Climate PDF Print E-mail
Written by Administrator   
Tuesday, 11 May 2010 10:45
The climate of Mbeya region is greatly influenced by physiology and altitude.  It is generally tropical with marked seasonal and altitudinal temperature variations and sharply defined dry and rainy seasons.  Temperature averages range between 16oC in the highlands and 25oC in the lowland areas.
 

There are three main Agro-economic Zones, as shown below:

  • (i) High Potential Zones: Include areas with high rainfall and fertile soils, with a lot of agricultural production; these are South Usangu Plains (Mbarali Distict), Central Mbeya Plain, Uporoto and Ilembo Highlands (Mbeya District), East Ileje, West Rungwe Plain, East and Central Rungwe, South Rungwe, North Kyela and the South Kyela.

The High Potential Zones lie at an altitude of 1,500 to 2,400 metres above sea level. It has cool temperatures and receives rainfall exceeding 2,500 millimetres per year. Crops cultivated at these areas include, maize, groundnuts, beans, wheat, potatoes, coffee, bananas, tea cocoa.  Dairy farming is highly practised. 

  • (ii) Medium Potential Zones: These lie at an altitude of 800 to1500 metres above sea level and rainfalls is highly variable and increases with increasing altitude, ranging from less than 700 mm. per year at North Usangu Plain to 1,700 mm per year at the Mbozi/Ileje Plateau and Rukwa Valley (Chunya and Mbozi Districts). Crops cultivated are maize, sorghum, finger millet, cotton, cowpeas, groundnuts, cassava, beans and some paddy.  Animal husbandry is as well practised.

  • (iii) Low Potential Zones: Lies at an altitude of 500 metres to 1000 metres above sea level occupying mainly the areas of North Chunya Plain, Central Chunya and Msangaji Plateau and Kyela Lowlands.  Usually rainfalls are unreliable and soils are less fertile. 

Temperatures are warm with annual rainfall of less than 1000 mm.  However, the Kyela Lowlands sometimes get rainfall as high as 2500 mm. per year.  Several crops thrive well in the Lowlands zone, like tobacco, maize, sorghum, finger millet, cassava, groundnuts, cocoa, cashew nuts, palm oil, paddy and bananas.  Livestock keeping and fishing are also major activities
Last Updated ( Tuesday, 11 May 2010 10:50 )
 

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