Shinyanga Ngitili system:

Natural regeneration and agroforestry options for livelihood improvement and land rehabilitation

Wendelin Mlenge, Aichi Kitalyi and Mathew Mpanda

Drylands Program Design workshop 3rd – 4th March 2011 Nairobi, Kenya

N

BukombeDistrict

Bukundi

Bujika

Kahama

Mwendakulim a

Shinyanga

Manyada

Maswa

Ngulyati

Igaganulwa

Mwamishali

KahamaDistrict

ShinyangaDistrict

MeatuDistrict

BariadiDistrict

Mwamalili

Shinyanga region in North Western Tanzania

Main Characteristics:

• Area: 50,000 sq km• Semi-arid land: 600 – 800 mm rainfall• Human Population: 3.7mil• Farming System: Predominantly agro-

pastoral• Livestock Population: Cattle 2.8 million,

goats 1.3 mi, sheep 0.5, d• Households below poverty line (2007

est): 42%

The problem- LD

High Deforestation rates– 20,000ha/yr (1985), Overgrazing and bush fires

Two decades of interventions• Increased restoration rates from

(2000ha/yr in 1986 to 21,000 ha /yr in 2002)

• 350,000 ha rehabilitated by 2004• Increased ground cover and biodiversity• Increased livelihood options and

income (Monela et al, 2004)• Empowerment of local institutions• Revival of good traditional land

management practices

Natural regeneration in Ngitili system

Apiculture a source of livelihood

Silvi-culture with high yielding cattle

Homestead nursery potential IGA

What worked?

• Political will and enabling policy (PFM)• Community participation• Use of local institutions• Effective partnership (Local – national –

international) – long term funding• Revival of good indigenous NRM

practices• Integrated approaches

What did not work/challenges•Lack of quality data to assess cost-effectiveness •Low investments to support scaling up and out •Low public understanding of land and NRM policies + weak enforcement of existing laws (statutory and local)•Missing links with livestock, soil and water management •Entrepreneurship and marketing of NTFP

OpportunitiesNew investment prospects:•Climate change impact, adaptation and mitigation global and national program (provide data on carbon stocks in Ngitili)•Rapid resource assessment tools for soils and other resources surveillance•Investing in evergreen agriculture initiatives•Kilimo Kwanza initiative (a TZ green revolution concept) – increase of investment in agriculture

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