Theses and Dissertations Collection

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The impacts of changes in vegetation cover on dry season flows in the Kikuletwa River catchment, northern Tanzania.
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2006) Ambrose,Hermegast
While the decrease in water flows in most if not all non spring fed streams is obvious in the Kikuletwa River, Northern Tanzania; the exact mechanism leading to the decreases is somewhat unclear. The area has experienced a steady population growth, and it would seem rational to attach the decrease in the low flow to population increases and hence increase in water abstractions and withdraw. Nevertheless, the reasons may be manifold. Vegetation cover change seems to form part of such an explanation. Analysis of satellite images for 1970s to 2000 showed considerable change in land usc/cover. In 1976, the land use/cover in the area was dominated by a forest like environment where by closed forest and open forest in total covered one third (34%) of the area. In contrast, in 2000 much of the original forested areas have been cut or converted to farmlands, and thus the combined classes of closed forest and open forest occupied less than quarter (13%) of study area, which is about 68% decrease in forested cover. Analysis of low flow indices indicated no statistically significant changes in the long term average low flows. However, the study of local people perceptions confirmed declining low flows in many tributaries of Kikuletwa River. From local people perspective there has been a decrease in dry season discharge in most if not all streams of Kikuletwa River. There were no identifiable change in the rainfall amount, and the low flows could not directly be linked to water abstractions and withdraw. This study therefore associates the changes in the dry season flow to the identified land cover changes, which supports conclusiveargument that the decrease in vegetation cover affects the rate of ground recharge and consequently reduces dry season flow.
Sustainability of HIMA project agricultural technologies in Iringa district, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2014) Kiyeyeu, Yoakim Temelagos
Sustainability of Agricultural technologies in Iringa Rural has been questionable inspite of the introduction of several agricutural projects to conserve environment in Tanzania. This study aimed to assess the sustainability of HIMA project agricultural technologies in Iringa where: existence, performance, socio-economic and institutional factors that contributed to sustainability of agricultural technologies was studied. Cross sectional research design was used, Purposive sampling of 4 villages was done, 30 respondents in each village were randomly selected, 120 total respondents were interviewed. Results showed existence of technologies but some were poorly performed due to different socio-economic factors. Logistic regression and general linear model identified education level, Occupation, and Household size were statistically significant thus significaintly influenced factors on existence of agricultural technologies in the study area. The findings show that most respondents employed in agriculture are aware that key issues on agricultural policies are well addressed but implementation of By-laws are weak. However, some benefited with available financial institutions including SACCOS and trainings during agriculture shows. It was concluded that, most technologies still exist inspite of some performing poorly due to high management cost, incompatibility, financial constraints, inadequate extension for monitoring and evaluation and weak By-laws implementation. It was recommended that, the District should improve efficiency of extension services, farmers partcipation, trainings, seminars, certificates for better parformance as incentives to farmers, Financial empowerment to farmers to be important factors to consider during project introduction and implementation stage for technologies sustainability.
Socio-ecological resilience of people evicted for establishment of Uluguru Nature Reserve in Morogoro region, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2013) Nyenza, Oliva Marcus
Utilization of natural resources has been steadily increasing due to population growth as demand exceeds ecosystem capacity to supply them. In response to this, sometimes the government tends to evict people already established their livelihood for conservation of natural resources. This causes disturbance on livelihood of the people who need to be socio-ecological resilient after eviction. The study aimed to assess the socio-ecological resilience of people evicted for establishment of Uluguru Nature Reserve. Specifically. to analyze the institutions governed the eviction and its implications on socio-ecological resilience of people evicted, to assess the eviction process during the establishment of UNR and its implication on socio-ecological resilience of the people evicted, to examine components of socio-ecological resilience for people evicted from UNR and to assess socio-economic factors underlined socio-ecological resilience of people evicted from UNR. Content analysis was employed for institutions governed the eviction. Frequencies and percentages were calculated for eviction process and coping strategies. General Linear Model (GLM) Univariate was used to determine factors influenced components of socio-ecological resilience. Binary regression was used to examine statistical significance of socio-economic factors influencing adoption of coping strategies after eviction. The study realized that institution governed eviction stipulate clearly the rights of evicted people. The study revealed also that people with high income were resilient than with low income, people with many economic activities were socio-ecological resilient than those performing only one activity, males were more socio-ecological resilient than females. The study concludes that eviction process lead to low socio-ecological resilience of the evicted people. The study recommends that strategies for increasing socio-ecological resilient of the evicted people including participation of local community in eviction process, support from government and Non Governmental Organization NGOs) on creating awareness to people about the whole process of eviction is required.
Analysis of factors affecting marketing of honey in Tabora and Dar-es-salaam regions
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2006) Mkamba,Gladness Allan
The main objective of the study was to analyse factors affecting marketing of honey in order to identify interventions which can promote its production and trade. Results obtained indicated that, in Dar-es-salaam city, factors affecting sales include quality, colour, availability and originality of honey, packaging facilities and seasonal changes. Similarly, these factors affect the external markets. Also consumers' income affects the sales of honey. High Hydroxymethylfurfuraldehyde (HMF) and water insoluble solids beyond tolerant limit for table honey were found in most of the honey samples, and aldrin in one sample. Poor harvesting, processing, storage and transportation were reported knowledge on honey quality standard, inadequate laboratory facilities for honey and inefficient marketing information system. There is a correlation between margins and selling prices which means that price changes are not being passed on to subsequent marketing channel levels; producers found to get the highest share of consumer price in the marketing channel. It has been concluded that consumers’ preferences, education level for both trader and consumer, income of the consumer, quality and natural state of honey have effect on sale of honey. HMF and water insoluble solids in honey are major problems facing both traders and producers in meeting National and International standards. Inefficient marketing information system led to wrong information on the price and standard of honey by beekeepers. Marketing of honey was responding well, however retailers earning was not reflecting marketing costs, meaning that the price rises artificially. To improve the marketing of honey, beekeepers and traders have to learn market behaviour and consumer preferences. There is a need for training and capacity building for beekeepers, traders and as sources of contamination, caused by lack of extension personnel; to disseminate educational materials and information on quality standards and price; make possible for beekeepers to access appropriate tools and equipment. To set grade standards and establish quality controls programs for inspection and law enforcement; facilitate promotion of Tanzanian honey, by supporting honey traders in organizing or attending National and International honey shows; to carry out market survey /research and honey quality analysis
Socio-ecological factors influencing productivity of local silvopastoral technology in Magu district
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2009) Lutandula, Malimi Justine Mabimbi
The present studies were carried out in Magu district during the period in order to determine the extent of adoption, limiting Socio-Ecological factors that influence productivity of local Silvopastoral technolog} and corrective measures required to improve the adoption of the technology. The methods include random and systematic field and social surveys. The results indicated that there are a number of people adopting the technology though its status is not evenly spread throughout the district. The socio- ecological factors influencing the productivity of the technology and the reasons for their occurrence were observed. Main constraints hindering the technology and the suggested measures to mitigate the constraints were revealed. Following the discussion, it was generally concluded that Ngitili Silvopastoral technology has the potential of improving the ecology of the site, where trees, grass and herbs/forbs are growing together. In addition, it was recommended that extension and training is needed to stimulate and elicit indigenous change of attitudes and approaches to resource management, to impart knowledge and skills to the main key players in local Ngitili Silvopastoral fodder reserves and agroforestry technologies in general.
Effect of refugees on plant diversity, forest stocks and forest cover in north-east Mpanda forest reserve, Mpanda district, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2013) Nyambala, Lucas Sotery
This study on the effect of refugees on plant diversity, forest stock and forest covers was conducted in North-East Mpanda Forest Reserve (NEMFR), Mpanda District. Specifically, the study aimed at assessing refugees' forest-based activities, quantifying effect of refugees' disturbances on forest slocks, assessing the effect of refugees on plant diversity and quantifying the forest cover changes between 1972/73-1994 and 1994- 2009. Structured interview and checklist were used to collect socio-economic data from Katumba refugee camp villages and one village from native community. Biophysical data was collected through forest inventory procedures and remote sensing and GIS techniques. The forest was stratified into disturbed and undisturbed strata of 33 and 135 sample plots respectively. Descriptive statistics were established through SPSS software whereas, content analysis was used to analyse qualitative data. Inventory data was analysed by Microsoft excel. Satellite imageries covering a period from 1972/73 to 2009 were analysed by GIS techniques using Arc View GIS and ERDAS. Results revealed that refugees illegally accessed NEMFR mainly for agriculture, residences, fuelwood and poaching. Stand density was 595±26.01 (SE), 663±25.07 (SE) and 254±58.5 (SE) stems/ha for the whole NEMFR, undisturbed and disturbed strata respectively. Basal area was 15.68±0.76 (SE), 18.62±0.71 (SE) and 2.12±0.59 (SE) m2/ha for NEMFR, undisturbed and disturbed strata respectively. Volume was 151.60±8.22 (SE), 182.10±8.17 (SE) and 17.45±5.76 (SE) m3/ha for NEMFR, undisturbed and disturbed strata respectively. Statistically, the above three parameters with reference to undisturbed and disturbed strata were significantly different (pO.OOOl) implying disturbed strata was less stocked attributable to anthropogenic activities. Shannon-Wiener indices were 3.26±0.007 (SE), 3.24±0.007 (SE) and 2.73±0.05 (SE) for NEMFR, undisturbed and disturbed strata respectively. Cover change analysis deduced a widespread forest cover changes attributable to refugees disturbances. The study concluded that legal residence of refugees in NEMFR has significantly resulted into reduced wood stocks, plant diversity and forest cover.
