The Influence of In-Migrant Pastoralists on Land Use Change in Rufiji District, Tanzania

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine land use change as a consequence of pastoralists’ arrival in Rufiji district. It involved a total of 200 households whereby each was represented by one member. Data collection methods involved: household survey, interviews, focus group discussions and documentary review. Binary logistic regression was applied to establish factors influencing land use changes. The study established that land use had been changing from time to time after the arrival of pastoralists. Before their arrival, land uses were dominated by crop production and human settlement. After their arrival, the land uses became dominated by crop production, human settlement and livestock keeping, implying that livestock keeping is a new land use practice. Three factors had significant influence on land use change (number of livestock owned by pastoralists (p < 0.01), number of years pastoralists lived in the area (p < 0.05) and the local people’s involvement in livestock keeping (p < 0.05). It is concluded that the pastoralists and their associated activities have led to the land use changes in the area. The land use and conditions change feature through water sources destruction as well as spread of forest fires and vegetation clearance. It is recommended that efforts should be made to minimize adverse effects over the land by making sure those areas for agriculture and pastoral activities are defined and necessary services should be provided in the areas. The district authorities should develop sustainable land use plans for each village. Key words: pastoralists, agro-pastoralists, land use change, Tanzania.