Nyaoke Research Report PDF

ST.
AUGUSTINE UNIVERSITY OF TANZANIA

JORDAN UNIVERSITY COLLEGE
JOSHUA THOMAS NYAOKE
INVESTIGATION OF THE CAUSES OF DESERTIFICATION

A Case Study of Masinono Village in Musoma Rural District in
Mara Region
BAEd (GEOGRAPHY) Research Project
Morogoro 2015
ST. AUGUSTINE UNIVERSITY OF TANZANIA
JORDAN UNIVERSITY COLLEGE
JOSHUA THOMAS NYAOKE
INVESTIGATION OF THE CAUSES OF DESERTIFICATION

IN MARA REGION
A Case Study of Masinono Village in Musoma Rural District in

Mara Region
This Research Project is submitted in (Partial) Fulfillment of Requirements

For the Bachelor Degree with Education (Geography)
Morogoro 2015
CERTIFICATION
The undersigned certify that they read and hereby recommend for acceptance by the Jordan
University College a research project entitled INVESTIGATION OF THE CAUSES OF
DESERTIFICATION IN MARA REGION. A case study of Mainono village in Musoma
Rural district, Mara region in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of
Arts with Education (Geography) of St. Augustine University of Tanzania Jordan University
College
........................................................................
Joseph Willium Njiku
(Supervisor)
Date...................................
DECLARATION
I Joshua Thomas Nyaoke, I declare that this research project is my own original work and it
has not been presented and will not be presented to any other University for a similar or any
other degree award.
SignatureDate.......................................
DEDICATION
I am grateful God for the gift of the life given to us. Also to my relatives who support me. I dedicate
this work to my father the late Thomas O.Nyaoke and my mother Isidora Thomas for their support
financial, spiritual and social that they took good care for me since I was born and being accountable in
my life. I appreciated their support for me to ensure that I reach higher level education may God bless
them all.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I would like to thanks the following people who help me on one way or another during the
time of writing this research report, their contribution cannot be forgotten. First of all my
special thanks to my beloved mother Isidora Thomas, for her support moral and spiritual, she
always encourage me in with guidance and counseling, also I would like to congratulate Mr.
Johanes Sando- Masinono the village chairman, Mr. Lusato, Mr. Nyamugambwa(WEO), Mwl
Muran Kuyeti, and my brother Elijah Thomas Nyaoke who support me all the time of
collecting data and conducted various discussion concerning to my research. Also I would like
to thanks my beloved uncle Mr. Samwel Hewa who always advice me in every steps during
my studies until now I reach the university level may God bless him.
My special thanks also should go to my friends and classmates Thobias Michael, Richard
Tarimo, Rashid Nyegele, Ndumba Betram, Samson Petro, Swalehe Hatwabi, Elias Mwasenga,
Samwel Willium, Salehe Rajabu and all those who names are not appear in this work but their
support was very import during the writing of this research project who always work with me
hand to hand during of organization and writing of this work their contributions and support
played a big rule for me.
Lastly I would like to thanks my supervisor Joseph Willum Njiku who encourage me during
this work
ABSTRACT
Desertification in Tanzania began to be noticed from the late 1920s. In certain parts of the
country land degradation has significantly reduced the economic productivity of land to the
extent of producing desert-like conditions. This study was done so as to investigate the causes
of Desertification in Masinono village, the effects of desertification and to evaluate the ways
of combating desertification. The research achieved its goals and the researcher also provides
the possible solutions which can overcome the particular problem.
During the conduction of this research project researcher used various methods of data
collection so as to facilitate to obtain the reliable information, the following methods were
used to collect research data, primary sources which includes interview, questionnaires, and
observation. These primary sources were applied direct by researcher in the study area.
Secondary sources also the literature review were applied so as to enable researcher to make
the comparison on the various part of the world whereby the similar have been discussed.
Researcher use secondary sources such as books, journals, magazines, and internet sources.
These two methods of data collection provide a great rule to make the study to become
successfully.
In order to make the work more appropriate researcher took about 40 respondents to be used
as a sample to represent all groups of people in Masinono village. The sample obtained as
follow, environmentalist 5, civil servants 5, students 10 and Farmers. The study was carried
out to examine the causes of desertification in Masinono village; the following factors were
identified by respondents as the major causes overgrazing 30%, poverty 25%, natural causes
20% poor farming method17.5% and bush fires which also occupy 17.5%.
Desertification is the world phenomena were by the many parts of the World had been
affected by these phenomena, the involvement of people on involving this problem will be a
great achievement. The coming researches it better to come with reliable measures were
people of rural areas can used so as to avoid overdependence of forestry resources which are
widely used by many Tanzanians rural dwellers.
LIST OF ACRONYMS
BBC British Broadcasting Cooperation
CO2 Carbon dioxide gas
FAO Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
IFAD
The International Fund for Agriculture Development
HADO Hifadhi Ardhi Dodoma - Soil and water conservation in Dodoma

HASHI Hifadhi Ardhi Shinyaga Soil and water Conservation in Shinyanga
JUCO
NAP
Jordan University College

National Action Program me
NEECA National Environmental Education Advisory Council

NGOs
Non Government Organizations
UN
United Nations
UNCOD
United Nations Conference on Desertification
UNCCD
United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification
UNCED
United Nations Conference on Environment and Development
UNDP
United Nations Development Program me
UNEP
United Nations Environment Program me
UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

UNDP
United Nations Development Program me
UNEP
United Nations Environment Program me
WER
World Ecological Report
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CONTENT
PAGE
Certification..i
Declaration ..ii
Dedication ..iii
Acknowledgement .iv
List of Acronyms ....v
Abstract ...v
Table of contents.iv
List of Tables xii
List of Figures ..xiii
List of Mapxiv
List of Plates .xv
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

1:0 Introduction1
1:2 Background of the problem...1
1:3 Statement of the study2
1:4 Justification of the study3
1:4 Research objectives4
1:4:1 General objective4
1:4:2 Specific objectives..4
1:5 Research Questions4

1:6 Conceptual Frame work.4
1:7 Significance of the Study...5
1:8 Scope of the study .............................................................................................................6
1:9 Organization of the study...6
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW

2:0 Introduction7
2:1The causes of Desertification..7
2:1:1 Overgrazing7
2:1:2 Poor Crop cultivation Practices..8
2:1:3 Deforestation..8
2:1:4 Bush Fires...9
2:1:5 Natural Causes ...9
Indirect Causes of Desertification9
2:1:6 Poverty9
2:1:7 Rapid Population growths.10
2:1:8 Land tenure...10
2:2.The effects of Desertification..11
2:2:1 Loss of Soil Fertility.11
2:2:2 Loss of Biodiversity..11
2:2:3 Hunger and Famine...12
2:2:4 Reduces the Worlds fresh reserves..12

2:2:5 Economic Cost..13
2:3 Measures of Combating Desertification..13
2:3:1 Environmental Education.13
2:3:2 Car Ownership Sharing14
2.3.3. Unique Brewing Technology Reduces CO2 Emissions by 30%.....................................15
2.3.4. Manufacturing Saving Energy by Growing Vertical Gardens on Factory Wall.15
2:3:5.The importance of Integrated National Land use Planning..15
2:3:6 A forestation and Re forestation..16
2.4 Knowledge Gap...16
CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3:0 Introduction..17
3:1 Location of the Study Area..17
3:2 Selection of the Study Area.19
3:3 Population of the Study Area...19
3:4 Economic Activities.19
3.4.1 Agriculture19
3.4.2 Animal keeping20
3.4.3 Small Trade..20
3:5 Research Design..21
3:6 Sample Size and Sampling Procedures22
3:6:1 Sample Size..22

3:6:2 Sampling Procedures22
3:7 Data Collection Methods23
3:7:1 Primary Sources23
3:7:1:1 Interview23
3:7:1:2 Observation24
3:7:2 Secondary Sources24
3:8 Data analysis and Presentation24
3:9 Time Frame work (Schedule)..24
3:10 Budget25
3.11 Limitation of the Study..26
CHAPTER FOUR: DATA ANALYSIS, PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION OF
FINDINGS
4.0 Introduction..........................................................................................................................27
4.1 Demographic characteristic of Respondents in the Study Area...........................................27
4.1.1 Sex of the Respondents.....................................................................................................27
4.1.2 Age of the Respondents....................................................................................................28
4.1.3 Occupations of the Respondents.......................................................................................29
4.1.4 Martial Status of the Respondents....................................................................................30
4.1.5 Education Level of the Respondents.................................................................................31
4.2 Factors Influencing the Desertification at Masinono Village..............................................32
4.2.1.1 The Human Causes of Desertification in Masinono village..........................................32

