4 AIMS OF KILOMBERO VALLEY IRRIGATION SCHEME

The scheme started in 1960 and it became a government parastatal called Sugar Development co-operation in 1968.

Today, it employs over 46,000 workers and it contributes 40% of the total sugar production in Tanzania.

It has mainly encouraged the development of out-growers’ schemes.

Aims of Kilombero valley irrigation scheme

To diversify the economy of the area, especially the out-growers to ensure a constant flow of income.

It has provided employment opportunities for the Tanzanian population hence improving their standards of living.
It has led to the development of roads and railways e.g. the extension of Tanzam-Tazara railway which has made transport easier.
It has diversified the agricultural activities within the area which helps to fight food insecurity.
It has put idle land into good use hence ensuring resource utilisation and reducing resource wastage.

Sugar is exported and this brings in foreign exchange used for developing infrastructures e.g. roads.
International relationship has been created between Tanzania and other countries e.g. Zambia leading to peaceful co-existence.
It is a source of government revenue through taxation which is used for developing infrastructures e.g. hospitals.
Source of sugar which is a vital commodity for the people in the area.
It has helped to control the diverse effects of flooding in the area hence reducing on destruction of property.

Infrastructure has been developed e.g. roads, schools, hospitals and markets leading to urbanisation e.g. Kidatu, Ifakara and Kilosa towns.
Has led to development of research in sugarcane varieties hence boosting people’s knowledge.
It has led to establishment of processing industries which have provided employment opportunities to the people in the area.
The scheme has helped resettle people who were formerly landless and jobless hence reducing on land wrangles and crime in the area.

Spraying of crops by using pesticides to avoid pests and diseases.
Price control by government and production by quota system to avoid price fluctuation at the world market.

Research on better sugarcane varieties to increase production and quality.
Applying fertilizers and manure to increase soil fertility and ensure high productivity.

Use of herbicides to control weeds and reduce competition for soil nutrients.
Controlling fire outbreaks by living bare land between plots (patching) to stop fire from spreading.
Diversification of agriculture to reduce over reliance on sugarcane growing e.g. introduction of ranching.
Encouraging mechanization to solve the problem of labour shortage especially during harvesting.
Acquiring loans from banks to provide large capital base for farm operations.

De-silting and dredging of canals to control floods and ensure proper flow of water.
Construction of feeder roads and railways within the scheme to improve accessibility to markets.