Bio-diversity

Farming in dry season is usually practiced in water catchment areas. Farmers invade water sources and river banks. Where irrigation is practiced, water is diverted for irrigation purposes. This leads to reduced flows downstream, which negatively affective users and plants. This proposal explains how dry season farming in the upland areas of Mdandu Division, Njombe District affects lowlands of Wanging ombe and proceeds to propose beekeeping activities as an alternative off farm activity that can be pursued during dry season therefore minimize disruption of water flow which sometimes lead to agro-environmental conflicts resulting in breach of peace and community tranquillity. About the Proponent: The proponent is a Youth NGO based in Njombe. It has operations in the NJOLUMA sub-region covering the districts of Njombe and Ludewa and Makete which are also recognized as periphery districts. It was established in 1998 and is registered at the National level. Past activities include interventions in cooperative education, Aqua farming and HIV/AIDS. Project Objective: To reduce scale of land degradation, which is caused by dry season unsustainable farming practices in upland areas through promoting bee-keeping activities as an alternative off-farm and income generating initiative during dry season in Mdandu division. Secondary objectives: 1. To control use of water in upstream areas particularly during dry season in order to ensure sufficient water for downstream users. To promote proper tillage methods in order to prevent land degradation, which is caused by soil erosion due to improper farming practices

Tanzania