Masters Dissertations

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Browsing Masters Dissertations by Subject "Agricultural conservation"

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    Analysis of the benefits of conservation agriculture in improving livelihoods in a changing climate in Balaka district, Malawi
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 2016) Zimba, Josephine Marion
    Conservation Agriculture (CA) has been highly promoted due to its potential to ensure high crop yields even in the face of changes in climatic factors. However, the actual benefits associated with CA are not only primarily focused on food security but are also site-specific. Therefore, this study seeks to understand the benefits of Conservation Agriculture in improving livelihoods in a changing climate in Balaka district, particularly Hanjahanja and Sawali sections of Bazale Extension Planning Area. Specifically, it analyses the socio-economic characteristics of farmers, factors influencing agricultural production and CA adoption, CA’s contribution to farmers’ livelihoods and challenges and opportunities of CA in climate change adaptation. Data was collected through household surveys (n=153), key informant interviews (n=9), Focus Group Discussions, and Field Observations. The study found that there are differences in age, farm size, and education levels between adopters and non-adopters suggesting that these factors significantly influence adoption of CA. Apparently; dry spells are a major factor influencing both crop production and, eventually, CA adoption. Due to CA adoption, a majority of the farmers in both Hanjahanja and Sawali section have realised positive livelihood outcomes mainly through improved food security and increased incomes. Despite the similarity, Hanjahanja farmers reported decrease in yields in seasons marred with floods. However, farmers face several challenges due to CA adoption, which include: high labour demands, rainfall variability and lack of inputs. Even so, improvement in soil moisture, soil erosion control, improved food security, presence of several institutions and enabling environment offer more opportunities of CA in adapting to climate change. CA, therefore, improves the livelihoods of the farmers except in times of floods. Hence, deliberate policies, by the government, to promote adoption of CA are required to take advantage of the benefits of CA. Further; research should also be done on how best to reduce the negative effects of CA on farmers’ livelihoods.
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    Conservation agriculture and its implications on livelihood security in Tanzania the case of Lindi region
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 2015) Sawe, Beatrice
    This study assessed the implications of conservation agriculture on livelihood security of smallholder farmers in the villages of MilolaA& B, MilolaMagharibi and Mkangaulani found in Milola ward in Lindi District. The study enormously employed primary and secondary data collection methods. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected to answer research questions and objectives. Primary data were collected through focus group discussion (n= 14), household survey (n=102), interview with key informants (n=12) and field observations (n=5). On the other hand, extensive literature review enriched the study objective on similar focus. Findings indicate that 91% of respondents were farmers and majority (56%) of respondents between 21 and 40 years. Moreover, about 88% had attained their primary education. It was revealed that, economically active population have pressure for agricultural land and forest resources. This study found that, 60% of farmers were aware of Conservation Agriculture practices, but only 35% practiced. Majority farmers (78% of respondents) revealed that low adoption of CA was mainly contributed by inadequate knowledge of CA and financial constraints. It was established that CA practiced among the villagers include direct planting/minimum tillage (45%), permanent soil cover (35%), crop rotation (12%) and intercropping (8%). It was then discovered that, livelihood outcome, human assets and financial capacities following the adoption of CA was increased. Challenges encountered by farmers include input scarcity and high costs, limited land size and resource endowment. Therefore, more capacity building on CA is required especially through training on CA practices, tools and equipment so as to increase the rate of adoption among farmers
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    The impact of conservation agriculture on crop production in Tanzania: a case study of Ibumila and Magoda Villages in Njombe district.
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 2018) Antony, Rodrick
    Agriculture is at crossroads in Sub Saharan Africa today as it fosters development and reduces poverty and hunger. Its production is sustained through sustainable management of innovative practices, such as Conservation Agriculture (CA) which provides high yields without undermining the natural resources. This study was conducted in order to understand the role of CA and determine its impact on crop production in Ibumila and Magoda villages in Njombe District. Specifically, the study was aimed to determine the implications of CA practices on crop production, assessing the impact of conservation agriculture on land quality and the challenges of practicing conservation agriculture. A Simple random sampling was used to get 10% of household interviews for each village; 12 members based on age, gender and sex were involved in FGD representing each study area. Discussion with Key Informants was also conducted. Field observation through transect walk was conducted to supplement data collected using other methods and for verification of issues reported. SPSS version 20.0 was used for descriptive data analysis and Microsoft excel spreadsheet were used to analyze quantitative data and the results were presented through tables and graphs, while qualitative data were analyzed and presented through description and plates. The result reveals that 55.9% and 25% of households in Ibumila and Magoda villages respectively improved crop yields in their farms due implementation of CA practices. On the other hand, 100 and 96.8% respectively realized that CA contributes to long term the use of land and water resources. On the other hand, in Ibumila village CA practices are implemented widely as compared to Magoda village. In general, this shows that conservation agriculture has great potentials to farmers on crop production and land quality. Therefore the study recommend that there should be formulation of clear policy concerning CA for sustainable agriculture and training on principles of CA should be addressed to all agricultural stakeholders.