Impacts of Invasive Alien Plant Species on Pastoralism: A Case of Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania.

Macha, Dismas Cyril (2021) Impacts of Invasive Alien Plant Species on Pastoralism: A Case of Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania. Masters thesis, The Open University of Tanzania.

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Abstract

A study was conducted in three pastoral villages in Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA), namely; Olbalbal, Endulen and Kayepus to investigate the socio-economic impacts of increasing spread of invasive plant species. Mixed methods research design was adopted. Stratified random sampling was used to identify villages for social surveys. Socio economic data were collected through household interviews, key informant survey and focus group discussions. Diversity and abundance of livestock forage were assessed through field measurements based on standard procedures. Qualitative data was analyzed by content analysis while all quantitative data was analyzed by using different techniques in R statistical program. It was found that 90% of pastoralists recognized IPS in their villages. Livestock movement (80%) was reported being the major causes of spreading IPS followed by changes of weather condition (65%). Current means of controlling IPS include uprooting (40%) and burning (20%). Grass forage were more abundant (n = 34)and high diverse (H` = 2.01 to H` = 2.91) compared to herbs forage (n = 27)(H` = 1.77 to H` = 2.21) across all three villages. Additionally, nearly 70% of. grass indicated higher desirability compared to herbs forage species (20%), respectively. It is concluded that, although the current diversity and abundance of livestock forage are within the optimal levels to support large number of livestock, its future status is not guaranteed since the spread of invasive species could be higher beyond our expectation. Therefore, we recommend further studies in other affected villages within the NCA in order to obtain detailed information that could be used for management purpose. Keywords: Alien species, pastoralism, Ngorongoro, Wildlife

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