Development Experience and Re-Orientation of Soil Erosion Control and Agroforestry Activities in West Usambara Mountains Tanzania

Abstract

The mountainous West Usambara area in Lushoto District, Tanzania, has suffered severely from deforestation, inappropriate agricultural techniques and uncontrolled grazing which resulted in soil erosion and disturbed hydrological balance of the area. The Soil Erosion Control and Agro forestry Project (SECAP) was initiated as on attempt to remedy the situation. The project applies soil and water conservation measures through agro forestry practices. These are considered to be ecologically sound and sustainable. The objective is to increase crop productivity; zero-grazing system for livestock afforestation programmes and improve farming techniques. The preliminary results indicate that some of these measures are quite effective and adoptable by farmers. Others, however, need adjustment so that they can meet farmers needs and priorities. Participatory approach has been adopted for the purpose of accommodating farmer’s priorities