1. Sokoine University of Agriculture Official Publications

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Browsing 1. Sokoine University of Agriculture Official Publications by Author "Kimera Sharadhuli I."

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    The effects of dichrostachys cinerea (sickle bush) encroachment on herbaceous vegetation attributes in the grazing lands of Monduli district, Tanzania
    (Rangeland Society of Tanzania (RST), 2025) Mguluka Emelia E.; Sangeda Anthony Z.; Kimera Sharadhuli I.
    Reports indicate a global increase in bush encroachment, transforming open grassy systems into dense thickets of woody plants. Dichrostachys cinerea, commonly known as sickle bush or endundulu by Maasai communities, is one of the encroaching shrubs in Africa that tends to form dense thickets, which are difficult to eliminate due to its invading ability. Recently, this plant has been observed to increase tremendously in the grazing lands of Monduli district, although little is known about its impact on herbaceous vegetation attributes in the district. This study aimed to assess the effects of this encroachment on herbaceous vegetation attributes in the grazing lands. Three villages (Mswakini chini, Mswakini juu and Naitolia) were purposively selected and involved in this study. Vegetation surveys and measurements, involving transect lines, plots, sub-plots, and quadrats, were conducted in encroached and adjacent non- encroached sites in the grazing land of each village. A total of 72 (20m × 20m) plots were demarcated, and in each plot, there were five (5m × 5m) sub plots, from where the biomass readings were taken (using a pasture disc meter), vegetation cover estimated (using a pin quadrat), and individual species were identified and counted within 0.25m2 quadrats. A total of 64 herbaceous species were obtained during this study, of which 37.5% were found only in non-encroached areas, 25% only in encroached areas, and 37.5% were common to both sites. The study found that encroached areas had significantly lower biomass (409.604 Kg DM/ha) and a lower cover of desirable vegetation (10%), with greater bare ground cover (56%) compared to non-encroached sites, which had 890.72 Kg DM/ha biomass, 48% desirable vegetation cover, and 19% bare ground cover. The condition of the grazing lands was generally poorer in encroached sites than in non-encroached sites. The findings of this study show the negative effects of Dichrostachys cinerea encroachment on herbaceous vegetation attributes in grazing lands, which challenges sustainable livestock production. These results are relevant to local pastoralists, land managers, and policymakers in Monduli district and other similar areas facing sickle bush encroachment. It is recommended that strategies such as mechanical bush control, controlled grazing, and the use of prescribed burning be implemented, with the aid of advanced studies on the bush, active involvement and training of pastoralists to manage the bush effectively. Policymakers should provide frameworks and resources to promote sustainable forage production.