Causes of degradation of peasant land in Karatu district

This study aimed at finding out factors that lead to the degradation of peasant land in Karatu district. It also aimed at finding out the level of awareness of peasants about factors that contribute to land degradation as well as the measures taken by peasants in Karatu district to cope with the problem of land degradation. The survey method was used as the basic method for data collection, employing the interview; and participant observation was also used. Findings of the study revealed that there were various factors that caused degradation of peasant land in Karatu district, the major ones being cutting down of trees and frees grazing. These were the major factors since the peasants needed trees for fuel wood, lumbering and burning of bricks. Findings of the study also showed that most of the peasants were aware of the negative impacts of land degradation, as they mentioned low production, desertification and lack of rain among others. Findings of the study also revealed that the peasants used a number of methods to conserve the land, among which are planting of trees and construction of terraces. However, the extent to which these methods were used was found to be very low. This is because the majority of peasants could not afford to buy seedlings due to lack of capital. The other reason is drought. The study also found a number of factors that hindered land conservation by smallholder peasants’ land. Among these are lack of awareness, dry weather conditions, conservatism and drunkenness. Recommendations given by most respondents include educating the peasants on land conservation and the use of by-laws to punish those who do not follow instructions. The study recommends providing peasants in Karatu with the opportunity to learn about environmental conservation through seminars and workshops, etc. as well as free provision of seedlings to those peasants who cannot afford the price of seedling.