DODOMA: DEPUTY Minister in the Vice President’s Office (Union and Environment), Mr Khamis Hamza Khamis, has called on farmers and livestock keepers in the country to carry out their activities without harming the environment.
He made the appeal recently in Dodoma during a meeting with the Tanzania delegation that will participate in the 16th United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) conference, scheduled to be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
He said that the actions of some farmers, who indiscriminately cut down trees and burn forests to clear land, along with irresponsible livestock grazing, are major contributors to drought and pose a significant risk of transforming many areas into deserts.
“When farmers and herders cut down trees and graze their animals recklessly, they leave behind degraded lands. I urge them to halt these practices, as they intensify drought conditions and accelerate desertification in various regions,” he said.
Moreover, he called on farmers and herders to cease the practice of frequent migration, which further exacerbates environmental degradation.
Mr Khamis acknowledged that agriculture and livestock are crucial for economic development, but reminded farmers and herders of their responsibility to adhere to environmental regulations to prevent desert expansion.
He also appealed to livestock keepers to refrain from grazing or watering their animals at water sources, which causes environmental harm by depleting water resources and worsening drought conditions.
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He highlighted the importance of planting and nurturing trees as part of the fight against climate change, pointing out that the country is facing a dire situation, with extensively cutting of trees leading to reduced rainfall and heightened drought across many regions.
Furthermore, Mr Khamis reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continuing its efforts to develop land-use plans and educate the public about practices that damage the environment in order to address environmental degradation.
In turn, the Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Vice President’s Office (Union), Mr Abdallah Hassan Mitawi, insisted on the importance of the upcoming desertification conference for Tanzania.
He noted that Tanzania, with experts from the Vice President’s Office, relevant ministries, and development partners, will be well represented and will participate fully for the country’s benefit.
The meeting was attended by the Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water, Ms Agnes Meena, along with various experts from the Vice President’s Office, sectoral ministries, and the Director of the LEAD Foundation, Mr Njamasi Chiwanga.
The UNCCD COP16, which is set to take place in Riyadh, will bring together the global community for the largest UN land conference.
It will feature high-level dialogues, interactive workshops, and panels addressing urgent issues such as drought resilience and land restoration worldwide, with a strong focus on people-centered solutions and driving bold action for a sustainable future.
