Proceedings of the 6th Scientific Conference of Rangeland Society of Tanzania (RST)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://www.suaire.sua.ac.tz/handle/20.500.14820/7530

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Browsing Proceedings of the 6th Scientific Conference of Rangeland Society of Tanzania (RST) by Author "Selemani Ismail S."

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    Herders’ local knowledge and capacity development needs for sustainable rangeland management in Tanzania
    (Rangeland Society of Tanzania (RST), 2025) Sangeda Anthony Z.; Selemani Ismail S.; Nindi Stephen J.; Looloitai Lilian
    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.
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    Influence of finishing strategies on carcass composition and meat quality characteristics of Boran crossbred bulls
    (Rangeland Society of Tanzania (RST), 2025) Maro Ezekiel P.; Laswai Germana H.; Sangeda Anthony Z.; Selemani Ismail S.; Shem Martin N.
    This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of finishing practices and slaughter periods on carcass composition and quality of meat from Boran crossbred bulls. Fifty-four (2.5 – 3 years old, 205 ± 1.89 kg initial body weight) bulls were assigned/subjected to three different finishing practices; 18 bulls were on sole grazing (P1), 18 bulls were on supplementation after grazing (P2) and 18 bulls were kept on feedlot (P3). After that, 9 bulls (3) from each practice in the same finishing period were slaughtered at 45 days-S1, 60 days-S2, and 75 days-S3. Carcass and non-carcass components and composition were evaluated from slaughtered bulls. Carcass pH was measured at 24 h and 48 h post-slaughter at the LTL muscle and cooking loss and shear force values were evaluated for 4-, 8-, 12-, and 16-days aged meat. The findings showed that finishing practice and the slaughter period significantly (P<0.05) influenced the internal fat, heart-lung-liver, carcass length, and chest depth. The fat thickness, internal fat, Heart-lung-liver, four feet, gastrointestinal tract (GIT) full and empty were affected by finishing practices with bulls on P3 registering the highest fat thickness, internal fat and heart-lung-liver followed by P2 and P1 in that order. Meat pH (5.21-5.49) was similar (P˃0.05) in finishing practices and slaughter periods. Carcass length, chest depth, hide, git empty, tenderness, and a* colour significantly (p<0.05) interacted by finishing practice and slaughter period. the L* colour intensities were higher in bulls slaughtered at S3 (45.96) than in S2 bulls (41.29) and a* values vary significantly (p<0.05) with finishing practices. The Boran crossbred bulls showed improved tenderness with bulls on P3 (41.71N) having the lowest shear force values followed by P1 and P2 (44.41N and 45.4 N) with similar values. overall, bulls on P3 have heavier non-carcass components and better meat quality properties than those on P1 and P2. In conclusion, carcass components and meat quality characteristics were better in feedlot-finished bulls at 75 days of slaughter and aged 12 days. For increased beef quality, livestock farmers are encouraged to finish feedlot bulls for 75 days and age meat for 12 days. The findings of this study need further investigation into the influence of finishing strategies on fatty acid content and consumer health perceptions.
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    Review of adaptive management practices for rangelands restoration under uncertainty of climate change
    (Rangeland Society of Tanzania (RST), 2025) Selemani Ismail S.
    Rangelands are crucial ecosystems covering 54% of the global area, supporting the livelihoods of millions of people through provision of various good and ecosystem services such as food, livestock and wildlife feeds, carbon sequestration, water regulation, medicinal plants, and biodiversity conservation. In Tanzania alone, rangelands cover over 74% of the land, supporting a significant population of livestock and wildlife, with millions of cattle, goats, and sheep managed extensively in these areas, often competing for forage and water resources. However, rangelands are highly susceptible to climate change impacts, leading to continuous degradation and loss of biological resources. Climate change uncertainty further complicates efforts to restore rangelands effectively. This paper addresses the challenges and provides strategies for restoring Tanzania rangelands in the face of climate change. The paper used secondary data through reviewing the impacts of climate change, including extreme weather events like prolonged droughts, increased temperatures, and altered precipitation patterns on rangeland ecosystems. The review suggests restoration strategies such as effective enclosure management, climate-smart pasture renovation, adaptive management practices, ecosystem-based approaches, community involvement, and policy reforms.