Farmers' knowledge in the utilisation of indigenous browse species for feeding of goats in semi arid central Tanzania^#

Discussion

Gender roles significantly influence acquisition and utilization of indigenous knowledge in agricultural activities as was evident within the agro-pastoral communities in this study about fodder for goats. Our findings agree with those of Kajembe et al (2000) who asserted that division of labour among pastoral and agro-pastoral communities, such as sending animals to pasture-lands, makes one gender group (male) more familiar to many types of pastures and forages than the other (female). Nevertheless, females in some other pastoral communities are sometimes more skillful than males in other aspects. Ole Lengisugi (1995) pointed out that Maasai women are more knowledgeable in selecting cows with high milk yields and those with good mothering characteristics than men. This is because they are so involved in the care and handling of calves and milking animals. Discussion with informants on gender roles in management and care of livestock showed that adult females are less involved in grazing than are adult males, young boys and girls. However, they are actively concerned with milking or processing of milk. 

Operations related to management of animals are key factors that also influence practices of accumulated knowledge of farmers in a farming system. Free ranging of goats in agro-pastoral systems of central Tanzania offer these browsing animals a wider chance of feed selection and is good time for farmers to observe as many species as possible. Frequencies or percentages of respondents recording “fast fill” as a criterion of quality were generally higher than on palatability as a criterion for most of the trees identified. This was due to the fact that the primary interest and quick observation by farmers is on animal satisfaction. In other words, it was revealed that many goat keepers are interested in species that are leafy or pods from trees which could give fast fill when browsed in situ or offered to goats. Ecborium species, Grewia species, Acacia tortilis and Dichrostachys cinerea are prime examples. Fenna et al (1998) reported that stomach fill is a criterion used by goat keepers in the Tanzanian Uluguru mountains whereby some forages ranked by farmers in descending order were Hyperrenia spp, Pennisetum purpureum and maize stover. Mtenga et al (1992) noted that understanding palatability of tree species could increase dry matter intake in zero grazing systems by offering the least palatable first and the most palatable species last. Such views concur with those of Forbes (1995) that palatability is not an important issue when one forage type is available but it becomes more important when two or more forages are available. Therefore due to the fact that goats are free grazing in semi-arid areas, herdsmen would lead goats to areas where plant species that they consider palatable are readily available. Nevertheless, the general poor response in aspects of palatability for many trees (except for Dichrostachys cinerea where there was 100% response) requires further attention. In this study, however, many goat keepers reported that the goat knows better which tree / shrub is more palatable than the other is. Probably the picture would have been different in the cut and carry system in the practice of zero grazing. This is because apart from consideration of fast stomach fill, farmers selectively carry forages to stall-fed animals while considering aspects of their palatability.

The small East African goats that are kept in semi-arid areas of central Tanzania are valued for meat. Thus farmers are interested more in growth of kids and good condition of adults that are sold to open markets in rural areas and beyond (minada). Hence their greater emphasis is on growth as reflected in their views in evaluating the trees and shrubs. On the other hand, the agropastoral communities in central Tanzania are not so used to milking of goats. Therefore, farmers’ response on value of the surveyed feed resources and effect of these feeds on milk yield was also limited due to the current practices and operations in goat enterprises.

Farmers recognize the importance of watering their animals and hence their perspective of looking as disadvantaged trees and shrubs which demand more drinking water by goats when they consume them. Tamarindus indica leaves are “salty”; Dischrostachys pods are “coarse and dry” were some of the remarks by respondents for characteristics of some feeds. These characteristics are associated with more demand for drinking water if consumed by animals (Forbes 1995). However, inherent climatic conditions and the fact that many areas in semi-arid lands are short of watering points are issues of concern. Shayo et al (1996) have advocated that unconventional feed resources such as water melons (Citrullus vulgaris) could provide additional water to animals. Agropastoralists in central Tanzania could therefore be encouraged to optimize the use of these available resources.

On the other hand, the physical characteristics of faeces may depend on among other things, the dry matter content of the feed at the time of intake. To the farmer, however, the physical characteristics of faeces could be an important aspect for example in cases where kraals are cleaned and manure collected for fertilizing cropping areas. Farmers in the hilly farming systems of Nepal (Thorne et al 1999) are very concerned with this aspect as they collect manure to their farms. The study revealed that farmers’ knowledge could be a valuable resource on aspects related to crop-livestock interaction such as manure production, conservation and use.

Conclusion

The study has shown that most of the goat keepers are knowledgeable of the vast resources available in their localities. Thus research and development agencies can bring notable impact to farming systems if they consider farmers’ (indigenous) knowledge about locally available resources such as feeds. While this study concentrated mainly on farmers’ views and experiences about the use of tree and shrub forages, validation of some of the raised issues using other laboratory methods or live animals is essential. Therefore, for improved goat production and increased household food security in semi-arid central Tanzania further studies are still needed for profitable utilization of diverse forage materials.

Acknowledgement

The authors are grateful for the co-operation they obtained from farmers and extension staff. DMK acknowledges generous funding from IFS for Project (B/2983 –1).

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