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The effect of system innovations on water productivity in subsistence rainfed agricultural systems in semi-arid Tanzania

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  • Makurira, H.
  • Savenije, H.H.G.
  • Uhlenbrook, S.
  • Rockström, J.
  • Senzanje, A.

Abstract

Rainfed subsistence farming systems in sub-Saharan Africa generally obtain low crop yields as a result of highly erratic rainfall seasons. This paper presents results of research conducted to test the effects of improvements in farming techniques for subsistence rainfed systems. The research was carried out in the Makanya catchment of northern Tanzania where rainfall of less than 600 mm a-1 and spread over two agricultural seasons per year is clearly insufficient to support staple food crops under the present farming systems in the area. The research sought to prove that, with improved efficiency in tillage techniques, grain yields can improve even under the existing challenging hydro-climatic conditions. The research tested farming system innovations (SIs) at four sites located within a spatial distance of 10 km where a combination of runoff diversion (RD), on-site rain water harvesting (WH) and conservation tillage (CT) were compared against the traditional farming methods of hand-hoeing under strict rainfed conditions (Control). For RD, runoff generated from natural storms was directed into infiltration pits dug along the contour with the excavated soil deposited upward of the trenches (fanya juus). The impact of these techniques on maize yields under different SIs was investigated. The results showed that the innovations resulted in increased maize grain yields of up to 4.8 t ha-1 compared against current averages of less than 1 t ha-1. The average productivity of the available water over four seasons was calculated to range between 0.35 and 0.51 kg m-3. For the SIs that were tested, the distribution of yields within a cultivated strip showed variations with better yields obtained on the down slope side of the cultivated strip where ponding effects resulted in higher water availability for infiltration and storage. However, due to the large seasonal climate variability, statistical analysis did not show significant differences in the yields (pÂ

Suggested Citation

  • Makurira, H. & Savenije, H.H.G. & Uhlenbrook, S. & Rockström, J. & Senzanje, A., 2011. "The effect of system innovations on water productivity in subsistence rainfed agricultural systems in semi-arid Tanzania," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 98(11), pages 1696-1703, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:agiwat:v:98:y:2011:i:11:p:1696-1703
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    4. Sharda, V.N. & Dogra, Pradeep & Sena, D.R., 2015. "Comparative economic analysis of inter-crop based conservation bench terrace and conventional systems in a sub-humid climate of India," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 98(C), pages 30-40.
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    6. Aluku, Hellen & Komakech, Hans Charles & van Griensven, Ann & Mahoo, Henry & Eisenreich, Steven, 2021. "Seasonal profitability of soil and water conservation techniques in semi-arid agro-ecological zones of Makanya catchment, Tanzania," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 243(C).
    7. Lutengano Mwinuka & Khamaldin Daud Mutabazi & Frieder Graef & Stefan Sieber & Jeremia Makindara & Anthony Kimaro & Götz Uckert, 2017. "Simulated willingness of farmers to adopt fertilizer micro-dosing and rainwater harvesting technologies in semi-arid and sub-humid farming systems in Tanzania," Food Security: The Science, Sociology and Economics of Food Production and Access to Food, Springer;The International Society for Plant Pathology, vol. 9(6), pages 1237-1253, December.

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