Abstract
Environmental degradation is an issue of concern in the Lake Victoria catchment in Mwanza, Tanzania. Deforestation and improper soil management have lead to soil erosion, lake siltation, accumulation of C in the atmosphere and climate change. Agroforestry practices, soil conservation measures, manure application and retaining low-quality crop residues as soil organic inputs could reduce environmental degradation while increasing farm productivity and income. However, these options are not widely used by smallholder farmers in the Lake Victoria catchment area. Promotion and sustainable uses of these options require understanding of the prevailing socio-economic situation of the target farmers. This research investigated the social and economic factors that influence the adoption of agroforestry practices by smallholder farmers in Magu district, Mwanza region. Focused group discussions, household surveys and transect walks were used to collect data. A total of 120 households were interviewed and several fields visited during the transect walks. Data was analysed using cross-tabulation, cluster analysis and chi-square methods. Results indicate that involvement in off-farm activities such as fishing, livestock keeping, mini-business and insecure land tenure negatively influences the adoption of agroforestry practices. Contacts with extension agents, level of training, perception of the problem and farm sizes positively influence the adoption. Recommendations to facilitate adoption include integration of socio-economic factors into agroforestry plans, creation of more awareness among farmers and other stakeholders on environmental degradation problems and strengthening the extension services.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Amsalua A, De Graaff J (2005) Sustainable adoption of soil and water conservation practices in Barossa Watershed, central Ethiopia highlands. A paper presented at the EFARD (European forum for agricultural research development) conference in Zurich, Apr 2005
Devore J, Peak R (1993) Statistics. The exploration and data analysis. Duxbury Press, Pacific Grove, CA
Kaswamila AL, Tenge AJM (1998) The neglect of traditional agroforestry and its effects on soil erosion and crop yields. The case of West Usambara Mountains. Research report. REPOA, DSM, Tanzania
Msuya TS, Mndolwa MA, Bakengesa S, Maduka S, Balama C (2006) Factors affecting adoption and dissemination of agroforestry technologies in Tanzania: case of HASHI/ICRAF and Ruvu fuel wood pilot projects. In: Chamshama SAO, Nshubemuki L, Idd S, Swai RE, Mhando ML, Sabas E, Balama C, Mbwambo L, Mndolwa MA (eds) Proceedings of the second national agroforestry and environmental workshop: partnerships and linkages for greater impact in agroforestry and environmental awareness, Mkapa Hall, Mbeya, 14–17 March 2006, pp 199–907
Norusis MJ (1990) Advanced statistical guide. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) International BV, Gorinchem
Ojiem JO, Mureithi JG, Okwosa EA (2000) Integrated management of legume green manure, farmyard manure and inorganic nitrogen for soil fertility improvement in western Kenya. In: Mureithi JG, Gachene CKK, Muyekho FN, Onyango M, Mose L, Magenya O (eds) Participatory technology development for soil management by smallholders in Kenya. Proceedings of the 2nd scientific conference of soil management and legume research network projects, Mombasa, Kenya, June 2000, pp 98–102
Paudal GS, Thapa GB (2004) Impacts of social institutions and ecological factors on land management practices in mountain watershed of Nepal. Appl Geogr 24:35–55
Posthumus H (2006) The adoption of terraces in the Peruvian Andes. PhD dissertation, Wageningen University, Wageningen
Tenge AJ, De Graaff J, Hella JP (2004) Social and economic factors for adoption of soil and water conservation in west Usambara Highlands, Tanzania. Land Degrad Dev 15:99–114
URT (United Republic of Tanzania) (2003) Magu irrigation development plan, Mwanza Region. Government Printer, Dar es Salaam
Acknowledgements
This research was conducted as part of the VicRes project titled “Transferring Soil Carbon Sequestration Best Management Practices to Smallholder Farmers in Lake Victoria Catchment Ecosystem”. We wish to express our thanks to the Inter-university Council for East Africa for the financial support to carry out the work reported in this chapter under the VicRes grants programme. We acknowledge support from Kalemela farmers, village leaders, Magu district extension office and anonymous reviewers who read a first draft of this chapter for their constructive comments.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2011 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.
About this paper
Cite this paper
Tenge, A.J., Kalumuna, M., Shisanya, C.A. (2011). Social and Economic Factors for the Adoption of Agroforestry Practices in Lake Victoria Catchment, Magu, Tanzania. In: Bationo, A., Waswa, B., Okeyo, J., Maina, F., Kihara, J. (eds) Innovations as Key to the Green Revolution in Africa. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-2543-2_137
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-2543-2_137
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht
Print ISBN: 978-90-481-2541-8
Online ISBN: 978-90-481-2543-2
eBook Packages: Biomedical and Life SciencesBiomedical and Life Sciences (R0)