Chances in sugarcane farming systems and their implications to the environment and livelihoods of the local communities: the case study of Ruhembe valley, Kilosa district, Morogoro region, Tanzania
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Date
2007
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
University of Dar es Salaam
Abstract
This study was conducted in Ruhembe and Kidogobasi villages, which are located in Ruhembe Valley, Kilosa District, Morogoro Region. The main objective of the study was to examine changes in sugarcane plantation farming systems (SPFS) and their implications to the environment and livelihoods of the local communities. Information for this study was collected through literature review, a questionnaire, interviews, observations and discussions with key informants. The findings indicate that the sugarcane plantation farming systems in the Ruhembe Valley has been changing in response to Tanzania’s economic transformation. The study looked at farming system components that have changed and the implications of the changes to the environment and livelihoods of the local communities. The major components that have changed include crop composition, land tenure system, and fanning techniques. The results reveal that Ruhembe sugarcane plantation farming system plays an important role in poverty alleviation. Sugarcane farming activities undertaken in the valley contribute to income generation, creation of employment opportunities and improvement of social services. However, this study shows that the changes in Ruhembe SPFS will have long-term impacts on the environment and the livelihood of the local communities in particular. So, there is an urgent need to investigate the forces that are driving the changes in the SPFS in order to seek a more sustainable resource management strategy as well as improving the SPFS to make it more sustainable.
Description
Available in printed form, East Africana Collection, Dr. Wilbert Chagula Library, Class mark (THS EAF SB229.T34S24)
Keywords
Agricultural systems, Farming systems, Households, Kilosa district, Morogoro region, Ruhembe Valley, Tanzania
Citation
Said, R. (2007) Chances in sugarcane farming systems and their implications to the environment and livelihoods of the local communities: the case study of Ruhembe valley, Kilosa district, Morogoro region, Tanzania. Master dissertation, University of Dar es Salaam. Dar es Salaam.