Browsing by Author "Majule, Amos"

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    An Analysis of Land Use Dynamics and Land Degradation Process In the Great Rift Valley, Central Tanzania
    (OSSREA, 2005) Kangalawe, Richard Y. M.; Majule, Amos; Shishira, E.K
    This study investigates land-use dynamics, agricultural development and constraints, land degradation, and the socio-economic and environmental effects of agricultural processes in central Tanzania. It shows there have been both spatial and temporal changes in land-use patterns in the area. The intensity of agriculture has increased; however environmental concerns are arising, including deforestation and soil erosion. The study concludes that to sustain the livelihoods of the people in the area whilst at the same time maintaining the existing dynamics, there is a need for an integrated approach to managing the available and varied resources, as well as measures to ensure environmentally sound agricultural practices.
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    Bridging the gap between local and national institutions for climate change governance
    (2011) El Mzouri, E.; Majule, Amos; Khattabi, A.; Guye, C.
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    Centennial to millennial changes in maar-lake deposition during the last 45,000 years in tropical Southern Africa (Lake Masoko, Tanzania)
    (Elsevier, 2006) Garcina, Yannick; Williamsona, David; Taieba, Maurice; Vincensa, Annie; Mathéa, Pierre-Etienne; Majule, Amos
    The Masoko maar (southern Tanzania) provides one of the most continuous Late Quaternary lacustrine sedimentary records from Africa. A detailed chronostratigraphic framework coupled with sedimentological and magnetic measurements allows us construct a 30-year resolution continuous sedimentary sequence covering the last 45,000 years and to address local depositional environment and climate variability in the tropical Southern Africa. Based on present-day observations and measurements, our results indicate that the low-field magnetic susceptibility of the sediment is highly controlled by climate-driven processes (wind-stress and/or lake-level amplitude changes) acting on the titanomagnetite-rich shoreline reservoir. The tephra- and turbidite-free magnetic susceptibility record is strongly modulated by a persistent multi-decadal to centennial variability (∼80 to 200 years), probably linked to the Gleissberg and Suess cycles of solar activity. At lower frequency, the variability of deposition is controlled by the precessional cycle and its harmonics, suggesting a dominant multi-millennial forcing of low-latitude insolation on climatic changes in tropical Southern Africa. Inferred wetter conditions during the Last Glacial Maximum and the Younger Dryas at Masoko (9°S) indicate southward shifts of the Intertropical Convergence Zone associated with the North Atlantic glacial dynamics, and/or contrasted hydrological changes in the Rungwe highlands compared to the neighbouring areas. Finally, former regional transfer function between diatom assemblages and water chemistry suggested drier conditions during the Last Glacial Maximum at Lake Masoko [Barker, P., Williamson, D., Gasse, F., Gibert, E., 2003. Climatic and volcanic forcing revealed in a 50,000-year diatom record from Lake Massoko, Tanzania. Quaternary Research 60, 368–376]. In this context, further climate-proxy data (such as pollen) and hydrobiological studies in small, deep lakes are needed to support our alternative interpretation of the Masoko record.
