How PAIS system resolves conflicts between wildlife, humans in Babati

MANYARA: The situation between humans and wildlife in Babati (Manyara Region) and Ngorongoro area (Arusha Region) has often been characterized by frequent conflicts.

These arise primarily due to wildlife encroaching on farmland, leading to crop damage and sometimes threatening livestock. The local communities face challenges as they seek to coexist with wildlife, which is vital for conservation efforts but also poses risks to their livelihoods.

For that matter, efforts have been ongoing to implement management systems and community engagement initiatives aimed at mitigating these conflicts and promoting sustainable coexistence.

Of late, the issue faced by the residents of Babati District, regarding such conflict (between wildlife and humans) has found a solution after the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism introduced the Problem Animal Management Information System (PAIS). The components of PAIS include: 1. Incident Reporting 2. Claims 3. Verification 4. Fund Disbursement.

This system enables residents to quickly report the presence of problem animals in their areas, allowing wildlife officers to take prompt action.

The system also simplifies the process of filing claims for wildlife damage, verification, and payments in a shorter time compared to previous years.

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While opening training for government leaders in the Manyara-Tarangire Ecology area, Babati District Commissioner Emanuela Kaganda stated that if used properly, this system will significantly reduce conflicts between wildlife and humans in Babati.

“I commend the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism for creating this system, which allows for the management of crop damage or wildlife-related harms before they occur, and I also thank Chem Chem for facilitating this training,” she said.

Ms. Kaganda mentioned that the system also eases the process of providing assistance to residents affected by wildlife.

She added that the system will be highly beneficial if leaders understand it and educate rural residents on it.

“The government wants to resolve conflicts between wildlife and humans, and we believe this system will greatly help reduce these conflicts,” she stated.

While providing training on the system, Senior ICT Officer from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, Kelvin Mtei, explained that the system is user-friendly and will be highly beneficial.

Mtei noted that the system is linked with the Director of Wildlife, the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA), the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA), the Forest Service Agency (TFS), and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA).

“This system allows citizens to send reports quickly via mobile phones, thus managing wildlife effectively,” he said.

Hamisi Ashery, a Wildlife Officer from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, stated that the system is user-friendly and will ensure timely payments for compensation.

“When the system is accessed, it displays everything you need and significantly reduces the workload for wildlife officers, agricultural officers, and others involved in damage assessments and claim filings,” he added.

Maingo ole Kili, a Community Liaison Officer at Lake Manyara National Park, noted that the system is a solution to conflicts between wildlife and humans.

The training for this system is sponsored by Chem Chem Association, which has invested in conservation and tourism activities in the Burunge Community Wildlife Management Area in Babati District, Manyara Region.