Contribution of homegardens to household food security in Morogoro municipality
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Date
2009
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Sokoine University of Agriculture
Abstract
The present study was conducted in Morogoro Municipality; during December 2006 and
April 2OO7.The main objective was to determine the contribution of homegardens to
household food security in Morogoro Municipality. The study was carried out through
reconnaissance survey of the selected wards; interview of the heads of households, ward
leaders, extension and Municipal agricultural officers; and detailed technical field survey.
Data collected included information on; the sources and quantities of food for the
households; contribution of homegardens to household food security; factors affecting the
level of contribution of homegardens to household food security and the measures required
for improvement of homegardens contribution to household food security. The results
obtained indicated that; the Morogoro Municipality's community depends on various
sources of food for their households with employment being the major source of food
followed by Homegardens: Employment contributes more to household food security 46%
followed by homegardens 21%; Business 10%; Agriculture 10%; Livestock 8% and
Forestry 5%. Constraints limiting homegardens contribution to household food security in
Morogoro Municipality were identified to include shortage of irrigation water and
unreliable rainfall, pests and diseases, Lack of extension services, shortage of land and
poor soil fertility. Various measures required for improvement of homegardens
contribution were also identified to include enhancing of rainwater harvesting, availability
of extension services, use of organic fertilizers and provision of incentives. It is concluded
that, among the various sources of food for the households in Morogoro Municipality,
employment and homegardens are major sources of food that contribute more to household
food security compared to other sources. Moreover, the contribution of homegardens can
be promoted by using the identified corrective measures.
Description
Dissertation
Keywords
Homegardens contribution, Household food security, Morogoro municipality, Homegardens food security