Proceedings of the 6th Scientific Conference of Rangeland Society of Tanzania (RST)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://www.suaire.sua.ac.tz/handle/20.500.14820/7530

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Effects of fertilizer application and season on the yield and quality of natural pasture at Magadu Dairy Farm, Sokoine University of Agriculture
(Rangeland Society of Tanzania (RST), 2025) Tarimo Venance S.; Mtengeti Ephraim J.
More than 90% of Tanzania national ruminant livestock herd thrive on natural pastures. Improvement of natural forage productivity as well as its quality, would have a significant impact on the production of this national ruminant livestock herd. Fertilizer application as a management tool to improve tropical natural pastures has rarely been reported. A study was therefore conducted to test fertilizer as a management tool to improve natural pastures on an existing one hectare of mixed natural pastures, mainly of natural grasses at Magadu Dairy Farm of Sokoine University of Agriculture. The main aim of this study was to find out if fertilizer application can be to improve the yield and quality of the natural pastures. The one-hectare plot was divided into two sub- plots. The first sub-plot was used in the short rains, while the second sub-plot was used in the long rains as the study area falls under bimodal rainfall regime. The pasture in each sub- plot was mowed down at the beginning of each rain season and thereafter the sub-plot was again divided into two equal sub-sub- plots. One sub-sub-plot was applied with a mixture of nitrogenous (174 kg N/ha) and phosphorus (92 kg P/ha) fertilizers at once and the second was a control. Pastures at both rainfall regimes were harvested at 50 % flowering and thus, pasture regrowth was harvested at 90 days old in the short rains those in the short rains was harvested at 65 days old. Dry mater yield estimation was conducted by throwing a quadrat of 0.25 m 2 randomly ten times at an equal distance along the two diagonals of each sub-sub plot. Pasture samples were collected and sent to the laboratory for oven drying, chemical composition analysis and determination of in vitro dry matter and organic matter digestibility (IVDMD and IVOMD). Fertilizers application increased significantly (P≤ 0.01) the natural pastures dry matter yield. regardless of the rain seasons. Fertilizers improved crude protein of natural pastures significantly (P≤0.001). Short rain season natural pastures had significantly (P≤ 0.001) higher NDF contents than those of long rain season regardless of fertilizer application. The energy contents ME (MJ/kg DM) for both fertilized and unfertilized long rain forages were significantly (P≤ 0.001) higher than all pastures of the short rain. Long rain fertilized pastures had significantly (P≤ 0.001) higher IVOMD than unfertilized forages of the same season. In the short rain fertilized forages had significantly (P≤ 0.001) higher IVOMD than unfertilized pasture. The long rain fertilized forages had significantly (P≤ 0.001) higher IVOMD than all other pastures. From this study it can be concluded that fertilizer application significantly improves both the quantity and quality of natural pastures and that fertilizers can be applied at any season as long as there is sufficient soil moisture. However, harvesting at 50% flowering compromised forage quality in short rains due to extended period to flowering stage of growth as compared to long rains.
Herders’ local knowledge and capacity development needs for sustainable rangeland management in Tanzania
(Rangeland Society of Tanzania (RST), 2025) Sangeda Anthony Z.; Selemani Ismail S.; Nindi Stephen J.; Looloitai Lilian
Pastoralists in Tanzania are facing a myriad of threats and challenges in managing rangelands. One of the concrete ways of responding to these challenges and myths about pastoralism is through training, advocacy and public awareness. The study was conducted to examine the existing capacity among pastoralists on rangeland management practices in seven districts (zones) which represent the diverse pastoral ecosystems in Tanzania. The sites vary significantly in terms of climatic conditions which are largely differentiated by rainfall availability and distribution. A total of 221 pastoralists were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. The study used cross sectional design in data collection. More information was triangulated through Focus Group Discussions and Key Informant Interviews. Quantitative and qualitative data were analysed using SPSS and content analysis, respectively. It was found that most pastoralists have rich indigenous knowledge yet they received limited training on rangeland related issues. The existing local knowledge related to management of rangeland resources, were found poorly integrated into management practices such as reseeding, bush control, soil and moisture conservation. The study established further that pastoral communities require capacity development in the areas of rain water harvesting, soil and moisture conservation, control of invasive weeds and adaptation strategies to climate change. Therefore, it is recommended to engage local communities by building their capacity on rangeland ecological carrying capacity, diversification of livelihoods strategies, fodder management and establishment of improved pastures.
Influence of finishing strategies on carcass composition and meat quality characteristics of Boran crossbred bulls
(Rangeland Society of Tanzania (RST), 2025) Maro Ezekiel P.; Laswai Germana H.; Sangeda Anthony Z.; Selemani Ismail S.; Shem Martin N.
