Agriculture in Dambos Around Mzuzu City, Malawi; a Sustainability Assessment

Abstract

This paper concentrates on the examination of existing agricultural systems in dambos around Mzuzu, Malawi. The paper connects onsite investigations conducted in the summer of 2008 and a review of related works. This paper looks at the contemporary agriculture practices and comments on their socioeconomic and biophysical negative impacts. It examines the dependence of farmers on a system that continuously drains the little money they have as well as continuously degrading the natural environment, decreasing productivity and affecting their food security and subsistence. The paper also discusses the ecological importance of dambos and the services they provide. It also comments on how keeping their integrity intact and using sustainable agricultural practices are in the best interest of the farmers and those who surround the dambos.