Back M. K. Maalim1, F. H. Ali2, Z. M. Abubakar2, A. M. Haji2 and M. K. Maalim3
Institute of Marine Sciences, University of Dar-es-Salaam, P.O.Box 668, Zanzibar, Tanzania1,
Commission for Research and Extension, Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources, Environment and Cooperatives, P.O.Box 159, Zanzibar, Tanzani2 and
Department of Horticulture, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro,
Tanzania3
Full Paper (PDF File: 23KB)
Abstract
Effective microorganisms (EM) an innovative technology is growing and its dispersal has been proved efficient in enhancing crop yields as well as purifying polluted environment. Several scientific researches have already been conducted to assess its validity along with its impacts and all of them have revealed encouraging results confirming that the technology has numerous benefits in both agriculture and environment that have never been realized before through any other existing technology.
Zanzibar depends mainly on agriculture to strengthening its economy with estimated 80% of its population involved in agriculture. However, it has been facing several limitations and troubles in agriculture practices. Some biofertilisers have been tested especially in rice cultivation such as azolla- Anabaena and Azospirillum lipoferum in rice and Rhizobium in cowpeas and have shown encouraging results and thus signifying the use of beneficial microorganisms.
This paper discusses the status of agriculture in Zanzibar and assessing the current biofertilisers systems that are under research. It forecasts the position of EM Technology to promote agricultural activities. It therefore ascertains the suitability and feasibility of the technology to be disseminated and implemented in the country to alleviate poverty that has largely been contributed by poor agriculture practices. The paper also unveils the existing environmental problems such as coastal water pollution that can be eliminated using EM Technology. The paper provides substantial information proving the viability of the EM technology to be used in Zanzibar tropical Islands to enhance agriculture and improve environmental profile of the islands.