Exploring the Role of Valley Bottom Farming Systems (Vinyungu) for Enhanced Food Stability in a Changing Climate Epoch in Rural Tanzania
Journal of Geography, Environment and Earth Science International · pp. 38–50 · Published 4 May 2023
10.9734/jgeesi/2023/v27i4678Abstract
This paper investigates the contribution of valley bottom farming systems (vinyungu) on food stability in rural areas of Tanzania. Two villages from Iringa rural district were selected for this study. Primary data were collected using questionnaires which were distributed to 198 respondents, focused group discussions (FGDs), in-depth interviews as well as the researcher’s own observations. Secondary data were obtained from written documents focusing on the research topic. Also, the study used rainfall and temperature data which were obtained from Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA). The annual trends of rainfall and temperature were analyzed via linear trend analysis using a regression equation ‘b’ (y = bx + a). Similarly, the Percentage of Normal Precipitation Index (PNPI) was computed to ascertain years which experienced little and standard rainfall over the past 40 years (1982-2021). The results revealed that vinyungu farming systems play a vital role towards food stability in the study area. Respondents reported to depend on vinyungu crops during dry and other seasons. However, despite of its contribution to food stability, vinyungu farming systems can lead to environmental deterioration if the practice is not well managed. Therefore, capacity building to the communities engaging in such activities is essential for its sustainability.
References (5)
- 1 The State of Food Insecurity in the World
- 2 Why agricultural production in sub-Saharan Africa remains low compared to the rest of the world – a historical perspective [DOI]
- 3 Impacts of climate change, variability and adaptation strategies on agriculture in semi arid areas of Tanzania: The case of Manyoni District in Singida Region, Tanzania [DOI]
- 4 Implication of climate change and variability on stream flow in Iringa region, Tanzania [DOI]
- 5 Assessment of lowland rice-based organic farming in selected municipalities of Occidental Mindoro, Philippines [DOI]
Cited by 6
Asnath Alberto Malekela, Stefan Sieber, January Mapunda, Jafari S Chobo · Journal of Geography, Environment and Earth Science International · 2024
F.M. van Woesik, S.C. Dekker, F. Sambalino · Environmental Development · 2025
Emma Jane Lord, Parit Ole Saruni · Forest Policy and Economics · 2026
Showing 3 of 6 known citations — external sources report more than can currently be individually listed.
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