Some factors controlling maize productivity in Tanzania, the case study of the lower Moshi, Moshi district

The problem of this study was to find out some of the factors which have prevented peasant producers in the lower Moshi area, of. the Moshi District in Kilimanjaro Region from being self-sufficient in maize and why they have consequently not been able of maintaining sufficient stocks to offset bad crop-years. More specifically, this dissertation dwelt on some factors which control maize productivity in the lower Moshi. Three groups, of factors which have been analysed in this paper are climate, soil and crop husbandry. The findings have indicated that the primary factor controlling maize productivity in the lower Moshi area is climate; more specifically, rainfall amounts and distribution. It has been found that rainfalls the main supplier of water for maize consumptive - use is very unreliable and that a good maize crop can hardly be expected in the lower Moshi without supplementary irrigation. These conclusions have been supported by statistical study of rainfall variability and probability along with the study of water balance at four meteorological stations in the area It has also been found out that maize yields in this Lower Moshi area are reduced due to unfavoUrable soil condition. For example it was found that besides having soil textural and structural limitations, the soil of the lower Moshi are deficient of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus ( P). Some soils have problems of excess soluble salts and alkalinity. These limitations are in part caused by insufficient rainfall, e.g. the problem of salinity. The findings also indicate that farmers do not strongly adhere to good husbandry practices. For examples a very small percent of farmers ever use fertilizers or manure. Although irrigation is beneficial and preferred by the farmers, water is not enough to go round. But then, even where irrigation is reliable peasant farmers do not favour high yielding maize varieties such as hybrids. Instead they favour Katumani and local seed varieties which are genetically inferior to hybrids. However, it was noted that farmers prefer katumani variety because it matures early. The interaction of all the above limitations found in the study area point to the fact that to sustain high maize yield a dependable irrigation system is essential. Farmers have also to practice good soil management and have to adhere to good crop husbandry practices. The dissertation is presented in six chapters. The first chapter gives the background to this study and outlines the research methodology. Chapter two examines the natural environment and land use in the study area. The third, fourth and fifth chapters analyse rainfall, soil and crop husbandry conditions in the lower Moshi. These conditions have been related to ideal maize conditions. The sixth (last] chapter is comprised of conclusions and recommendations.