An economic evaluation of the forest resources management project in Mwanza region, Tanzania.
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2001) Ngate,Richard George
This study was conducted in Mwanza Region covering Magu, Misungwi and kwimba districts. The objective of the study was to perform an economic evaluation of the Forest Resources management project (FRMP) in order to examine the projects’ economic efficiency in utilising resources. The study employed multi-stage sampling technique in which purposive sampling was done to select districts and villages based data was obtained through questionnaire and informal surveys to the sampled households, forest extension agents in the project area and buyers of trees for construction poles. Secondary data was obtained from projects’ reports and records. Linear regression and Cost Benefits Analysis (CBA) were used to analyse the information extracted. Results indicated that about 91.6% of the households in the surveyed villages planted trees in their farms. Of these, 51.8% planted trees for fuelwood and sale of poles; 22.9% planted trees for poles, fuelwood, windbreak and shade whereas 16.9% planted trees primarily for construction poles and timber. Also, about 50.6% of the households had constructed improved wood stoves. Of the socioeconomic factors involved in the regression model, family size, farm size, distance to the source of fuelwood and education had positive influence to the number of trees planted per household, while Age and number of livestock had a negative correlation. The project was economically with a net present value of about 4383.6 millions Tshs at the discount rate of 10% per annum in a period of 20 years. The return on on the performance of the project and ease of communication of the areas. Primary investment was about 41.5%. Sensitivity analysis indicated that the project’s net present value would fall to zero when benefits were reduced by about 69.2%. Finally, the study has come up with the following recommendations: • More efforts should be made to invest in native and drought resistant tree species so as to increase supplies from tree planting in the area. • Credit facilities need to be established to help farmers conduct other economic activities such as Beekeeping in order to generate income. Introduction of water harvesting technique through simple technologies in order to increase water supply in the area To sensitise and educate farmers to be self-reliant in situations where they are have ability to stand for themselves. Explore ways of growing o trees in rural areas more efficiently and effectively in association with Livestock. o More efforts to establish property rights regime is needed in order to promote investment in tree planting and management of natural woodlands
Climate variability and climate information use for water resources conservation decisions: a case of Kilombero river catchment, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2018) Moirana, Emanuel Lorivi
This study assessed climate variability and the use of weather and climate information for water resources conservation decisions in the Kilombero River catchment. In addition, it assessed the extent of climate change adaptation strategies in the National Water Policy of 2002. Data were collected from 120 household respondents, three focus group and seven key informants in the three study villages. Historical rainfall and temperature data were also obtained from the Tanzania Meteorological Agency to discern climate variability in the area. The rainfall and temperature data were analysed for trends using Mann-Kendall test. Quantitative data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences while qualitative information was analysed using content analysis. Tobit regression model was used to established factors which influence use of weather and climate information. Results show inter-annual and seasonal rainfalls do not show consistence increasing or decreasing trends in Mahenge, Kilombero and Ifakara stations for the period 1986 - 2016. However, annual and intermediate (January and February) rainfalls in Mahenge showed decreasing trends significant at 0.05 a level of significance. Temperatures were increasing at Mahenge station for all seasons, but significant trends were observed in annual minimum and minimum temperatures during short rains (October, November and December) at 0.05 and 0.01 a levels of significance respectively. Weather and climate information are locally available in the area with medium use. Extension visits (13=0.079; p<0.01), scientific types (13=0.182; p<0.05), traditional methods (13=0.114; p<0.05) and household income (13=0.072; p<0.05) were the only factors which had significant and positive correlations with decisions on water resources conservation. It is concluded that climate is highly variable and there is medium use of weather and climate information. The study recommends improvements of communities’ adaptive capacity emphasize factors which had significant positive correlations with decisions on water resources conservation.
The effects of human disturbances on diversity and dynamics of eastern Tanzania miombo arborescent species
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2000) Luoga, Emmanuel Joachim
This interdisciplinary study makes comparisons between patterns of woody resource abundance (stocks) under contrasting management regimes and describes the effects of human disturbance on plant diversity and population dynamics of miombo woodlands. Socio-economic data were collected from two sampled villages surrounding the Kitulanghalo Forest Reserve in eastern Tanzania, about 150 km west of Dar-es-Salaam. Biophysical data were collected from sixty-four modified- Whittaker nested plots in the reserve and surrounding public lands. Use was also made of the data from permanent sample plots and aerial photographs & landsat images. The ethnobotanical and utilisation survey indicated that major uses of woody species were for charcoal production (the main commercial activity in the area), firewood, medicine and poles. Commercial production of charcoal results in local wood consumption of 6.01 nf capita'1 year'1 compared to subsistence firewood consumption of only 1.5 m3 capita'1 year'1. Shifting cultivation is practiced by 68% of the population. The present level and pattern of harvesting are changing the structure and composition of the vegetation, especially in public lands and are not sustainable. However, the heavy wood utilisation in public lands has minimal effect on floristic composition as indicated by a high Sorensen’s similarity of 87.7% between the reserve and public lands. Multivariate analysis indicated that the linear combinations of physiographic variables (most of which are associated with human disturbance) significantly influence the pattern of tree harvesting, and species composition at the community level. The decrease in plant density through harvesting or self-thinning (natural mortality) in public lands is accompanied by enhanced wood productivity, hence growth rates were higher in public lands compared to the reserve. Ninety percent of harvested woody species in public lands resprouted hence management under coppice rotation as a silvicultural system is recommended. Common property regimes and local institutional capacities are weak and need to be strengthened before local people are given the full responsibility of managing the public lands and assisting in policing the forest reserve. This calls for government institutions to provide and motivate for an enabling environment in order to ensure equity and sustainable development of natural resources.