4.2.1.2 The Natural causes of Desertification35
4.3 Impacts of Desertification in Masinono village...................................................................36
4.3.1 Impacts of Desertification on the Environments..............................................................37
4.3.2 Impacts of Desertification on Land..................................................................................38
4.3.3 Impacts of Desertification on Rain...................................................................................38
4.4 Measures of Combating Desertification in the Study Area.................................................40
CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.0 Introduction..........................................................................................................................41
5.1 Summary of the Findings.....................................................................................................41
5.2 Conclusion...........................................................................................................................42
5.3 Recommendations................................................................................................................43
5.3.1 Recommendation for Action.............................................................................................43
Community Base Approach...........................................................................................44
5.3.2 Recommendation for Future Research..............................................................................44
REFERENCES......45
APPENDICES
LIST OF TABLES
Table3.1 Sample Size23
Table 3.2 Time schedule...26
Table 3.3 Budget Structure...27
Table 4.1.1 Sex of the Respondents in the Study Area30
Table 4.1.2 occupation of the respondent 32
Table 4.2.1 The Human Causes of Desertification in the study area35
Table 4.2.2 Natural Causes of Desertification...37
Table 4.3.1 Impact of Desertification on the Environments .39
Table 4.3.2 Impact of Desertification on Land40
Table 4.4.1 Measures of Combating Desertification.42
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1.1Concptual framework of the Causes of Desertification.5
Figure 4.1 Ages of Respondents....31
Figure 4.2 Marital status....33
Figure 4.3 Education Levels of the Respondents..34
Figure 4.4 show Human Causes of Desertification in Masinono.35
Figure 4.5 Impact of Desertification on Rain...42
LIST OF PLATES
Plate 3.1 Small Market in Masinono..27
Plate 4.1 Deforestation in Masinono forest..36
Plate4. 2 Bush fire in Masinono forest...37
LIST OF MAP
Map 3.1 map of Mara Region........36
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.0. Introduction
Desertification is a major economic, social and environmental problem facing 900million
people all over the world. 70% of the worlds dry lands used for agriculture already degraded (
UNCOD 1997). Desertification is land degradation in dry lands. The United Nations
Environment Programme estimates that one third of the dry lands in Africa are affected by
Desertification at moderate or high degree and that 73 per cent of the total agriculturally used
dry lands are already degraded. It has reduced and continues to reduce the capacity of the land
to produce food, and thus exarecebrating food shortages leading to frequent famines and
starvation. The situation is Serious and is growing worse(UNEPs 1991).In Tanzania the
central areas that includes Dodoma and Singida and other parts of Mwanza, Shinyanga, Mara,
Iringa and Arusha regions are seriously threaten by desertification.
1.1 Background of the Problem
The United Republic of Tanzania is located just south of the equator in tropical EastAfrica be
tween latitudes 1o 12o south and longitude 30o 40o east. It is a country of highly varied,
physical features and tropical savannah climate with distinct wet and dry seasons.
Temperatures and rainfall are modified by altitude, with high elevations receiving more
precipitation. High Plateaux demarcated by mountains as well as deep valleys and Lake
Basins characterise much of the country. An 800-km coastline makes up the eastern border of
Tanzania mainland where Mangroves, coral reefs and other marine life abound. About 90
percent of the countrys landscapes is covered by savannah vegetation mainly grasses, bushes,
shrubs and widely scattered trees. (NACP 1999) This is home to a wide range of wildlife and
other natural species. Notwithstanding its natural resources base, Tanzanias physical
environment is fragile largely as a result of variable soil quality and uneven precipitation.
Tanzania is the one of the five (5) east Africa countries. Is the largest country in the region, the
country is bordered by Kenya and Uganda in the north, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
Formerly Zaire, Rwanda and Burundi on the west side. On the southern zone Malawi,
Mozambique and Zambia and Indian ocean on the east side. The country experienced various
environmental challenges which affect the country natural beauty. Desertification is one of the
environmental hazards affect the country. The researches done by various institutions such as
NGOs and government institutions show that desertification will spread widely if effective
measure could not be taken.
Many parts of the country had already experienced conditions of desertification regions such
as Dodoma,Singida, Shinyanga and Manyara. Also there small areas of the some regions
which also experienced the condition of desertification; they includes Rukwa,Mara, Mwanza
and Tabora. But my research focus on Mara region Musoma rural district at Masinono village.
1.2 Statement of the Study
UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is the main international forum
addressing these topics. The UNCCD addresses these topics within the wider framework of
land degradation in dry lands, which makes it relevant to many more areas than the desert
margins. The convention consequently defines affected countries in all parts of the world and
30% of total land area is considered as dry lands. The emphasis of the convention is however
on Africa.
Land degradation, desertification and drought have serious implications on food security, and
even more so as 90% of people who depend on dry lands resources live in developing
countries with no or limited social safety nets. This vulnerability is exacerbated in conflict
areas like in Sudan and Chad where major humanitarian disasters are happening. Another
factor exacerbating vulnerability in dry lands areas is climate change, which can amplify land
degradation processes and drought.
Norway is not affected by desertification or drought and our role in these issues is therefore to
provide funding for measures in developing countries. Masinono village its natural
environment has been totally affected by human activities taking place in the region especially
Agriculture in terms of scenario and component of land due to severe deforestation, bush
firing, overgrazing, and population pressure which facilitate people to be in miserable life
when experience severe starvation due to decline of production and low rainfall, increases of
diseases, rural-urban migration and dissertation. There were no previous research already
conducted and this is the first one. Therefore, in this research the researcher interested in
findings out these causes of desertification as well as effects and possible measures of combat
desertification.
1.3 Justification of the Study
Considerable number of people who suffer due to land exhaustion accelerated by human
activities that is decline of food production for instance millet, maize, beans and rice, decline
of life span, insufficient pastures, severe soil erosion and land degradation portrays that
improper cultivation, over grazing and extensive making of charcoal are practiced at
Masinono village- Musoma rural district in Mara region in order to fulfill the demands of
human being.
1.4 Research Objectives

1.4.1 General Objective
To identify the causes of Desertification
1.4.2 Specific Objectives
1. To investigate the Causes that lead to Desertification in Masinono village.
2. To examine the Impacts of Desertification in Masinono village
3. To evaluate the Ways of Combating Desertification in Masinono village
1.5 Research Questions
1. What are the Causes of Desertification in Masinono village?
2. What are Impacts of Desertification in Masinono village?
3. How Desertification can be prevented in Masinono village?
1.6 Conceptual Framework of Causes of Desertification
Desertification drivers and the policy context, why do desertification and land degradation
happen? The reasons can be physical (for example due to the climate or soil conditions), due
to the actions of people or, most often, due to a combination of factors. The resulting
degradation may be temporary or permanent.
Source: Adopted and modified from MEAR 2005

Figure 1.1 Conceptual Frame work of Desertification
1.7 Significance of the Study
The study was findings the various causes of desertification. People of an area were included
on how desertification occurs in their area, also the study make a comparison with other
causes of desertification as they described by other scholars and experts. Also research
provides the solution and measures to be taken to overcome the problem. The study provides
alternative measure to the people and government so the research would give people the
importance of education in agriculture and environmental conservation. People of an area can
increase production through improvement of agriculture techniques.
1.8 Scope of the Study

The research consider Tanzania mainland, the case study of Masinono village in Musoma
district Mara region. In the area the dwellers are peasants and pastoralist. Masinono village is
found in Bugwema ward its surrounded by various villages such as Muhoji and Nyambono in
the east, Kabainja and Karukekere in south, in west Bugwema village and Lake Victoria and
in the north Mabui and Mikuyu villages.
1.9 Organization of the Study
This study is organized as follows chapter one includes, introduction, background of the study,
statement of the study, significance of the study, organization of the study and conceptual
framework. The followed chapter is chapter two, which involves literature review which
provides both theoretical and empirical reviews with regard to the present study. Chapter three
which provide the methodology which can be used to provide the required information,
Chapter four is focus on presentation of the findings data and the last chapter five is
conclusions and recommendations.
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.0. Introduction
This session deals with clarification of the related literature that a researcher passed and
confirms some information which has connection with this study. The parts of this chapter
have been arranged in chronological manner so that a reader who will passes through this
work could be able to understand it clearly as arranged according to the research objectives
respectively.
2.1 The Causes of Desertification
A single environmental variable is insufficient to explain this form of degradation. It is the

combination and interaction of an assortment of environmental and socio-economic factors
that characterize these processes, which determine the status of desertification. Natural factors
like extreme climatic fluctuations and human (anthropogenic) activities are all involved. There
are four main human factors that tend to have a direct bearing on desertification.
2.1.1 Overgrazing
Overgrazing resulting from localized large number of livestock in grazing lands, degrades
vegetation cover and exposes soil to wind and water erosion. Soil compaction especially on
livestock routes, also occur and thus exacerbating land degradation. The increase in livestock
numbers is a consequence of natural increase enhanced by modern veterinary services coupled
with poor markets and marketing infrastructures, which impede annual off take (UNCOD
1988)
2.1.2 Poor Crops Cultivation Practices

