TANZANIA National Parks Authority (TANAPA) has launched a new strategy to address conflicts between pastoralists and Ruaha National Park.

The approach involves holding joint meetings with park officials, pastoralists and government leaders to discuss potential solutions.

Godwell Ole Meing’ataki, Senior Assistant Conservation Commissioner at Ruaha National Park, said this at the weekend during a meeting held at TANAPA Southern Zone offices in Mbarali District, Mbeya Region. It was attended by Mbarali District Defence and Security Committee, representatives of the pastoralists, park rangers, TANAPA Southern Zone officials and officials from 11 wards bordering the park.

Ole Meing’ataki noted that the Usangu Basin within the park has been flooded by livestock, hence threatening the park’s ecosystem.

He explained that the basin is a crucial water source for the Great Ruaha River, which supports the park’s wildlife and provides water for electricity generation at the Mtera, Kidatu and Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project.

He warned that ongoing livestock intrusion could result in the spread of dangerous diseases such as anthrax, Rift Valley fever and foot-and-mouth disease between livestock and wildlife.

Additionally, the presence of livestock in the park has led predators like lions and leopards to prey on livestock rather than wild animals, increasing the likelihood of the predators entering human settlements.

Mbarali District Commissioner Colonel Maulid Surumbu commended TANAPA’s initiative, expressing hope that the meetings would lead to peaceful resolutions of the conflicts.

He urged TANAPA officials to use the meetings as an opportunity to educate pastoralists on the importance of preserving the park and advised pastoralists to follow the guidance for their benefit.

Surumbu also recommended that pastoralists familiarise themselves with the livestock policies, laws, regulations and guidelines from the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries to prevent conflicts.

Barick Julius, Secretary of Mbarali District Pastoralists’ Association, proposed the formation of a special committee to manage livestock found inside the park before imposing severe penalties such as legal action or confiscation.

He emphasised that providing education is crucial to avoid the harsh penalties that pastoralists have faced in the past.

According to the 2022 Population and Housing Census, Mbarali District has a total of 388,109 livestock, including cattle, goats, sheep and donkeys while the available grazing area is 154,000 hectares, leaving a deficit of over 200,000 hectares.