Land conservation refers to all activities, which are aimed towards protecting natural resources from harm and destruction. In most cases, humans cause environmental damage through actions, such as reduced farming methods and misuse of land.

1. LAND USE POLICIES IN TANZANIA
DRAFT I / IV
Mellissa Riddle
Harvard University, HES, ENVR 161
November, 2017
Acreage is one of the most crucial resources in Tanzania’s economy. For that reason, millions of
Tanzanians engage in economic activities, such as agricultural and tourism. Agriculture is the
mainstay of the country’s economy, accounting for 24.5 percent of the Gross Domestic Product,
(GDP) 85 percent of total exports, and 60 percent of national employment1
. Simultaneously,
tourism comprises 17.5 percent of the country’s Gross National Product. Additionally, 11
percent of Tanzanians work in the tourism sector2
. Studies suggest that although acreage is the
primary basis of agricultural and tourism activities in Tanzania, the economy is crumbling at an
alarming rate. Therefore, due to the massive degradation of arable land and wildlife-supporting
natural ecosystems, the economy of the Eastern African society has progressively continued to
decrease. For this reason, there is a need to conserve Tanzania’s built-in land and ecosystems to
develop food autonomy and revive the country’s receding tourism industry.
Using Land Conservation to Promote Agriculture
1
Ngeta, Kabiri. “Wildlife conservation and land acquisitions: A case study of the Tanzania Land
Conservation Trust.” In International Conference on Global Land Grabbing, pp. 6-8.
2
Ibid., 6

2. 2
Land conservation refers to all activities, which are aimed towards protecting natural resources
from harm and destruction. In most cases, humans cause environmental damage through actions,
such as reduced farming methods and misuse of land. In Tanzania’s situation, it is crucial to
conserve natural resources by adopting better farming methods that will result in efficient use of
the physical property. According to a recent study on Tanzania’s use of land, family farming
constitutes 80 percent of the total agriculture in the country3
. Therefore, any conservation
measures should entail the involvement of small-scale farmers. To formulate sustainable land
protection measures, conservationists must first identify practices that lead to degradation.
Poor farming methods
With the rural population growing at a rate of 2.6 percent annually, small-scale farmers in
Tanzania found that agricultural expansion is the only viable option for achieving food
sufficiency4
. However, most of Tanzania’s countryside is arid and semi-arid, and the rainfall
pattern is variable and inadequate. Therefore, when Tanzanians convert the new land into
subsistence production without improving crop or animal husbandry practices, they contribute to
the overall land degradation.
Poor and unreliable rainfall
In most parts of Tanzania, rainfall is low and unpredictable. Additionally, most of the country
has high rates of evapotranspiration at rates as high as 1,500 mm per year. Moreover, the rainy
season often starts when the protective cover is sparse. For example, over 70 percent of erosive
rains occur in the first month after the start of the rainy season5
. Because of such extreme
3
Malley, Zacharia, John Recha, Abigail K. Hart, Rodgers Masha, Winne Nguni, Louise E. Buck, and
Tumsifu Elly. “Participatory Land Use Planning to Support Tanzanian Farmer and Pastoralist Investment:
Experiences from Mbarali District, Mbeya Region, Tanzania.” (2013).
4
Ibid., 5
5
Ibid., 5

3. 3
weather conditions, the severity of soil erosion is most likely to ensue in various localities of the
country.
Soil degradation
Primarily, soil degradation manifests itself through erosion and fertility decline. Tanzania is one
of the developing countries affected by soil erosion and soil fertility decline. Recent research
studies in the country revealed that major agro-ecological zones in the country experience the
problem of soil degradation, based on varying intensity6
. For example, the semiarid region of
Kondoa district in central Tanzania is mainly vulnerable to undergo soil degradation due to
improper land and livestock practices by local farmers7
.
Soil erosion
Most Tanzanian farmers experience soil erosion in their fields, particularly during the first 30
days after the onset of the rainy season8
. However, most Tanzanians do not acknowledge the
problem of soil erosion, thus, making it challenging to reclaim eroded lands. Consequently, due
to soil erosion, deep gullies are typical features in many rural Tanzanian villages.
Deforestation
In most rural parts of Tanzania, villagers engage in acts of environmental degradation, such as
logging to produce charcoal and enhance construction9
. Through deforestation, humans strip the
land of its protective tree cover, thus, exposing it to the adverse actions of weather elements,
such as erosion and leaching.
Poor and unprofessional farming activities
6
Ibid., 6
7
Ibid., 6
8
Ibid., 7
9
Ibid., 8

