Sozial-ökologische Systeme im Wandel: Landnutzungsvisionen im Kilombero Tal, Tansania

The Kilombero Valley in Tanzania is one of the largest seasonal wetlands in East Africa, with great agricultural potential. Currently, smallholder rainfed rice cultivation dominates, but since the mid-twentieth century there have been as yet unimplemented plans to intensify agriculture. In the face of changing hydro-climatic risks and increasing socio-economic dynamics, the question of the resilience of these human–environment interactions arises. At stake is the sustainable balance between human needs and the integrity of the ecosystem. In this regard, a socio-ecological research perspective can bring to the forefront the interactions between the social and biophysical subsystems, as well as the actions of the actors embedded in the biosphere, and examine the different subsystems at different spatial, temporal and institutional levels. The impact of land-use visions on existing land-use patterns and the role of environmental perceptions are explored, as are the perspectives of different actors and their influence on decision-making and scope of action. The article discusses how land-use visions create spatial realities and which adaptation strategies are chosen and for what reasons.