Innovative farmers in Kenya and Tanzania

As a geographer, Dr Blume’s research interests lie in the field of land and forest management systems in the tropics and subtropics with her main focus being on East Africa and agroforestry.

Abstract of Anja Blume's research

Results of a study carried out in 18 successful, partly female-headed smallholder families in two project areas in Tanzania and one in Kenya are presented. The research focussed on farmer’s livelihood strategies, the potential and problems of project approaches and activities, success indicators as well as field methods. A multi-method approach has been applied with main focus on participant observation.

The farmer’s strategies are manifold: tree plantings, natural tree regeneration, organic farming, promotion of traditional medicinal and food plants, physical measures, techniques of sustainable water and energy management, zero-grazing and fodder banks, off-farm income generation, etc. Furthermore, these farmers have a decisive influence on their social environment as knowledge careers and multiplicators and consequently function as important mediators between projects and local people, especially marginal groups (e.g. female-headed households).

Various closely linked success indicators have been identified on farm-level, being a valuable matrix for project activities.

Strengthening the position of engaged and innovative female and male farmers through their enhanced integration in projects (gender workshops, training, study tours, etc.) will directly contribute to farm sustainability and the success of project activities with positive effects beyond the local level.