Browsing by Author "Anatory, Jesca"

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    The impacts of selected tree food crops production to the community livelihood in Mbeya region, Tanzania:a case study of Syukula, Isabula and Lupando villages in Rungwe district
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 2018) Anatory, Jesca
    Tree food crops receives lower attention in most agriculture, forestry and livelihoods related research. Much focus is directed on annual food crops and their impacts on food security and household income. Also, environmental benefits of tree food crops on farms have been overlooked. In other cases, tree food crops are considered more on a business perspective rather than household perspectives and practices. There is therefore a need to understand clearly the contribution of tree food crops and its sustainability to the livelihoods and its impact on environment. To address this gap, this study was conducted in Syukula, Isabula and Lupando villages in Rungwe, which were selected following their endowment in varieties of tree food crops. Hence the overall objective of this study was to assess the impacts of tree food crops production to the community livelihood. The study used both secondary and primary data. Secondary data were obtained through literature reviews of reports, internet source, scholarly journals and books. Primary data were obtained through household questionnaire (95respondents), key informant interviews(13people), focus group discussion (10-15perticipants) and field observation. In conclusion, the findings revealed that there is positive statistical significance(p<.001) between tree food crops production and community livelihoods especially increasing the income level of the people. However, challenges persist including limited credit access, inefficient extension services, unstructured market, land scarcity and risks of climate change, pests and diseases. The study recommended that tree food crops should be given more attention by the government, private sector and individuals through strengthening extension services, improve credit access to farmers and facilitate farmers’ cooperative unions through which farmers may receive necessary help such as market information.