Threats to Traditional Agricultural Knowledge Systems in Ruvuma Region

Abstract

Ngoro farming system is the traditional farming system which conserves the environment (especilly soil erosion), and at the same time it enhances soil productivity. It is traditionally protected by the Matengo people in the Matengo highlands for soil conservation as well as retaining water flows in the highlands. The study of Ngoro technology was carried out in Mbiga District with the purpose of identifying the forces underlying the changing nature and performance of Ngoro technology in the Matengo highlands. The main objective of the study was to explain the forces underlying the loss of popularity of the Ngoro technology among the farmers in the Matengo highlands. The study was carried in Litembo and Luwaita villages using the stratified sampling for sample selection, with a sample size of 45 respondents. Cross- sectional survey design was employed and it involved the collection of data at one point in time from selected sample of respondents. Data were collected using an interview schedule, administration of questionnaire, supported by discussions with the key informants. The results have shown that Ngoro fanning system is being practiced in most of the Matengo highlands and that fanners are aware of the importance and the changes in the Ngoro farming systems. The Fanners in the Matengo highlands have identified the reasons for the changes in the Ngoro technology as: the use of hired labour coffee production demands, non-farming activities, laziness, intermarriages, migrations, inefficient government involvements, population pressure, the threat of HIV/AIDS infection and lack of seriousness among the people especially the current generations. The study concludes that, there arc environmental, social, cultural and economic significance of Ngoro technology. The development trends of Ngoro technology are also shown in the conclusion. It is recommended that the use of Ngoro technology is the proper strategy to alleviate environmental degradation especially soil erosion in the highlands, and thus the technology should be spread to other areas in the country characterized with the same features like those in the Matengo highlands.