Plant species composition, diversity and utilization impacts on the miombo woodland ecosystems of Hanang district, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2008) Feddy, Eliasaph
Miombo woodlands constitute one of the most extensive forest vegetation types in Africa. This complex ecosystem provides vital products and services to the livelihood systems of millions of rural and urban dwellers. The study was carried out in four forest reserves to assess plants species composition, diversity. dominance, human utilization and its impacts on the miombo woodland of Hanang District, Tanzania. Ecological data were collected through forest inventory while socioeconomic data were collected through household questionnaire survey. Data from forest inventories were analyzed in MS EXCEL program to compute species richness, dominance and diversity. Descriptive statistics in cross tabulation were carried out to analyze socioeconomic data using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software. A total of 69 tree species belonging to 22 families were identified. The average Shannon-Wiener index of diversity (//’) for all the forests reserves were 3.3 and 0.1 respectively, having high species diversity in all forests. Based on the species Importance Value Index (IVI), Julbernardia globiflora was the most dominant in three of the four forest reserves while Brachystegia spiciformis was most dominant in the fourth reserve in the district. A total of 12 species were common in all forest reserves and therefore widespread. A total of 49 tree species are utilized by the surrounding local communities for different purposes. Major products utilised from the woodlands include firewood (95%), charcoal (58%), poles (56%) and timber (5%). Harvesting of various tree species for different purposes were the most common human impacts observed in the area. It is concluded that. given the variation in species diversity and dominance between individual forest reserves, management strategies should be site specific so as to balance both ecological diversity of the individual forest and local uses in a sustainable manner. It is recommended that, there is a need to promote and encourage alternative activities such as improved cooking stoves, biogas use, beekeeping and tree planting that will aim at reducing future utilization pressure of miombo woodland in the district. Enrichment planting with indigenous plant species in those forested areas where substantial tree removal was evident as well as increase law enforcement to protect the forest reserves is also recommended.
Relationships between soil properties and tree species diversity in selected miombo woodland ecosystems, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2016) Bulenga, George Bunyata
This study aimed to assess relationships between selected edaphic properties with tree species diversity and amount of soil organic carbon at Kitulang'halo (Morogoro district) and Kibutuka (Liwale district) Miombo woodland ecosystems in Tanzania. Ten and eleven clusters were studied in Kitulang’halo and Kibutuka, respectively. Some of these clusters were those established by National Forest Resource Monitoring and Assessment (NAFORMA) while others were imbedded in order to increase reliability of data. Each cluster had ten circular plots of 15 m radius set al 250 in intervals. Three plots (4. 7 and 10) from each cluster were chosen systematically for soil and tree data collection making a total of 63 plots. AH tree species with DBH > 5 cm were measured and identified by their botanical names. Soil sampling was done by digging a soil mini-pit to 30 cm depth (NAFORMA approach) at intervals of 10 cm and angering to 100 cm depth (World Agroforestry Centre (1CRAF) approach) at 20 cm depth interval. Tree species diversity was determined using Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H’). Soil chemical properties (soil organic carbon (SOC). total nitrogen, exchangeable bases, cation exchange capacity, available phosphorus and soil pH) from samples collected by NAFORMA approach were analyzed by standard methods. SOC from soil samples collected by ICRAF approach was analyzed by Mid Infrared Radiation (MIR) method. Kitulang’halo had 123 different tree species (H'= 4.26) while Kibutuka had 102 different tree species (H’= 4.06). SOC. total N, Ca2+, K+, Na+ and CEC were higher at Kibutuka than at Kitulang’halo, while Mg2+, available P and pH were higher at Kitulang'halo. Tree species richness was positively related to SOC. Though this relationship was weak, it was significant at P<0.05, suggesting that SOC was high at higher tree species diversity. Tree species richness was not related to other soil chemical properties. The amount of SOC at 0-30 cm depth was about 42% of the total contained at 100 cm depth with about 58% of SOC in layer 30-100 cm depth in both sites. There was a consistent decrease in SOC storage with increasing soil depth in Kitulang’halo while at Kibutuka the maximum of SOC was found at 20-40 cm (40 t/ha), and then decreased with depth to 100 cm. The amount of SOC estimated by MIR method (ICRAF approach) and Walkley-Black method (NAFORMA approach) differed significantly (P<0.05), whereby the NAFORMA approach estimated more SOC than ICRAF approach. Kitulang’halo and Kibutuka Miombo woodland ecosystems require promoting conservation activities to increase a wide range of ecosystem processes and functions.
