Developing landscapes : a conceptual proposal for an Agroforestry Training Centre in Musoma, Tanzania, based on a field study

Abstract: In this thesis we propose a conceptual plan for thedevelopment of an Agroforestry Training Centre (ATC)in Musoma, Tanzania. The aim is to make a proposalto support peasant education in agroforestry. How canan ATC in Musoma be developed into a stimulatingand educational park suitable for teaching agroforestrymethods to peasant farmers and other potential users?To answer that a field study was conducted to investigatehow our client Vi Agroforestry Programme (Vi) and thetarget groups of the client can benefit from the site.The thesis begins with a short explanation of thecontext, in which the ATC plays a part followed by amethodology chapter. Next are three chapters presentedwhich introduce the reader to the research conductedbefore starting the proposal, these include: results ofliterature studies, study of precedents, and results of fieldstudy. The reader is introduced to subjects and results ofimportance to the proposal: agroforestry, participationand spatial structures.The results of the field study include how peasantfarmers can gain from an ATC, the aim of Vi for theATC, and our own site analysis. Our conclusions of theresults of the field study, the precedents, and theory,which are the base for the proposal, are that the ATCis inaccessible and difficult to comprehend, it lacksexcitement, and it expresses its uniqueness weakly.Based on the conclusions, a conceptual design proposalwas carried out where new spatial landscape structuresfor the ATC have been developed. Strategies for what isimportant to emphasise are put forward and explained indiagrams. Two places of interest are presented in depth:the entrance area and the homestead area. In these twoareas examples are given on how the strategies can beinterpreted.Finally comes a reflection where we note what we havelearnt and how it can benefit others. It includes possiblebias like the involvement of Vi in our work which forexample has affected who has participated in interviewsand workshops. We also reflect on our work; that it canbe taken to a more detailed level, and the possibility toset our work in a larger scale by examining other outdoorcentres for education around the world. This project hasbeen conducted within the framework of a Minor FieldStudy, funded by SIDA. The work of this thesis focus onthe process, the field study is presented in more depth inanother report.