IRINGA, Tanzania, Jul 16 (IPS) – Farmers and pastoralists in Oldonyo Sambu, Tanzania’s northern Maasai steppe, used to fight for every drop of water in a bid to survive. But after months of negotiations, 12 villages have now adopted climate-friendly bylaws, putting an end to hostilities. As the sun sets, a golden glow parts the dusty haze, creating a dazzling spectacle as a herd of cattle lazily wander across the arid landscape as they return from grazing.
The young Maasai herders, dressed in shiny red robes, whistle routinely as they herd the cattle, goats and sheep to maintain a clear path.
The struggle for survival forces these herders in Oldonyo Sambu, Tanzania’s northern Maasai steppe, to fight for scarce water and pasture as they try to keep their herds going.
Surprisingly, 670 kilometres (416 miles) away, in the village of Ikolongo, south of Tanzania, the situation of water users has improved thanks to a community initiative in which farmers and pastoralists worked together to solve their water problems.
Sitting under a baobab tree, 47-year-old Leinot Leboo watches his cattle drink from a pond. The quiet moment contrasts sharply with the situation in Oldonyo Sambu, where farmers often clash with herders as they fight over water.
“I don’t remember there ever being a fight between herders and farmers here. We have enough pastures and water for our cattle,” says Leboo.
Unlike Oldonyo Sambu, local villagers here have created specific grazing areas and water points for livestock to avoid clashes with farmers. “We often bring our livestock here and let them graze and drink without any disturbance,” says Leboo.
According to Ignas Mashaka, Ikolongo village chairman, residents have set up a system where pastoralists pay a small fee to feed their herds with rice husks produced by farmers, especially during the dry season.
“This scheme provides a constant source of feed, but it also provides farmers with additional income,” says Mashaka
Strict rules
After months of negotiations between local residents and local district authorities, the villagers have drawn up strict regulations, which have now been adopted and ratified by 12 surrounding villages.
“These rules have helped to reduce tensions over water use,” says Mashaka.
As part of this initiative, local people joined forces to build dams and reservoirs, which helped alleviate water scarcity and ensure a reliable water supply for farmers and livestock keepers.
“We used to fight for every drop of water,” says Musa Chacha, a farmer in Ikolongo village. “But now there is enough for everyone and there is no reason to fight anymore,”
By working together and managing resources sustainably, the villagers of Ikolongo have built a strong and resilient community.
The bigger picture
Despite its vast grazing lands, the East African country faces frequent conflicts over water and other resources due to climate change and poor land governance. Prolonged droughts often lead to clashes between farmers and pastoralists as they fight over water and grazing land.
Tanzania’s livestock sector, a vital source of income for millions, offers potential for growth in production and trade. With a livestock population of 36.6 million, the country ranks second in Africa after Ethiopia. This accounts for 1.4% of the world’s livestock population and 11% of Africa’s. In addition to livestock, Tanzania also has a large number of sheep, goats, chickens and pigs, placing it in the continent’s top ten for total livestock population.
However, according to World Bank analysts, the sector faces many challenges due to climate risks and low investment.
Transformative initiative
As part of broader efforts to improve the livestock sector, Tanzania has launched a new US$546 million initiative to increase productivity, build resilience to climate change and improve the livestock sector. The initiative includes innovative strategies to manage extreme weather by building water reservoirs, introducing drought-resistant forages and improving livestock breeds.
Challenges and solutions
According to a recent report from the World Bank:Seizing the opportunities for a climate-friendly and competitive livestock sector in Tanzania,” The livestock sector in Tanzania faces serious challenges due to climate change and endemic livestock diseases, which impact animal health, productivity and market access.
The Pastoralist’s Perspective
Saidi Juma, a 55-year-old pastoralist from Kilolo village, has seen changes in weather patterns over the years. “When I was young, the rains were predictable and there was enough grass,” he says. “But in recent years, we have struggled to find pasture for our animals and the rivers are drying up too quickly.”
One aspect of the programme is the introduction of climate-friendly innovations, such as improved livestock farming practices, drought-resistant animal feed and efficient water management systems.
The introduction of drought-resistant Brachiaria grass in Ikolongo village has improved livestock health during dry spells. “We planted this grass because it is drought-resistant and provides enough food for our livestock,” says Mashaka.
According to him, drought-resistant forage crops ensure that livestock are assured of a constant supply of nutritious feed during dry seasons.
Expert insights
In an interview with IPS, Malongo Mlozi, professor of agricultural studies and extension at Sokoine University of Agriculture, praised the government’s initiative to revive the ailing livestock sector by improving water management techniques.
“Water is life; by ensuring a reliable water supply we can significantly improve the resilience of our livestock farmers to climate change,” he says.
According to Mlozi, livestock farmers need to be trained to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to deal with the vagaries of the weather.
“When livestock farmers understand the benefits of climate-friendly practices, they are more likely to adopt them and see positive results,”
According to Mlozi, the government programme is likely to improve food security.
“By increasing the productivity of our livestock sector, we can ensure a stable supply of meat, milk and other livestock products,” said Mlozi
“This will enable us to meet the nutritional needs of our population and reduce dependence on imports.”
As part of this initiative, the government will build water harvesting structures and install solar powered boreholes to provide an eco-friendly solution.
“For farmers and pastoralists, access to water has always been a problem. The solar powered boreholes provide sufficient water.”
The programme also aims to improve market access for livestock products by improving value chains so that livestock farmers can obtain better prices at livestock markets closer to their communities.
Tanzania’s livestock sector is transforming with climate-friendly practices and community-based efforts, setting an example for other regions. By focusing on sustainability and innovation, Tanzania is improving the lives of livestock farmers and promoting peace and cooperation.
“We have come a long way since those difficult times. Now we look forward to a future where our children can grow up without fear of conflict and scarcity.”
This feature is published with the support of the Open Society Foundations.
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© Inter Press Service (2024) — All rights reservedOriginal source: Inter Press Service
