Changes in traditional irrigations systems and their implications to rural livelihoods: a case study of Ivizi irrigation system in Mbeya Rural district.

Ivizi traditional irrigation system in Mbeya Rural District is changing. This study examines in changes. It looks at components changed, factors of changes, impacts and their implications to the rural livelihoods. Research techniques used involve literature review, questionnaire administration and interview, observations, focused group discussion and oral traditions. The major components changed include increase in types and number of groups grown. Other components are expansion of irrigation are increase in number of irrigation plots per households, crop yields, and people involved in irrigation activities: Also there have been a decrease in availability of and accessibility to water for irrigation. The major causes fever change includes: greater proximity to and availability of produce market. Other causes are population increase, availability of better transport services, change in land tenure system and poverty alleviation strategy. The major impact of changes in Ivizi irrigation system on rural livelihoods is increase in household`s income. Other impacts are greater food security, more land and water conflicts, expansion of produce markets, growth of employment to the rural people and high in-m migration, Impacts on the environment include change in rain-fed land to irrigation land, forest land to irrigated land; increasing soil erosion and loss of soil fertility. The study recommends incorporation of traditional water management system into the formal system, empowerment of women, promoting non-governmental and community based organizations in improving the traditional irrigation systems and make them more sustainable.