump diameter (SD). Estimating volume and biomass directly from SD has an advantage of reducing the accumulated errors that could results from estimation of diameter at breast height (DBH) of the removed tree and used the estimated DBH to estimate volume and biomass from available equation that utilize the estimated DBH. The second is stumps data (diameter and height) collected during the implementation of the Tanzania National Forest Resources Monitoring and Assessment (NAFORMA). This data set were requested from Tanzania Forest Services agency (TFS), Tanzania Forestry Research Institute (TAFORI), and Sokoine University of Agriculture through the National Carbon Monitoring Centre (NCMC).This data set were used to respond to the objective two, three and four of this study. All the data were analysed in R software. Results revealed that, in all the models developed, SD explained over 70% of the variations in belowground biomass (BGB), aboveground biomass (AGB) and volume. By applying the developed models to the NAFORMA stump data, the estimated mean annual volume, AGB and BGB removals in the entire miombo were 1.71±0.54 m3ha- 1year-1, 1.23±0.37tha-1year-1, and 0.43±0.12 tha-1 year -1 respectively. The drivers of removals were, timber extraction, fire, shifting cultivation, charcoal, natural death, firewood collection, poles, grazing wild, carving, grazing domestic and mining activities. The estimated removed AGC ranged from 0.0 to 1.273tCha-1year-1 with the highest removals accounted by timber and the lowest by mining activities. Since the estimated annual volume removals exceed estimated mean annual increment of 1.6±0.2m3 ha-1yr -1 in miombo woodlands, the removals indicate unsustainability utilization of woodlands resource. This imply that the emission is relatively higher than the sequestration. The results also revealed that removals are more prominent in the following categories; shifting cultivation, production forest, grazing land, general land, village land, Eastern and Southern zones. Furthermore, total annual wood volume, annual volume and carbon per ha lost through extra stump height (ESH) were 3 800 000m-3year-1, 0.098 ± 0.034 m3ha-1year-1 and 0.028±0.009 tCha-1year-1 respectively. Based on these findings, it is recommend that, regional developed models should be applied over a wide range of conditions in miombo woodlands of mainland Tanzania under the threshold of tree diameter sizes used in the modelling. Furthermore, we recommend that the site-specific models should be applied for local inventories in their respective sites. For reducing emissions emanating from removals and by considering national circumstances, all categories of miombo woodlands should be managed although the management (in terms of tree removals) intensity and priorities should consider those categories with unsustainable removals. Similarly, all drivers of removals should be managed and priority should be to those drivers with the highest contribution to removals. Since the estimated annual volume loss through ESH (i.e. 3.8 million m3year-1) is almost ¼ of the annual volume deficit of 19.5 million m3year-1 reported by NAFORMA, the deficit and further removals could be lowered through proper adherence to appropriate harvesting procedures in the miombo woodlands of Tanzania. Moreover, the use of alternative sources of energy particularly clean energy and planting trees for wood energy must continue to be emphasized. Additionally, it is recommend that stumps data should be used to estimate volume and carbon removed and assess drivers of volume and carbon removals in other vegetation types i.e. mangrove forest, lowland forest, humid montane forest and thickets. This would bring tree removal information at national scale and improve future estimates of Forest Reference Emission Level (FREL).
Evolution and performance of water management institutions: a case of farmer-managed irrigation schemes in Iringa Rural and Kilombero Districts, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2016) Mosha, O. B.
Water management institutions are dynamic, evolve and change over time and space particularly when subjected to socio-cultural, economic, political and environmental factors. Despite the fact that water management institutions change over time, conflicts of water remain a central concern. The aim of the study on which this thesis is based was to provide a better understanding of changes in institutional aspects over the previous 40+ years (1970 – 2013) and their performance in managing and using water in Farmer-Managed Irrigation Schemes (FMIS) in Iringa Rural and Kilombero Districts, Tanzania. Specifically, the study intended to: (i) Examine historical dynamics in both formal and informal water management institutions over the previous 40+ years (1970 - 2013) and explore how farmers adopt, reject, modify and or synergize formal and informal institutions; (ii) Examine performance of water management institutions in FMIS in the study areas; (iii) Assess the influence of exogenous factors on water institutional change in the water sector and (iv) assess the contribution of paddy production from FMIS to household income in comparison with other livelihood activities. Data collection involved a household survey of 172 household heads, 40 key informants, four focus group discussions and direct observations. Both qualitative and quantitative analyses were undertaken. A chi-square test of independence used to determines associations between performance of eight design principles and scheme types. A binary logistic regression and a multiple linear regression models were used to determine possible determinants influencing institutional change and household income respectively. The results indicated that formal and informal water management institutions have evolved substantially over the past 40+years; and that institutional evolution and changes are the outcomes of the government efforts to address emerging challenges with respect to water demands and multiple use, and inefficiency of existing institutions to reconcile water competing claims. However, formal institutional evolution weakened social norms and traditions which in turn affected the process of water allocation and distribution negatively. Limited involvement of local users in water decisions created a sense of dispossession, imposing negative attitudes towards formal institutions. Furthermore, the findings indicated a high proportion (73-79%) of net household income derived from irrigated paddy, reflecting high dependence on irrigated agriculture. Irrigation, therefore, holds a promising future to improve the livelihood of millions of rural households and contributes to Tanzania’s economic development. The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries should consider and make sure enough funds are allocated for irrigation, and this should be part and parcel of long term national plan for agricultural sector development. It is also recommend that policy makers and practitioners in relevant water departments and Ministry of Water and Irrigation should include locally evolved institutions while re-crafting formal institutions.

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