Traditional rain fed farming in Tanzania involves complete removal of vegetation and burning
it before cultivation is done. The area is cultivated for a number of years and when yield
shows signs of dropping the area the area are abandoned to allow it to regent to bush and
forest in order to restore soil fertility. This traditional bush-fallow farming allowed for long
following periods which helped to ensure suitable production of crops. Increased population,
both human and livestock, has forced farmers to abandon long follows in favors of short ones
or continuous cultivation of an area with a little or without applying fertilizers or manure. This
trend coupled with practice of burning farm residues every year leads to land and soil
degradation. Unfortunately, most farmers in dry lands areas do not practice soil and water
conservation measures when cultivating their land hence aggravating land degradation. (
Mwondosya, M.J et al 1998)
2.1.3 Deforestation
Deforestation includes all actions destructive of the woody vegetation, trees or shrubs found in
an area. Primarily it result from uncontrolled cutting of wood, mainly of woody fuel for
cooking, sale, drying fish, tobacco curing, burning bricks and also for building poles and other
round wood. These actions lead to expand land degradation circles around villages and
settlements. Other factors to deforestation include make fences for herds, clearing for
cultivation, clearing to drive away marauding animals and grain-eating birds. Clearing to
expand grazing areas and to control tsetse fly (Aargaard, P. 2009)
2.1.4 Bush Fires

Farmers usually use fire as a tool to clean their farms after harvesting. Sometimes the fires get
out of hand and commence into big bushfires. Herders also set fires deliberately to burn
grazing hands to induce new grass. Again this fire becomes a bush on fires where it is to not
control. Hunters, herders, farmers may also set the bush on fire to drive away marauding
animals and to increase visibility. In all these cases, bush fires destroy large quantity of older
and cause degradation of the vegetation by burning young trees and shrubs, leaving the soil
bare and expose it to the erosive action of wind and rain (Khan, Z, at el.2008).
2.1.5 Natural Causes of Desertification
Natural causes, which led to land degradation (desertification), include geological process and
climatic variation. Geological processes such as tectonic movements lead to the formation of
gullies. Examples are found in Kondoa district. Climatic variation especially alternate short
wet and long dry season exacerbates the deterioration of vegetation cover and as such assist
and speed up the process of land degradation (Headey, D. 2011).
Indirect Causes of Desertification
2.1.6 Poverty
Poverty is both causes and effect of land degradation. While land degradation leads to
widespread poverty, poor people tend to over exploit natural resources in their surrounding, to
meet their basic needs. People who are struggling for survival in the harsh environment of dry
lands have a problem of food insecurity and most of them lack nutrias food. Poverty was
recognized since independence as one of the three bottlenecks to development in Tanzania.
Efforts to alleviate poverty have not been able to reduce the magnitude of the problem. It was
estimated in 1995 that over 50% of all Tanzanians were living below the poverty line and that
36% of them were reported as living in object poverty (Mbonde 1998). Unfortunately most of
the poor people (90%) lived in rural areas especially in dry land areas (Fernandez, J.M 2009).
2.1.7 Rapid Population Growth
Mwondosya, M.J et al (1998) it is estimate that 17million people in Tanzania lived in the dry
land areas. Population growth in these areas is a consequence of natural growth and migration
from high land areas. This increase in population concentrates people in small areas, which
have to meet their basic needs. Increased population increases demand and once this demand
exceeds the sustainable yield of natural system, the resources itself begin to shrink. This state
of affairs aggravates land degradation which reduces the resources base from which to get
future for production (Bao J.2009).
2.1.8. Land Tenure
Grainger A. (1992)) the ownership of the land and the right to use it together with natural
resources found there is extremely to important since it raise the level of care accord to the
land and its natural resources. Security of land tenure is therefore necessary though not
sufficient pre-requisite for sustainable land use. The picture we get is that most of the land in
Tanzania, constituting range lands and woodlands are properly regulated by customary or
statutory law.
2.2. The Effects of Desertification
2.2.1. Loss of Soil Fertility
Desertification reduce soil fertility, particularly base cat ion content , organic matter content,
pore space and water retention capacity. Desertification also reduce vegetative productivity,
leading to long term decline of agricultural yields, livestock yields, plant standing biomass and
plant biodiversity. These changes reduce the ability of land to support people, often sparking
an exodus of rural people t o urban areas. Breaking the strong connection of the people to the
land produces profound changes in social structure, cultural identity and political stability
(MEAR 2005).
In Nigeria on farmed land were organic carbon in the top 10cm of soils has fallen from 0.3 to
0.2% 4 years after coming out of follow millet yields fell from 280kg to 75 kg ha-1 (Batiamo
etal.1993). Desertification also will cause conversion of perennial grasslands to savannas
dominated by annual grasses. Such changes have occurred in the Kalahari Desert Gembok
National Park in South Africa, where land sat imagery showed increased in exposed surfaces,
such declines often are in eversible (John M., et al 2005)
2.2.2. Loss of Biodiversity
Fernandez, J.M (2009) land degradation due to drought, salinity, or over-exploitation has
immediate consequences on the capacity of vegetation to maintain or reconstruct itself.
Animal species dependant on this vegetation, have to migrate to other areas to find sufficient
resources or they risk disappearing altogether. The importance of this loss of this drives from
the fact that animal and plant species from the dry lands are particularly well adapted to these
extreme environments. Their disappearance increase food insecurity and the impoverishment
of the Worlds most fragile population (FAO 1996)
2.2.3 Hunger and Famine
The large effects of desertification can be felt on a global level. Degradation of available
farmland contributes less food production and high prices for stapes crops like rice, wheat and
corn. In March 2008, the price of wheat was up 130% from a year before and the price of soy
was up 87% (source BBC News).for those countries that produce their own food due to soil
degradation, they can no longer afford to import.

