The dynamics of peri-urban vegetable production and contribution to livelihoods in Kinondoni Municipality, Dar es salaam
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Date
2013
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University of Dar es Salaam
Abstract
This study aimed at assessing the dynamics of peri-urban vegetable production and contribution to livelihoods in Kinondoni Municipality. The study involved sub-wards of Kibwegere and Mpijimagohe. Secondary data were obtained from reports, books, published papers, library, IRA documentation and Internet. Primary data were collected through Focussed Group Discussion, Key informants and household interviews. Purposive and non-purposive sampling techniques were used. A sample size of 152 equal to 10% of total households from the two study areas was interviewed. SPSS version 20 was used to encode and analyse data. The findings revealed that both men and women are involved in Peri-urban agriculture (PUA). Analysis of socio-economic characteristics indicated that majority of PUA farmers were married and had attained primary education, with household sizes ranging from 1-5 people. Results further revealed that, there are different individual’s perceptions concerning peri-urban vegetable production in relation to environment. Those who think in positive terms reported the benefits that, includes maintaining the environment as the area is covered by crops throughout the year, and those who perceive in negative side, reported the environmental hazards caused by this activity including contamination of water sources. Contribution of peri-urban vegetable production to communities’ livelihoods was determined by using Sustainable Livelihoods Approach (SLA). The results revealed that, income earned per month from sales of vegetables ranges from Tshs 100,000/= to more than 400,000/=. Challenges and Opportunities of vegetable production activities were also assessed. The results show that, markets, land shortage transport, extension services, farm inputs as well as damage by pests and diseases which attack plants are the main challenges. The reported opportunities include creation of employment, provision of income and fresh foods to both urban and peri-urban dwellers.It is recommended that, local government should create awareness to youths on peri-urban vegetable production activities as an employment and source of income. Policies and by-laws that guide peri-urban vegetable production activities should be enforced in order to ensure sustainability of this livelihood activity. Cooperative and agricultural officers should mobilise and organise vegetable producers to form Savings and Credit cooperative Societies in order to access credit easily. More over, Agriculture extension sector should provide skills to farmers concerning marketing as well as control of pests and diseases.
Description
Available in print form, University of Dar es Salaam at Dr. Wilbert Chagula Library
Keywords
dynamics of peri-urban, vegetable production and contribution, livelihoods, Kinondoni Municipality, Dar es salaam
Citation
Kagoma, E.C(2013) The dynamics of peri-urban vegetable production and contribution to livelihoods in Kinondoni Municipality, Dar es salaam, Master dissertation, University of Dr es Salaam, Dar es Salaam