Women participation in agroforestry as a strategy towards environmental conservation and poverty reduction: a case of communities adjacent to Kitulang’halo Forest reserve in Morogoro rural district
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Date
2013
Authors
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Publisher
University of Dar es Salaam
Abstract
An assessment of women’s participation in agroforestry as a strategy towards environmental conservation and poverty reduction was carried out at Lubungo A and Maseyu villages. A cross-sectional research design involving purposive and random sampling was used in selecting villages and households respectively. Secondary data review and Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) including Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), field observations, household interviews and participatory mapping were used for data collection. It was observed that the major type of agroforestry practised was the boundary planting (72%). The major reasons for participating in agroforestry were for improved income and enhance biodiversity. It was also revealed that women’s involvement in agroforestry activities exceeded men’s involvement. Both men and women (38%) were decision makers at the household level concerning agroforestry. Generally, women participated in agroforestry with other gender roles. Women average annual income was slightly higher in agroforestry (TShs 330,694/=) compared to non-agroforestry activities (TShs 311,333/=) and there was no correlation between the two incomes (r = 0.087). Agroforestry activities seem to contribute more in poverty reduction compared to non-agroforestry activities as apart from generating income agroforestry can directly supply food to the household. The perception of women on the contribution of agroforestry on environmental conservation was generally positive. It is recommended that some incentives such as a better market search for agroforestry products, providing quality seeds/seedlings (both crops and trees) and fast-growing trees could be placed to the farmers. Further research to explore which tree species can grow fast, economically and environmentally viable to rural set up is necessary.
Description
Available in printed form, East Africana Collection, Dr. Wilbert Chagula Library, Class mark (THS EAF S495.5.A45U57)
Keywords
Agroforestry, Women farmers, Environmental conservation, Poverty reduction, Kitulang'halo forest reserve, Morogoro rural district
Citation
Uisso, A. J (2013) Women participation in agroforestry as a strategy towards environmental conservation and poverty reduction: a case of communities adjacent to Kitulang’halo Forest reserve in Morogoro rural district, Master dissertation, University of Dar es Salaam. Dar es Salaam.