The role of traditional irrigation systems in poverty alleviation in semi-arid areas: the case of Chamazi in Lushoto District, Tanzania

Kaswamila, Abiud L.; Masuruli, Baker M.

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Title:	The role of traditional irrigation systems in poverty alleviation in semi-arid areas: the case of Chamazi in Lushoto District, Tanzania
Authors:	Kaswamila, Abiud L. Masuruli, Baker M.
Year:	2004
Pages:	35
Language:	English
Series:	REPOA research report
City of publisher:	Dar es Salaam
Publisher:	REPOA
ISBN:	9987417507
Geographic term:	Tanzania
Subjects:	irrigation farming systems
External link:	https://www.asclibrary.nl/docs/393189651.pdf
Abstract:	This study investigates the role of the Chamazi farming system in alleviating poverty in the semi-arid low lands of Lushoto district. It was conducted in seven villages between 6th March and 29th March 2002. The villages, which administratively are in the Umba division, included Kwemkwazu, Mbaramo, Lunguza, Mng'aro, Mkundi, Kivingo and Langoni. Data was collected from interviews, meetings and discussions with some selected key informants from each village. A total of 272 respondents, of which 18% were females, were interviewed. Chamazi is a vernacular word of the Sambaa people meaning 'use of residual moisture in valley bottoms for mixed crop production'. It is practised by 90% of the population in the study area. Although practised at subsistence level, its contribution to food security was found to be superior to both the short and long rain seasons, and was able to produce four months' food surplus in villages where the practice is dominant. In terms of cash income, the practice has the ability to generate an average of Tshs. 133,000 per cropping season/household. This amount was 30% more than households in villages where the practice was not dominant. Despite this farming system's potential, the practice is faced with a number of constraints. These include: drought, low crop yields, poor agricultural extension services, salinisation and the high prices of agricultural inputs. In order to improve the practice, this study recommends the construction of water reservoirs, provision of soft loans to farmers to enable them buy basic irrigation farming equipment and materials, and appointing agricultural extension officers with a strong background in irrigation to these villages.

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