A Cross-Sectional Study on the Effect of Saltwater Intrusion on Saro Rice Farming in Tovuni Kiungoni, Zanzibar, Tanzania.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51168/insights.v2i10.32Keywords:
Saltwater intrusion, Saro rice farming, Soil salinity, Tovuni Kiungoni, Zanzibar agricultureAbstract
Background.
Saltwater intrusion poses a significant threat to agricultural productivity in coastal regions, particularly in Tovuni Kiungoni, Zanzibar, where Saro Rice Farming is a vital economic activity. This study investigated the effects of increasing salinity on rice cultivation, focusing on changes in soil salinity, crop yield, and farmer adaptations.
Methodology.
Through field surveys, soil sampling, and interviews with local farmers, the research identifies key contributors to escalating salinity in irrigation water, including rising sea levels and unsustainable water management practices.
Results
34% of the respondents were aged 60 years and above, and Females dominated the study at 62%. The findings reveal that elevated levels of sodium (Na⁺) and chloride (Cl⁻) ions exceed thresholds for optimal rice production, causing osmotic stress, reduced germination, stunted plant growth, and lower yields. Additionally, soil sodicity degrades soil structure, reduces infiltration, and exacerbates these challenges. Farmers have adopted strategies such as salt-tolerant rice varieties, improved irrigation techniques, and leaching practices, but their effectiveness is hindered by limited resources and knowledge.
Conclusion.
Elevated levels of sodium and chloride in irrigation water not only reduce the osmotic potential, making it difficult for crops to absorb water but also lead to soil degradation through sodicity. These effects ultimately compromise crop yields and agricultural sustainability in the region.
Recommendation.
There is an urgent need for integrated water resource management, sustainable agricultural practices, research on resilient crop varieties, and enhanced support systems to bolster farmer resilience. Collaborative efforts among stakeholders are essential to safeguard Saro Rice Farming, ensure food security, and address the growing impacts of climate change and environmental degradation in the region.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Eric Niringiyimana, Abdi Mzee Kitwana, Henry Stanley Mbowa
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