Title_ Evidence of Environmental Degradation Due to Agricultural Expansion in The Northern and Southern Highland Agricultural Zones of Tanzania

Author_ John Banga Nakei and Kang Joon Wun

Pages 55-94

Abstract_ This paper critically analyzes the factors contributing to environmental degradation as well as determines which factors are created by the expanding agricultural activities in the southern and northern highlands of Tanzania. The paper emphasizes that land degradation, agrochemical wastes, and increased farming land size have been described to increase the pressure of environmental degradation whereby the increase of agricultural activities stands as the driving force. It is hoped that from this paper, Tanzania can become aware of these causes and seek ways to ward off further environmental degradation in the future and maintain sustainable agriculture growth. As most of the causes of environmental degradation are preventable, Tanzania should establish both short and long term plans to manage agricultural activities in a more eco-friendly way to promote sustainable development and economic growth. The recommendations given here are among the policy issues to be considered by all stakeholders in addressing measures to minimize the impact of agriculture to the natural environment to achieve sustainable agriculture development and to meet MDG goal 7 by 2015.

Keywords_ Environmental Degradation, Agricultural Activities, Environmental Sustainability, Land Resources.