4. 4
Eighty-eight percent Tanzanian farmers are small scale in nature and do not possess any
professional farming expertise10
. Therefore, the agriculturalists routinely engage in traditional
farming activities, such as slashing and burning the vegetation, thus, leading to the degradation
of the soil.
To conserve agricultural lands, the government and environmental agencies should formulate
policy measures to reclaim the degraded area and preserve natural ecosystems. However, the
solutions should not lead to a conflict between landowners and the government officials.
Research indicates that disputes between noteworthy stakeholders have resulted in fruitless
efforts to reclaim degraded lands11
. Some of the previous reclamation measures by the
government, such as forcible removal of livestock from eroded areas, led to resentment among
the affected villagers. Additionally, the steps ensued in the negative perception of the
conservation measures in the targeted areas12
. Some of the conservation strategies that can be
effective in Tanzania include:
Local involvement in conservation
Local land users are the most critical stakeholders in the successful efforts of preventing land
degradation13
. For example, local leaders in areas targeted for preservations are only interested in
maximizing their livestock size to attain their social, cultural, and economic objectives. Since
most rural Tanzanians perceive livestock as a sign of wealth and prestige, the government should
set aside designated grazing areas to prevent the widespread degradation through overgrazing.
Alternatively, the government can propose better grazing practices, such as zero or rotational
10
Ibid., 9
11
Ibid., 116
12
Ibid., 121
13
Andrew, Bennett. “Habitat corridors and the conservation of small mammals in a fragmented forest
environment” Landscape Ecology 4, no. 2 (1990): 109-122.

5. 5
grazing. For example, in Goima village in central Tanzania, the government introduced the zero-
grazing system, which focused on improving dairy cows and the stall-feeding system14
.
Create awareness
Although most Tanzanian farmers are aware of the soil erosion that occurs in their farms, they do
not understand the longer-term implications. Therefore, the government should educate the
farmers of the dangers of soil degradation. The environmental awareness campaign will enable
farmers to devise independent means of conserving soil and improving crop yields. In Tanzania’s
case, the ministry of environment can urge farmers to construct gabions or engage in activities
that prevent excessive soil erosion on their farms.
Afforestation and reforestation
Over the last decade, the forested cover of Tanzania has shrunk significantly from 5 percent in
1995 to less than 2 percent in 2014.15
Through activities, such as deforestation, Tanzanians
continue to expose the soil to weather elements, for example, rainfall, thus, leading to severe
erosion. To reverse the adverse effects of deforestation, Tanzanians should engage in localized
tree-planting exercises to restore the country’s vegetation cover to at least 5 percent. Moreover,
the government should establish an aggressive afforestation policy to convert arid and semi-arid
regions into forestland.
Formulation of stringent conservation laws
The government of Tanzania should implement measures that criminalize any activities that lead
to environmental degradation. For example, the ecological authorities should ban logging or
inappropriate farming practices that may lead to land destruction. Moreover, the authorities
should implement punitive measures to discourage rural farmers from engaging in harmful
14
Ibid., 9
15
Ibid., 10

6. 6
farming practices, such as overgrazing and mono cropping. Such aggressive top-down
conservation efforts can be useful, mainly when dealing with semi-illiterate rural farmers.
Practice no-till farming
In Tanzania, farmers routinely remove crop cover through tilling in preparation for the new
planting season16
. Research suggests that this method results in exposure of the ground to wind
and water, hence, leading to severe erosion. Through the no-till farming technique, farmers allow
the crop residue to remain on the fields rather than plowing at the end of the harvest season. The
no-till practice keeps soils intact instead of exposing them to wind and water17
.
Use terrace farming
The terrace practice is suitable, particularly in the Tanzanian highlands where soil degradation is
most severe18
. The government should encourage farmers to take advantage of the topographical
layout of the land to slow down water runoff. Studies posit that this method entails planting
crops on a series of terraces to prevent water from gathering speed and washing soil away from
farmlands19
. By using this technique, farmers can prevent rainwater from washing away fertile
soil.
Practice contour farming
Under this conservation method, farmers plant their crops following the contour of the
landscape20
. Once farmers plant across the silhouettes, they prevent water from carrying the
topsoil downhill.
Restoration of wetlands and water towers
16
Ibid., 11
17
Juan Robalino A. “Land conservation policies and income distribution: who bears the burden of our
environmental efforts?” Environment and Development Economics 12, no. 4 (2007): 521-533.
18
Ibid., 12
19
Ibid., 521
20
Ibid., 522

