Browsing by Author "He, X."

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Accumulation of SOC under organic and no-fertilizations, and its influence on crop yields in Tanzania’s semiarid zone
(Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis) Mkonda, M. Y.; He, X.
Accumulation of SOC under organic and no-fertilizations, and its influence on crop yields in Tanzania’s semiarid zone
(Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis, 2018-04-15) Mkonda, M. Y.; He, X.
Introduction: To estimate differential accumulation of soil organic carbon (SOC) and its ecological significance is very important to smallholder farmers in the Tanzania’s semiarid areas. This study investigated the accumulation of SOC and other important soil nutrients under organic and no-fertilizations, and correlated SOC with crop yields. Using data from long-term experimental study sites of semiarid in Tanzania, we estimated SOC accumulation in different soil treatments and depths where a total of 128 soil samples were collected at the depths of 0–20 cm and 20–40 cm from two villages (sites) with organic fertilization and nofertilization treatments. Sites under organic fertilization were defined as those which have received manure fertilization for more than 5 years on continuum basis. Outcomes: The accumulation of SOC was significantly greater in soils under organic fertilizations (1.15 and 0.80 MgC ha−1 at soil depth and 20–40 cm) and decreased with increasing soil depths. Similarly, TN and P decreased from 0.40 and 2.40 Mg (0–20 cm) to 0.16 and 2.10 Mg (20–40 cm), respectively. Other important soil nutrients such as calcium (Ca2+), potassium (K+), magnesium (Mg2+), and sodium (Na+) had similar pattern. In addition, soil bulk density was less under organic fertilization (1.1 g/cm3) than under no-fertilization (1.2 g/cm3) and it increased with soil depths. Correspondingly, the crop yields were significantly higher (1.6 tn ha−1) under organic fertilizations than (0.6 tn ha−1) under no-fertilizations indicating that crop yields were significantly affected by SOC. Discussion: Organic fertilization i.e., especially cattle manure in the area has considerable fertility potential. To optimize soil fertility potential, we need to consider such kind of fertilization from household to national level. Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that manure application was the best fertilization method for improving soil fertility in most croplands of Tanzania’s semiarid areas, especially in this era of climate change scenarios.
Agricultural history nexus food security and policy framework in Tanzania
Mkonda, M. Y.; He, X.
Agricultural history nexus food security and policy framework in Tanzania
(2018) Mkonda, M. Y.; He, X.
Background: Understanding the production trend of the major food crops is an important step for any nation that evaluates her agricultural progress. This evaluation should mostly focus on the yields per unit area. So far, it can also earmark the expansion of farms to determine the general yields trend. The main objective of this paper is to assess the production trend of the major food crops and their efficacy to food security in Tanzania. This is particular important because for the past three decades, the country has failed to control food security (especially food availability and accessibility). Results: Here, crop data from 1980 to 2015 were gathered from the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fishery (MALF), and in the respective regions. In some incidences, the regional data were averaged to elicit their preciseness. To determine the objectivity of this study, agricultural policy, programs, and plans from MALF were reviewed for similar purpose. Mostly, the Mann-Kendal Test and Microsoft Excel were used for data analyses. The results show that the production of the total yields had a positive trend (i.e., growing at R2 = 0.4 and 0.8), while that of the yields (ton/ha) had a negative trend (i.e., declining at R2 = 0.02 and 0.3). It was further realized that the total yields mostly boomed due to farm expansion. Conclusions: Despite the efforts from various agricultural stakeholders, the country has not yet achieved a sustainable crop yield and food security. Explicitly, this situation has been affecting peoples’ livelihoods, and other sectors either directly or indirectly. Therefore, there is a need to improve the production strategies and approaches (i.e., more especially technology and marketing) to limit this problem.
Are rainfall and temperature really changing? Farmer’s perceptions, meteorological data, and policy implications in the Tanzanian semi-arid zone
(Sustainability) Mkonda, M. Y.; He, X.
