Agricultural production and food consumption of mountain farmers in Tanzania: a case study of Kiboguwa village in Uluguru Mountains

Abstract

Abstract Background The present study investigates the agricultural practices and food security of rural areas in Africa by observing the farming and food consumption patterns in Kiboguwa village, on the eastern slopes of the Uluguru Mountains, Tanzania. Results The participant observation method was employed to collect and analyze the data of four village divisions: Kiseneke, Changa, Ludewa, and Mungi. Empirical research was conducted on the agricultural and food consumption patterns of the villagers using firsthand information. The production of two main types of cereals, maize and rice, was insufficient owing to low productivity or low production. Many households sell bananas grown in home gardens to compensate for cereal food shortages. Therefore, as a commercial crop, bananas play a vital role in achieving food security for the villagers. Conclusion The present study demonstrates the importance of different dimensions of agriculture and staple food crop productivity. It also describes the specific situation of rural farming in Africa. The newly collected information could help policymakers enhance food security in the areas under investigation.

Keywords

• Commercial crop
• Mountain agriculture
• Rural Africa
• Home garden
• Food security
• Staple food crops