The Tanzanian government has urged research institutions, pastoral organisations, and the private sector to develop affordable preventive solutions to address invasive weeds and livestock diseases affecting grazing lands and animal productivity. This call was made during celebrations to mark the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists in Longido District, Arusha Region. The challenges are putting additional pressure on already limited grazing resources and increasing livestock production costs.
Population growth and climate change are exacerbating the spread of invasive weeds that degrade rangelands and threaten the sustainability of livestock production. Longido District Commissioner Salim Hamis Kali, representing Arusha Regional Commissioner Amos Makalla, highlighted the need for practical ways to control the weeds. He urged research institutions and pastoral organisations to work with communities and the government to accelerate research into controlling the invasive weeds.
Livestock diseases continue to reduce animal productivity and value, affecting cattle, sheep, and goats. Mr. Kali called for greater investment in vaccination and preventive veterinary services, emphasising that pastoralists should have affordable access to prevention rather than seeking treatment after animals become sick. He stressed that prevention is better than treatment and that experts should develop vaccines and preventive measures.
Stronger preventive measures would protect livestock and support the development of a more reliable livestock value chain. Mr. Kali urged the private sector, research institutions, and other stakeholders in the livestock sector to invest in research and innovation to develop solutions that pastoral communities can adopt. He emphasised that livestock farming contributes to the national economy and that protecting rangelands and improving animal health is essential.
Traditional leaders and pastoral organisations are urged to develop long-term plans for protecting and sustainably managing rangelands designated by the government for livestock production. Mr. Kali stressed the need for proper planning for the restoration and management of rangelands to have sustainable grazing areas, better livestock, and increased value addition across the livestock value chain.
Pastoral representatives have expressed concerns over the continued encroachment of grazing areas by crop farming and other activities. Tanzania Pastoralists Council (CCWT) vice-chairman Metoi Shaudo said the loss of grazing areas remains one of the major challenges facing pastoralists. He urged the government to strengthen legal protection of rangelands to address recurrent farmer-pastoralist disputes and protect areas set aside for livestock production.
The celebrations were organised by the government in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). FAO Animal Health and Livestock Production Specialist Dr. Moses Olenesele said the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists aims to raise global awareness of the contribution of pastoral systems and rangelands to food security, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience.
Key points
- The Tanzanian government is calling for increased research into invasive weeds and livestock diseases threatening grazing lands and pastoralists' incomes.
- The challenges are putting additional pressure on already limited grazing resources and increasing livestock production costs.
- Pastoral representatives are urging the government to strengthen legal protection of rangelands to address recurrent farmer-pastoralist disputes and protect areas set aside for livestock production.