Jatropha curcas cultivation and its impact on land use and cover change in Monduli and Mpanda districts, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2010) Lyimo, Reginald Mark
Competition over kind resources between food and energy production is very crucial aspect of development, if energy crops takes in larger share of land resources food security could be compromised. Energy crop such as sugar cane, palm and Jatropha curcas production is being promoted all over the country at small and large scale. The question is whether the introduction of energy crop production plants has any impact on land use/cover? To investigate this Monduli and Mpanda districts were selected for the study because there are active outgrowers cultivating Jatropha in hedges and plots respectively for more than six years in these districts now. Multi-temporal remote sensing (RS) data and Geographic Information Systems (G1S) were used to quantify land use and land cover types before and after introduction of Jatropha cultivation in the districts. To integrate RS and G1S data with the society at the study areas socio-economic data was collected using household questionnaires. It was found that the most negatively impacted land cover/use was agriculture as most of agriculture lands were converted into Jatropha cultivation. However it was also found that planting Jatropha on hedges is more profitable than in farm plots, it does not compromise arable land and still there is high potential for cultivating Jatropha in hedges. It was concludes that in order to have sustainable agriculture and food security a biofuel policy should be developed to regulate biofuel production in the country and should categorically state that biofuel crops which can grow on marginal land like Jatropha should not be grown on high quality arable land.
The role of indigenous knowledge on climate change adaptation in agriculture in Sabo Gari local government area, Kaduna state, Nigeria
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2014) Oiza, Chatta Mary
Africa is one of the most prone continents to climate change impacts because of its dependence on climate sensitive sectors including rain-fed agriculture. Recent studies predicted that global agricultural share to GDP could shrink by 4 percent due to climate change by 2100. Hence, the study examined the role of indigenous knowledge on climate change adaptation in agriculture in Sabo Gari LGA, Kaduna State, Nigeria where little documentation has been done. Using a cross-sectional design, five villages were purposively selected whereby 30 households were randomly selected from each village making 150 respondents in total. Household surveys and key informant interviews were used in data collection. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected. Quantitative data were analysed through a Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Both descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were done whilst, qualitative data were analysed through content analysis. The study showed a high level of climate change awareness among the farmers. Negative effects of climate change include drought, irregular rains, crop pests and diseases. Indigenous adaptation strategies used in the study area include crop rotation, application of farmyard manure, irrigation, mixed cropping, wood ash application and intercropping whereby, application of farmyard manure ranked highest strategy for climate adaptation but mainly for poor households. Farmers also have the ability to use their indigenous knowledge to predict weather conditions. Marital status significantly enhanced the use of FYM while age of the farmer significantly constrained the use of farmyard manure. In conclusion, indigenous practises are very effective in adapting to climate change and still being practised by farmers in the study area in improving their agricultural productivity. Therefore, it is recommended that research institutions and policy makers, should promote the use of indigenous adaptation strategies.
Production and market dynamics of sawn timber and utility poles in Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2020) Habibu, Said
Sawn timber and utility poles are the main forest products which are largely traded in international and domestic markets. However, it is unclear to what extent the recent changes in the allocation and availability of wood raw materials; price and other factors have influenced production and marketing of these products. This study analyzes the production and market dynamics of sawn timber and utility poles in Tanzania. Specifically, the study focused on examining production of sawn timber and utility poles, assessing domestic and export market of sawn timber and utility poles, compare prices of selected sizes of sawn timber in Tanzania markets and identifying main factors affecting the production and marketing of sawn timber and utility poles. Primary data were collected through questionnaires and direct observation. The quantitative data were analysed by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) by computing descriptive statistics to obtain mean and percentage distribution of the responses. The study revealed that the production of soft wood sawn timber exhibited a gradual decreasing trend from 837 926.79 m 3 in 2009/2010 to 552 011.44 m 3 in 2018/2019; while the production of utility poles rose from 313 612 poles in 2015 to 461 449 in 2019. Both export of sawn timber and utility poles exhibited an increasing trend between 2005 and 2009, a sharp drop between 2010 and 2012, and maintained a stable trend between 2012 and 2019. The imports of sawn timber and utility poles exhibited a sharp increasing trend between 2012 and 2014 while steadily decreased for sawn timber and sharply for utility poles from 2012 to 2019. There was a significant difference in prices of nine categories of sawn timber size in major markets in Tanzania (χ 2 (2) = 46.8813 p < 0.0001). Production of sawn timber is gradually decreasing while that of utility poles is gradually increasing. Production and marketing of sawn timber and utility poles is largely affected by inadequacy of infrastructure and raw materials. The study recommends that, the government should establish standards that would guide the production and marketing of sawn timber and utility poles in Tanzania.
