Promotion of Marejea Cultivation in the Ruvuma Region of Tanzania: Experiences of the Catholic Missionaries at Peramiho Mission Centre

Abstract

The existing information on marejea (Crotalaria ochroleuca G. Don) work in the Ruvuma region of Tanzania indicates that the crop has the potential to improve soil fertility and control weeds. It can also be used for feeding animals. Although the main purpose of promoting marejea in the region was for improving soil fertility, because of the incentives offered, it rather became an exercise of seed bulking. Farmers were enthusiastic to cultivate marejea as long as incentives were provided. Once they were withdrawn, interest waned. Two workshops, held in 1986 and 1987, were important in creating a forum to discuss a number of issues related to the use and adoption of marejea in the region. However, there was no follow-up after the workshops. The number of farmers currently growing marejea and their reasons for continuing the practice are not known. A study documenting this could be a starting point for efforts to reintroduce the crop in the region.