Review: Rangeland management in Tanzania: opportunities, challenges, and prospects for sustainability
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Date
2023
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
INTL J TROP DRYLANDS
Abstract
Muzzo BI, Maleko DD, Thacker E, Provenza FD. 2023. Review: Rangeland management in Tanzania: Opportunities,
challenges, and prospects for sustainability. Intl J Trop Drylands 7: 83-102. Rangelands in Tanzania play a crucial role in supporting
local livelihoods and the country's economic development. However, their long-term sustainability is threatened. This review paper
identifies challenges and explores opportunities to ensure their continued sustainability. Opportunities include implementing dedicated
policies and regulations, using expertise in range science, leveraging technological advancements, investing in land for private ranches,
using ample bushes and shrub resources for small ruminant production, and responding appropriately to high market demand for milk
and meat from ruminants. Major challenges include insufficient technology and limited technical know-how, low and erratic rains
leading to dry season pasture scarcity, infectious diseases and the spread of invasive species. Other challenges include conflicting
interests from other land users that have led to the massive conversion of communal rangelands to croplands, and the need for areas to
protect wildlife and human settlements. These challenges can be addressed by policy enforcement, strengthening pastoral organizations,
fostering the growth of experts in climate-adapted forage and livestock breeding, and embracing advanced technology. Active
involvement of local communities in decision-making processes and facilitating rangeland restoration can ensure the sustainable
management of rangelands in Tanzania. Another promising avenue is the strategic use of locally adapted livestock species to control
invasive plants, complemented by governmental enforcement of a grading system for meat and establishing a price-based quality meat
market. Incorporating these prospects into rangeland management strategies can enhance the ecological sustainability and resilience of
rangelands while supporting local livelihoods. Future research should focus on evaluating and implementing these strategies to promote
sustainable rangeland management practices in Tanzania and elsewhere with similar environment.
Description
Journal article
Keywords
Invasive species, Nomadism, Rangeland improvement, Shrubs and bushes, Tanzania