Morogoro launches 60-day livestock identification drive

MOROGORO: MOROGORO Regional Commissioner Queen Sendiga has launched a 60-day exercise to identify livestock keepers and their animals, as well as assess land use across villages, in a move aimed at finding a lasting solution to recurring conflicts between farmers and herders.

The exercise, which began on September 18, will be conducted at village level by experts and local officials to establish accurate data on livestock ownership and support proper land-use planning based on the needs of different communities.

“This is an issue of recurring conflicts between farmers and livestock keepers, and now we are moving to find a lasting solution,” Ms Sendiga told journalists in Morogoro yesterday.

She said the exercise will use modern technology, including drones and aircraft, to identify livestock in valleys, water catchment areas and forest reserves, enabling authorities to make informed decisions on land use and environmental protection.

Village executive officers have been directed to provide detailed information on the number of recognised livestock keepers, the number of animals they own and the land they occupy.

“We want village executive officers to tell us how many livestock keepers are recognised by the village, how many animals they own and the size of their land. The information will also help us establish proper land use,” she said.

Ms Sendiga said the exercise will involve several institutions, including the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA), Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA), Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS) and local government authorities.

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She said the exercise is also important for protecting major national projects, particularly the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project (JNHPP), whose water sources largely originate in Morogoro Region.

According to the Regional Commissioner, the Kilombero River contributes about 65 per cent of the water flowing into the hydropower dam, making the protection of its catchment areas critical.

Meanwhile, Mvomero District resident Nasibu Ally welcomed the exercise, saying it could help reduce long-standing disputes in livestock-keeping areas such as Mtibwa and Kanga wards.

He said some livestock keepers who violate the law often rely on their wealth and large herds to resist enforcement measures, making the exercise a timely intervention.