Awareness of farmers in multipurpose tree planting in Turiani division, Morogoro (R) district.

Abstract

A study to assess the awareness of farmers in multipurpose tree planting as an agroforestry innovation was conducted in Kidudwe, Kunkhe and Lungo villages in Turiani Division, Morogoro. In a cross sectional survey a total of 48 farmers with mean age 42 years were interviewed using a structured questionnaire which focused on awareness and participation of farmers in multipurpose tree planting activities. Factors, which influenced their participation, were also explored. All the respondents were found to be aware of the innovation but not all were aware of its benefits. Awareness of the benefits of multipurpose trees was identified by 50 % of the respondents in each village as a major factor which motivated farmers to plant trees on their farms. Short time of exposure to the innovation was identified by 50 %, 43.8 % and 50 % of the respondents of Kidudwe, Lungo and Kunkhe villages respectively to be a major factor that limited adoption. Other factors which were found to limit participation of farmers in tree planting activities were lack of land ownership right, poor commitment of farmers, lack of motivation and traditional taboos. The common agroforestry forms observed in all the three villages were boundary planting, shade trees and windbreak. Environmental conservation and provision of livestock fodder, fuelwood, timber and fruits are some of the identified benefits of multipurpose trees in Turiani Division. It was also observed that dairy cattle keepers played a key role in environmental conservation by enhancing sustainability of agroforestry systems through the interaction of livestock, trees and agricultural crops. Strengthening extension education on multipurpose tree planting in areas that practice livestock based farming systems is among the recommendations given in this paper.