Impact of dolichos lablab and mucuna pruriens cover crops on soil fertility characteristics and maize yield in Karatu, Arusha region, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2014) Bwakila, Antipas Patrick
The present study was carried out in Karatu District, Arusha Region during 2006 - 2010 periods to investigate the effect of Mucuna and Lablab cover crops on soil fertility characteristics and maize crop yields. Three Divisions namely Mbulumbulu, Karatu,Rhotia and Endabash were selected for the study, each forming a replication. The experimental design consisted of five treatment combinations: Lablab cover crop alone, Mucuna cover crop alone, Maize alone, maize with Lablab and maize with Mucuna replicated three times in a RCBD. Treatments were randomly assigned to 5 treatment plots of each block and replicated in 3 blocks making a total of 15 treatment plots per study site and 45 in total. Soil samples for nutrient analysis for each plot were collected and analysed for nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), organic carbon (OC), pH and moisture content at the initial stage and at the different stages of maize crop development. The findings indicated that the soils of agriculture land in Karatu District were generally sandy to sandy loam with low fertility status. Also it was found out that, the physical and chemical soil characteristics of the farm land remained stable with little change during the experimental period. Maize yield data was recorded in all treatments immediately after harvesting. Cover crops significantly increased maize yields at all times of the 5 years period probably because of their leguminous nature which add N by the N-fixing characteristics. All the cover crops significantly increased soil nitrogen and other plant nutrients having Mucuna pruriens producing the highest results. The study, therefore, recommends the promotion and judicious use of cover crops, especially, Mucuna in the farming systems of Karatu District.
Household food security in Rural Tanzania: a case study of Moshi Rural District Kilimanjaro Region
(Agricultural University of Norway, 1996) Makundi, Flora L. K.
This research was undertaken to investigate the household food security situation in rural Tanzania. The specific objectives were to evaluate the food and energy adequacy of the study area based on total food production, to study the factors affecting food availability and accessibility and to find out the extent of women’s involvement in food cycles relative to men. A formal structured questionnaire was used to interview 90 respondents from three villages selected from two different agro-ccological zones. Informal surveys were carried out using a non-structurcd questionnaire in group interviews. Various foods raised per annum at household level were expressed as maize equivalents for measuring food and energy adequacy. Both quantitative and qualitative data was obtained in the survey. With quantitative data Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was the statistical tool used to measure homogeneity of the food security variables between the villages whereas Chi-square analysis was used for the qualitative data. Assessment of household food and energy adequacy based on the production data alone shows that on aggregate, the three villages studied were not food deficit on a good year. However, when the villages were treated individually, the lowland village docs not meet food and energy requirement even in a good year. In an average and bad year, all the three villages arc food and energy deficit. When the sold food was also considered, the three villages could not meet the daily food and energy requirement even in a good year. When the results were further disaggregated to household level, it was found that members of the rich households could consume as high as 4500 Kcal/capita/day while members of poor household could consume as low as 500 Kcal/capita/day. Farmers depended mostly on farming to obtain their food. The lowland farmers indicated a state of decrease in their main staples for the past five years whereas the upland farmers indicated a state of fluctuation mainly caused by drought conditions. Other factors affecting food availability were availability of cash crops and animal husbandry activities, partitioning of the main food crops in the households for food and sale (as not all crops produced were meant for direct consumption), the use of bananas and root crops, the amount of stored food and the storage and preservation methods employed. Labour was gender differentiated from the process of food and cash crop production to the final procurement of food at household level. Food accessibility was affected by availability of extra income and the role of that income in securing food, the household and child care and food shortages in the households. The monthly income was from off-farm income-generating activities and from selling food and cash crops. Most of the households surveyed reported food deficit in their homestead before the next harvest. This necessitates the use of different coping strategics in the three villages. Based on the data on food production alone, it was found that most households were not food secure. The main cause of food insecurity was drought and dependence on rainfed agriculture. According to farmers responses, household food security can be improved by buying food during peak season and store it, selling less food at harvest, spending less on alcoholic drinking, women being given more power to decide on matters related to food and through provision of credits to help fanners improve crop and animal husbandly.