2.2.4. Reduces the Worlds Fresh Water Reserves
It has a direct impact on river flow rates and the level of underground water tables. The
direction of river flow rates and the lowering of groundwater levels lead to the silting up of
estuaries, the encroachment of salt suspended particles and Stalinization,
which in turn
reduces the biodiversity of fresh and brackish water and fishing catches, interfering with the
operation of reservoirs and adversely affecting human and animal health(FAO May 1996).
An article in The Guardian, explain some of the effect of long-term drought. The article
reports how the water level of Lake Powell in Arizona has dropped by 40 meters (130ft) in the
last six years of drought. Lake Powell is the second largest water reservoir in USA; it helps
supply water to agriculture, industry and rural urban communities.
A CNN report, suggest that desertification in Africa could be one reason of why coral reefs in
the Caribbean, on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, have been drying since the 1970s in
areas far from direct human activity.
The cost of desertification is high, and does not just in economic terms. Desertification is a
threat to biodiversity, it can lead to prolonged episodes of famine in countries that are already
impoverished and cannot sustain large agricultural losses. Poor rural people who depend on
the land survival are often forced to migrate or face starvation (IFAD, 2010 August).
2.2.5. Economic Cost
The first estimate of the Global direct cost of desertification was m, Us 26 billion per annum,
made by UNEP in 1998, shortly after the UN Conference on Desertification (UNCOD) in
1977. It was based on reports by consultants, including degree (1983), of yield declines on
lands with differing degree of severity of desertification. Dregne produced the first world map
of desertification status in 1977 for UNCOD; like (Mabbut1984) who also made global
estimates of the extent of desertification for UNEP, he could therefore drive cost estimates,
from a biophysical data base-albeit one on subjective expert assessment.
2.3 Measures of Combating Desertification
Effective prevention of Desertication requires both local management and macro policy
approaches that promote sustainability of ecosystem services. It is advisable to focus on
prevention, because attempts to rehabilitate desertied areas are costly and tend to deliver
limited results.
2.3.1. Environmental Education
Environmental education has been defined and redefined over the last twenty-five years.
Definitional issues are inherent in a field this broad and encompassing. It is generally agreed
that environmental education is a process that creates awareness and understanding of the
relationship between humans and their many environments natural, man-made, cultural, and
technological. Environmental education is concerned with knowledge, values, and attitudes,
and has as its aim responsible environmental behavior (NEEAC, 1996).
Wang G., Wang X., Wu B. and Lu Q. (2012) Environmental sustainability consciousness has
been aroused among the youth through National campaigns, schools and NGOs in the past ten
years in spite of many hurdles. On the National level, to mark the 33rd World Environmental
Day which falls on June 5, diverse colorful activities have been held in many cities across
china in Beijing , young people attended a ceremony with the theme of I LOVE CHINA, I
LOVE SEA, which aimed at increasing young peoples awareness of the need to protect
marine environments, while in other cities youngsters have been encouraged to actively take
part in large-scaled campaigns to publicize the concepts Leading a green life and building an
eco-environmental homeland( WER2009)
2.3.2. Car Ownership Sharing
Shifting from car ownership to services and functions in order to create a low-carbon society,
it is important to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from transport. As a
transportation mode that emits relatively less CO2, car sharing schemes have been growing in
North America, Europe and Japan Msabila D.T,(2005) explained that people are encouraged to
use public transport rather than individual transport so as to reduce the amount emission of
CO2gases. Also he encouraged people to walk sometimes so as to reduce amount of CO2
produced by vehicles.
2.3.3. Unique Brewing Technology Reduces CO2 Emissions by 30%
A sahi Breweries, Ltd a major Japanese brewer announced on august 28th 2008, that has
developed a new brewing technology called the Pre Isomerizes and Evaporation (PIE). By
shortening the boiling time, the new technology reduces carbon emissions by approximately
30% during boiling process. It has been utilized at Ashis brewery in Suita city Osaka
prefecture since September 2008(sources htt://www.japanfs.org/en/pages/028653.html)
2.3.4. Manufacturing Saving Energy by Growing Vertical Gardens on Factory Wall
During the summer of 2008 Kyocera corp. a Japanese manufacturer of electronic components
and photovoltaic system, created green curtains of plants climbing the outer walls of fire
factories in Japan including those in Okaya, Nagano prefecture and Gamo, Shiga prefecture.
The green curtains of climbing plants, such as morning glory and goya (bitter gourd), absorb
carbon dioxide and at the same time help reduce the need for air conditioning by providing a
cool covering of the buildings and the keeping the heart of the summer sun out (John M.,
Pannell D. and Kingwell R. (2005)
2.3.5. The Importance of Integrated National land use Planning
Land irrigation project, which are often planned and implemented by governments with
international financial support are frequently given credit for improving agricultural
productivity and reducing the fluctuations in yields from variability in rainfall. However
research has shown that it is important to anticipate negative National impact when planning
such projects. These impacts can be social in characters e.g. by displaying poorer farmers
environmental e.g. due to water logging and Stalinization, Bishop J.T. and Allen J. (1989)
Economic by diverting water for irrigation projects from flood plains crucial for cropping;
pastoralist and fishing and mixed e.g. the displacement of poorer farmers to marginal lands
can lead land degradation. Indeed the extra income from a proposed irrigation project did not
exceed 17% of the downstream losses in any of the scenarios simulated (Grainger A. (2009).
2.3.6. A Forestation and Reforestation
UNEP (2006) the programmed of planting trees around the human environment should
insisted from the family level up to international level. Planting of vegetation can protect the
soil erosion especially during the rainy season. The government with collaboration with
donors has undertaken different programs related to combating desertification. Two program
me of soil erosion were taken in Tanzania in the dry lands areas probably stand as a testimony
of the government commitment to solving the problem of land degradation. First the soil
conservation programs in Dodoma (HADO). Started as a forestation and engineering project
aiming to prevent further land degradation in Dodoma especially the Kondoa Irangi highlands.
The second National program me is the soil conservation program me for Shinyanga (HASHI)
Hifadhi ardhi shinyanga it was started as a follow up of National Conference held in
Shinyanga in 1984 on Environmental conservation through tree planting the aim has
been to encourage and involved the people in Shinyanga in environmental conservation
measures to mitigate the adverse effects of land degradation and to improve the stand of living
of the people (Berry L., Abraham E. and Essahli W. (2009)
2.4 Knowledge Gap
The desertification problem in Masinono village it leads due the number of some factors,
although some factors are the same to the above which are worldwide causes of
Desertification but there are unique causes which described by the respondents in the study
area. People identify those factors due what they experienced in their environment for many
years ago. These factors include poor method of farming, lack of education among the
farmers, lack of environmentalists and agriculturalists in Masinono village.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.0. Introduction
This chapter rely on the techniques which were used in the conducting research, this done to
achieve intended goals. This chapter contains procedures adopted by a researcher; these
includes area of the study and justification, research approach, research design, justification
for using a selected approach which is either qualitative or quantitative, sample and sampling
procedures, data collection, data analysis and quality.
3.1 Location of the Study Area
Masinono village is found in Bugwema Ward in Musoma rural district in Mra region. The
village is surrounded by villages such as Muhoji on the East, Mikuyu, Musanja and Mabuhi on
the north, Bugwema village and Lake Victoria in the west part and Karukekere and Kabainja
in the south. The study area is dominated by three tribes which are Luo, Sukuma and Jita,
agriculture and domestication are the major economic activities conducted in the village. The
village is located about 45km from Musoma town the region headquarter and 25km from
Bunda town the nearest town where people of an area get their social services, its connected
by rough roads from both two towns Musoma and Bunda.
MAP OF MARA REGION

Map 3.1 Show Location Of Masinono Village
UGANDA
KENYA
Masinono
Source: Google Map 2014
3.2 Selection of the Study Area
Study area
The selected area is Masinono village, one of the earlier villages in the country. The village is
affected by desert condition which led to the decline of crops production, loss of biodiversity,
soil erosion, famine, scarcity of water and drought. Desertification in the area is caused by
overgrazing, deforestation, poor methods of farming, bush burning, population, and poverty
and land tenure.
3.3 Population of the Study Area
Masinono village has a number of dwellers about 5412 (2012 National Census) male are 2376
and female were 3036. The population increased rapidly because on 2002 National Census
there about 2150 number of people an area, these show that they is no program of control
population growth have been taken by the government.
3.4 Economic Activities
3.4.1 Agriculture
Agricultural activities is the backbone of Masinono dwellers economy, people of MAasinono
village practice mixed farming whereby they planting more than one crops on the same farm.
Crops cultivated are maize, millet, beans cassava, rice and cotton as a cash crop. The large
amount of crops produced is only for consumption and the surplus are sold to the market. But
the cotton which has produced for market does not improve the life of people in Masinono
village due to the price fluctuation in every year thats why people are not much invest in
cotton production. Agriculture production in Masinono declined from 2400kg per acre up to
480kg in 2000s. The decline of production was caused by loss of soil fertility, environmental
degradation which led to soil erosion and the changes of weather due to the increase of long
dry season rather than wet season which likely until in the late of 1990s.
3.4.2 Animal Keeping

Animal keeping is another economic activity practiced by people of Masinono village. The
pastoralists keep animals such as cow, goats, sheep and donkey. The animal keeping is done in
a local way where by the pastoralist did not achieve much profit from their cattle. Although
many of them now days get little knowledge and started to send their children to school that
why the number of people who attend secondary education is higher or almost equal to those
who attend primary education.
3.4.3 Small Trade
Some people in Masinono village practice small business whereby there those who own shops
were people of an area get their daily needs such as kerosene, cooking oil and other domestic
products. The location nof area it attract many people from different area to come and
conducted business, other people buying crops from the farmers during harvest season, this
lead to the improvement of the farmers because they money for their different activities like
school fees for their children and construction of houses for settlement and for business.
Source: Research Data 2014

Plate3. 1: Small market in Masinono village
3.5 Research Design
Kothari (2004) research design is the arrangement of the condition for the collection and
analysis of data in a manner that aims to combine relevance to the research purpose with
economy in procedures. The researcher adopted mixed research design in which both quality
and quantitative aspects are includes both theories and diagrams were applied. This helped
researcher to get the real picture of the causes of desertification. Data in this research was
collected by using interview, questionnaires and observation instruments of data collection.
3.6 Sample Size and Sampling Procedure

3.6.1 Sample Size
Sample size determination is the act of choosing the number of observations replicates to
include in statistical sample. The sample size is very important of any empirical study in
which the goal is to make inference about a population from a sample. The number of sample
include sample which have both different number of males and females which are above the
age of 18. The researcher was took 5 environmentalists which are equal 25% of the sample, 5
civil servants 25%, 10 students 20% and 30 local people 30%. The sample size includes
presentation of males and females.
Table 3.1 Sample Size
Respondents
Sample size
Percentages (%)
Environmentalist
12.5
Civil Servants
12.5
Local people (peasants)
20
50
Students
10
25
Total
40
100.00

