Qualitative Dataset on Multidimensional Contributions of Indigenous Ngoro Farming (Matengo Pits) to Sustainable Agrifood Systems in Tanzania

<p dir="ltr">Overview</p><p dir="ltr">This dataset accompanies a qualitative case study titled "Embracing localized agrifood systems: Multidimensional contributions of indigenous ngoro farming to sustainable agrifood systems in Tanzania." It provides anonymised qualitative data on Ngoro farming—also known as Matengo pits—an Indigenous agricultural practice used by communities in the Matengo Highlands of Mbinga District, Ruvuma Region, Tanzania.</p><p dir="ltr">The dataset is designed to support transparency, secondary qualitative analysis, and replication of thematic interpretation.

It is deposited for open sharing and reuse in research and policy contexts related to Indigenous knowledge, sustainable agriculture, and localised agrifood systems.</p><p dir="ltr">Research Design and Context</p><p dir="ltr">· Research design: Qualitative case study</p><p dir="ltr">· Study location: Matengo Highlands, Mbinga District, Ruvuma Region, Tanzania</p><p dir="ltr">· Data collection period: August 2026</p><p dir="ltr">· Data sources:</p><p dir="ltr">- Semi-structured farmer interviews</p><p dir="ltr">- Key informant interviews</p><p dir="ltr">- Field observations</p><p dir="ltr">- Documentary review</p><p dir="ltr">Analytical approach: Inductive thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke</p><p dir="ltr">Ethics: Approved by the University of Dar es Salaam Research Ethics Committee; dataset anonymised for sharing</p><p dir="ltr">The study examines Ngoro farming as a localised agrifood system, exploring its ecological, economic, food-system, and social-cultural contributions, as well as the challenges affecting its continuity.</p>