Debunking Western Myths: Ruaha’s Revival Balances Conservation and Tanzania’s Community Growth

By Adonis Byemelwa

Western media often fixates on Africa's darker aspects, neglecting its success stories while safeguarding their national interests. This narrative extends to conservation efforts, which are vital not just for current generations but for future ones.

The infamous role of radio in inciting the Rwandan genocide by dehumanizing ethnic groups is a stark reminder of the power of media in shaping perceptions and realities.

Mbarali, located in the Ruaha or Ihefu basin, receives water from five districts: Wanging’ombe and Makete in the Njombe Region, Mbeya and Chunya DCs from the Mbeya Region, and Mufindi in the Iringa Region.

This geographical advantage brings numerous benefits, including water for irrigation, fisheries, and livestock. The water carries eroded surface soil from the mountains, enriching the basin's fertility. Consequently, Mbarali attracts diverse pastoralist communities such as the Maasai, Sukuma, Gogo, and Barbaig.

As of December, last year, Mbarali's population exceeded 446,300, with the district covering 16,000 square kilometers.

It boasts 374,000 cows, almost equating to one cow per person. Ruaha National Park spans 10,000 square kilometers, Mpanga Kipengele Game Reserve covers 1,000, and the remaining 5,000 square kilometers are dedicated to settlement, agriculture, fisheries, and livestock.

Historically, the entire district was a protected area in 1910, but gradual encroachment by migrants diminished its size.

In 2008, the government issued its first Government Notice Number 28, which failed to curb this encroachment.

Another notice, Number 754, was approved in 2023, underscoring the national park's significance, especially for power generation at the Mtera, Kidatu, and Mwalimu Nyerere dams.

 Mbarali's fertile land and reliable, semi-mechanized farming have attracted both large and small-scale farmers and livestock keepers. The district boasts over 4,000 power tillers and more than 3,000 tractors and combine harvesters. Last year, it produced 620,000 tonnes of rice.

However, the second Government Notice targets two major wetland areas, Madibira Phase II and Mnazi, totaling over 5,000 acres.

To ensure continuous water flow into the Ruaha River and power generation, human activities in these areas must cease.

This decision has sparked conflict among local investors in farming and livestock, who have used various platforms to criticize the government, alleging insecurity and discrimination in Mbarali.

Oakland Institute's allegations of forceful evictions from ancestral land prompted a World Bank investigation between June 19 and June 22.

The three-day investigation revealed that no one had been forcefully evicted, people continued their activities, and the government maintained essential services like electricity, water, education, health, and roads.

The government argued that while some farmers and livestock keepers wanted to expand their activities, doing so without proper procedures would endanger the wetlands and impede electricity generation essential for Tanzania's development.

Herders have sometimes clashed with rangers, leading to the use of minimum force for self-defense. In one incident, a herder was killed, sparking activism and political outcry.

 Conversely, the deaths of rangers and village game scouts in 2018 received little attention. This selective concern raises questions about the true motives behind these criticisms.

The government maintains that the interests of all 61 million Tanzanians outweigh those of a few farmers and herders in the basin, particularly in the context of climate change.

The World Bank delegation acknowledged that their findings contradicted Oakland's report. In a recent amendment to GN 28, the government released 30,000 acres from the park for community activities, including agriculture. This adjustment demonstrates a willingness to balance conservation with local livelihoods.

The Great Ruaha River, flowing for 164 kilometers through the park, is crucial for the ecosystem and power generation.

The REGROW project aims to enhance the park's infrastructure, including two airstrips, accommodation facilities for tourists and students, and an ecological monitoring center.

 This project empowers local communities to engage in environmentally friendly activities, providing seed money for women and youth groups and sponsoring education for young people.

Despite these efforts, overutilization of water in the Usangu catchment remains a challenge. Unauthorized diversions for irrigation and sand deposits obstructing the river necessitate ongoing management by the Irrigation Commission.

The government has taken steps to conserve sensitive catchment areas, issuing GN 28 in 2008 after consultations with stakeholders and compensating relocated communities.

Vice President's 2006 statement emphasized the need to conserve catchment areas affected by human activities, aiming to restore Ruaha River's year-round flow.

Although some villages remain in the park due to prolonged court cases, recent government actions reduced the park's size from 20,226 to 19,822 square kilometers, reallocating land for community use and grazing.

Relocation of sensitive areas like Madundas, Iyala, Luhanga, Msanga, and Kilambo villages continues, with conservation laws unenforced in these areas until further notice.

Tourist arrivals are on the rise, with 16,000 visitors in 2022/23 and an expected 19,000 by June 30, 2023. REGROW's initiatives and infrastructure improvements are driving this growth, enhancing the park's appeal.

Faraja Nkwera, a land officer, noted that while the land remains designated for village use under the Land Act, any change for conservation purposes would follow established procedures. For now, the community continues its activities under President Samia's directive, ensuring that social services remain in place.

This balanced approach seeks to harmonize the needs of local communities with the broader goal of conservation, securing Tanzania's natural resources and power supply for future generations.

Faraja Nkwera, a land officer in Tanzania, recently commented on the delicate balance between village land use and conservation efforts.

According to Nkwera, the land remains designated for village use under the Land Act, but any potential changes for conservation purposes would adhere to established legal procedures.

This nuanced approach aims to ensure that local communities can continue their activities while aligning with broader conservation goals.

Under the directive of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, the community has been able to maintain its social services, a vital aspect of the residents' well-being.

This directive highlights the government's commitment to preserving the social fabric of these communities even as it pursues conservation objectives. "Our priority is to ensure that no community is left behind as we work towards sustainable development," Nkwera emphasized.

The importance of this balanced approach cannot be overstated. Tanzania is home to some of the world's most diverse and ecologically significant landscapes.

Protecting these areas is crucial not only for the environment but also for the nation's long-term economic and energy security. Conservation efforts are often seen as conflicting with local land use, but this initiative demonstrates that harmony is possible.

In practice, this means local communities can continue their farming, grazing, and other activities that are essential for their livelihoods. Meanwhile, the government ensures that these activities do not compromise the integrity of conservation areas. "We are not just looking at today; we are planning for the future. Our natural resources and power supply are at the heart of Tanzania's prosperity," Nkwera stated.

This strategy also involves significant community engagement. The government recognizes that conservation efforts cannot succeed without the support and participation of local communities.

By involving them in decision-making processes and ensuring they benefit from conservation initiatives, the government fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility among the residents.

The balanced approach highlighted by Nkwera and endorsed by President Samia reflects a broader vision for Tanzania's development. It seeks to secure the nation's natural resources while uplifting local communities.

As the country navigates the complexities of land use and conservation, this model could serve as a blueprint for other regions facing similar challenges.

In Nkwera's words, "We are paving the way for a future where conservation and community development go hand in hand. It's not just about preserving our land; it's about preserving our way of life." This forward-thinking approach ensures that Tanzania's natural heritage and its people's well-being are both safeguarded for generations to come.