Abstract

The main objective of this thesis is to examine and discuss if an improved fanning strategy, in an arid area, affects the maize yield significantly. The basis for the discussion is the "case study" and the spatial (GIS)-analysis of the farming practices and the maize yields. The study was performed in Makanya in the north of Tanzania. The result from the GIS-analysis indicates that there is a high correlation between water supply and biomass production. The GIS-maps also show that the farmers adjacent the river outlet (high water supply) invests more resources in farming methods compared to fanners far from the outlet. The increase of yield due to fanner input, where the water is insufficient, is however minor. The results from the "case study" illustrate nevertheless the importance of proper farming strategies if the water supply is sufficient. The findings do not verify the general statements about a significant increase in biomass production with the introduction of judicious fanning methods. This is due to the water constraints in Makanya

Keywords

Tanzania; farming practices; water supply; maize

Published in

Avdelningsmeddelande / Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet, Institutionen för markvetenskap, Avdelningen för lantbrukets hydroteknik
2004, number: 04:2
Publisher: Institutionen för markvetenskap, Avdelningen för lantbrukets hydroteknik, Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet

UKÄ Subject classification

Agricultural Science
Fish and Aquacultural Science
Environmental Sciences related to Agriculture and Land-use

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/29667