Gender-based coping strategies against food insecurity in Dodoma rural District, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2001) Mwagile, Merina Yared
Drought, dependence on rainfall, poor storage and poor agricultural practices have been identified as the main contributing factors to food insecurity in the country. On the other hand, the Tanzania Government has made several policy declarations including carrying out a number of campaigns and mobilisation programs with the objective of attaining food security for the country. Dodoma region has been a victim of famine for many years. For example, at the end of 18th century the caravan trade increased food requirements for the thousands of travellers. This made the area face frequent famines which were mainly due to the successive lowering of the production potential including acceleration of soil erosion caused by deforestation and over mexploitation of agricultural land due to marginal land cultivated without conservation measures. From the few studies that have assessed food security in Tanzania, the proportion of households in rural areas that suffer from food insufficiency, is very high being as high as 77%. However, less has been done in studying the role of gender in developing coping strategies against food insecurity. This study was conducted to assess the role played by men and women in developing coping strategies against food insecurity. More specifically, the study intended first, to identify the types of food insecurity in the area and their causes, second, to identify the coping strategies developed by men and women and third, to identify and assess the socio-economic factors that influence the choice of the key coping strategies. The study has focused on selected villages in Dodoma Rural District. The study was carried out in two phases. Phase one of the study involved reconnaissance survey together with Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) techniques. Other tools used were participant observation and checklists. The second phase was mainly based on questionnaire survey. Questionnaire survey was done in Mzula, Mvumi Makulu and Ndebwe villages with a sample size of 120 households. Data collected by using PRA techniques in phase one were analysed with the help of the communities and the results were communicated back to them for verification. Data collected in phase two were analysed by using both quantitative and qualitative methods. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was the main tool used for analysing quantitative data whereas descriptive statistics, cross tabulation and logistic regression were done. Content and Structural-Functional Analyses were used for qualitative data. The study revealed the presence of chronic food insecurity in Dodoma Rural District, which was mainly caused by drought and pests. In order to cope with food shortage, the study revealed a number of coping strategies employed by men and women in Dodoma Rural District. These included: collection of wild foods; doing casual labour, that is, selling labour in other peoples’ farms; doing off- farm activities; food borrowing; crop diversification; migration to other areas and receiving remittances from relatives who stay in urban areas. Women were using most of the identified coping strategies. Three coping strategies were mostly used in the study area. These included: collecting wild foods, which was reported by 57 percent of women and 41 percent of men; doing casual labour which was reported by 51 percent of women and 34 percent of men, and doing off-farm activities reported by 39 percent of the women and 29 percent of the men. The study further revealed that the choice of these key coping strategies have been influenced by some socio economic factors namely farm size, education level, age, amount of food stored and dependency ratio. Respondents who were having small farms of below 5ha tended to look for casual labour, that is, selling their labour to other people’s farms. Heads of during the period of the study. Others who have not been mentioned have been very helpful. To ever)' one I say, thank you very much, you have been wonderful. household who had formal education did not participate much on off-farm activities compared to those without formal education. It was also revealed that the higher the age of the head of household, the more was the tendency to participate in those key coping strategies. Having stored less amount of food to fulfil the minimum requirements of the household made the household members to participate more in those coping strategies. Having lower dependency ratio was another factor which influences people to participate in those coping strategies. The study concludes by pointing out that participation of women in coping with food shortage and their role in ensuring food security as discussed in this study provides the evidence that many differences between women and men are socially constructed and can be changed. Opportunities to training on food processing especially on how to preserve food to be used in time of food shortages can be a powerful incentive for women to ensure food security in their households. It is recommended that deliberate efforts to assist households that depend on rain fed production to diversify their sources of livelihood be taken. Diversification of sources of livelihood can be achieved through promotion of other sources of income generation. Promotion of off-farm activities coupled with policies designed to provide good rural markets for households that depend on food purchases are crucial. The study further recommends that training schemes targeting the rural poor households especially women on food processing be given due consideration in policy formulation. It is emphasised that those training should focus more on processing of wild foods
Gender and household food security situation in Chagga homegardens: a case study of Rombo district
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2003) Edward, Mamkwe Claudia
The study was conducted in Rombo District in Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania. The objective of the study was to assess gender and household food security situation in Chagga homegardens. A multistage sampling was employed to obtain a sample of 100 respondents. Primary data were obtained through personal observation, administering of structured questionnaire and focus group discussion. Secondary data was obtained from District Agriculture and Livestock Development Office and from Sokoinc University of Agriculture Library, Morogoro. Data were analysed by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) computer program. The results of the study showed that homegarden crops contribute 67.7%, livestock 29.0% and homegarden trees 3.6% of the income from homegardens. In total the homegardens contributed 53.1% of the average household income while other sources were off-farm activities 35.9% and from open field farm was 11.0%. The homegardens contained about 27 species of food crops of which 12 species arc reported by more than 70% respondents that are in danger of disappearing More than 65% of the households in the study area were food insecure. Female-headed households were more vulnerable to food insecurity than male-headed ones. Socio-economic factors such as income, size of open field farm, level of education, sex and age of the head of household influence household food security significantly at (P< 0.05). The study also found that gender division of labour subjects women to high workload, which might influence household food security. Decisions on various production and expenditure of household resources were mostly done by men and this influences household food security. The study conclude that Household food security is significantly (P<0.05) influenced with socio-economic factors such as average income, main occupation, sex, age and level of education of the household head, and socio-cultural factors. It is recommended that the government through its policy makers and the development planners should recognise and promote the role of women as producers and providers of food to the household. Analysis of food security situation and type of production system need to be carried out in various regions in order to suggest mechanisms for improving food security over time. Government assistance is needed to sensitise people to shift to areas with plenty of land for crop cultivation.
