This study was conducted in Kwalei Village, Lushoto District with the objective of determining if significant differences existed between farmers using the indigenous knowledge of applying a local shrub Tughutu (Venonia subligera) for soil enrichment in their fields against those not using it. The study compared livelihood standards, income levels, household nutrition and farm productivity of the two groups. The study also sought to determine potential alternative uses of Tughutu which could be beneficial for household and community poverty alleviation efforts; advocate wider use of this innovation from Kwalei to the surrounding villages and develop policy recommendations for integrated natural resource management. Results indicate that 67% of the farmers in the pilot village of Kwalei use the local shrub Tughutu as an organic fertilizer, especially for maize, beans, tomatoes and coffee. Women and old people were observed to practice the technology more than young and middle-aged men who can access other nutrient sources. Significant differences in terms of yields of maize, beans, tomatoes, coffee and farm income were established between users of Tughutu and non-users. The nutritional levels in terms of weight for age of children under-five, though slightly higher for the users of the technology, were however, not significantly different from the other group.
From these observations, this study advocates a wider use of this local innovation in other villages on these mountains, as this Indigenous Technical Knowledge (ITK) is not only effective in improving the soil’s productivity, it is also a less costly intervention for the farmers to use. The village governments and Lushoto District Council have a role in this endeavour and their support is vital to ensure its increased use across the local communities in Lushoto.
