The role of traditional ecological knowledge in management of dryland ecosystems among the Maasai pastoralists in Kiteto District, Tanzania

A DISSERTATION SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF SCIENCE IN MANAGEMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES FOR SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE OF SOKOINE UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE. MOROGORO, TANZANIA. 2017Understanding the way the Maasai pastoralists' Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) affects management of natural resources in dry lands is of practical importance. Failure to recognise its contribution in resources management and use can result into mismatch of varied land uses leading to loss of biodiversity and deterioration of livelihood conditions. Conventional range management has often neglected pastoralists’ participation, largely due to perception of resource managers that the knowledge lacks objectivity. Management of rangelands is expert - based and the part played by traditional knowledge is not given proper attention. The study was done in semi-arid area, Kiteto district (Maasai Steppe), characterised by high livestock density, low human density and short unpredictable rainfall. Data were collected using Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA), pilot-tested questionnaires, Focus Group Discussions and key informants interviews. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyze quantitative data, PRA data were analysed by the help of communities and content analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. Findings showed that socio-economic factors; sex, age, education level, income from livestock, household size and time spent in keeping livestock influenced the perceived usefulness of TEK. TEK practices were herd splitting, grazing patterns, livestock mobility, co-existence of wildlife and livestock, water sources management and construction of settlement played role in management. TEK thus, enables pastoralists to control and manage rangeland resources by regulating access by users and sanctioning abusers. Using medicinal plants to treat some diseases and ailments instead of conventional medication could be due to high costs or availability of drugs and proximity to health centers. Government and actors should work on policies that undermine pastoral ways of life and range ecologists should design a model that integrates TEK and scientific/expert based knowledge to be used in dry land ecosystems management