3.6.2 Sampling Procedures
Kohan. P (1990) Sampling is the process of selecting or drawing sample of people object, and
unit from entire of universal population. In this research the researcher targets the farmers
(local people), environmentalists and civil servants. Those groups were provided the reliable
information about the research topic. The sample of the study was comprise 5 civil servants, 5
environmentalists 10 students and 20 local people (farmers) at least 6 from each 5 zones of the
Masinono village. Those zones are Masinono A, Masinono B, Jitirora, Rwamasisi and
Kinyangerere. The research includes both types of sampling procedures which are purposive
and random. Random sampling is a sampling procedure that selected population elements
based on chances while purposive select element of population purposively for some
characteristics of interest.
3.7 Data Collection Methods
The research considered the use of both primary and secondary methods of data collection so
as to gather information required.
3.7.1 Primary Sources
Moore (2008) defined primary data are the information collected direct from the field (raw
data) by the researcher. Sources of primary data are questionnaires; observation and interview
method were used to collect the relevant information.
3.7.1.1 Interview
Shiraz A. (2004) are formatted set of questions that drawn up to meet objective of the survey.
In this research the researcher tried to use simple questions depending on the research
objectives in order to obtain the necessary information from the field. Closed ended
questionnaires were also used by the researcher in order to guide the respondents to provide
the relevant data. The target populations to be included in this method are local people
(farmers and community people). This method is suitable because most of the people are not
understand to read or write so it can make them to talk as they can. In this method Swahili
language was widely used by the researcher because of the nature of respondent.
3.7.1.2 Observation
Observation is a way of gathering data by watchingnatural setting (Kohan, P.1990)
observation can be overt (everyone knows they are being observed). The benefited of covert
observation is that people are more likely to behave naturally if they do not know they are
being observed. The researcher participated in observing the causes of desertification in the
study area. Here researcher observes population growth, level of poverty, methods of farming
and deforestation. These observed things helped the researcher to determine the effects of
desertification and possible measure to be used to overcome the problem on an area.
3.7.2 Secondary Sources
Secondary data are data which collected in documental form stored in a certain place
(Kombo& Tromp 2006). The researcher used magazines, maps articles, books, internet sources
and other literature review obtained appropriate information related to the topic.
3.8 Data Analysis and Presentation
The data which were collected were analyzed by using both qualitative and quantitative. Data
analysis both numerical diagrams and word analysis applied. Also Microsoftexecel also
employed in the coding and summarizing data. Also the data from the field could be analyzed
and presented by using tables, pie charts and bar graphs so as to make the work more critical.
3:9 Time Frame Work (Schedule)
This schedule the time allocate during the writing of research work from the begin until the
end. The time duration of this research project it takes almost 1 year since the time of writing
research proposal, data collection, data analysis, writing research report and finally submission
of research project. The activities of writing this report are illustrated in the table 3.2 below;
Table 3.2 Time schedule

Activities
2014
F
M A M
2015
J
Writing proposal
Data collection
Data analysis
Report writing
Submission
Source: JUCO Calendar 2014/ 2015

3.10 Budget
This includes the all requirements which were used by researcher during research work. The
cost which researcher needs in his work it includes writing research proposal, transport fees,
data collection cost, accommodation, supervisor, typing research report, emergence and
emergence.
Table 3.3 Budget Structure
S/N
ACTIVITIES
COST( Tsh )
01
Writing research proposal
40,000/=
02
Transport fees to the study area
150,000/=
03
Data collection
40,000/=
04
Typing research report
65,000/=
05
Supervisor
70,000/=
06
Emergence
50,000/=
07
Total cost
415,000/=
3.11 Limitations of the Study

During the process of collecting data researcher faced some challenges and limitation which
made the study to be difficult. These are some challenges researcher faced during data
collection; language barrier the most of people in an area especially the selected respondent
they are not master English language well so this circumstances forced research to set
conducting interviews through using Swahili language, also questionnaire for the primary
level respondents were set also in Swahili. A part from language barrier researcher faced a
challenge in capital because the money for conducting researcher did not released by the
government on time so make the study to become very difficulty. The money provided which
is 100,000/=Tanzanian shillings is not sufficient because the data collection is regarded to be
collected during the holidays this hinder the researcher to investigate many objectives in the
study area, because during the holiday there is a lot of things someone want to fulfill apart
from academic issues. The research project it required a lot of capital as I proposed in the
budget so as to ensure that all things are conducted in high quality and on time.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA ANALYSIS, PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS
4.0 Introduction
The study was aimed to investigate the causes of Desertification at Masinono village in
Musoma rural District in Mara Region. Forty respondents were interviewed various question,
with aim of getting information reflect focus of the study. The tools used to get respondents
were interview, observation and questionnaires.
4.1 Demographic Characteristics of Respondents in the Study Area
Demographic is the term used to described the study of human population. Demographic
characteristics it helps and facilitate on the collection of primary data that would be simply
data analysis and discussion.
4.1.1 Sex of the Respondents
Gender is an important variable in a given Tanzanian social situation which is variably
affected by any social or economic phenomenon and globalization is not an exception to it.
Hence the variable gender was investigated for this study. Data related to gender of the
respondents is presented in the Table 4.1.below
Table 4.1 Sex of the Respondents in the Study Area (N=40)
Sex
Frequency
Percentage (%)
Male
25
62.5
Female
15
37.5
Total
40
100.00
Table 4.1 above show that the sex of the respondents in the study area is not equal balanced
this due to the fact that in the study area males are more influential in the society compare to
females. This can be associated that the issues of gender balance are not equal balanced
countryside but there are some places its not well achieved.
4.1.2 Age of the Respondents
Age of the respondents is one of the most important characteristics in understanding their
views about the particular problems; by and large age indicates level of maturity of individuals
in that sense age becomes more important to examine the response.
Figure 4.1 below shows that 25% of the respondents range between 15-20 years also the same
percentage (25%) range between 35 and above, while the 50% of the respondents were
between 20-35 years. This shows that the area is dominated by youth who most of them
engaged in agricultural activities and small business.
Figure 4.1 Ages of Respondents

4:1:3 Occupations of the Respondents
Persons occupations do have a bearing on his or her personality and so also the ways of
looking at the problem before him. The quality of life is also determined by an individuals
occupation and the incomes he derives from it. Occupation of an individual also socialized
him or her in a particular fashion which in turn reflects his or her pattern of behaviors and
his/her level of understanding of particular phenomenon. To identify the occupation of
respondents is very important because it determine the types of questions set to them, so as to
get reliable information during data collection. The researcher used students in order to
identify their level of understanding on environmental issues, farmers also used because they
are the majority of environmental degradation, environmentalist were used so as to know how
measure the put to deal with desertification and other environmental disaster. Lastly civil
servants were considered so as to identify on how much they engaged in environmental
conservation and other activities took place in their environment.
Table 4.2 Occupation of the Respondent (N=40)
Category
Frequency
Percentage (%)
Environmentalist
12.5
Civil servants
12.5
Peasants
20
50
Students
10
25
Total
40
100.00

Table 4.2 above illustrated that 50% of the respondents were peasant or local people, 25%
students, 12.5 were environmentalist and the same percentage 12.5% were the civil servants.
This shows that most of the people are peasant who engaged in crop cultivation and animal
keeping. The agricultural activities were look as the main causes of desertification of an area.
4.1.4 Martial Status of the Respondents
Marriage is one of the most important social institutions.
In a developing country like
Tanzania, it has undergone many changes. The perceptions and attitudes of the person can
also differ by the marital status of the persons because the marriage might make the persons
little more responsible and matured in understanding and giving the responses to the questions
asked. Figure4.3 below illustrate that 32.5% of respondents were single and most of them
were the students, about 57.5% of the respondents were married and 10% of the respondents
were the widows.
Source: Research Data2014

Figure 4.2 Shows the Marital status of the Respondents
4.1.5 Education Level of the Respondents

Education is one of the most important characteristics that might affect the persons attitudes
and the way of looking and understanding any particular social phenomena. In a way, the
response of an individual is likely to be determined by his educational status and therefore it
becomes imperative to know the educational background of the respondents. Hence the
variable Educational level was investigated by the researcher and the data pertaining to
education is presented in Figure 3 below
illustrate that 50% of the respondents had a
secondary education, about 25% of the respondents were had college education which
includes both environmentalist and civil servants. This shows that majority of them can be
able to read and write correctly implication of their lives to the environmental conservation.
This statistics indicates that the government can introduce the policy about the environmental
and combat of desertification and they can implement the policy introduced.
Source Research Data 2014

Figure 4.3 Shows the Education Levels of the Respondents
4.2 Factors influencing the Desertification at Masinono Village
In order to identify the causes and impact of Desertification which led the land degradation,
decline of crop production the respondents were required to determine the causes of
Desertification in the study area, its impacts and measures to be taken different respondents
were interviewed.
4.2.1 Human Causes of Desertification in Masinono village
The causes of desertification in Masinono village is large contributed by human influence, the
various human activities can lead to the desertification into the one way or another. The
discussion with people of an area was provided the various human activities which cause these
environmental phenomena.