This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of finishing practices and slaughter periods on carcass composition and quality of meat from Boran crossbred bulls. Fifty-four (2.5 – 3 years old, 205 ± 1.89 kg initial body weight) bulls were assigned/subjected to three different finishing practices; 18 bulls were on sole grazing (P1), 18 bulls were on supplementation after grazing (P2) and 18 bulls were kept on feedlot (P3). After that, 9 bulls (3) from each practice in the same finishing period were slaughtered at 45 days-S1, 60 days-S2, and 75 days-S3. Carcass and non-carcass components and composition were evaluated from slaughtered bulls. Carcass pH was measured at 24 h and 48 h post-slaughter at the LTL muscle and cooking loss and shear force values were evaluated for 4-, 8-, 12-, and 16-days aged meat. The findings showed that finishing practice and the slaughter period significantly (P<0.05) influenced the internal fat, heart-lung-liver, carcass length, and chest depth. The fat thickness, internal fat, Heart-lung-liver, four feet, gastrointestinal tract (GIT) full and empty were affected by finishing practices with bulls on P3 registering the highest fat thickness, internal fat and heart-lung-liver followed by P2 and P1 in that order. Meat pH (5.21-5.49) was similar (P˃0.05) in finishing practices and slaughter periods. Carcass length, chest depth, hide, git empty, tenderness, and a* colour significantly (p<0.05) interacted by finishing practice and slaughter period. the L* colour intensities were higher in bulls slaughtered at S3 (45.96) than in S2 bulls (41.29) and a* values vary significantly (p<0.05) with finishing practices. The Boran crossbred bulls showed improved tenderness with bulls on P3 (41.71N) having the lowest shear force values followed by P1 and P2 (44.41N and 45.4 N) with similar values. overall, bulls on P3 have heavier non-carcass components and better meat quality properties than those on P1 and P2. In conclusion, carcass components and meat quality characteristics were better in feedlot-finished bulls at 75 days of slaughter and aged 12 days. For increased beef quality, livestock farmers are encouraged to finish feedlot bulls for 75 days and age meat for 12 days. The findings of this study need further investigation into the influence of finishing strategies on fatty acid content and consumer health perceptions.
Integrated agricultural development strategies: assessing forage and seed supply chain dynamics at vikuge pasture seed farm, Kibaha, Tanzania
(Rangeland Society of Tanzania (RST), 2025) Salehe Farida; Ngowi Edwin
This study investigated the integrated agricultural development practices at Vikuge Pasture Seed Farm in Kibaha, Tanzania, focusing on the supply and commercialization of forage and seeds. It identified critical challenges that hampered effective commercialization and sought to elucidate how the farm’s practices influenced local agricultural dynamics. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 96 respondents through key informant interviews and focus group discussions, supplemented by a thorough literature review. A market system and value chain approach were adopted to analyze the flow of inputs from production to consumption, aiming to uncover the interconnected activities that enhance economic viability. Statistical findings revealed a remarkable 25% increase in annual revenue attributed to innovative agronomic practices and market-oriented strategies, underscoring the strong economic feasibility of the farm's operations. Qualitative insights from the focus group discussions highlighted the socio-economic implications of integrated practices, indicating improved access to high-quality forage seeds, enhanced livestock productivity, and positive ripple effects on local economies. Participants reported increased income and job creation, validating the transformative potential of integrated agricultural development initiatives. This study not only contributes to the understanding of commercialization strategies in Tanzanian agriculture but also provides empirical support for policy frameworks aimed at promoting sustainable agricultural practices that can elevate local livelihoods and economic resilience.
Rangeland resources use and monitoring for sustainable development in Tanzania
(Rangeland Society of Tanzania (RST), 2025) Mtengeti Ephraim J.
