FARMERS -HERDERS CONFLICTS : Samia launches new approach  

MOROGORO: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has launched an initiative to quell long-standing tensions between farmers and pastoralists in Tanzania.

The Tutunzane Mvomero 2023-2028 campaign launched in Morogoro Region yesterday aims to foster harmony and sustainable development in regions plagued by violent clashes over land and resources.

This initiative aims to foster harmony and sustainability in regions where agriculture and livestock farming intersect, addressing the root causes of disputes and promoting cooperative coexistence

President Samia said the campaign is significant because it addresses the critical issue of land use conflicts that have plagued communities for years, threatening both livelihoods and social stability.

“By tackling the root causes of these disputes, we hope to create a more stable and prosperous future for both communities,” President Samia said.

President Samia said a cornerstone of the campaign is the promotion of sustainable land use practices by introducing modern agricultural techniques and providing alternative livelihoods for pastoralists, the government aims to reduce pressure on shared resources.

Additionally, she said the initiative emphasises the importance of environmental conservation and climate change adaptation to ensure the long-term sustainability of the region.

“This holistic approach is expected to transform the agricultural sector, enhance food security and improve the quality of life for thousands of Tanzanians, making it a model for other regions facing similar challenges,” she said.

President Samia inaugurated the campaign during her second day of working visit in Morogoro Region, which began on Friday, with the goal of inspecting development projects.

“This project is crucial for conserving the environment and preventing the adverse effects of environmental degradation, including the drying up of water sources,” she said.

The initiative addresses six sectors: livestock, agriculture, natural resources and tourism, water and the environment.

“Farmers and pastoralists depend on each other within the community and in their work. They are like children born into the same family; they are interdependent and cannot be separated,” President Samia said.

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During the event, President Samia mediated a conflict between two pastoralists and two farmers, symbolising broader efforts to foster mutual understanding.

She further said that all citizens have equal rights and that one person’s activities should not interfere with another’s. “A pastoralist should not damage a farmer’s work by letting their livestock graze on the farmer’s land,” she said.

The President urged adherence to constitutional principles that protect individual rights and public interests, highlighting that public interests are compromised when individuals invade protected areas.

“It is our duty to address conflicts among all land users to protect everyone’s rights and maintain peace,” she said.

She added, “By addressing these issues, the campaign also fulfils the 2020/2025 CCM Manifesto, which directed the government to intensify efforts to resolve conflicts between pastoralists and other land users.”

President Samia commended the Morogoro Regional Commissioner Adam Malima and Mvomero District Commissioner Judith Nguli and other officials for developing the campaign.

“Please increase your efforts and manage this campaign well. The government supports this campaign, which can serve as a model nationwide,” President Samia said.

She said the government will continue to push for improvements in the agriculture, livestock and fisheries sectors, which employ many people and offer numerous opportunities to lift citizens out of poverty. “Everyone should support this campaign, which aims to bring significant changes to the agriculture and livestock sectors,” she added.

Mvomero DC Ms Nguli, said that the campaign encourages pastoralists to cultivate and plant fodder for livestock and adopt modern livestock keeping practices.

“This campaign aims for pastoralists to care for farmers and vice-versa, while both protect the environment,” she said.

Ms Nguli, briefing the President, said the campaign’s three main goals are for pastoralists to own land, plant animal fodder and dig wells, to address farmers’ complaints about grazing on their fields.

She said it also involves working with Tanzania National parks (TANAPA) and Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA) to prevent elephants from invading farmers’ fields by encouraging the cultivation of crops that elephants do not like, such as sesame.

Additionally, the campaign focuses on protecting and conserving the environment, with 1,445 farmers and pastoralists already participating.

According to her, the five-year action plan has been prepared to ensure the campaign’s sustainability.

Heri Kalaita, a pastoralist who has adopted modern livestock keeping, expressed gratitude for the campaign.

“I used to keep indigenous cattle, which took up to five years to sell and would fetch only 800,000/- to 1mil/-. With modern breeds, I now earn 2.5mil/- or more,” he said.

Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Abdallah Ulega announced a 400bn/- contract to help pastoralists transition to modern livestock keeping.

“The project will distribute 17,200 modern dairy cattle nationwide, build 5,000 modern barns and install 2,800 biogas systems.” He said.

In President Samia’s three years of leadership, he said the government has built and improved 51 cattle auction markets worth 17.5bn/- and constructed 742 cattle dip tanks worth 17bn/-.

“The work of ensuring that farmers and pastoralists continue to live together in harmony continues,” Minister Ulega said, adding that the ministry’s budget had increased from 66bn/- to 460bn/-.

Mr Ulega said the World Bank is ready to send Tanzanian pastoralists to Ethiopia to learn from their counterparts.