Browsing by Author "Mwaihuti, Martin"

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    Socio-economic effects of soil erosion and prople's perceptions: a case study of Igoma village, Mporoto highlands-Mbeya region
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 2008) Mwaihuti, Martin
    This study investigated the socio-economic effects of soil erosion and the people's perceptions. It was based on data collected from survey of the people in Igoma village, in the Mporoto lighlands- Mbeya Rural district, Mbeya Region. The main method of data collection was use or a structured questionnaire to gather quantitative and qualitative data. A sample size of 60 respondents was selected through a random sampling based on stratified random sampling technique. Focus group discussions (FGDs) and direct observations were used to obtain qualitative data. The study found that the people in the study area were aware of soil erosion and perceived soil erosion as a serious and a severe problem that proceeded at a fast rate. The study findings also indicated that respondents in the study area were able to identify soil erosion indicators, socio-economic effects of soil erosion and had a holistic view and knowledge/ understanding of the reasons (causes) for soil erosion. Further, the study found that people had the perceptions that it was possible to combat soil erosion in the study area and took actions to control soil erosion using various traditional methods of soil conservation. Despite the awareness of the people in the study area about soil erosion and their readiness to take action to control soil erosion using various methods of soil conservation, soil erosion remained one of the most serious problems in the area. This was probably because the people in the study area had limited access to technological assistance and extension services. Thus, this study calls for further study on soil erosion and conservation to focus on why soil erosion persists in the study the study area despite people's awareness of this problem and their readiness to control it.