Exploring the Role of Valley Bottom Farming Systems (Vinyungu) for Enhanced Food Stability in a Changing Climate Epoch in Rural Tanzania

Abstract

This paper investigates the contribution of valley bottom farming systems (vinyungu) on food stability in rural areas of Tanzania. Two villages from Iringa rural district were selected for this study. Primary data were collected using questionnaires which were distributed to 198 respondents, focused group discussions (FGDs), in-depth interviews as well as the researcher’s own observations. Secondary data were obtained from written documents focusing on the research topic. Also, the study used rainfall and temperature data which were obtained from Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA). The annual trends of rainfall and temperature were analyzed via linear trend analysis using a regression equation ‘b’ (y = bx + a). Similarly, the Percentage of Normal Precipitation Index (PNPI) was computed to ascertain years which experienced little and standard rainfall over the past 40 years (1982-2021). The results revealed that vinyungu farming systems play a vital role towards food stability in the study area. Respondents reported to depend on vinyungu crops during dry and other seasons. However, despite of its contribution to food stability, vinyungu farming systems can lead to environmental deterioration if the practice is not well managed. Therefore, capacity building to the communities engaging in such activities is essential for its sustainability.