Pius Yoram Kavana

By Pius Yoram Kavana, John Kija Bukombe, Hamza Kija, Stephen Nindi, Ally Nkwabi, Iddi Lipende, Simula Maijo, Baraka Naftali, Victor M. Kakengi, Janemary Ntalwila, Sood Ndimuligo and Robert Fyumagwa

In Tanzania, pure grasslands cover is estimated to be 60,381 km2, about 6.8% of the total land area, and is distributed in different parts. These grasslands are diverse in dominant grass species depending on rainfall, soil type, altitude, and management or grazing system. They support livestock and wildlife distributed in different eco-tomes and habitats of the country. The potential of grasslands for the livelihood of rural people is explicit from the fact that local people depend solely on natural production to satisfy their needs for animal products. Analysis of grazing lands indicated that livestock population, production of meat, and milk from grasslands increased. But the wildlife population, when considered in terms of livestock equivalent units (Large Herbivore Units) showed a declining trend. The contribution of grasslands to the total volume of meat produced in the country showed a declining state, while milk production showed a slight increase. This situation entails a need to evaluate the grasslands of Tanzania to ascertain their potential for supporting people’s livestock, wildlife, and livelihood. This study concluded that more research is needed to establish the possibility of grasslands to keep large numbers of grazing herbivores for sustainable livestock and wildlife production.

Part of the book: Grasses and Grassland

By Ally K. Nkwabi and Pius Yoram Kavana

In order to examine the bird species changes within different vegetation structures, the variations were compared between Commiphora-dominated vegetations with those of Vachellia tortilis and Vachellia robusta-dominated vegetations, and also compared the birds of grassland with those of Vachellia drepanolobium and Vachellia seyal-dominated vegetations. This study was conducted between February 2010 and April 2012. A total of 40 plots of 100 m × 100 m were established. Nonparametric Mann-Whitney U-test was used to examine differences in bird species between vegetations. Species richness estimates were obtained using the Species Diversity and Richness. A total of 171 bird species representing 103 genera, 12 orders, and 54 families were recorded. We found differences in bird species distribution whereby V. tortilis has higher bird species richness (102 species), abundance, and diversity when compared with Commiphora with 66 species and V. robusta with 59 species. These results suggest that variations in bird species abundance, diversity, and distribution could be attributed to differences in the structural diversity of vegetation. Therefore it is important to maintain different types of vegetation by keeping the frequency of fire to a minimum and prescribed fire should be employed and encouraged to control wildfire and so maintain a diversity of vegetation and birds community.

Part of the book: Vegetation Dynamics, Changing Ecosystems and Human Responsibility

By Pius Yoram Kavana, Bukombe John Kija, Emmanuel Pagiti Reuben, Ally Kiyenze Nkwabi, Baraka Naftal Mbwambo, Simula Peres Maijo, Selemani Rehani Moshi, Shabani Matwili, Victor Alexander Kakengi and Stephen Justice Nindi

This chapter delves into the intricate relationship between agro-pastoralism and grassland ecosystems in Tanzania’s Western Serengeti and Ugalla Ecosystems. Despite the acknowledged contribution of agro-pastoralism to rural well-being and economic development, its impact on the delicate balance of grassland ecosystems remains unclear in these crucial Tanzanian landscapes. The chapter aims to illuminate agro-pastoralism’s environmental, social, and economic dimensions in these regions. Guided by research questions exploring current conditions, potential solutions, and the path toward sustainable grassland resource utilization, the study employed a systematic literature review and data analysis using R software. Key findings highlight challenges from the progressive expansion of agro-pastoral activities, leading to trade-offs between ecosystem services and productivity. The study identifies agro-pastoral clusters across the area, revealing variations in economic activities and their impact on grassland utilization. Impacts on natural resources, such as soil pH changes, reduced herbaceous biomass, and shifts in plant composition, are discussed. The legal framework related to natural resource conservation in grasslands emphasizes the need for a balanced, ecologically sustainable approach. Efforts to alleviate agro-pastoral impacts, including introducing climate-smart agriculture, are explored. The chapter concludes by emphasizing the importance of integrated, participatory methods for sustainable management in the Serengeti and Ugalla ecosystems. Recommendations include promoting sustainable land use practices, implementing rotational grazing, and enhancing community involvement in decision-making.

Part of the book: Grasslands

By Pius Yoram Kavana, Bukombe John Kija, Emmanuel Pagiti Reuben, Ally Kiyenze Nkwabi, Baraka Naftal Mbwambo, Simula Peres Maijo, Selemani Rehani Moshi, Shabani Haruna Matwili, Victor Alexander Kakengi and Stephen Justice Nindi

This chapter delves into the intricate relationship between agro-pastoral activities and plant diversity in Tanzanian grasslands. The study addresses three critical research questions: the current status of plant diversity in agro-pastoral grasslands, the impact of anthropogenic activities on plant diversity, and strategies for maintaining plant diversity in Tanzania’s agro-pastoral grasslands. A systematic literature review and primary vegetation sampling were conducted. The impacts of agro-pastoralism on plant diversity were observed to have both detrimental and win-win scenarios. Practices such as deferred and controlled grazing contribute to soil conservation and biodiversity conservation, whereas continuous grazing and land cultivation lead to land degradation and loss of plant diversity. The study underscores the importance of perennial grasses, which contribute to soil improvement and provide a stable feed resource base for grazing animals. However, anthropogenic activities, threaten plant diversity, especially in lowlands. Altitude is a significant factor affecting plant diversity, with a decline observed in lowlands subjected to agro-pastoral activities. As human population increased agro-pastoral activities, the chapter concludes by highlighting the potential negative consequences on ecosystem services and biodiversity in lakes. It emphasizes the urgency of adopting sustainable agro-pastoral practices and ecosystem-specific conservation measures to ensure these vital grassland ecosystems’ long-term health and resilience.

Part of the book: Vegetation Index and Dynamics