Teaching chemistry with insufficient laboratory equipment in ordinary level secondary schools

This study investigated the impacts of irrigation schemes on rural development in semi-arid areas in Tanzania, a case study of Kwimba district in Mwanza region. In this study yields per unit area before and after the irrigation project were assessed. The study employed mainly quantitative research methodology. Information gathered from the study was analyzed using SPSS and Excel whereby tables and cross tabulations were used. Findings from the study revealed that there was an increase of rice production per unit area from 6-10 before to 21- 25 bags of 100 kgs per acre after the introduction of irrigation scheme. Types of farm inputs employed after the project were more advanced than before. The scheme had brought about socio- economic benefits to farmers engaged in paddy irrigation farming. From the benefits gained, farmers managed to establish entrepreneurship groups, value of purchased assets increased, the ability of farmers to manage education and medical expenses increased and farm inputs were purchased. Problems such as unreliable water for irrigation, unsustainable irrigation infrastructure and unavailable agricultural inputs affected the implementation of the scheme activities. It was concluded that irrigation schemes in semi-arid areas could bring about fruitful results if scheme infrastructure were sustainable with regular maintenance. The study recommended that there was need for improvement of irrigation technology,proper use of agricultural inputs and sustainable constructed irrigation infrastructure. Integration of stakeholders in issues concerning with irrigation development schemes was paramount.