Expanding cultivation in Northern Tanzania threatens food security

The article “Effects of expansion of cultivation on pastoralism as a food-security measure in Longido District, Northern Tanzania” (2017) by Victoria Anthony Nderumaki et al, published in the International Journal of Environmental Monitoring and Analysis 5(6): 159–166), is based on a study to assess the perceived impact of expansion of cultivation on 165 pastoralist respondents (mainly Maasai) in the lowlands, hills and mountains of Longido District in Northern Tanzania. This is an area where climate variability renders crop production uncertain, and pastoralism is the mainstay of the economy. Results showed that expansion of cultivation leads to reduced herd-splitting, a practice that enhances niche use of rangelands by browsing and grazing livestock. It also leads to loss of grazing land, restricted livestock movement and escalation of conflicts between pastoralists and non-pastoralists. Considering the role of pastoralism in the district, these effects are a potential threat to pasture availability, livestock productivity and food security. The authors propose that, to minimise the threat, the Longido District authorities, in conjunction with the communities, should establish reserves of grazing lands in the three ecological zones. Such areas would have to be protected by traditional rules, coupled with village bylaws that would need to be strictly enforced as part of a food-security policy.

Citation:

Victoria Anthony Nderumaki, Francis Xavier Mkanda & Josephat Alexander Saria. 2017. Effects of expansion of cultivation on pastoralism as a food-security measure in Longido District, Northern Tanzania. International Journal of Environmental Monitoring and Analysis 5 (6): 159–166. doi: 10.11648/j.ijema.20170506.12

Posted on 13 March 2019 in Pastoralist Livelihoods & Nutrition