Contribution of agroforestry to human nutrition: A case study of Maji ya Chai, Kikatiti and Kisongo in Arusha Region, Tanzania
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Date
2003
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Publisher
Sokoine University of Agriculture
Abstract
In recent years, agroforestry has been frequently reported as a potential farming system for meeting farmer’s basic needs. This study examined the contribution of agroforestry to human nutrition in Kikatiti, Maji ya Chai and Kisongo in Arusha, Tanzania. It examined
the components and food products found in the area, and their contribution to household nutrition. Research tecluiiques used involved literature review, questionnaires, observations, taking anthropometric measurements and focus group discussion. It involved 115 randomly selected households in four villages. Data were analyzed statistically using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Programme. Plant and animal species were identified using checklist and taxonomists. The study identified a total of 69 useful plant and animal species in the area used as food and medicine. These species were
categorized as 19 vegetables, 27 fruits, 8 roots, 6 legumes, 2 cereals and 7 animals and
birds. Agroforestry products played an important role in household nutrition, primary
health care and income generation. More than 72% of food and animal products from the
agroforestry system were consumed directly in the households. More than 50% of the
respondents depended on herbal medicine for their health since these were cheap and
readily available. Income from the sales of agroforestry products contributed indirectly to
household nutrition. About 37.3% of total income was used to purchase off farm foods.
Nutritional status of under fives showed 30% stunting, 14% underweight and 8.7%
wasting. The studies revealed causes of poor nutritional status to be level of education eating habits, women workload and ethnicity besides lack of food. From this study it was concluded that agroforestry contributes to household nutrition through food production,
primary health care and cash income. The study recommends more studies to be conducted on ways of improving and strengthening agroforestry practices and utilization of agroforestry products to all household members.
Description
Dissertation
Keywords
Agroforestry, Human nutrition, Maji ya Chai, Potential farming system, Agroforestry products