Are rainfall and temperature really changing? Farmer’s perceptions, meteorological data, and policy implications in the Tanzanian semi-arid zone
(Sustainability, 2017) Mkonda, M. Y.; He, X.
Although various climate models, statistical crop models and economic simulations have been established to determine the level of farmers’ vulnerability, there has been little systematic assessment of farmers’ perception towards climate change in association with meteorological analyses and policy implications in Tanzania. The results from this assessment will enhance the formation of robust policies that improve resilient livelihoods and the capacity to adapt to climate change and variability. This paper seeks to (i) reveal the farmers’ perception on variation, change of rainfall, and temperature in the Tanzanian semi-arid area; (ii) depict meteorological evidence for the perceived rainfall and temperature changes; (iii) assess the policy perception and responses for the changing climate; and (iv) discuss the correlation between farmers’ perception and meteorological data. Household surveys, informative interviews and discussions were employed during data collection. The Mann-Kendall Test and SPSS (version 20) were used for climate data analyses, while qualitative data were thematically analyzed. The results showed that from 1980 to 2015 the mean annual rainfall decreased ( R2 = 0.21) while temperature increased (R2 = 0.30). Even though majority farmers agreed with these results, they had not yet taken serious measures to curb the situation. Besides, Agricultural Policy has lightly addressed and enforced the implementations of adaptation strategies to reduce climate impacts and vulnerability. Thereby, creation of awareness and intensification of climate adaptation strategies is needed at both farm and policy level.
Climate variability and crop yields synergies in Tanzania’s semiarid agroecological zone
(Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis) Mkonda, M. Y.; He, X.
Climate variability and crop yields synergies in Tanzania’s semiarid agroecological zone
(Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis, 2018) Mkonda, M. Y.; He, X.
The consequences of climate change have been considerably high to smallholders in most of Sub-Saharan Africa. These impacts have been more enormous to crop production and other attached livelihoods. However, the comprehensive assessment of these impacts has suffered numerous challenges because crop productivity is also susceptible to other factors involved in the production process. This study aimed to understand how crop yields are affected by climate change in the semiarid zone of Tanzania. The findings would establish a thorough literature within smallholder adaptation in the area. Furthermore, they will intensify strategies to cope with reduced yields attributed by climate-change impacts. Outcomes: There has been a dramatic decrease in rainfall (R2 = 0.21) and increase in temperature (R2 = 0.30). In addition, we found that rainfall and temperature variability had positive (R2 ~ 0.5) and negative (R2 ~ 0.3) correlations with crop yields, respectively. Discussion: The decline in yields at both local and national levels elevated the magnitude of food shortage and poverty. The increasing climate impacts necessitate undertakings of various studies to plan, design, recommend, and implement various useful adaptation measures, especially in the vulnerable communities. Conclusion: To limit climate effects, we need to increase investments in adaptation and mitigation measures.
Comparing smallholder farmers’ perception of climate change with meteorological Data: experience from seven agroecological zones of Tanzania
(American Meteorological Society) Mkonda, M. Y.; He, X.; Festin, E. S.
Conservation agriculture for environmental sustainability in a semiarid agroecological zone under climate change scenarios
(Sustainability) Hong, Z.; Mkonda, M. Y.; He, X.
Conservation agriculture for environmental sustainability in a semiarid agroecological zone under climate change scenarios
(Sustainability, 2018) Hong, Z.; Mkonda, M. Y.; He, X.