Figure 4.4 Show Human Causes of Desertification in Masinono
Figure 4.4 shows that the respondents argued that the Human causes of desertification in the
study area is caused by agricultural activities 17.5% and poverty 25% overgrazing 30%,
Population increase 20% and 7.5% bush fires. Agriculture officer Mr. Charles Dinda said that
this area become dry and dry due to the fact that people are not follow the good method of
farming, so it led the destruction of environment. Also the 30% of the respondents claimed
that the desertification caused by poverty, people of an area lived in the line of poverty so they
depend on forest resources as the sources of firewood and used for house building so this lead
the overdependence on the exploitation of forestry resources. The (17.5%) also argued that the
poor methods of farming which includes mixed farming increase the rate of desertification
expansion. 20% of the respondents describe that the expansion of desert condition in the area
is due to the population increase were by people expands areas for settlement and areas for
cultivation. such as global warming and greenhouse effect.
Source: Research Data 2014, Plate 4.1 Deforestation in Masinono Forest

Plate 4.2 Bush fire in Masinono forest
4.2.2 Natural Causes of Desertification

Desertification is a type of land degradation in which a relatively dry land region becomes
increasingly arid, typically losing its bodies of water as well as vegetation and wildlife. It is
caused by a variety of factors, such as climate change and human activities. Desertification is
a significant global ecological and environmental problem. There are various natural factors
which lead to the occurrence of desertification in various parts of the world. Some of the
natural causes include climate change, global warming, drought and intense rainfall event.
Table 4.2.2 Natural Causes of Desertification
Natural Causes
Frequency
Percentages (%)
Intense rainfall event
15
37.5
Drought
10
25
Climatic Change
15
37.5
Total
40
100.00

From the table 4.2.2
above the respondents interviewed about the natural causes of
desertification in their area they describe them as follows; about 37.5% of the respondents
describe that
desertification phenomena is due to intense of rainfall event. Mr George
interviewed said that the change of rain season were by now days it delayed and rain fall for
a short time hence lead the occurrence of desertification. The 25% of the respondents
describe that the prolonged desertification is caused by drought which lead due to the lack of
rainfall for long time. Also 37.5% of the respondents identify the climate change as the factor
which lead to the occurrence of desertification in their area. On this agent of natural causes
somebody Pius Kimboi said that mabadiliko ya hali ya hewa yamechangia kwa kiasi
kikubwa kuongezeka kwa hali ya kijangwa katika kijiji chetu, hali ambayo tulikuwa
hatujawahi kuishuhudia hapo kabla( interview 24th august 2014) . people describe those three
natural causes are the great causes of desertification in their area which are drought, intense of
rainfall event and climatic change.
4.3 Impacts of Desertification in the Study Area
The effects of desertification, land degradation and drought are the most extreme for the rural
poor. Approximately 1.5 billion people globally depend on degrading areas for their
livelihoods, and nearly half of the worlds very poor (42%) live in degraded areas. While these
people may seem far away to those of us who live in cities or developed countries, the effect
of their suffering ripples across the globe.

4.3.1 Impact of Desertification on the Environments
Table 4.3.1 Impact of Desertification on the Environments (N=40)
Category
Frequency
Percentage (%)
Loss of biodiversity
14
35
Poverty and separation of families
12
30
Climatic change
15
Drought
10
Lack of rainfall
10
Total
40
100.00

Table 4.3.1 above illustrated that 35% of the respondents argued that now days there is no
more wild animals and forests compare to the previous days. On support this Mr. Johanes
Sando- the village chairman said that Here in our village there were many wild animals and
thick forest but when the population increased they disappear and other run to Serengeti
National Park. (Interview20th August 2014) 30% of the respondents describe that
desertification leading to the increase of poverty among the people as well as separation of
families. Annastazia Dinda said that I had three sons but due to the low level of production
caused by loss of soil fertility they run to other places searching for jobs rather than stay here
at home depend on cultivation. Also 15% of the respondent believe in climatic change as
another challenges brought by desertification in the area, the rest 20% of the respondents
argued it lead both drought and lack of rainfall.
4.3.2 Impacts of Desertification on Land
Table 4.3.2 Impact of Desertification on Land (N=40)

Category
Frequency
Percentage (%)
Soil erosion
7.5
Land conflicts
15
37.5
Decline of crops production
18
45
Loss of soil fertility
10
Total
40
100.00

From the above graph shows that 45% of the respondents argued that one of the most impacts
of desertification is decline of crops production supporting this Mr. Shida Naaman said that i
n previous we cultivate up to 2000kg per acre but now days it range between 300kg to 700kg
so you can see how things are changed. 37.5% of the respondents claimed that desertification
lead the rise of land conflict. There are many cases we deal with in our Ward council said
Mzee Joseph Owino chairman of Ward council. Also 10% of the respondents were describe
loss of soil fertility as one of the land impact of desertification, while the rest 7.5% of the
respondents argued that soil erosion is also one of the impact of desertification in the area.
4.3.3 Effects of Desertification on Rain
The figure 4.5 below illustrate that 37.5% of the respondents describe the shortage of water as
the impact of desertification on rain, also 37.5% argued on the shortage of rainfall which
brought by excessive desertification on the area. The 25% describe on the dry of water
catchment areas. Mama Sofia Elekia and Thomas Ongadi were said that now days we suffer
a lot in case of water shortage this due to the dryness of the catchments which caused by popul
ation increase and overgrazing people of an area suffer from these three majors impacts of
Desertification, water supply became a big challenge. But now there is a light of hope for the
people of Masinono village this due to the construction of dams which will provide the water
for domestic uses as well as for irrigation scheme. Those impacts on rain also were identified
by respondents who answered both closed and questionnaires questions during data collection.
The program started in 2009 and it will be completed in 2015.The dryness of water catchments
and rivers such as Nyamagusu, Agwogis rivers and Bugwema River these rivers were
retained water throughout the year but due the excessive deforestation they become
temporarily water retained especially during the rainy season only.
Source: Research Data (2014)

Figure 4.5 Impact of Desertification on Rain
4.4 Measures of Combating Desertification in Masinono Village

During the data collection people of Masinono village suggest some measures or strategies
which can be applied so as to overcome the problem of desertification in their area so as to
make conducive environment for both human and animal to survive.
Table 4.4.1 Measures of Combating Desertification (N=40)
Category
Frequency
Percentage (%)
Environmental education
20
Reducing of number of cattle
17
42.5
A forestation & Agro forestry
12
30
Family planning
7.5
Total
40
100.00

Table 4.4.1 indicates that 42.5% of the respondents argued that reducing the number of cattle
would solve the problem of desertification, 30% of the respondents suggest through planting
trees in both open place in mixing with crops. These can be done in the process known as A
forestation and Agro forestry. 20% argued that through provision of environmental education
people can adapt methods of protect and preserve their environment. Also 7.5% of the
respondents suggest the use of family planning methods can control the population growth
which looks as the major source of environmental degradation. Medical officer at Masinono
Dispensary MR.Makoko said that this society they do not understand the importance of
family planning but if they will achieve they will develop because abruptly population is the
causes of environmental degradation. The family planning is very important because it can
reduce the rapid population growth which leads to the occurrence of desertification due to the
expansion of farms and settlements.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.0 Introduction
This chapter comprises the three sections which are summary, conclusion and
recommendations deal about the findings the causes of Desertification at Masinono village in
Musoma rural district in Mara region. The chapter summarize the all discussion concern to the
study about the causes of desertification, it also identify the impacts of desertification as well
as the possible measures to combating the desertification.
5.1 Summary of Findings
The study was carried out to examine the causes of Desertification at Masinono village. A
sample of forty (40) respondents was selected and interviewed. Many respondents were
interviewed on the topic under discussion gave some factors contribute to desertification such
as overgrazing, poor methods of farming, burning fires, poverty, and natural causes.
The major cause of desertification apart from the mentioned above is overgrazing which
occupy about 30% of the total causes. The people of an area especially pastoralists they own a
huge number of cattle which lead to the environmental degradation and then desertification
occur. Other causes of desertification with percentages are poverty 25%, natural causes 20%,
poor method of farming 17.5% and bush fires 7.5% in the study area.
A party from those causes they outlined the impacts of Desertification in the study area. The
impacts of desertification in the study area were seen in three major categories which also
subdivided into smaller one, there is effects on the environment which includes loss of
biodiversity 35%, poverty and separation of families 30%, climate change 15%, drought 10%
and lack of rainfall 10%, effects of desertification on land includes decline of crop
production 45%, land conflicts 37.5%, loss of soil fertility 10% and soil erosion 7.5%, effects
of desertification were also seen on rainfall as follow shortage of water(scarcity) 37.5%,
shortage of rainfall 37.5% and dryness of water catchments area 25%.
Also the respondents interviewed in the study area suggested some measures of combating
Desertification such as a forestation, agro forestry, provision of environmental education and
reduction the number of cattles in the area. These measures were categories by percentages
on how people believe in one ways and another or combating desertification in their area as
follow, reducing the number of cattle 42.5%, a forestation and agro forestry application 30%,
provision of environmental education 20% and family planning 7.55 so as to control high
population growth rates. People of an area insist that if the strong measures and policy could
not establish and implemented the problem will extend rapidly like burning fire.
5.2 Conclusion
Desertification brought many impacts in the area; the impacts of desertification become
tremendous to both farmers and pastoralist as well as rich and poor people. There are many
causes such as cultivation, overgrazing, burning fires, poverty, natural causes, deforestation
and the impacts of desertification is now worldwide phenomena, many parts of the world
experienced this phenomena examples areas such as Kenya, Somalia, Eritrea, South Sudan
and Djibouti in 2009-2011
The respondent claimed that expansion of Desertification led the decline of economy of the
people of an area because they depend on land for agricultural activities which is the main
economic activity.
5.3 Recommendations
5.3.1 Recommendation for Action
Encouragements of planting trees in the process of afforest ration, re-forestation and agro
forestry. If these would be achieved the area will be covered with trees and make a conducive
climate.
Provision of environmental education; education should be provided by both government
institutions and NGOs. They describe education as the mother of success, so if education
provided for all groups in the society the problem will be totally solved.
Government should supply electricity to the area, so as to enable people to obtain alternative
source of energy rather than depend on forestry. Now days more than 70% of the Tanzanian
depend on the firewood and charcoal as the source of energy. But if the electricity supplied
countrywide our forest will survive and problem of deforestation could stop.
Diversion of economy from overdependence on agriculture which lead much environmental
degradation to the other sectors such as tourism, fishing industry, manufacturing industry and
mining industry so as to preserve the land which is totally destructed.
Establishment and implementation of laws and principles which deals both environmental
conservation and protection. These policies should start implemented from the grass root to
the international level because the desertification is now a worldwide phenomenas.
Community base Approach
People of an area were insisting that the government should expand market for their
agricultural products. This has been when the farmers failed to sold their cotton at a good price
but they sold in a very low price of 500/=Tsh per 1kg so this price could not sought people to
step forward against poverty alleviation.
The improvement of infrastructure especially roads should done effectively by the government
so as to overcome the transport and communication problem.
Major policy interventions and management approaches are needed to prevent and reverse
desertication. Assessment of future scenarios shows that major interventions and shifts in
ecosystem management will be needed to overcome challenges related to desertication. As
recognized by the UNCCD, such interventions are to be implemented at local to global scales,
with the active engagement of stakeholders and local communities.

