Browsing by Author "Mbonile, M. J."

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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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    Land management systems and their environmental impacts in the Usangu plains, Tanzania
    (The Geographical Association of Tanzania, University of Dar es Salaam, 2007-11) Kangalawe, Richard Y. M.; Mwamfupe, D. G.; Mbonile, M. J.
    This paper examines how land management systems have evolved as a result of different migrant groups moving into the Usangu Plains. Several factors have caused these migrations including climate, famines, search for arable and grazing lands, gainful employment, drought and dryland degradation. Findings from the study indicate that migrations into the study area have been more pronounced particularly beginning in the 1970s. This has involved both pastoralists and crop cultivators. The movement of people from different agro-ecological environments into the Usangu Plains has had some effects on the livelihoods of the people and the environment in the area. One of the impacts has been increased pressure on land that has led to decreased fallow periods and consequent decline of soil fertility, and changed land management systems that included introduction of new crops into the area, and intensified irrigation agriculture. Another implication on the environment is that the heavy in-migration of livestock and people into the area, combined with the extension of irrigation areas has created a shortage of grazing land. The consequent grazing in farmlands result in trampling that leads to soil compaction, thus limiting groundwater recharge. Thus it may be of interest to undertake more detailed studies on the effects of environmental changes particularly as they affect agriculture and people's livelihoods.