Mrs. ir. M. ( Monique) F.W. Slegers: “Farmers’ drought perceptions in Tanzania and Ethiopia”

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7 Nov 2008 16:00
Unit: Wageningen University
Location: Aula, building 362, Gen. Foulkesweg 1, Wageningen
Organisation: Wageningen University
Promotor: prof.dr.ir. L. Stroosnijder (Erosion and Soil and Water Conservation)
Co Promotor: Dr.ir. J. de Graaff

 This research was done in Tanzania and Ethiopia and focuses on the perceptions of farmers of drought. Farmers perceive drought to be their major productivity-reducing problem. According to the farmers in both study areas, the rains have become less reliable during the past two decades. Their problem in farming is commonly the intra-seasonal distribution of the rains rather than the total amount of rainfall during a season. Rainfall patterns are perceived to be negatively affected by deforestation, while soil erosion and continuous cultivation without the use of fallow or fertilizer diminish soil fertility and a soil’s capacity to retain water. Farmers recognize that one has to be an active farmer to be productive and to withstand drought conditions. Farmers’ strategies for dealing with the insecurity of the rains are multifocal. Interventions to improve agricultural productivity should be area-specific and target these multiple sectors and spheres in which people are engaged.

Title thesis: “Exploring farmers’ perceptions of drought in Tanzania and Ethiopia”
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