|
In the last decade Tanzania has undergone a progressive process of political and economical openness which has translated in, among other aspects, the more intensive exploitation of its touristy resources, the privatisation of national enterprises, and the welcoming of foreign investment in terms of market economy. This situation has created a certain weakness for groups of specific social levels not enough prepared for the consequences of the disappearing of a big brother model of state. At the same time, certain political developments in neighbouring countries (Zimbabwe, Kenya, etc) have carried the almost complete disappearance of some important focal points for the commercialisation of exportable agricultural products which has been a serious drawback for the farming community. In this scenario, so discouraging for agriculture, the farmers from Tanzania have suffered the driest year in 3 decades, a factor that completes a situation of increasingly rural poverty to follow with one of population displacement. Inside continental Tanzania the most important agricultural production is given in the regions of the southern highlands, among which is the region of Iringa. The area is one of tropical climate smothered by the height, with a rainy season from November to April that marks the summer and a dry season with an almost total absence of rain. The population in the region reaches 1,5 million inhabitants, 90% of which earn their living with farming, thus representing the practically only one economical activity. |
It occupies an area of around 58,936 square kilometres, with an average elevation of 1,400 metres above sea level. Mountainous landscape is predominant, but with watered valleys that have an important agricultural potential. Nearly 15% of its surface is classified as national parks and natural reserves. Land usage does not surpass 20% of the arable land, with a highly unbalanced distribution of property.
According to data provided by a governmental enquiry of agricultural activities back in 1999, 298,000 farmers work 490,000 Ha, divided in 799,000 orchards. The average small orchard hardly surpasses half an hectare. Average size of a farm is 1,6 Ha. And even this size can be deceiving; for example, 7 families of Greek origin control roughly 70,000 Ha. Also the enquiry reveals that 23% of the farmers are older than 55 years, 62% is between 31 and 54 years, and only 15% are under 30 years, which is however the age group that constitutes half of the population of Tanzania. This distribution seems to indicate that (essentially) young males are abandoning the cultivation of farms to settle down in the cities, just to find the urban areas cannot accommodate them due to the lack of industrial tissue or a service sector properly developed. Annual per capita income in the region is around 170,733 TSch (1 USD=1090 TSch.), which does not reach 125 € at 2004 rates. |
 |
 |
Who we are... Where we are... What we do... |
Come close to ASF and meet the Foundation. |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
The Foundation in pictures.
C/Berruguete 5 - 28039 Madrid,Spain
info@agronomossinfronteras.org