Browsing by Author "Mutabazi, K. D."

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Adoption and scaling-up of conservation agriculture in Tanzania: Case of Arusha and Dodoma regions
(Scientific Research, 2014-02-21) Kahimba, F. C.; Mutabazi, K. D.; Tumbo, S. D.; Masuki, K. F.; Mbungu, W. B.
A study was conducted to assess the adoption and scaling-up of Conservation Agriculture in Arumeru district, Arusha region, northern Tanzania and Chamwino and Dodoma Urban districts in Dodoma region, Central Tanzania. The study employed structured questionnaire survey and key informant interviews as the main data collection methods. Data analysis was done descriptively to determine factors that influence the adoption. Results showed that farmers in Arusha have highly adopted terraces, minimum tillage and cover cropping whereas their counterparts in Dodoma have highly adopted large planting pits, minimum tillage, and rippers. The intensity of adoption in Arusha is higher for the wealthy compared to the poor while in Dodoma the wealth status was not a factor that influenced adoption of the Conservation Agriculture (CA) technologies. The process of technology adoption should include the use of various participatory methods including farmer field schools, experimental plots, farmer exchange visits, and training of trainers among others. Use of farmer groups, incentives, and support instruments such as Savings and Credit Co-operative Society (SACCOS) or warehouse receipts systems are also important to ensure that farmers realize some acceptable profits from their efforts. Involvement of various stakeholders is also very important including local governments and agricultural change agents at national, regional, district, ward and village levels. Hence, the intention to promote CA technologies should not only look at the economic importance, but also its socio-economic importance to the local people in the area. Their desire to adopt and out-scale a technology should be among the most important investment factors that the government and development partners should consider.
Comparing stakeholder views for mutual acceptable food value chain upgrading strategies in Tanzania
(Academic Journals, 2015) Mwinuka, L.; Schneider, I.; Maeda, C.; Mutabazi, K. D.; Makindara, J.; Graef, S.; Swai, E.; Mbwana, H.; Swamila, M.
The number of rural poor has been reported to rise in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) while per capita food consumption in the region is on the decline and food insecurity has been much embedded. Thus, knowing upgrading strategies (UPS) to be used in making a living and would have great chance of benefiting majority hence provide solutions to poverty, food insecurity and malnutrition. This paper assesses and compares the views of local stakeholders and agricultural experts in terms of prioritizing food securing UPS along food value chains (FVC). Data and information have been collected in a highly participatory process so as to develop an approach and experience in Tanzania regions to support poor people in rural areas to upgrade their position in viable FVC. Local stakeholders’ definition of food security rely on food availability component, hence this paper centers on two major FVC components such as natural resources and crop production for maize and millet subsectors in Morogoro and Dodoma regions of Tanzania, respectively. Given natural resources, agricultural experts favor soil improving upgrading strategies in Morogoro and water management in Dodoma, whereby, local stakeholders in both regions prefer farm inputs related UPS for improving soil fertility (seed varieties improvement and fertilizer use). There is no significant mismatch of views for production component apart from differences on ranks. Stakeholders in both regions prefer use of improved crop varieties, pests and diseases control and new livestock management including having village land use planning. It is recommended that satisfactory participation of local stakeholders should be considered during testing stage of FVC upgrading strategies, including packing these innovations to suit local conditions and finally empower all potential actors for successful dissemination and outreach.
Consumption intensity and production constraints of indigenous vegetables: a step in African food and nutrition security
(Margraf Publishers GmbH, Weikersheim Kanalstrasse 21, 97990Weikersheim, 2018) Mbwana, H.; Kinabo, J.; Stuetz, W.; Rybak, C.; Mutabazi, K. D.; Sieber, S.; Konrad, H.; Ski, B.