7. 7
Wetlands and water towers are one of the essential features for preserving land. Wetlands serve
as natural reservoirs, absorbing and holding rainwater and preventing it from carrying the soil
away21
. Moreover, wetlands act as the natural habitat for birds and assorted wildlife. Similarly,
water towers serve as the source of natural water sources, such as rivers and streams. Since most
parts of Tanzania are arid and semiarid, rivers and lakes serve as crucial irrigation resources.
Plant buffer strips along riverbank
Buffer strips help in holding the stream bank intact and preventing them from collapsing.
Additionally, buffer strips prevent runoff from entering the main waterways. The government
should ensure that Tanzanians plant trees along the banks of rivers and streams to avoid
degradation of lands alongside watercourses.
Establishment of large-scale agricultural schemes
One of the problems ailing the Tanzanian agricultural sector is the fragmentation of arable land
into tiny parcels22
. The fragmentation reduces the economies of scale since each household aims
at attaining its subsistence objectives. For the government to rectify the trend of small-scale
subsistence farming, it should establish large-scale farming schemes. Researchers postulate that
such projects are advantageous because they lead to increased food production and better use of
land23
. Furthermore, large mechanized systems can be a source of employment to millions of
Tanzanians.
Creation of agricultural extension service
Most rural farmers lack knowledge and expertise on how to implement professional farming
practices24
. The farmers use traditional methods, which result in reduced yields and land
21
Ibid., 523
22
Ibid., 12
23
Ibid., 14
24
Ibid., 125

8. 8
degradation. In correcting this practice, the government should offer expert advice through
agricultural extension officers. In this case, the experts will advise farmers on environmentally
friendly farming methods and efficient animal husbandry.
Wildlife Conservation in Tanzania
Besides employing approximately 11 percent of Tanzanian, the wildlife and tourism industry is a
vital foreign exchange earner for the country25
. Since most of the tourism industry is based on
wildlife resources, the government should focus on regions that account for most of the tourism
activities. Most of the country’s tourism industry originates from the northern part of the country,
particularly the Ngorongoro conservatory, Tarangire-Manyara ecosystem, and Serengeti and
Kilimanjaro National Parks26
. The strategic national importance of the tourism circuit means that
the government must make it as a priority in its conservation efforts. Consequently, the
government can employ various measures to enhance wildlife conversation and expand its scope.
Protection of wildlife areas
The state of Tanzania must establish laws that prohibit encroachment into wildlife areas. During
the dry seasons, herders invade ranches and national parks in search of pastures for their
livestock27
. Studies indicate that this invasion results in overgrazing and depletion of wildlife
lands. In the Serengeti national park, Maasai herders from Kenya and Tanzania have contributed
to severe land degradation and massive displacement of wildlife28
. Moreover, this encroachment
affects the tourism sector in the country because the wild animals cross over to the neighboring
Maasai Mara national park. Because of the factors mentioned above, the government should ban
people from encroaching into national parks.
25
Ibid., 14
26
Ibid., 14
27
Ibid., 16
28
Ibid., 19

9. 9
Stringent anti-poaching laws
Poaching has been a severe problem in Tanzania. Every year, poachers kill hundreds of elephants,
lions, and rhinos in Tanzania. One of the reasons why the animals become an easy target is
because they venture far away from their natural habitats in search of pasture and water, hence,
making them an easy target for poachers. In this case, the government should prevent poaching
by hastening conservation measures, particularly in wildlife habitats.
Wildlife-friendly land use
The government should avoid encroaching into natural wildlife habitats. For instance, the
Tanzanian government has recently sanctioned the construction of a major highway through the
Serengeti national reserve. Primarily, this activity will likely affect the migration pattern of
animals. Additionally, the road will enable poachers to access the parks quickly, hence,
precipitating an upsurge of poaching activities. If the government must construct a road through
the conservancy, the relevant stakeholders should put into place stringent measures to prevent
poaching.
Conversion of vacant and idle land into wildlife reserves
The government can adopt an aggressive policy to convert all unoccupied land into profitable
wildlife ventures. For example, in recent years, the Tanzanian government created the Manyara
Ranch by acquiring large tracts of land that once belonged to local villagers.29
In Tanzania,
acquisition of private property is a common occurrence since all land belongs to the state.
Although the move received widespread condemnation from human rights groups, it signified
the government’s willingness to promote local tourism.
29
Ibid., 21

