Abstract:
Environment degradation, loss of grazing lands, high grazing intensities and drought in
northern regions of Tanzania, led to massive migration of pastoralists and livestock to
more resourced areas in the south. This has brought different ethnic groups into same
ecological ranges there by increasing environmental degradation and resource use conflict.
Kilombero valley is one area which received many pastoralists now days with highest
conflict incidents reported. The objectives of this study were, (a) to identify major land
uses in the valley (b) to evaluate selected land utilization types (c) to identify areas of land
use conflicts and (d) to recommend remedial measures. Land unit map was established
through visual aerial photo interpretation, three main physiographic units were
distinguished: the Hilly, the Piedmont and the alluvial plain. PRA and questionnaire were
used to collect socio-economic data and SPSS programme was used for analysis. Soil
survey carried out and soil samples were analysed for physical and chemical properties
important to the requirements of the selected land utilization types. The results revealed
that, land uses in the valley include farming, grazing, bee keeping, wild life utilization,
fishing and forest utilization. The absence of irrigation schemes, limited use of new
agricultural technology, poor agricultural infrastructure and extension services are among
the major constraints to farming. On livestock, overstocking and poor technical services
are among the major problems. As for land evaluation, it was noted that the alluvial plain
which potential for paddy cultivation, is in stiff competition with livestock grazing due to
availability of pasture and water. Conflicts between farmers and pastoralists are rooted on
crop damage by livestock and land disputes among others. Absence of exiting land use
plan has worsened the situation. In conclusion, both pastoralists and farmers are engaged
in farming and zoning for different land use types was recommended.iii
