Browsing by Author "Mdemu, M. V."

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Analysis of climate variability, perceptions and coping strategies of Tanzanian coastal forest dependent communities
Kashaigili, J. J.; Levira, P.; Liwenga, E.; Mdemu, M. V.
Analysis of climate variability, perceptions and coping strategies of Tanzanian coastal forest dependent communities
(2013) Kashaigili, J. J.; Levira, P.; Liwenga, E.; Mdemu, M. V.
Climate variability and change are among the biggest challenges of the 21st century. Like in many other areas globally, the coastal communities of Tanzania have always been facing climatic variability at various time scales. Using focus group discussion and a household survey, this study analyzes the perceptions of climate variability and change and the strategies for coping and adaptation by the selected coastal rural and peri-urban communities in Tanzania. The perception of climate variability and change is complemented with the time-series analysis of rainfall and temperature data from Julius Nyerere International Airport Met. station and Kisarawe using Instant Statistical Software. Results indicate that households are aware of climate variability and identify indicators of climate change and variability as being decreasing rainfall trends, increasing incidences of droughts, unpredictable rainfall patterns, disappearance of wetlands and failure to predict on-set of rainy season using traditional knowledge. Households primarily attribute reduced crop yields to changes in rainfall pattern and increasing incidences of drought leading to soil moisture stress. The implications are that the agriculture dependent households are now food insecure. As a way of coping to the observed changes, the coastal communities among others have shifted to production of high value horticultural crops and use of forest resources. Nevertheless, the increased use of forest resources is threatening the existence of coastal forests and contributes to the decline of forest resources and disappearance of wildlife in the forest reserves. It is concluded that the communities studied are aware of climate issues as revealed from perceived indicators of climate variability and changes. The results from statistical analysis of 30 years climatic data are consistent with community’s perception of climate variability and change. The study recommends examining the present coping strategies for the sustainability of the coastal forests and in designing of alternative adaptive strategies such as alternative energy options, crop diversification and environmental friendly activities such as beekeeping.
Barriers to and opportunities for improving productivity and profitability of the Kiwere and Magozi irrigation schemes in Tanzania
(Taylor and Francis Group) Mdemu, M. V.; Mziray, N.; Bjornlund, H.; Kashaigili, J. J.
Integrated assessment of forest cover change and above-ground carbon stock in Pugu and Kazimzumbwi forest reserves, Tanzania
(SciRes) Kashaigili, J. J.; Mdemu, M. V.; Nduganda, A. R.; Mbilinyi, B. P.
Irrigating Africa: policy barriers and opportunities for enhanced productivity of smallholder farmers
(International Journal of Water Resources Development) Mwamakamba, S. N.; Sibanda, L. M.; Pittock, J.; Stirzaker, R.; Bjornlund, H.; Rooyen, A. V.; Munguambe, P.; Mdemu, M. V.; Kashaigili, J. J.
Irrigating Africa: policy barriers and opportunities for enhanced productivity of smallholder farmers
(International Journal of Water Resources Development, 2017-05-19) Mwamakamba, S. N.; Sibanda, L. M.; Pittock, J.; Stirzaker, R.; Bjornlund, H.; Rooyen, A. V.; Munguambe, P.; Mdemu, M. V.; Kashaigili, J. J.
African governments have ambitious plans to expand irrigated agriculture, though existing smallholder schemes have largely failed to use land and water sustainably or become profitable. Six government-owned irrigation schemes in Mozambique, Tanzania and Zimbabwe were assessed to identify common policy barriers and opportunities for higher productivity among smallholder farmers. Issues like insecure land tenure systems, unclear institutional arrangements and poor access to markets have contributed to limited profitability. Reform of currently insecure land tenure, strengthening farmer organizations and reforming policies are recommended so that governments step back from scheme management and foster market linkages to enable more profitable irrigated agriculture