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    Changing Trends of Natural Resources Degradation in Kagera Basin
    (Natural Resources, 2012, 3, 95-106 http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/nr.2012.33014 Published Online September 2012 (http://www.SciRP.org/journal/nr), 2012) Tolo, Casim Umba; Majule, Amos; Perfect, Joseph
    In many respects, river basins are extremely convenient natural resources management units and hence calls for an integrated approach in case of transboundary nature. Environmental resources in Kagera basin are under great threat due to demographic factors leading to wide spread environmental degradation. Land degradation and biodiversity loss are central issues in the basin, but the extent and severity of the degradation pressures are not yet clearly illustrated and their implications largely unknown. To date, natural resource mapping in Kagera basin has been based on isolated case studies for specific purposes and not much has been done in mapping resources and classification of resources degradation by remote sensing applications considering the whole basin. In this study, basin-wide mapping approach was adopted and hot spot areas associated with natural resources use in the basin identified and trends over time established. However, this paper presents results from Kagera River sub-basin, Uganda. Mapping exercise was done by using landsat images and aerial photos of Kagera basin covering the years 1984- 2002.Overall,bushland in Kagera sub-basin, Uganda increased by 78% and woodland cover showed mere 6% gain; but a 53% decrease in open woodland sub-type and 29% decrease in closed woodland. Significant shift occurred in cultivation with herbaceous crops (mainly banana) from year 1984-2002 moving from east to west of Kagera sub-basin, Uganda representing 167% increase. Area occupied by permanent swamp decreased 31%. Over the same period, land cover change detection matrix indicates main land cover changes include conversion to bushland (59.34%) followed by conversion to grassland (7.29%) and cultivated land (7.16%), with only 24.19% of the land cover remaining unchanged. It is concluded that the observed changes are, a result of human-induced factors and show unsustainable utilization of natural resources as most of the changes make the land susceptible to degradation
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    Climate Change Adaptation: Role of Local Agricultural Innovations in Semi-Arid Tanzania. Journal of Agriculture and Ecology Research International
    (2014) Benedict, E.; Majule, Amos
    Agriculture which supports the livelihoods of the majority is challenged by many stressors including climate change impacts. Impacts such as floods and droughts have left farmers with no reliable option rather than farm management and off-farm activities such as irrigation, use of improved seed varieties, crop and livelihood diversification. Nevertheless, contribution of such practices to improving livelihood among smallholder farmers is generally documented and concluded. This study was therefore carried out to determine effectiveness of local agricultural innovation system in enhancing livelihood of smallholder farmers in semi-arid Tanzania. The study was conducted in Sanjaranda and Gurungu villages, Manyoni District. Literature review and Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) methods including focus group discussions and household interviews; key informant interviews, and transect walks were employed to collect data. Results from the study indicate that, the surveyed communities were knowledgeable of climate change of their localities in the past 20 years. Changes in the climate included shifting of rainfall seasons, fewer and erraticrains and an increase in temperature. Meteorological data also supported a decreasing trend in rainfall and an increase in annual average temperature by 0.7ºC in the past 30 years. Responding to these changes, farmers developed a number of farming practices that included use of improved seed varieties, improved agronomic practices, in-situ rainwater harvesting and application of farm yard manure. These practices were also supported by public activities, civil society organisations and the private sector contributions to increase trends in crop yields in one way or another. This study argue that, strengthening local agricultural innovation system could enhance community livelihoods under changing environment.
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    Climate Change and Variability: Impacts on Agriculture and Water Resource and Implications for livelihoods in Selected Basins
    (InWEnt-Internationale Weiterbildung und Entwicklung gGmbH, 2008) Majule, Amos
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    Climate change risk on agriculture and response strategies by small holder farmers in Lake Victoria Basin, Tanzania
    (2015) Majule, Amos
    Lake Victoria Basin (LVB) forms an important ecosystem which to a large extent maintains the flow of the River Nile waters, and supports agricultural activities in the region. Climate change is among major challenging factors to communities that depend on agriculture for their livelihood in the basin including Tanzania. This study investigated the current status of climate change in particular temperature and rainfall and their implication on people’s lives and potential adaptations required. A combination of methods was used including trend analysis of both temperature and rainfall data and risk assessment. Social economic data and communities perceptions on climate issues were obtained through literature review, discussion with key respondents, and household (HH) survey to 10% of total number of HH in selected case study village followed with Focus Group Discussion (FDG) and a stakeholder’s discussion meeting. Results showed that out of 21 and 30 years, from 1979 to 2008 and from 1985 to 2011 for Mwanza and Magu stations, only 11 and 10 years respectively had chances of receiving rainfall less than 400 mm during rainfall season. The risk of having seasonal rainfall less than 400 mm in 30 and 21 years time was found to be 40% for Mwanza and 47% for Magu. In both cases much observed were increased rainfalls showing climate change. In this case the risk was categorized as moderate. Although climate change risk in the basin is characterized to be moderate, communities are now experiencing negative impacts on agricultural and water sectors such as increased crop pests and diseases, change in rainfall seasonality and drying of water sources of which all affects both crops and livestock production. Although there are adaptations in place these need to be strengthened through capacity building of the local existing innovation systems
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    Declining Soil Fertility: A Challenge For Sustainable Productivity of Land Under Cashew Farms, Southern Areas Of Tanzania
    (Journal of Tanzania Geographical Association, 2001) Majule, Amos; Shishira, E. K.; Yanda, Pius Z.
