Abstract:
This study presents an analysis of the dynamics of indigenous soil-water
management practices, namely the Matengo pits farming system and their
implications on household food security in Mbinga District, Tanzania. The study
aimed at establishing the current changes of Matengo pits system, including
emerging new practices and their driving forces and their effects on household food
security. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative research
methodologies to obtain the data which were analysed using the statistical package
for social science computer programme (SPSS). The findings indicated that some
modifications have started taking place within and outside Matengo pits system. A
total of 28.8% of interviewed farmers reckoned ploughing grasses under the soil after
less than a week which was un-traditional because of having few grasses and timing
of activities. About 14% of farmers have modified the grass alignment pattern into
parallel lines down slope to simplify the work. However, about 50% of farmers
claimed digging shallow pits mainly because of relying on communal or hired labour.
Meanwhile, 75% of farmers acknowledged constructing medium sized Matengo pits
for more space for crop planting. Around 17% of women were reported to have
assumed full responsibility of slashing and organising grasses in their fields like men.
Likewise, adult males had gone against their norms and traditions by taking part in
digging Matengo pits. Social networks for sharing labour among the Matengo people
were noted to have assumed new forms. Chama remained practised at family level,
meanwhile the ngokela is currently organised through cash instead of sharing food.
Penetration of the western culture and money economy into Matengo highlands propelled by globalization has contributed to these social changes. Institutional
changes and agro-ecological variability have similarly played a pivotal role in
changing the Matengo pits system. As for implication to food security, 62.9% of
households were food insecure mainly because of poor crop yields. However,
changes in Matengo pits farming system had no statistical significant relationship to
household food security status. The findings call for further research on the effects of
climatic change towards Matengo pits system, and its mitigation potential to enhance
its sustainability.