Food and nutrition insecurity has been a major challenge in Africa. Farmers need to diversify food production in order to alleviate food and nutrition insecurity. With climate change at hand, indigenous vegetables can provide prospects to diversify production systems and improve food, nutrition and income security in many countries. Regardless of their potential, the extent of consumption and diversity of indigenous vegetables in lessening food, nutrition and economic insecurity are not fully exploited in Tanzania. Estimation of consumption intensity of these vegetables is important to understand how their utilisation can be enhanced at the household level. The study evaluated consumption intensity and production constraints of indigenous vegetables. The study was carried out on 600 farm households from four villages in Dodoma and Morogoro, Tanzania. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select districts, villages and households. Districts were selected purposively based on their different agro-ecological characteristics and data was collected using a structured questionnaire. The mean consumption of indigenous vegetables was high in 74% of households, but the quantities were below 80% the recommended daily intake (RDI) in 72–96% of households. The mean intakes of vegetables were significantly (p < 0.001) different among the two agro ecological zones. Age of household head, household size and distance to a water source influenced consumption intensity of indigenous vegetables. Identified production constraints were lack of knowledge on the vegetables for example; production practices, cooking methods, utilisation and preservation methods; lack of seeds, low yields and competition with some exotic. The diets of rural community were somehow deficient in terms of different vegetables and amount consumed thus contributing to high prevalence of undernutrition and micronutrient malnutrition. Therefore, strategies that could promote consumption intensity of indigenous vegetables such as health and nutrition education and involving young and male decision makers, extension services and production of these vegetables in home gardens should be employed.
Expert-based ex-ante assessments of potential social, ecological, and economic impacts of upgrading strategies for improving food security in rural Tanzania using the ScalA-FS approach
(Springer Science, 2017) Graef, F.; Uckert, G.; Schindler, J.; König, H. J.; Mbwana, H. A.; Fasse, A.; Mwinuka, L.; Mahoo, H.; Kaburire, L.; Saidia, P.; Yustas, Y. M.; Silayo, V.; Makoko, B.; Kissoly, L.; Lambert, C.; Kimaro, A.; Sieber, S.; Hoffmann, H.; Kahimba, F. C.; Mutabazi, K. D.
Subsistence farmers in sub-Saharan Africa are highly vulnerable to food insecurity given their low adaptive capacity against ecological and socio-economic shocks. Therefore, food security is one of their main challenges. Participatory action research across food value chains (FVCs) can help stabilize and enhance food security by developing upgrading strategies (UPS) that enhance specific aspects of crop production, post-harvest processing, marketing, income generation, and consumption. However, prior to their widespread adoption or upscaling, UPS need holistic understandings of their potential social, ecological, economic, and institutional challenges and opportunities in target areas. This article reports the application of the BScalA-FS^ tool, which assessed the potential success of selected UPS using assessment criteria developed by agricultural scientists and local farmers in a participatory process in Tanzania. This work is embedded in a larger participatory research project conducted in semi-arid and sub-humid ecological settings of the Dodoma and Morogoro regions of Tanzania. Results from the assessment of the potential impact of the UPS differed strongly between the UPS and the social, economic and environmental assessment criteria, but only slightly between semi-arid and sub-humid regions. The positive impacts of food-securing UPS centre on productivity and income generation. Rain water harvesting, fertilizer micro-dosing, optimized weeding, and promotion of kitchen gardens were expected to have the highest impacts after implementation. The ScalA-FS ex-ante assessments provide a knowledge base about potential impacts, as well as the potential bottlenecks to address during the implementation of UPS.
Integrated assessment of climate change impacts and adaptation in agriculture: the case study of the Wami River Sub-basin, Tanzania
(Springer Nature Switzerland AG, 2020) Tumbo, S. D.; Mutabazi, K. D.; Mourice, S. K.; Msongaleli, B. M.; Wambura, F. J.; Mzirai, O. B.; Kadigi, I. L.; Kahimba, F. C.; Mlonganile, P.; Ngongolo, H. K.; Sangalugembe, C.; Rao, K. P. C.; Valdivia, R. O.
This study evaluates the impacts of climate change and an adaptation strategy on agricul- ture in the Wami River sub-basin in Tanzania. This study uses the Agricultural Model Improvement and Inter-comparison Project (AgMIP) framework that integrates climate, crops and economic models and data using a novel multi-model approach for impact assess- ment of agricultural systems under current and future conditions. This study uses five Global Circulation Models (GCMs) from the fifth phase of the Coupled Model Inter-comparison Project (CMIP5), two crop simulation models, and one economic impact assessment model. In this study, a representative agricultural path- ways (RAP) that characterises future condi- tions following ‘business-as-usual’ trends was developed and used to model future agricul- tural systems in the Wami River sub-basin. Results show that by mid-century, the maxi- mum and minimum temperatures will increase by 1.8–4.1 °C and 1.4–4.6 °C, respectively. Rainfall is predicted to be variable with some places projected to increase by 12%, while in other areas it is projected to decrease by 14– 28%. Maize yields under these conditions are projected to decrease by 5.3–40.7%. Results show that under current conditions, 50–60% of farm households are vulnerable to losses due to climate change. The impacts of climate change on poverty and per capita income are also projected to be negative. Under the current production system, poverty rates were pro- jected to increase by 0.8–15.3% and per-capita income to drop by 1.3–7.5%. Future socio-economic conditions and prices offset the negative impacts of climate change. Under future conditions, the proportion of households vulnerable to loss is estimated to range from 25 to 50%. Per-capita income and poverty rates are expected to improve under the future climate change conditions. Poverty rates would decrease between 1.9 and 11.2% and income per-capita would increase between 2.6 and 18.5%. The proposed future adaptation pack- age will further improve household liveli- hoods. This integrated assessment of climate change projections using the improved meth- ods and tools developed by AgMIP has con- tributed to a better understanding of climate change and adaptation impacts in a holistic manner.
