An Assessment of the Use of Indigenous Knowledge in Soil Management: A Case Study of Musoma Province in Mara Region Tanzania
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Date
2008-09
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Kampala International University, bachelors degree of science in environmental management
Abstract
Soil faces many threats throughout the world, deforestation for charcoal burning and
brick making, overgrazing by livestock, and agricultural practices that fail to conserve
soil are three main causes of accelerated soil loss. There has been a general trend of soil
productivity decline on crop land in Musoma province. Soil degradation is one of major
threats to agricultural development in the province and it has become the prob !em in
many parts of the province. As the scenario leads to decline in plant availability soil
moisture, reduce soil fertility, soil compaction and erosion, has been identified as the
major factor behind this gradual decline in agricultural productivity. Soil degradation is
seriously threatening the sustainability of agricultural productivity and weakening the
ability to meet the subsistence food requirements of its rapidly increasing population.
These problems have raised the need for assessment of the use of indigenous knowledge
in soil management in the province. Indigenous Africa farming systems contain a wealth
of environmental knowledge on conservation practices and flexibility which have not
been fully recognized. Many indigenous conservation farming practices now need
adaptation in order to remain effective in a rapidly changing environment. Environmental
and economic knowledge and perceptions of local farmers are the best foundation on
which to base assistance to integrate resource management initiatives. Therefore this
study helps as decision aid for soil management measures and sustainable utilization of
the soil resource through the use of indigenous knowledge.
A study on assessment of the use of indigenous knowledge in soil management carried
out in Musoma province, Mara region in Tanzania intended to study and identify how
indigenous knowledge used in soil management. It was identified most of the community
members who base and use soil in their activities, are well applying indigenous measures
to manage soils. The study conducted to identify the way local communities apply their
knowledge to manage soils from arresting degradation through traditional farming
practices. This research sought to answer questions on soil degradation generated by
human activities carried out within the area, efforts of local residents in conserving soils
and the greater role played by indigenous knowledge to improve soils.
This review book gives a critical analysis of the efforts done by farmers on soil
conservation measures. To achieve this, study relied on primary as well as secondary data
collection. Primary data collected by questionnaires and interviews, while secondary data
collected from relevant books as literature review. Research design included sample of
population size, framework and technique, and data analyzed qualitatively and
quantitatively.
This research reveals crop cultivation, livestock keeping, brick making and charcoal
burning as activities carried out and mostly causes of soil degradation. From which use of
compost mounds, valley bottom cultivation, plant residues and animal manure are used as
indigenous measures to manage soils. The used indigenous practices had played a great
role in the improvement of soil productivity. However some of challenges like illiterate,
acceptability, validity, material required and land fragmentation still facing the province.
The study came up with recommendations that must be put in place in order to manage
soils. They included need for improve techniques of operation, education and raising
awareness of the importance of soil management and projects which include community
participation within the area.
Description
A Dissertation Submitted In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Bachelor of Degree of Science in Environmental Managements Kampala International University
Keywords
Indigenous Knowledge in Soil Management, Mara Region Tanzania