Using the Mann–Kendall Test to analyze data from a survey of 400 farmers, this study compared the rate of adoption of conservation agriculture (CA) in two contrasting villages of Mnyakongo and Ugogoni locating in the Kongwa District, a semi-arid zone in central Tanzania. Results exhibited that the level of CA adoption was <10% of the total households. The trend of CA adoption was determined at the coefficient of R2 = 0.95, 0.90, 0.68 and 0.57 for mulching, crop rotation, agroforestry and little tillage, respectively. Despite little tillage and crop rotation having high acreage under CA, the rate of mulching adoption was significantly higher than that of others. Furthermore, there were significant correlations between the CA adoption and crop yields or environmental sustainability (p < 0.05). Maize, sorghum and millet yields were significantly greater under CA (1.7 t ha􀀀1) than no-CA (0.7 t ha􀀀1). Particularly, maize yields were increased from 1.3 to 2.3 t ha􀀀1 from 2000 to 2015 under CA when it was intercropped with legumes. The majority farmers (>70%) asserted that CA had optimized their yields for both food and economic incentives. Thus, this study recommends the adoption of CA in the semi-arid agro-ecological zones.
Conservation agriculture in Tanzania
(Springer International Publishing Switzerland) Mkonda, M. Y.; He, X.
Conservation agriculture in Tanzania
(Springer International Publishing Switzerland, 2017) Mkonda, M. Y.; He, X.
Conservation agriculture is promoted to increase crop production and environmental sustainability. It is proposed to be a solution for the problem of poor agricultural yields and soil degradation in most Sub-Saharan African countries. Conservation agriculture is among the climate-smart practices recommended in Tanzania to curb the impacts caused by climate change. It involve the use of organic soil management practices such as reduced tillage, mulching and leguminous crops. Agroecosystems such as agroforesty, soil organic fertilization and better crop rotation are also included. This chapter reviews the adoption trends of conservation agriculture in Tanzania and their implications to both socio-economic and environmental benefits. We found that the adoption of conservation agricultural practices has spatial and temporal variations. For example in Arusha, farmers use mainly terraces while in Dodoma they use conservational tillage. The ‘Matengo pits’ and terraces in the Ruvuma Region have improved both maize and coffee production. In the Southern Agricultural Growth Corridor (SAGCOT) planting basins have doubled maize yields compared to that of conventional tillage. In areas with irrigation potentials, conservation agriculture has increased crop yields in drought ecosystems over time. In the northern part of Tanzania the adoption of conservation agriculture has increased the production of food crop crops from an average of 0.5 ton ha−1 to 1.5 ton ha−1. Subsequently, maize yields have increased from 12,000 kg to 20,000 kg per 4.8 hectares and 3.75 t per hectare when intercropped with lablab. The interest in adopting conservation agriculture has been driven by its ability to enable someyields even in poor rainfall scenario. The review focused on the existing farming management, principles and benefits of conservation agriculture to farmers, society and environment as well as its challenges facing this system.
Efficacy of transforming agriculture for survival to commercial agriculture through 'Kilimo Kwanza' Initiative in Tanzania
Mkonda, M. Y.; He, X.
Efficacy of transforming agriculture for survival to commercial agriculture through 'Kilimo kwanza' initiative in Tanzania
(Natural Resources and Conservation) Mkonda, M. Y.; He, X.
Efficacy of transforming agriculture for survival to commercial agriculture through 'Kilimo Kwanza' Initiative in Tanzania
(2016) Mkonda, M. Y.; He, X.
Kilimo Kwanza which means “Agriculture First” in English, is an initiative launched by the Tanzanian government in 2006 to spearhead the transformation of subsistence to commercial agriculture for curbing poverty. The initiative aimed at solving constrains facing farmers (small, medium and/or large scale). Its implementation is based on ten milestones some of them are the provision of credit to farmers through Tanzania Agricultural Development Bank, good governance, establishment of infrastructure, coordination and evaluation of the milestones. Through “Kilimo Kwanza” for farming credits, the government has pledged 500 million USD to TADB in 2015, though the deal has not made yet. Compared to other initiatives, the special aspect that “Kilimo Kwanza” possesses is that; it is people centered. It works under the patronage of Tanzania National Business Council which involves both private and public dialogue on strategic issues for economic development. Despite of all these efforts and instruments of “Kilimo Kwanza”, Tanzanian agriculture has remained the main employer of Tanzanian labour force (70%), account 24% of the GDP, 30% of export and 65% of raw materials for domestic industry. However, this contribution is insufficient compared to the vision of the initiative. To address the constraints facing Tanzanian agriculture, there is a need to think more widely aiming at arresting all barriers with a clear and committed political will. Among others: motivation/incentives to farmers, extension services, equipping good infrastructures ranging from irrigation, transport and storage facilities. Then, the flow of farm inputs from local government authorities to small and medium scale farmers is a governance issue. The people responsible for the flow of these inputs are not playing their roles despite of the clear directives from the government. Similarly, policies, plans and programmes are well stipulated but, implementation to reach intended outcomes needs further efforts.