Land use/cover change and socio economic factors influencing land cover dynamics in the Selous-niassa wildlife corridor, Nachingwea district, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2007) Ntongani, Wilbard Augustine
Selous-Niassa miombo woodland ecosystem of southern Tanzania and northern Mozambique represent one of the largest, most significant, trans-boundary natural ecosystems in Africa. This study examined socio-economic factors influencing land cover dynamics, and conservation threats to the Selous-Niassa wildlife corridor across Nachingwea district, Tanzania. Land cover dynamics was assessed using Landsat images of 1978, 1993 and 2000. House hold survey, field observations and focus group discussions were used to obtain socio-economic data on factors influencing land cover dynamics and logistic regression model was used to analyze the data. The results revealed that there has been significant land cover transformation from one class to another. In the period of 15 years (1978-1993) cultivated land increased by 658.7%, settlements increased by 22.9%, grassland decreased by 93.5%, closed woodlands decreased by 15%, open woodlands decreased by 5.9%, forest lands decreased by 8.7% and scrublands decreased by 1.4%. In the period of 12 years (1993-2005) bushed grassland increased by 64.2%, closed woodlands decreased by 18.6%, cultivated land increased by 65.6%, forest land by 10.7%, open woodland decreased by 8.8% and scrublands decreased by 1.4%. Landcover change per year has been found 0.54% relatively low compared to national land cover change of 45% per year in the study area. Land tenure, shifting cultivation and crops prices were among major factors influencing land cover dynamics. Wildfires, agriculture encroachment, and timber harvesting were found to pose high conservation threats to the corridor. It is were used to obtain socio-economic data on factors influencing land cover dynamics and recommended that the government implement policies, laws and regulations relating to natural resources and land planning in order to improve land tenure in villages bordering the corridor. Establishment of a buffer zone around the corridor is of significant importance in order to reduce possible future encroachment into the corridor.
The role of local institutions in regulating resource use and conflict management: the case of Usangu plains, Mbalali district, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2002) Mbwilo, Agrey Job Thomas
Recent development in sustainable natural resource management advocates decentralization of power and responsibilities to local level institutions. Sustainable resource management in Tanzania is basically dependent on the peasants at the local level. Given this reality therefore, the role of local institutions and their effectiveness in resource use and conflict management are decisive in bringing about sustainable natural resources management. This study examined the role of local institutions in regulating resource use and conflict management in Usangu. Specifically the study investigated land use practices in the study villages; land use conflicts and their underlying courses; and the role of local institutions in regulating resource use and conflict management. The study was conducted in two phases. Phase one involved Participatory Rural Appraisal. The second phase involved a structured questionnaire survey as a major tool for data collection. Participatory observation and secondary sources were used to gather supplementary information. Data collected through PRA in phase one were analyzed with the help of the participants. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences was used to analyze quantitative data generated by questionnaires. The study revealed the existence of land use conflicts in the area. These conflicts centered on competition for resources such as water and land between crop cultivation and livestock. The study also revealed the presence of two traditional local institutions namely: council of village elders and traditional guards and four externally sponsored local institutions namely; village council, irrigation committee, livestock association and the police. With respect to conflict resolution, the study showed that both formal and informal mechanisms played an important role in conflict resolutions. Although village governments ranked high among the institutions encountered in the study villages with regard to conflict resolution, observations showed that village governments were not answerable to the people who elected them into offices. Most of the decisions at the village level were made outside the recognized “loci” for decision-making and some of these decisions were made contrary to the wishes of the villagers. The study concludes that, changes in land use are a function of both biophysical as well as changes in the socio-economic factors and that most of the existing local institutions are not well organized in terms of operation and management of local resources as evidenced by the prevalence of land use conflicts and unsustainable use of resources in the area. Furthermore lack of popular participation in resource use decision-making has hindered the establishment of democratic and efficient institutional arrangement at the local level to control imprudent resource use. The presence of traditional institutions such as the traditional guards and the council of village elders show that there exists institutional potential at the local-level from which new institutions could be built upon to carry out desired resource management functions. The study recommends that communities should be mobilized and be empowered to manage natural resources through education programs that emphasize the significance of human relationships with natural resources and the society based legal rights over resources. The study also recommends that new roles and functions of existing local institutions be developed and that there is great need to evaluate the performance of state rice farms and Usangu game reserve projects whether or not they are economically and socially viable. If not, the government should consider giving these areas to the local people, as a way of easening the conflicts between different land use.

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