Erratic weather condition and its implications for household food production: farmers perceptions in Moshi District
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Date
2011
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Sokoine University of Agriculture
Abstract
Farmers in Moshi District prioritize drought as their major productivity-reducing
problem, while scientists identify soil degradation as a major threat. The question
that needs to be addressed is how farmers perceive drought. Insight into farmers’
perceptions of drought could be the missing link towards increased and sustainable
production. During October 2010 and February 2011, a study was conducted in
Kilimanjaro Region Moshi District, at Kirua Vunjo West and Kirua Vunjo South
Wards, in the villages of Mabungo, Uchira, Uparo, Iwa, Kwamare and Nduoni in
Moshi. The study included questionnaires with mainly open-ended questions (n=120)
and in-depth interviews with farmers and extension workers. Collected data were
analysed using various methods including; Statistical Package for Social Sciences
(SPSS
16) software (SPSS, 2006), Descriptive statistics (frequencies and
percentages) were used with regards to the distribution of the adequacy responses
and Likert-scale was used in soliciting attitude of farmers. Farmers saw drought in a
broader perspective than that of deficient rainfall. Drought indicators were area
specific. Farmers recognized differences in drought vulnerability between soil types,
location and state of land, land management practices and farmer types. Drought risk
was perceived to have increased. Farmers' perceptions can be related to the scientific
concept of agricultural drought. Since the amount of rainfall cannot be influenced,
the efficiency of the rains can be a focal point for addressing farmers’ concerns about
drought. Any viable strategy to reduce farmers’ vulnerability to drought and to
improve productivity should be integrated into farmers’ existing strategies to adapt to
and cope with ecological insecurity.
Description
Keywords
Household food production, Moshi District, Farmers