Mvomero councillors promote sustainable land use
MOROGORO: COUNCILLORS in Mvomero District, Morogoro Region, have resolved to drop the longstanding agenda of farmer–pastoralist conflicts and instead concentrate on implementing the ‘Tutunzane Mvomero’ campaign, which promotes modern livestock keeping and sustainable land use.
The move was announced by the Mvomero District Council Chairman, Mr Koila Korman Majuka, during end-of-year celebrations to bid farewell to 2025 and welcome 2026.
The event, which included a thanksgiving service, was organised by the chairman and held at Kambala Village, drawing leaders and residents from across the district.
Mr Majuka said land conflicts between farmers and pastoralists had for years hindered development and threatened the safety of residents in some parts of the district, making it necessary to adopt a new, more constructive approach.
“Land conflicts have continued to hold back development and undermine security in certain areas. The time has come for us to place greater emphasis on discussing and implementing the Tutunzane campaign,” he said.
He added that councillors had agreed to remove farmer–pastoralist conflicts from their formal agenda and retain Tutunzane as the central framework for dialogue and action.
ALSO READ: Cleric decries unhealthy religious debates
“Under the Tutunzane agenda, we will focus on issues such as improved maize seeds, pasture seeds for livestock, water for farmers and water for pastoralists,” Mr Majuka stressed.
He further urged leaders from pastoralist communities to cooperate in identifying and restraining herders who deliberately graze their livestock on farmers’ crops, noting that such actions are a major source of recurring conflicts.
Mvomero District Commissioner Mr Maulid Dotto said the Tutunzane campaign is expected to be rolled out in various parts of the country, given its potential to foster peaceful coexistence and sustainable use of land resources.
He called on leaders, farmers and pastoralists alike to ensure the campaign delivers its intended positive outcomes, while appealing to residents to continue upholding peace, unity and solidarity.
On his part, Secretary of the Tanzania Pastoralists’ Association, Mr Daniel Matayo, advised pastoralists living near farming areas to move their livestock away from cultivated land, noting that the farming season has already begun.
He said taking such preventive measures would significantly reduce unnecessary disputes between the two groups. Earlier, Councillor for Mlali Ward, Mr Frank Mwananziche, speaking on behalf of fellow councillors, thanked the district council chairman for organising the event and underscored the importance of maintaining peace and unity within the district.
The Tutunzane campaign, initiated by former Mvomero District Commissioner Ms Judith Nguli, seeks to reduce and ultimately eliminate conflicts between farmers and pastoralists.
The initiative is built on the principle of mutual care, encouraging farmers to support pastoralists and pastoralists to protect farmers, thereby promoting harmony and shared prosperity.