Performance of hermetic storage bags for maize grains under farmer- managed conditions: Good practice versus local reality
(Elsevier Ltd, 2020) Kiobia, D.O.; Silayo, V. C. K.; Mutabazi, K. D.; Graef, F.; Mourice, S. K.
There are various types of grain storage bags available to farmers in tropical countries. However, these bags differ in price, quality, and reduced post-harvest losses due to insect pests and mould infestation. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of three types of storage bags of Purdue Improved Crop Storage (PICS), Grain pro-super (GPS) and woven (WN) bags under assumed small farmer’s storage practices in the sub-tropical climatic conditions. The practice of weekly routine opening of the bags was compared with the recommended practice of keeping the bags closed for at least 3 months. Under laboratory experiment, insect population, moisture content, grain humidity, and temperature were measured at the weekly intervals while under farmer’s setting, moisture content (%) of maize and percentage of insect damage were measured after 3 and 6 months of storage at the farmer’s homestead. Considering the routine weekly opening effect, the PICS bag kept a low grain humidity average (56.6%) compared to the Grain pro-super bag (64.2%) and Woven bag (71.5%). The PICS bag reduced the insect population to an average of zero (0.4) compared to GPS (6.5) and the WN (14.8). Under farmer’s conditions, the mean difference in the percentage of insect damage between the PICS and GPS were insignificant (P > 0.05) at both 3 and 6 months of storage, and the insect damage throughout decreased with time. The results of this study indicate that PICS bag may support positively the practice of routine weekly opening compared to the GPS and WN in the sub-tropical climatic conditions.
Rural agriculture for improved nutrition: stakeholder insights from different sectors in Tanzania
(CUVILLIER VERLAG, 2017-09) Mbwana, H.; Kinabo, J.; Reif, C.; Stuetz, W.; Sieber, S.; Mutabazi, K. D.; Biesalski, H. K.
Nutrition sensitive pathways and approaches involving agriculture are being recognised as essential to guarantee nutrition security and lessen undernutrition. In Tanzania, the majority of the population lives in the rural areas and 80% depend on agriculture as the main source of livelihood. Although agriculture can play a big role in alleviating undernutrition, its role in tackling malnutrition needs to be dealt with based on policies to the actual implementation. This study aimed to investigate perspectives of stakeholders on links between rural agriculture and nutrition, opportunities and challenges, evidences and policy inferences. Methodology: Open ended interviews were conducted with 11 stakeholders identified for the Scale-N project in Tanzania who contribute in one way or another to the nutrition sector. Two focus group discussions with 20 farmers from Mzula and Tindiga villages in Dodoma and Kilosa were conducted. Stakeholders acknowledged obstacles to better achievement of undernutrition reduction which included absence of clear cut motivations in the agriculture sector regarding enhancing nutrition, concentrating on cash crops, lack of accountability for agriculture matters for improving nutrition, policies exist but putting them into action is hindered, limited competence in the available human resources, absence of coordination between sectors, lack of proof that agriculture works for nutrition and economic constraints to support agriculture. Possible measures mentioned to be taken to improve rural agriculture for better nutrition including home gardening with different crops, nutrition training, better access to markets and labour saving technologies to women. From the farmers’ side, 13 mentioned lack of extension services, 17 mentioned lack of access to agricultural productive resources, lack of knowledge about nutritious and safe food and the majority mentioned increased occurrences of natural disasters such as floods and serious drought. Numerous possibilities are present to strengthen the role of agriculture on nutrition in Tanzania, however, there is need to strengthen the structure and making of policies which will in turn need proper implementation for the desired success.