Tanzania rangelands covering nearly 50% of the total land mass of 94 mill ha is endowed with a range of natural resources that provide diverse goods and services. Rangelands provide a number of ecosystem services including clean air, consumable products such as red meat, milk, fiber, water and medicinal plants. Also, they non-consumptive services such as recreation and tourism and acts as a carbon dioxide sink and thus sustaining economic development of the country. The rangeland water catchment areas of Tanzania provide water that generates over 55 % of Tanzania’s hydropower. The livestock sector employs about 50% of her population, equivalent to 4.6 million households. The travel and tourism compititiveness index of 2021 by the World Economic Forum ranked Tanzania 1st in Africa and 12th worldwide regarding the quality of its nature- based tourism resources. As a result, tourism value chain contributes nearly 17 % of the country GDP and is a third lagest of direct employement sector with over 850,000 workers. Tourism has been accounted for over one-quater of the country ‘s foreign earnings in 2019, representing USD 2,605 mill. Production of red meat from cattle, goat and sheep by 2023 stood at 544,983.8 metric tons and export was about 4,577.5 tons. Despite the economic benefits of these rangeland resources to the country, they are faced with a number of threats that undermine their productivity, namely: agricultural expansion, deforestation, wildfires, overgrazing and invasive alien species. These threats emanate mainly from the lack of coherent approaches to planning and decision making for sustainable utilization of the available rangeland resources. Haphazard development of water points (dams, pans and boreholes) in wet season and/or dry season grazing areas is an example of malpractice due to improper planning as it attracts spontaneous sedentarization of pastoral communities and year-round grazing that result in rangeland degradation. Exploitation or rationing of rangeland resources to uses or users has in most cases not been based on their availability or condition (healthy) to satisfy needs. Reserved rangeland areas for grazing and wildlife conservation lack nationally organized range reources inventory and monitoring because of the lack of enough employed well trained personel to carry out this valuable task. Sustainable utilization of rangeland resources entail uses that conserve soil, water, desirable plant genetic resources, environmentally non-degrading, technically appropriate, economically viable in terms of grazing animal productivity, and socially acceptable. Thus, sustainable use of rangeland resources requires access to reliable baseline information. Data provided by rangeland resources inventory and monitoring gives a variety of information, including; the distribution, productivity and composition of natural vegetation; rainfall and temperature regimes; edaphic and hydrological data, grazing land utilization and wild and domesticated animals; land tenure and ownership; and socio-economic information and marketing. A thourough interpretation of such information can lead to an informed decision and a guide to appoprate policy and regulation in allocation and use of rangeland resources for sustainable economic development. This paper elaborates the importance of guided rangeland resources use through inventory and monitoring for sustainable economic development in Tanzania.
Review of adaptive management practices for rangelands restoration under uncertainty of climate change
(Rangeland Society of Tanzania (RST), 2025) Selemani Ismail S.
Rangelands are crucial ecosystems covering 54% of the global area, supporting the livelihoods of millions of people through provision of various good and ecosystem services such as food, livestock and wildlife feeds, carbon sequestration, water regulation, medicinal plants, and biodiversity conservation. In Tanzania alone, rangelands cover over 74% of the land, supporting a significant population of livestock and wildlife, with millions of cattle, goats, and sheep managed extensively in these areas, often competing for forage and water resources. However, rangelands are highly susceptible to climate change impacts, leading to continuous degradation and loss of biological resources. Climate change uncertainty further complicates efforts to restore rangelands effectively. This paper addresses the challenges and provides strategies for restoring Tanzania rangelands in the face of climate change. The paper used secondary data through reviewing the impacts of climate change, including extreme weather events like prolonged droughts, increased temperatures, and altered precipitation patterns on rangeland ecosystems. The review suggests restoration strategies such as effective enclosure management, climate-smart pasture renovation, adaptive management practices, ecosystem-based approaches, community involvement, and policy reforms.
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.
Understanding local knowledge and information preferences for climate change adaptation in rangeland management: a case study of Shagayu Ward, Lushoto, Tanzania
(Rangeland Society of Tanzania (RST), 2025) Nyinondi Philbert S.
This study aims to assess how local knowledge, information and communication strategies contribute to supporting rangeland management and enhancing community resilience to climate change. Data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to 140 respondents. Key findings reveal that 95% of respondents were aware of climate change, a significantly higher rate compared to previous surveys in Tanzania. However, gaps in understanding the long-term impacts of climate change were evident. Respondents attributed climate change mainly to deforestation (57.7%), poor farming practices (40%), and pollution (28.5%). The most commonly reported impacts included low agricultural yields (36.3%), food insecurity (35.6%), and the emergence of new pests and diseases (26.7%). Radio emerged as the dominant source of climate change information (56.4%), with a preference for radio (77.7%) and television (44.6%) for information dissemination. Age, education, and marital status showed significant associations with information access, while farm size and house ownership had minimal effects. The study highlights the importance of integrating local knowledge into climate adaptation strategies, with community-driven strategies like reforestation (49.6%), mass education (35.4%), and local regulations identified as key rangeland management measures. However, it also reveals gaps in aligning local practices with global sustainability goals, particularly in integrating livestock management with rangeland conservation. The study recommends that stakeholders involved in rangeland management and climate change adaptation include improving access to reliable climate information through preferred media platforms, enhancing community education programs on climate impacts and adaptation strategies, and promoting sustainable rangeland management practices that integrate livestock keeping and biodiversity conservation. Additionally, engaging local communities in decision-making processes and supporting the development of policies that address both climate change and sustainable rangeland use are critical for fostering long-term resilience.

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