cases from tanzania - Sustainet

4 Agricultural policy in Kenya and Tanzania
means ever-rising pressure on natural resources and the subdivision of land into smaller and
smaller parcels. Farm families commonly have to divide their land among five or six children
– nowadays including the daughters, who traditionally did not inherit any of the land. The
average arable land size of about an acre (0.4 ha) is already too small to feed a family using
conventional approaches.
Current policies “The rising population density has contributed to the subdivision of land
to uneconomically small units, the reduction of fallow periods and continuous cultivation,
leading to rapid depletion of soil nutrients, declining yields and environmental degradation”
(KSP, p. 14).
“Land is the key resource in Kenya in agricultural production. Sustainable agricultural growth
must address the relationship between population, resources and environment. Land reform
policies and measures must strengthen the management of agricultural resources and protect
the ecological environment” (KSP, p. 27).
Sustainable agriculture solutions Though sustainable agricultural practices have the
potential to increase yields on a sustainable and long-term basis, the problem of decreasing
land sizes will be tackled only if the increased output can be marketed and can lead to higher
incomes. This requires:
• The application of sustainable technologies
• The ntroduction of high-value crops such as vegetables, fruits, spices, herbs and medicinal
plants
• Improved market access, including market information, storage and transport facilities,
market links to traders, product quality-management systems, etc.
Without these additional components, the fragmentation of land will lead to further environmental
deterioration and poverty.
Policy changes needed The Kenyan government has set a minimum farm size, and aims
to prevent further subdivision of already small land portions. This is a step in the right direction,
and should be made legally binding and enforced.
Sustainable agriculture is especially suitable for small land parcels, and should be supported
through government policies and strategies.
Cutting of trees in Tanzania
Cases: HEM (p. 58), CHEMA (p. 77)
The problem Many Tanzanians use charcoal or wood for cooking because electricity costs
a lot, or is unavailable. Demand is high, so villagers cut trees on communal land to make and
sell charcoal. Some also cut trees to clear land for farming and settlements. Cutting trees on
communal land is prohibited, but the laws are weak and poorly enforced. Villagers cut trees
illegally because they lack other sources of income. Erosion and degradation are the result.
Current policies “The Government will implement measures, which will minimize encroachment
in public lands including forests, woodlands, wetland and pasture. (Tanzania
Agricultural and Livestock Policy 1997 [TALP], p. 26)… The ministry will promote agroforestry
and organic farming” (TALP, p. 26).
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