Also the people of an area insist the government to supply them clean and safety water
because the distance from Lake Victoria to Masinono village is almost 4km, so they ask the
government to supply them water.
5.3.2 Recommendation for future Research
For the coming researches deal with the same topic it is better when they will findings the
followings questions on their research objectives;
When the government should ensures the supply electricity in the rural area so as to reduce the
overdependence on forest as a source of energy?
Which measures should be applied to the people of an area to ensure they minimize the
number of their cattle in a minimal which could do not destroyed the environment?
How the problem of high fertility rate which lead to high population growth should be solved?
REFERENCES
Aargard, P.(2009) Conservation Farming and Conservation Agriculture, Handbook for oxfarmers in Agro-ecological regions I and II, Conservation Farming Unit Zambia.
Agrawal, S et al (2003) Development and Climate change in Tanzania Focus on Mount
Kilimanjaro, Paris OECD.
Bao, J (2009) Comparison study For Enviromental Among Young People in Shangai & Hong
Kong.
Berry L., Abraham E. and Essahli W. (2009) UNCCD Recommended Minimum Set of Impact
Indicators. Consultancy report, 4 June 2009. UN Convention to Combat Desertification, Bonn.
Berry, L, Olson, J. and Campbell, D. (2003) Assessing the Extent, Cost and Impact of Land
Degradation at the National Level: Findings and Lessons Learned from Seven Pilot Case
Studies, Commissioned by Global Mechanism with support from the World Bank.
Bishop J.T. and Allen J. (1989) The On-site Costs of Soil Erosion in Mali. Environment
Department Working Paper No. 21, World Bank, Washington, DC.
Emmy, C et al (2009) World Ecological Report, WIT, Geneva.
FAO (2001) Soil Fertility Management in support of Food Security in Sub-Saharan Africa,
FAO, Rome Italy.
FAO (2006) Fertilizer use by Crop, FAO Fertilizer and Plant Nutrition Bulletin 17 Rome, Italy.
FAO (2013) Climate Smart Agriculture For Development, FAO, Rome- Italy.
Fernandez, J.M(2009) Soil Conservation and Protection for Europe (SCAPE), Universidal de
Murcia, Spain.
Grainger A. (1992) Characterization and assessment of desertification processes. In Chapman
G.P. (ed.). Proceedings of Conference on Grasses of Arid and Semi-Arid Regions, Linnean
Society, London, February 1991: 17-33. John Wiley, Chichester.
Grainger A. (2009) The role of science in implementing international environmental
agreements: the case of desertification. Land Degradation and Development 20: 410-430.
Grainger A. (2012) The role of forest sustainability indicator systems in global governance.
Global Environmental Change 22: 147-160.
GCAP (2011) The Economic of Climate Change in the United Republic of Tanzania,
Unpublished Report 139pp.
Headey, D.(2011) Deja Vu in the Horn of Africa, 2011 Global Food Policy Report IFPR,
Washington DC, USA.
John
M.,
Pannell D. and Kingwell R. (2005) Climate change
and the economics of
management in the face of land degradation: dryland salinity in Western Australia. Canadian
Journal of Agricultural Economics 53: 443-459.
ICRAF (World Agroforestry Centre) 2011. Agroforestry Option for tanzania. Policy Brief
Khan et al (2008) Push-pull Technology Transforms Small Farms in Kenya,PAN-North
America Magazine.
Kohan. P,(1990), Research Methodology, Mumbai Vishwarprashan publication 2nd edition,
Mumbai.
Kothari C.R (2004) Research Methodology, Methods and Techniques 2nd edition
Mabbutt J.A. (1984) A new global assessment of the status and trends of desertification.
Environmental Conservation 11: 100-113.
Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, 2005. Ecosystems and Human Well-BeingDesertification Synthesis. Island Press, Washington DC.
Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report (MEAR) (2005) Ecosystems and Human WellBeing - Desertification Synthesis. Island Press, Washington DC.
Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MEA) (2005) Living Beyond Our Means: Natural Assets
and Human Well-Being. Washington, DC: Island Press.
More. A,(2009) Climate Change and Rural livehood in Tanzania, Msc Thesis University of
Copenhagen.
Moore R.C (2004) Education and Society, New York
Mwondosya,J.M, et al.(1998) The Assessment of Valnerability and Adaptation to Climate
Change Impacts in Tanzania, CEEST Dare es slaam Tanzania.
Mwondosya, M. J. (2001), Statement by Minister for Communication and Transport at the

Handing-
Over
ceremony
of
TTCL
to
MSI-Detecon,
February,
<www.psrctz.com/Press%20Releases/Prof.%20Mwandosya's%20Speech -280201.htm>
NAPA (2007) National Adaptation Programme of Action, Vice Presidents Office,Division of
enviroment January 2007
Ortiz E.F. and Tang G., 2005. Review of the Management, Administration and
Activities of
the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). Joint Inspection Unit, United
Nations, Geneva.
Pagiola S.(1999) The Global Benefits of Land Degradation Control on Agriculture Land.
Philipe Cullet (2009) Desertification, EOLSS Publisher Co. Ltd University of London UK.
Singh J. and Singh J.P. (1995) Land degradation and economic sustainability. Ecological
Economics 15: 77-86.
Snyder S.C, et al (2000) International Protection of the Soil, Rudiger Wolfrum, The Hague.
Toulmin C. (1997), Plan Action to Combat Desertification Fellix Dodds, London.
Thomas D.S&Middleton N.J (1994) Desertification Exploding, the Myth, Wiley Chichester.
UNESCO-UNEP.
(1978). Final Report Intergovernmental Conference on Environmental
Education. Organized by UNESCO in Cooperation with UNEP, Tbilisi, USSR, 14-26 October
1997, Paris: UNESCO
UNESCO-UNEP (1976). The Belgrade Charter.Connect: UNESCO- UNEP Environmental
Newsletter, Vol. 1 (1) pp. 1-2.
UNEP (1994) Status of Desertification and Implementation of the United Nations of Action
Desertification, Governing Council Namibia.
UNEP (2004) National Institute of Public Health and the Environmental (RIVM), Netherlands.
UNEP (2006) Desertification

UNFCCC Secretariat (2006) Views on the paper on options for enhanced cooperation among
the three Rio Conventions. Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice, 24st
session,
Bonn,
18-26
May
2006.
FCCC/SBSTA/2006/MISC.4.
Available
at:
http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/2006/sbsta/eng/misc04.pdf (Accessed 4 May 2012).

