Influence of Farming Practices within and adjacent to the Riparian Ecosystems on the Water Quality of the Lukuledi River, Lindi-Tanzania

Today, the world is facing a global water crisis, with expanding farming practices driven by population growth and agricultural demand degrading water resources. Farming practices in areas within and adjacent to the riparian ecosystems of the Lukuledi River have increased contaminant release, negatively affecting the aquatic ecosystem of the river. However, there is limited knowledge on the consequences of these practices and their influence on the water quality of the river. This study identified farming practices within and adjacent to the Lukuledi River and assessed their influence on the river's water quality. Four clusters were established along the river continuum. The first cluster (Cluster I) was established upstream in the protected Rondo Nature Forest Reserve, while the other clusters (Clusters II to IV) were located midstream and downstream in the agricultural landscape. Farming practices in clusters II to IV were assessed using household socio-economic data collected through structured questionnaires and direct field observation. In each of the four clusters, water quality parameters, including pH, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Electrical Conductivity (EC), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), and Temperature (T), were measured in situ using a multiparameter analyser (HI-9829). The recorded farming practices were analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics 27, and the results were presented using descriptive statistics. The same software was also used to analyse water quality parameters and the results were presented as descriptive statistics (mean concentration). The identified farming practices include shifting cultivation, mixed cropping, intercropping, monocropping, irrigation farming (basin and canal/furrow), free-range and zero grazing, along with the use of fertilisers and agrochemicals. The mean concentrations of water quality parameters were significantly higher in downstream clusters compared to the upstream cluster. However, pH was below TBS and WHO standards in upstream Cluster I but met the standards in midstream and downstream Clusters. DO was below WHO standards throughout but met TBS standards in downstream Clusters III and IV, while remaining below in upstream and midstream. Temperature met TBS and WHO standards in upstream Cluster I, but exceeded in midstream and downstream clusters. EC and TDS values remained within TBS and WHO limits. There was a positive correlation between the farming practices and water quality. These findings suggest that farming practices within and adjacent to the river alter the water quality and key aquatic ecosystems. Thus, monitoring of agricultural practices is essential to mitigate negative impacts on the Lukuledi River ecosystem and preserve its water quality.