Align livelihood and conservation objectives in Loliondo District, Tanzania

Land conversion from open range to agriculture, including fenced cultivation, is a major threat to both pastoralist livelihoods and biodiversity conservation in Maasailand, Tanzania. This project seeks to create an alliance of pastoralist and conservation interests in opposition to land alienation. This would be achieved by developing dialogue and interaction between previously opposing groups and utilising indigenous knowledge of this ecosystem. Look and See visits between pastoralists from different communities in Loliondo and the Simanjiro Plains would take a central role, enhancing and accelerating the traditional structure through which information passes in Maasailand. Group meetings between pastoralists, district veterinary personnel, NGOs and conservationists would facilitate a sharing of views and allow for a multi-faceted problemsolving approach to meet mutually identified needs. Allying conservation and pastoralist interests against external pressures from investors intent on cultivation would be a major step toward biodiversity conservation.

This project has described and documented in detail the current threats and processes of change to and within the Loliondo Ecosystem. The project report serves as a sound foundation and starting point, bringing together a literature review of both regional, national and international research and reports, as well as linking it to established economic theory in order to better understand the pressures and threats to ecosystems in Northern Tanzania. The project provided information for awareness and guidance to local stakeholders on ways of alleviating the threats to the conservation of rangelands and the wildlife populations, natural resources and pastoralist livelihoods that they sustain.