Rice Cultivation in the Farming Systems of Sukumaland, Tanzania

More than one-third of Tanzanian rice comes from Sukumaland, where soil fertility management is an important factor for sustainable production.

Over many years farmers have developed their own highly productive rained lowland rice systems, but at the time of this study yields were declining.

Urea improved yields substantially, but was functionally unavailable to farmers due to structural adjustment programs.A review of the literature suggests a number of elements that are required for INM/LEISA successes in sub Saharan Africa.

Without these, farming methods based primarily on labour-intensive techniques can even lead to the impoverishment of farm households.

The larger economic and policy environment is critically important.

A broad range of national level policy changes are needed.

Any strategy for future sustainable rice cultivation and agriculture in Sukumaland must be based on a thorough analysis of biophysical, socio-economic and public policy factors and their linkages.

Otherwise not agricultural evolution but agricultural involution is apt to result.