Participatory soil and water conservation planning using a financial analysis tool in the West Usambara highlands of Tanzania

Abstract

Despite decades of soil and water conservation (SWC) efforts in Tanzania, the adoption of the recommended SWC measures by farmers is minimal. In the past, SWC plans did not incorporate farmers' knowledge, and the economics of SWC was not given much attention at the planning stage. This research evaluated the applicability of two tools for participatory soil erosion mapping using farmers' indicators of soil erosion and financial analysis of SWC measures at the planning stage. The two tools were evaluated in Kwalei catchment in the West Usambara highlands, Tanzania. The participatory soil erosion-mapping tool uses farmers' indicators of soil erosion to identify, classify and map soil erosion at the catchment level. The financial analysis tool involves farmers in a stepwise analysis of the costs and benefits of SWC measures before the implementation. The erosion-mapping tool increased farmers' awareness on the severity of soil erosion problems, and they realised the need for SWC plans at both field and catchment scales. With the financial analysis tool farmers participated in the cost and benefits analysis and were able to select SWC options that were feasible under their socio-economic situation. The two tools were able to demonstrate that farmers' participation in SWC planning increases the acceptance of SWC measures because they solve problems that are perceived by themselves. The financial analysis tool demonstrated how farmers could make selection of SWC measures that are feasible under their biophysical and economic condition if they are informed about the costs and benefits.

Factors affecting herder adoption of winter lambing practices in the desert steppe region of Inner Mongolia, China

“…Herders who chose SL pointed out the disadvantages of WL and the problems faced if they adopted WL. Some researchers have agreed that herders would not adopt some technologies unless they understand the necessity of protecting natural resources and think that these technologies could solve problems of ecosystems the herders perceive themselves (Sidibé 2005;Tenge et al 2007;Subedi et al 2009). Most herders in the study area admitted that their grassland was degraded, and expressed their interests in grassland protection and believed it was a concern for every herder.…”

Land management, erosion problems and soil and water conservation in Fincha’a watershed, western Ethiopia

“…In the process of promoting SWC measures the role of professionals should be provision of accurate information about the pros and cons of SWC measures. Also the professional should provide information about the local costs and benefits of the promoted measures (Tenge et al, 2007), and about technical details for construction of the measures. The professionals should also stimulate farmer-to-farmer learning processes.…”

Landscape-scale variability of soil health indicators: effects of cultivation on soil organic carbon in the Usambara Mountains of Tanzania

“…Juniperus procera, Cupressus Lusstanica, Pinus petula and Pinus radiate; Van Olmen 2008;Masunga 2009) and patches of natural rainforest. Over-cultivation, soil erosion and low soil fertility (Lundgren 1980;Tenge et al 2005Tenge et al , 2007Ndakidemi and Semoka 2006;Wickama et al 2014) coupled with decreasing farm size, low crop productivity, and erratic weather patterns (Msita et al 2010;Lyamchai et al 2011;Msita 2013;Kimaro et al 2014) are all major challenges facing smallholder farmers in the region. In order to address the complexity of the challenges facing natural resource management in both the agricultural and livestock sectors, studies and research at local and national scales need to better assess and develop ''best-bet'' spatially explicit options for sustainable agricultural growth.…”