10. 10
Establishment of land conservation trusts
The Tanzanian government needs to enter into a partnership with international players, such as
the WWF and the UNDP to spearhead conservation measures that are beneficial in conserving
wildlife. Simultaneously, the government must involve the local communities, such as the
Maasai to create goodwill in the conservation measures. The composite conservation measure
ensures that all stakeholders work as a team, hence, increasing the effectiveness of the
conservation efforts. The advantage of collaborating with international stakeholders is that they
provide expertise on efficient land use for maximum benefits.
Desired outcomes
The Tanzanian government can achieve the desired results through implementing various public
conservation measures. Some of these actions include collaborating with the relevant
stakeholders in the agricultural department. The stakeholders will educate farmers on the
importance of conserving land through proper farming methods and grazing. Through the
application of various public land conservation techniques, the Tanzanian government intends to
monitor the incentives the farmers and pastoralists will use in preventing land degradation. For
example, the government intends to see construction of gabions, which will assist in the
prevention of soil erosion.
Expected negotiating strategy or institutional framework
In the negotiation process, the Tanzanian government can use various negotiation strategies.
Some of these public negotiation practices include the use of a land expert, who will advise
farmers and pastoralists on the importance of preventing land degradation. The government’s
negotiating strategy aims to implore farmers and pastoralists to plant vegetation cover so that
they can stave off soil erosion.

11. 11
Draft documents or legal instruments
The government can use legal documents to evict pastoralists humanely. Through this approach,
the government will use less force since the records will act as the abiding pact between the two
parties. Because the government will use legal papers, it is evident that this approach is public.
The legal documents will facilitate the process of soil conservancy since it will enable farmers to
understand the strategies the government used in reclaiming their unused tracts of land.
Fundraising or another financing strategy
The Tanzanian agricultural department can organize a Fundraising event or borrow finances
from the government. Through this fund raising event, the government will be in a position to
reach many farmers and stakeholders, who might be interested in land conservancy matters. The
fund-raising strategy is designed to motivate other interested parties to join efforts in alleviating
soil erosion in rural areas.
Communications plan
The Tanzanian government can incorporate an operational communication plan. Through
efficient communication, the government can eradicate disputes that are likely to occur in the
process of conserving land. In this case, the intent of the communications plan is to emphasize
the importance of using gabions and planting vegetation cover as a way of preventing soil
erosion.
Because of the above-mentioned factors, it is evident that the conservation measures that the
Tanzanian government will use are public since the methods shall incorporate various
stakeholders in the society. Moreover, the precise case for these methods is to facilitate the
government in attaining land conservancy. Additionally, the stated recommendations are public
since they deal with matters that affect the Tanzanian government.

12. 12
In conclusion, it is imperative that the Tanzanian government devises urgent measures to
conserve both its agricultural and wildlife land. The push for stringent rules emanates from the
fact that agriculture and tourism constitute a significant percentage of the country’s economy.
For example, agriculture and tourism encompass a substantial proportion of the country’s Gross
National Product. Therefore, the government must adopt conservation measures to address the
modern dilemmas that continue to plague the country’s economy. Some of the land conservation
measures that the government can choose to improve food self-sufficiency include involving
locals in conservation efforts, restoring forest cover, better farming activities, stringent land use
laws, and using extension services to advice farmers. Similarly, the government can revive
tourism by protecting wildlife areas, collaborating with international stakeholders, establishing of
wildlife conservation trusts, converting vacant and idle land into wildlife schemes, and
establishing punitive anti-poaching, and encroachment laws

13. 13
Bibliography
Bennett, Andrew F. “Habitat corridors and the conservation of small mammals in a fragmented
forest environment.” Landscape Ecology 4, no. 2 (1990): 109-122.
Kabiri, Ngeta. “Wildlife conservation and land acquisitions: A case study of the Tanzania Land
Conservation Trust” In International Conference on Global Land Grabbing, pp. 6-8.
Malley, Zacharia, John Recha, Abigail K. Hart, Rodgers Masha, Winne Nguni, Louise E. Buck,
and Tumsifu Elly. “Participatory Land Use Planning to Support Tanzanian Farmer and
Pastoralist Investment: Experiences from Mbarali District, Mbeya Region, Tanzania.”
(2013).
Robalino, Juan A. “Land conservation policies and income distribution: Who bears the burden of
our environmental efforts?” Environment and Development Economics 12, no. 4 (2007):
521-533.