The impact of small scale irrigation schemes on farmers’ livelihood in Tanzania the case of Iganjo irrigation scheme in Mbeya region
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Date
2015
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University of Dar es Salaam
Abstract
Agriculture is one among the important sectors in sustaining people’s livelihood in Tanzania. However, due to some risks facing rainfed agriculture such as erratic rainfall and declining soil fertility, irrigated agriculture is important in supplementing rainfed agriculture as it improves agricultural productivity and consequently livelihoods. Nevertheless, irrigated agriculture is costly to the government and the farmers and because of that, it is important to investigate the impact of irrigated agriculture on farmers and country’s economy. The main objective of this study was to investigate the potentials and challenges of irrigated agriculture for improving small scale farmers’ livelihood with the case study of Iganjo irrigation scheme in Mbeya urban district. The choice of the scheme was purposive because unlike many irrigation schemes in the district, which are rice focused, this one is based on other crops different from rice. A total of 110 heads of households were selected randomly and for comparative purposes the sample involved both farmers participating in irrigated and rainfed agriculture. Quantitative primary data were collected through household survey by using structured questionnaires. This was complemented by qualitative data obtained from physical observation, key informant interviews and focus group discussions.Secondary data were obtained from published and unpublished materials from libraries and internets. The qualitative data collected were arranged and then coded into the Statistical Package for Socio Sciences (SPSS) software for analysis while quantitative data were coded directly in the SPSS software for analysis. A Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software was used for cross tabulation and calculation of percentages, frequencies, t-test and chi-square values. The Microsoft Excel 2010 version was used for data editing, tables and figures formation. Findings showed that farmers who were practicing irrigated agriculture had significantly (p<1% and p<5%) improved livelihoods compared to rainfed farmers in terms of access and possession of natural, financial, social, human and physical assets. Findings further showed that the participation of farmers in irrigated agriculture was influenced by a number of factors but mainly accessibility to inputs and credits presence of irrigation infrastructures, land ownership as well as possession of knowledge and skills related to irrigated agriculture.For optimal performance of smallholder irrigated agriculture there should be establishment of affordable agricultural credits, good quality inputs and enhanced access to the extension services and crop markets.
Description
Available in print form, East Africana Collection, Dr. Wilbert Chagula Library, Class mark (THS EAF S616T34H38)
Keywords
Irrigation, Agriculture, Farmers, Iganjo irrigation scheme, Mbeya region, Tanzania
Citation
Haule, L. (2015) The impact of small scale irrigation schemes on farmers’ livelihood in Tanzania the case of Iganjo irrigation scheme in Mbeya region, Master dissertation, University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam