Socio-economic and environmental implication of valley bottoms farming as an adaptation strategy to climate change: A Case of Muflndi District in Iringa Region

This study investigated socio-economic and environmental implication of valley bottoms farming as an adaptation strategy to climate change and variability in Iringa Region. The purpose of this study was to establish if valley bottom farming that utilizes residual soil moisture and accumulated soil fertility is an effective adaptation for small holder farmers in the region. Data were collected through documentary review, field observation, interview, focus group discussion and resource mapping through defined transects in two villages namely, Kimilinzowo and Kinegembasi. Satellite images of 1990 and 2010 for both villages were used in analyzing the historical landuse change for agriculture in both upland and valley bottoms. Findings show that there are changes in rainfall patterns in recent years as compared to the last 30 years in which case the two rainfall peaks within a season were identified. Temperature has also been increasing based on local communities reported by 82% and 87% of respondents in Kimilinzowo and Kinegembasi respectively. As an adaptation strategy to climate change in Kimilinzowo village, land-use change showed an increased valley bottoms farming which reduced previously wetland areas with few vinyungu by 09% (from 535ha to 146ha) since 1990 to 2010 in contrary to upland farming. This is due to the notable soil fertility loss, change of rainfall patterns such as disapperance of 1nyahengi rains which were used by farmers in upland fields for planting different crops that utilize low moisture. However, in Kinegembasi areas used for vinyungu farming which are seasonally indudated have increased in size by 02% from 1990 to 2010 due to the decrease of water in the streams causing those areas to be dry lands and no longer suitable for valley bottoms farming due to CC and V. The majority of the people are now extensively cultivating crops such as vegetables including tomatoes, onions, garlic onions, Chinese, carrots and green pepper in valley bottoms. Green maize is also cultivated in such areas during dry season making the system effective in CC impacts adaptation. Despite its effectiveness in CC adaptation to local communities, valley bottom farming practices needs to be well managed taking into account other water demands to support ecosystems rather than abolishing such a farming practice