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    Drivers of climate risk in African Agriculture (In Press)
    (2015) Sonwa, Denis; Dieye, Amadou; Mzouri, Houssine El; Majule, Amos; Mugabe, Francis; Obando, Joy; Omolo, Nancy; Wouapi, Hervé; Brooks, Nick
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    Ecological gradients as a framework for analysis of land-use change in East Africa
    (2009) Majule, Amos; Mbonile, M. J.; Campbell, David J.
    This paper discusses the ecological gradient as an organizing framework to assist understanding the complex interactions between societal and ecological processes underlying land-use change in East Africa. Detailed case studies on the gradients of the slopes of Mt Kilimanjaro, Kenya show how land-use change is responsive to the dynamics of both local and external driving forces. The study has shown that the distinct ecological conditions at the extremities of gradients are associated with specific land uses which may be different within livelihood systems such as for wet and dry season grazing. Access to water for cultivation, domestic use, livestock and wildlife is critical in determining the nature and distribution of livelihood systems. Land-use systems interact across the different ecological zones of the gradients characterized by vigorous spatial, cultural and economic interactions. Sometime conflicts occur between or within land-use ⁄ livelihood systems.There is strong evidence that the areas of higher economic potential remain advantaged compared with areas lower on the gradient. The ecological characteristics have been found to influence human activities and distribution .Interactions between societies are important in terms ofttrade, social relations and access to resources.
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    Economic Value of Agricultural Land for Community Livelihoods within the Context of REDD+
    (Published 16th December 2014, 2014) Madalla, N. A.; Majule, Amos
    A study was carried out in two villages of Mughunga and Pohama in Singida Rural District, central Tanzania, to assess the economic value of agricultural land for community livelihoods within the context of Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+). Market price valuation method was used to assess the economic value of agricultural land. Findings showed that a good number of people in both villages depend on agriculture (96.4%) and livestock keeping (90.1%) for their livelihoods. The economic value of agriculture land was revealed to be 35,871,750 and 49,259,382Tsh per acre for Mughunga and Pohama villages respectively, with high contribution from sunflower, followed by sorghum and maize crops. The study results revealed lower economic value, mainly of food crops such as maize and bulrush millet. This implicates changes in the agricultural land as these crops were valued high in the past. The major reasons for such changes include decline in agricultural production and increased pressure for land resources. For sustainability of agricultural land in the study area, efforts need to be scaled up towards conservation of agricultural land by all parties, that is, communities, government and private entities
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    Enhancing capacities of individuals, institutions and organizations to adapt to climate change in agricultural sector using innovative approaches in Tanzania and Malawi.
    (2013) Majule, Amos; Stathers, T.; Lamboll, R.; Liwenga, E. T.; Ngongondo, C.; Kalanda-Joshua, M.; Swai, E.; Chipungu, F.
    Smallholder agriculture underpins most rural livelihoods and national economy in Tanzania and Malawi. Agricultural production by small holders in such countries is frustrated by several factors including climate change and variability (CC&V). Non agriculture community livelihoods activities and ecosystems are also negatively affected, adding costs to adaptation. The overall objective of the paper is sharing research experience on how climate change adaptation within agriculture sector can be strengthened using innovation approaches. Findings are based on a four years action research project funded by DFID through IDRC in Tanzania and Malawi. A total of 16 villages, 8 each in Tanzania and Malawi were involved and a Participatory Action Research was used. In total 360 farmers were initially involved in the project. Findings showed thas CC&V is affecting farming communities, institutions and organizations differently. Communities could adapt better if relevant information on climate and required products reaches them on time. Behaviour changes of different boundary partners like farmers, extension workers, agricultural based NGOs, stockists, media, with policy support (at both national and local levels) positively reduced vulnerabilities to CC&V and as a result sorghum, maize, beans and sunflower crop yields improved. For local innovation systems to work better a collective mobilisation of resources and collaboration of different boundary partners is required in this context .Adaptation program should focus more in supporting action oriented research or programs if capacity to adapt need to be strengthened in agricultural sector using innovative approaches.
