A hidden potential of pigeon peas cultivation practices to curb household food insecurity in rural areas of eastern southern Tanzania
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Date
2025
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Tanzania Journal of Agricultural Sciences
Abstract
Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) is a tropical legume with significant potential for enhancing food
security and nutrition, particularly in semi-arid regions. This study assessed the impact of pigeon
pea cultivation practices on household food security, dietary diversity, and economic wellbeing in
two villages, Mibure (Ruangwa) and Mitumbati (Nachingwea), in the Lindi region of Tanzania. The
study involved 300 farming households, with data collected through household surveys focusing
on crop production practices, food availability, dietary diversity, and disposable crop income.
Two major models were employed: (i) the direct effects of pigeon pea cultivation methods on
household wellbeing indicators (adequate household food availability, household dietary diversity,
disposable crop income, and calorie and protein production) and (ii) the effects of crop income
and calorie production on adequate food availability and dietary diversity. Results revealed that
72% of maize-growing smallholders also grew pigeon peas, along with other legumes like beans
and cowpeas. Intercropping was the predominant cropping practice, with over 50% of households
using cereal-legume intercropping, while crop rotation was less common. Intercropping pigeon
peas with cereals was significantly associated with increased household food availability and
dietary diversity. Households practicing intercropping achieved higher disposable crop income
and produced more calories and protein, contributing to improved food security and dietary
outcomes. The study concludes that pigeon pea intercropping is an effective strategy for enhancing
food and nutrition security in semi-arid regions of Tanzania. The results suggest that promoting
legume-based intercropping systems could improve household food availability, dietary diversity,
and economic wellbeing.
Description
Tanzania Journal of Agricultural Sciences (2025) Vol. 24 No. 01, 105-110
Keywords
Pigeon pea, Food security, Dietary diversity, Intercropping, Smallholder farmers, Tanzania, Legume