Herders’ local knowledge and capacity development needs for sustainable rangeland management in Tanzania
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Date
2025
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Rangeland Society of Tanzania (RST)
Abstract
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.
Description
Healthy Rangelands for Sustainable Economic Development
Keywords
Training needs, Pastoral community, Rangeland management, Capacity development, Tanzania