Women and Agroforestry: A Case study in Arumeru District, Arusha, Tanzania

Abstract

This study on women and agroforestry system was carried out on the western slopes of Mount Meru in the Arumeru District, Arusha Region. The Waarusha are mainly engaged in agriculture and livestock keeping. It is one with the highest human and livestock population in the region. The main objectives of the study were to assess the level of women's acceptance and involvement in the traditional agroforestry system, homegardens, and the socio-economic impact of the system on women. The study also identified different plant species intercropped and their uses. The participation of women in agroforestry, the constraints in managing the system and the potential to solve some of the land use problems in the area were also examined to provide guidelines on possible amelioration of the present situation. The study findings revealed that almost all farmers intensively intercrop multipurpose trees, shrubs, food and cash crops and keep livestock on the same small land units. Homegardens, mostly managed by women, have to sustain the lives of the rapidly increasing population while utilizing locally available resources to provide continuous productivity, flexibility and minimize risks. It is proposed that in order to benefit fully from these homegardens, they must not be only economically attractive but their productivity and sustainability should be improved. There should be full involvement and equitable distribution of benefits accrued from them to all socio-economic levels and an integration of the various land users involved.