Assessment Of Pastoral Maasai Adaptation To Land Use And Climate Changes In Simanjiro District, Manyara Region

ABSTRACT

This study assesses the pastoral Maasai adaptation to land use and climate changes in Losinyai, Orjoro no.5 and Shambarai Sokoni villages in Simanjiro District. Data were collected using Remote sensing techniques, household survey, key informant interviews and documentary review. The data gathered were mainly qualitative and quantitative. For quantitative data, data were coded and analyzed by using statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) where both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were applied. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis. The findings indicate that there has been expansion of farmland and bare soil by 725.16% and 518.71% respectively while woodland and shrubs and grassland decreased by -62.86% and -34.99% respectively. Also the findings indicate there has been annual fluctuation of both rainfall and temperature in the study area. The major drivers of these changes are the increase of human population and immigration which impose high pressure on land resources over the study area. The effects of these changes are loss of grazing land, drought, land use conflicts and loss of water sources. Different measures were taken by pastoral Maasai to cope with the situation including; moving cattle to wetland, pasture restoration, buying hay, destocking and keeping resistant breeds. The measures suggested to improve the traditional strategies included; opening cattle grid, provision of grass seeds and modern livestock education. The study recommends the need to control population growth, the need to integrate land use plans and lastly the need to have Community by-laws that will prevent encroachment of cattle grid so as to enable the movement of cattle to resource points during drought condition.