Effects of introduction of pastoralism on wildlife conservation and livelihoods: the case of Kilimani and Utete West Villages, Rufiji District
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Date
2014
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Sokoine University of Agriculture
Abstract
Recently, pastoralism has been introduced to Rufiji District. On one hand, the arrival of
pastoralists to some places has been a blessing. On the other hand,
it has brought
conflicts between local communities and pastoralists. This study identified emerging
conflicts, assessed existing potential effects of pastoralism on wildlife habitats and
determined the effects of pastoralism on local livelihoods. Two villages were randomly
selected for data collection, using a checklist and structured questionnaires administered
to 149 respondents. Eight transects of 2 x 2 km, 5 quadrants of 1.5 x 1.5 m2 were
established fot recording plant species richness, abundance and diversity. Descriptive
statistics was also used to generate frequencies and percentages, Shannon index
determined species diversity while non-parametric (Mann-Whitney) tested their
differences. The rank order of the causes of conflicts were conflicts between farmers and
pastoralists (81.2 %); pastoralists and wildlife (49.2%); pastoralists of different ethnic
groups (42 %), and farmers and wildlife (22.3%). Livestock depredation
ranked the
highest cause of conflict between pastoralists and wildlife (88.8 %) while crop damage
by livestock was the highest cause of conflict between farmers and pastoralist (96%).
A total of 32 plant species were identified. Highly desirable species were significantly
higher (p = 0.02) in
livestock ungrazed
areas while less desirable and undesirable
species were most abundant in livestock grazed areas. Shannon index was relatively
higher in grazed (3.812) than ungrazed (3.055). Increased household income through
trade (80%), local government revenues through tax (10%) and availability of livestock
products (10%) were positive effects of pastoralism to livelihood while crop damage by
livestock resulting in food insecurity to farmers was the major negative effect. Generally,
the introduction of pastoralism had more negative effects on wildlife conservation and
some positive effects on local peoples’ livelihoods. Land use plan should be developed to
balance different uses causing conflicts in the District.
Description
A dissertation submitted on partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of master of science in wildlife management
Keywords
Pastoralism, Wildlife conservation, Livelihoods, Kilimani Village, Utete West Village, Rufiji District