Suitability of the Taungya System at North Kilimanjaro Forest Plantation, Tanzania

background

This study analyses a taungya system in a north Kilimanjaro plantation forest in Tanzania. This study assesses the costs and revenues resulting from this system and the impacts to agriculture.

Research Goals & Methods

Field research was conducted to assess survival, food crop yield, financial feasability.

Conclusions & Takeaways

The results show that survival of 2-5 year old Cupressus lusitanica was significantly higher in compartments under the taungya system compared to pure wood systems. The results suggest that trees under taungya benefit from continuous weeding. However, lower survival was observed in later years due to damage of trees by peasant farmers to reduce root competition between trees and food crops. In addition, crop yields were similar in year 0 and 1 but declined thereafter due to loss of soil fertility from continued use of plot and canopy closure which shades crop trees. The authors suggest the taungya system as a suitable system from which both forest service and peasant farmers reap substantial benefits.