Efficacy of transforming agriculture for survival to commercial agriculture through 'Kilimo kwanza' initiative in Tanzania
(Natural Resources and Conservation, 2016) Mkonda, M. Y.; He, X.
Kilimo Kwanza which means “Agriculture First” in English, is an initiative launched by the Tanzanian government in 2006 to spearhead the transformation of subsistence to commercial agriculture for curbing poverty. The initiative aimed at solving constrains facing farmers (small, medium and/or large scale). Its implementation is based on ten milestones some of them are the provision of credit to farmers through Tanzania Agricultural Development Bank, good governance, establishment of infrastructure, coordination and evaluation of the milestones. Through “Kilimo Kwanza” for farming credits, the government has pledged 500 million USD to TADB in 2015, though the deal has not made yet. Compared to other initiatives, the special aspect that “Kilimo Kwanza” possesses is that; it is people centered. It works under the patronage of Tanzania National Business Council which involves both private and public dialogue on strategic issues for economic development. Despite of all these efforts and instruments of “Kilimo Kwanza”, Tanzanian agriculture has remained the main employer of Tanzanian labour force (70%), account 24% of the GDP, 30% of export and 65% of raw materials for domestic industry. However, this contribution is insufficient compared to the vision of the initiative. To address the constraints facing Tanzanian agriculture, there is a need to think more widely aiming at arresting all barriers with a clear and committed political will. Among others: motivation/incentives to farmers, extension services, equipping good infrastructures ranging from irrigation, transport and storage facilities. Then, the flow of farm inputs from local government authorities to small and medium scale farmers is a governance issue. The people responsible for the flow of these inputs are not playing their roles despite of the clear directives from the government. Similarly, policies, plans and programmes are well stipulated but, implementation to reach intended outcomes needs further efforts.
Long-term chemical fertilization in Tanzania
(Springer International Publishing AG) Mkonda, M. Y.; He, X.
Long-term chemical fertilization in Tanzania
(Springer International Publishing AG, 2017) Mkonda, M. Y.; He, X.
Long-term application of chemical fertilizers has both positive and negative impacts on soil and the environment. Chemical fertilizers fertilize the soil and increase crop yields but they modify microbial functions involved in bioremediation and organic matter processing. As a consequence soils become unproductive. In the 1960s the Ismani area was the major growing zone of maize in Tanzania. From the 1960s to early 1990s this area attracted more people to invest in maize production. People immigrated in the area because of soil fertility where they grew maize to curb food insecurity and poverty. In 1976 Ismani contributed over 10% of the total maize in the National Milling Corporation. Subsequently, in 1983 Ismani produced 250,000 tons of maize. This production was mainly catalyzed by the application of chemical fertilizers. However, in 1990s the production trend started to diminish rapidly. The major reason for this downfall was acidification of the soils due to increasing soil pH. Long-term chemical fertilization was the major reason for this. Acidic soil limited the availability of plant nutrients and raised the concentration of toxic metals in the soil. Subsequently, this situation impaired the life of micro-organism such as earthworms, which forms humus useful for crop production.
Production trends of food crops: opportunities, challenges and prospects to improve Tanzanian rural livelihoods
(Natural Resources and Conservation) Mkonda, M. Y.; He, X.