Efficient utilisation of river valleys - experiences from mbarali

Abstract

In the Southern Highlands zones, within zone exchange visit was carried out from April 14 to 19, 2002. In this visit, farmers, extension agents and researchers from Kyela rice growing areas visited their counterparts in the Usangu plains to exchange experiences in ric.ecultivation and other agricultural enterprises being carried during the year. The theme of the visit was "Efficient Utilization of River valleys", a concept aimed at improving awareness of rice producing farmers in land and water management, including cropping systems and their interaction with livestock production systems. It is well understood that land and water are necessary resources for agricultural production. These essential resources have often led to wars between tribes within a country or between countries. Rarely do water and agricultural land are efficiently utilized in agricultural production in most developing countries. The two resources often occur concurrently in valley bottoms for the major part of the year. Thus, valley bottoms offer a unique environment guaranteeing profitable agricultural production if sustainably managed.