Contribution of Tree Farming by Smallholder Farmers on Household Income Poverty Reduction in Njombe District, Tanzania

Abstract

Smallholder farmers' involvement in tree farming has been reported to produce different benefits but it is yet unknown on its effect on reduction of income poverty. This study assessed the contribution of tree farming by smallholder farmers on household income poverty reduction in Njombe district, Tanzania. Structured questionnaires and interview guide were used to collect data during household survey and interview respectively. A sample of 384 households engaged in tree farming was randomly selected from different areas around Njombe district and 4 key respondents were purposively selected. The study found that, the annual mean income of Smallholder tree farmers in the study area was far above the international poverty line of $1.25 per person per day. This implies that, smallholder tree farmers in study area were not poor as per international standards. This could be due to significant contribution of smallholder tree farming on reducing household income poverty. Also, the study observed a significant improvement in livelihood assets of smallholder tree farmers after involving themselves with tree farming. Furthermore, the study found, the main tree farming benefits obtained by smallholder tree farmers were timber, transmission poles, cooking energy and tree seedlings. Also, land ownership, level of income, household size, age of respondent and Sex of respondents were found as main factors influencing tree farming in Njombe district. The study concluded that, smallholder tree farming has contribution on household income poverty reduction and recommended measures to be taken especially on land ownership issues and income levels among farmers which are main factors influencing tree farming in order to create a favorable environment for smallholder tree farmers so as to increase impact of tree farming activities on household income poverty reduction.