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    Establishing landuse/cover change patterns over the last two decades and associated factors for change in semi arid and sub humid zones of Tanzania
    (Scientific Research Publishing, 2013-10) Majule, Amos
    This study investigated landuse cover change patterns and established potential environmental and social factors that have contributed to changes in two zones namely sub humid and semi-arid found in southern highland and central parts of Tanzania respectively. The overall objective was to understand change patterns; the process evolves and clearly isolates various factors that have contributed to the changesover the last 20 years. A total of four villages,two in each zone were involved whereby historical land use cover changes were analysed using remote sensing techniques. To do so satellite imageries for1991 and 2011 and those of1986 and 2009 for sub humid and semi-arid zones respectively. Factors for changes were established through focus group discussions (FDGs) with a total of 80 participants (20 per village) and household (HH) interviews subjected to 10% of the total number of HH per village. Both woodlands and bush lands decreased in the expense of mixed farming in both sub humid and semi- arid zones to a maximum of 121% and 146.8% respectively. Wetland farming also increased particular in sub humid zone. In general, both environmental and social factors were found to have contributed to LUCC in various magnitudes in both zones. Such observed change on landuse will continue and it is recommended that there is a need to have in place and implement proper landuse plan also have capacity building programs on climate and land management issues for both livelihood and ecosystem sustainability need to in place.
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    Establishing landuse/cover change patterns over the last two decades and associated factors for change in semi arid and sub humid zones of Tanzania
    (2013) Majule, Amos
    This study investigated landuse cover change patterns and established potential environmental and social factors that have contributed to changes in two zones namely sub humid and semi-arid found in southern highland and central parts of Tanzania respectively. The overall objective was to understand change patterns; the process evolves and clearly isolates various factors that have contributed to the changes over the last 20 years. A total of four villages, two in each zone were involved whereby historical land use cover changes were analysed using remote sensing techniques. To do so satellite imageries for 1991 and 2011 and those of 1986 and 2009 for sub humid and semi-arid zones respectively. Factors for changes were established through focus group discussions (FDGs) with a total of 80 participants (20 per village) and household (HH) interviews subjected to 10% of the total number of HH per village. Both woodlands and bush lands decreased in the expense of mixed farming in both sub humid and semiarid zones to a maximum of 121% and 146.8% respectively .Wetland farming also increased particular in sub humid zone. In general, both environmenta land social factors were found to have contributed to LUCC in various magnitudes in both zones. Such observed change on landuse will continue and it is recommended that there is a need to have in place and implement proper landuse plan also have capacity building programson climate and land management issues for both livelihood and ecosystem sustainability need to in place .
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    Evaluating the Performance of Leucaena Accessions for Agroforestry in Sub-Humid Environment, Southern Tanzania
    (2006) Majule, Amos
    The performance of Leucaena accessions on acid soils in eastern coast Tanzania for agroforestry was evaluated for three years. Plant tree parameters assessed were fodder yield and plant stem height, stem girth, the number of total branches and poles production. Also, Leucaena psyllid, acommon pest threatening the plants was also counted. Soil parameters assessed were pH organic carbon, total nitrogen, exchangeable calcium and magnesium. Result showed significant difference in growth between Leucaena accessions. Leucaena leucocephal cv K8 and Leucaena diversifolia were able to grow fast reaching 4.7 and 3.3 m respectively within a period of three years. Leucaena diversifolia produced the highest amount of fodder yielding (7.8 t/ha) followed by Leucaena leucocephala cv K8 (4.9 t/ha). The number of branches, poles per tree and stem girth also differed significantly (P<0.05) so as poles. Infestation by Leucaena Pysllid was highest in Leucaena lecocephala followed by Leucaena esculanta. There was a remarkable increase on soil pH, OC%, total N%, available P and exchangeable Ca and Mg after incorporating leucaena pruning in the soil. Leucaena diversifolia and Leucaena lecocephala cv K8 were found to be more adapted and potential in improving soil fertility and are recommended for agroforestry development.
