The contribution of agroforestry to household food security and income generation in Maswa District, Shinyanga region

Abstract

The present study was conducted in Maswa District, Shinyanga Region during September to December 2006 with objective of evaluating the contribution of agroforestry to household food security and income generation. The method involved all the three divisions in the district with two wards per each division, two villages per each ward and ten households from each village randomly selected. Three NGOs, ten farmer groups and ten businessmen were also involved. Data collection was done through reconnaissance survey, questionnaire administration and field survey. Results indicated that 34%, 28%, 15%, 14% and 6% of household food supply in the district actually come from agroforestry, agriculture, livestock, business and employment respectively, although apparently expressed dependence of 98%, 30%, 23% and 13% for agriculture, employment, livestock and agroforestry respectively. The results also indicated that only 31% and 30% of agroforestry and non-agroforestry households were food secure. Of the household income 38%, 24%, 18%, 13%, 3%, 2% and 2% actually come from employment, agroforestry, business and agriculture respectively, though expressed dependence of 46%, 22%, 18% and 86% for employment, agroforestry, business and agriculture respectively. Of the agroforestry systems, three technologies of mixed intercropping, integrated tree-pasture (ngitili) and tree-bee interaction were undertaken with the integrated tree-pasture technology being the most widely adopted. Land scarcity, component competition and lack of knowledge indicated to be the main factors that affected agroforestry adoption and contribution to household food security and income. Reinforcement of available local institutions, ii knowledge provision on component arrangement and market availability for agroforestry products appeared as the main interventions required to improve agroforestry technologies performance. Based on results and discussion, it has been recommended that, indigenous knowledge be emphasized for protecting trees, need to have clear land tenure, extension staffs recruitment and rain water harvesting on Ngitili be given attention to ensure water and pastures availability.