admin | January 16, 2025
News Brief
Ikolongo village, located 670 kilometers south of Tanzania’s Maasai Steppe, has found a unique solution to water and grazing conflicts. Here, a community-led initiative has brought together farmers and pastoralists to address resource scarcity. While herders in northern Tanzania’s Oldonyo Sambu struggle with dwindling water and pasture, Ikolongo’s villagers have established designated grazing areas and water points, reducing tensions. Pastoralists pay farmers for rice husks as feed during dry seasons, while strict bylaws and joint infrastructure, including dams, provide a reliable water supply for all. This cooperative effort has built a resilient community.
As the sun sets, a herd of livestock lazily roams on the arid landscape as they return home from grazing. Dressed in red robes, the youthful Maasai pastoralists routinely whistle as they steer cattle, goats, and sheep to stay on a path. The quest for survival has forced these herders to jostle for dwindling water and pastures as they try to sustain their herds in Oldonyo Sambu, Tanzania’s northern Maasai Steppe.
Surprisingly, 670 kilometres away in Ikolongo village, south of Tanzania, the plight of water consumers has improved, thanks to a community-led initiative that brought farmers and pastoralists together to resolve their water woes.
Sitting under a baobab tree, 47-year-old Leinot Leboo watches his cattle drink from a pond. Mr. Leboo says, “I don’t recall any fight between pastoralists and farmers here. We get enough pastures and water for our livestock.”
Unlike in Oldonyo Sambu, local villagers here have established designated grazing areas and water points for livestock, reducing conflicts with farmers. Mr Leboo says, “We often bring our cattle here and let them graze and drink without causing any disturbances.”
According to Ignas Mashaka, Ikolongo village chairman, the residents have created a system where pastoralists pay a small fee to feed their herds on rice husks produced by farmers, particularly during the dry season.
Mr. Mashaka says, “This arrangement provides a steady source of feed, but it also gives farmers extra income.”
As for water, after months of negotiation between local residents and local district authorities, 12 villages have enacted strict by-laws, Mr. Mashaka explains, “These rules have helped to ease tensions over water use.”
Under the initiative, local residents joined forces to construct dams and reservoirs which have reduced water scarcity, providing a reliable supply for farmers and pastoralists.
Musa Chacha is a farmer at Ikolongo village. He says, “We used to fight over every drop of water, but now, there’s enough for everyone and there’s no reason to fight.”
Despite having vast grazing lands, the Tanzanians face frequent conflicts over water and other resources due to climate change and weak land governance. Prolonged droughts often lead to clashes between farmers and pastoralists as they compete for water and grazing space.
By working together and managing resources sustainably, Ikolongo villagers have built a strong and resilient community.
Livestock is important in Tanzania, which has more than 36 million cattle, second-most in Africa, after Ethiopia. Tanzania also boasts large numbers of sheep, goats, chickens, and pigs, placing it among the continent’s top ten in overall livestock numbers. The sector is experiencing many challenges due to climate risks, livestock diseases, and low investment, World Bank analysts say. But the government has launched a 546 million USD initiative.
Saidi Juma is a 55-year-old pastoralist from Kilolo village who has witnessed changes in weather patterns over the years. He says, “When I was young, the rains were predictable and the grass was plenty, but in recent years, we have struggled to find pasture for our animals, and the rivers dry up too soon.”
One aspect of the government initiative is adopting climate-smart innovations, such as better animal husbandry practices, drought-resistant fodder, and efficient water management systems.
The introduction of drought-resilient Brachiaria grass at Ikolongo village has maintained better livestock health during dry spells. Mr. Mashaka says, “We planted these grass because they are resilient to drought and provide enough food for our livestock.”
According to him, drought-resistant forage crops have ensured a steady supply of nutritious feed for livestock in dry seasons.
This story is based on an article written by Kizito Makoye for Interpress News Service, titled “How Climate-Smart Strategies Revitalized Tanzania’s Livestock Sector.” To read the full story, go to: www.ipsnews.net/2024/07/climate-smart-strategies-revitalized-tanzania’s-livestock-sector/