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    Exploring opportunities for climate change adaptation in semi arid areas of Tanzania: A case of Nzega District in Tabora region
    (2013) Majule, Amos; Kauzeni, A. S; Mujwahuzi, M.
    Climate change and associated impacts are now widely acknowledged by most communities, institutions and organizations in the World to be affecting people’s livelihoods. The University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania through the Institute of Resource Assessment (IRA) implemented a three years research program to study the implications of climate change on natural and social systems in three agro ecolocilal zones in Tanzania. The present paper presents finding obtained from one of the zones studied namely semi arid central and western part. The study was conducted in two villages namely Upungwe and Mbogwe located in Nzega District, Tabora region. A sample size of 99 people; that is, 10% of the total number of households was used for household interviews. A total of 40 people strategically selected were involved in focus group discussion, 20 from each village. Findings show that different ethnic groups have moved into villages in response to climate changeimpacts in their areas of origin. Climate change impacts in particular increased pests associated with temper rise and resulted in loss on various crop yields ranging from 46 to 80%. Most crops affected are in the order cotton, rice, cassava, sweet potatoes, groundnuts and maize, respectively. Different adaptation options were also reported but the most important was found to be different forms of linkages such as ruralurban reported to be more viable by 39 to 68% of respondents while 48 to 62% reported such linkages to be viable on adaptation. To strengthen adaptation rural-urban, urban-rural and rural-rural linkages needs to be facilitated so that products and information can flow from all ends.
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    Impact of Climate Change on Groundwater Dynamics in Nzega District, Tanzania: Triangulation of Indigenous Knowledge and Empirical Methods Scenarial Analytical Approach
    (2011) Kaijage, Heribert Robert; Mujwahuzi, Mark; Majule, Amos
    Groundwater is the major source for drinking water in Sub-Saharan Africa. However, there is lack of reliable and timely information on the status of groundwater supplies fundamental to groundwater drought planning and adaptation. Moreover, the methodological approach used for determining climate-groundwater relationship needs advanced technology which can be highly costly for poor resource settings. This study determined long term climate change trends and its impacts on groundwater dynamics (recharge) by using simpler and quicker approach to easy early detection of impacts. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Nzega District Tanzania from March to June 2010. Both quantitative (borehole and household surveys) and qualitative community survey (participatory village meetings and key-informants interview) methods were employed. Detailed analyses of climate data from 1925 to 2008 were done using spreadsheet. Recharge rates were estimated by empirical methods, surveys by SPSS program and qualitative data through structural and content analysis. Two scenarios were used to compare change in temperature i.e. past (1960-1989) and current (1990-2008) while rainfall-recharge were compared in three scenarios, .i.e., past (1925-1955), middle (1956-1985) and current (1986-2008). Climate has changed by both increased temperature (79%, N=100, increased monthly average minimum and maximum temperatures, and annual average maximum & minimum temperature also increased by 1.3 and 1.2oC respectively from past to present. Per decadal rise by 0.3oC were computed); and decreased rainfall (61%, N=100). These contributed to increased depth of groundwater excavation and increased frequency and duration of shallow wells drying. Rainfall used to cease from mid-April, but currently starts to cease in early March. Moreover, in the past, district experienced two peaks of maximum rainfall (December and Mid-April), currently only one maximum peak is observed in December. Total annual rainfall decreased by 11.8 mm (1.5%) from past to present resulting into decreased annual groundwater recharge rate by 2.3%. It can be concluded that climate has changed from past to present and impacting groundwater recharge negatively; therefore, there is the need to continuously monitor groundwater system and recharge in an integrated manner.
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    Impact of climate change on natural resources and community livelihood in Tanzania.
    (Transworld Research Network, 2012) Majule, Amos; Kauzeni, A.S.; Mujwahuzi, M; Shishira, E.K