UNFCCC Secretariat (undated) Adaptation under the frameworks of the CBD, the UNCCD
and the UNFCCC. Joint Liaison Group of the Rio Conventions. Available at:
http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/publications/adaptation_eng.pdf (Accessed 4 May 2012).
Wang G., Wang X., Wu B. and Lu Q. (2012)
Desertification and its mitigation strategy in
China. Journal of Resources and Ecology 3(2): 97-104.
APPENDICES
Appendix I Local people, Students, Environmentalists and Civil Servants
A. QUESTIONNAIRE FOR LOCAL PEOPLE (FARMERS)
Utangulizi
Kutokana na hali ya ukame katika maeneo mengi na kwa muda mrefu, serikali inafanya
juhudi mbalimbali kuikabili tatizo hili, mojawapo ikiwa ni kuwasiliana na wananchi
katika maeneo husika ili kujua juhudi zinazoweza kurekebisha hali hii.
Maswali
SEHEMU A TAARIFA BINAFSI
1.(a) Jina..................................................................... (b)jinsia.............................
(c) umri........................(d) kuoa/kuolewa (
(f) umeajiriwa (
SEHEMU B MASWALI
Chagua herufi ya jibu sahihi na kujaza nafasi zilizoachwa wazi
2. Ardhi ya hapa inatumika kwa shughuli gani? .....................................
3. Ni mazao yapi yanayolimwa na wenyeji? Zitaje (a)...................... (b).....................
(c)...............
4. Katika kipindi cha miaka 5 iliyopita hali ya uzalishaji imekuwa ikipungua au
kuongezeka? (a) ndiyo (b) hapana (c) Haikupungua wala kuongezeka
5.
Unadhani
kuongezeka
au
kupungua
kwa
mazao
kunasababishwa
na
nini?
(a)............................(b)..........................(c).................................(d)..........................
6. Je? Unaonaje majira ya mvua; yako kama zamani au kuna mabadiliko? Kama kuna
mabadiliko, je, unafikiri ni kwa sababu zipi?
7. Je, unaonaje hali ya miti na mimea hapa kijijini; kuna mabadiliko yoyote ukilinganisha
na sasa? Kama kuna mabadiliko unafikiri ni kwa nini?
8. Je, ni vikwazo vipi kati ya vifuatavyo vinavyowazuia wananchi kutumia mbinu za
kisasa ambazo zinapendekezwa kwa matumizi ya ardhi, misitu, kilimo, ufugaji n.k.:(a) Ukata(b) Ukosefu wa wataalamu(c) Mila na Desturi(d) Ukosefu wa Elimu (ujinga)(e)
Sababu nyinginezo. Je, kati ya hizo ni sababu ipi iliyo kuu?
9. je ni njia gani iliyo bora zaidi ya kudhibiti athari ya mabadiliko ya tabia ya nchi?
(a) elimu ya mazingira itolewe (b) Kupunguza idadi ya mifugo (c) Upandaji wa miti (d)
kuzingatiwa kwa uzazi wa mpango (
10. Athari kuu inayotokana na kuenea kwa tabia za kijangwa katika eneo hili ni kipi kati ya
vifuatavyo?
(A) uhaba wa maji(kupungua) (B) Kukauka kwa vyanzo vya maji (C) Uhaba wa mvua ( )
11. madhara yatokanayo na mabadiliko ya tabia ya nchi katika ardhi ni ipi kati ya zifuatazo?
(A) mmomonyoko wa udongo (B) Migogogoro ya ardhi (C) Kupungua kwa uzalishaji wa
mazao ya kilimo (D) Kupungua kwa rutuba katika udongo. (
12.kutokana na kukithiri kwa shughuli za uharibifu wa mazingira katika eneo lako ni athari
gani kati ya zifuatazo ilyochukuwa nafasi kubwa?
(A) Kutoweka kwa viumbe anuwai (B) umasikini na kutengana kwa wanafamilia (C)
Mabadiliko ya tabia ya nchi (D) Ukame (E) uhaba wa mvua (
B. QUESTIONNAIRE FOR THE STUDENTS

I Joshua Thomas Nyaoke a student of Jordan University college, i conducted my research
project which is a part of my studies. I request you to help me the following response so as to
make my work be successfully.
Personal information
Name....................................................................sex.........................age.................................
Occupation..................................................................................................................................
Choose the correct answer and write its letter besides in the space provided (bracket)
1. Which are the correct set causes of Desertification in Masinono vilaage
(A)Overgrazing, bush fires, poor methods of farming, poverty and natural causes
(B) Deforestation, hunting, irrigation (C) expansion of settlement, population growth ( )
2. What are the impacts of desertification to the people of an area? Mention them
(a)...............................................................................................................................
(b).....................................................................................................................................
(c)................................................................................................................................
(d)...............................................................................................................................
(e)..............................................................................................................................
(f)................................................................................................................................
3. Can Desertification be prevented in Tanzania especially in your area? What are the
measures should be taken to overcome this phenomenon? Mention them (at least five
measures)
C. QUESTIONNAIRE FOR THE CIVIL SERVANTS &ENVIROMENTALISTS
I Joshua Thomas Nyaoke a student of Jordan University college, i conducted my research

project which is a part of my studies. I request you to help me the following response so as to
make my work be successfully.
Personal information
Name....................................................................sex.........................age.................................
Occupation..................................................................................................................................
1. What is your experience on the on-going land degradation?
........................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................
2. What are you opinion on ways to counter the on-going land degradation?
........................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
3. Does your institution have any on-going programs on anti-Desertification activities? If yes
mention them
(i)......................................... .........................................................................................................
(ii)...................................................................................................................................................
(iii)..................................................................................................................................................
4. How do village communities contribute to these programs?
........................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................
5. Does your institution have an on-going fund for anti-Desertification/land degradation
projects in village communities? Which are they?
........................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................
APPENDIX II INTERVIEW
1. What do you think lead the causes of environmental degradation in your village?
2. How people are engaged in environmental destruction?
3. What should be done in order to overcome desertification in your area?
4. There any education has been provided about environmental conservation and
protection by government or NGOs?
5. Which measures do you think can reduce these phenomena?
APPENDIX II OBSERVATION
Researcher was observe the following in the study area
1. How population increase the causes of desertification at Masinono village?
2. If there is any programme introduced to combat desertification in Masinono village?
3. How much people of Masinono village affected by Desertification
4. Education has been given to the people about the methods of farming so as to ensure the
environmental conservation?

Nyaoke Research Report PDF

Caricato da

Informazioni sul documento

Titolo originale

Copyright

Formati disponibili

Condividi questo documento

Condividi o incorpora il documento

Opzioni di condivisione

Hai trovato utile questo documento?

Questo contenuto è inappropriato?

Copyright:

Formati disponibili

Nyaoke Research Report PDF

Caricato da

Copyright:

Formati disponibili

ST.

AUGUSTINE UNIVERSITY OF TANZANIA

JOSHUA THOMAS NYAOKE

INVESTIGATION OF THE CAUSES OF DESERTIFICATION

BAEd (GEOGRAPHY) Research Project

ST. AUGUSTINE UNIVERSITY OF TANZANIA

JORDAN UNIVERSITY COLLEGE

JOSHUA THOMAS NYAOKE

INVESTIGATION OF THE CAUSES OF DESERTIFICATION

A Case Study of Masinono Village in Musoma Rural District in

This Research Project is submitted in (Partial) Fulfillment of Requirements

The International Fund for Agriculture Development

HADO Hifadhi Ardhi Dodoma - Soil and water conservation in Dodoma

Jordan University College

NEECA National Environmental Education Advisory Council

Non Government Organizations

United Nations Conference on Desertification

United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification

United Nations Conference on Environment and Development

United Nations Development Program me

United Nations Environment Program me

UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

United Nations Development Program me

United Nations Environment Program me

World Ecological Report

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

1:5 Research Questions4

CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW

2:2:4 Reduces the Worlds fresh reserves..12

CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3:6:1 Sample Size..22

4.2.1.1 The Human Causes of Desertification in Masinono village..........................................32

Map 3.1 map of Mara Region........36

1.4 Research Objectives

Source: Adopted and modified from MEAR 2005

1.8 Scope of the Study

A single environmental variable is insufficient to explain this form of degradation. It is the

2.1.2 Poor Crops Cultivation Practices

2.1.4 Bush Fires

degradation, they can no longer afford to import.

2.2.5. Economic Cost

2.3.4. Manufacturing Saving Energy by Growing Vertical Gardens on Factory Wall

MAP OF MARA REGION

Source: Google Map 2014

3.2 Selection of the Study Area

3.4.2 Animal Keeping

Source: Research Data 2014

3.6 Sample Size and Sampling Procedure

Local people (peasants)

Source: Research Data 2014

Table 3.2 Time schedule

Source: JUCO Calendar 2014/ 2015

Writing research proposal

Transport fees to the study area

Typing research report

Source: Research Data 2014

3.11 Limitations of the Study

Source: Research Data 2014

Figure 4.1 Ages of Respondents

Source: Research Data 2014

In a developing country like

were the widows.

Source: Research Data2014