Impact of Livestock Grazing to Fringing Wetlands of Lake Victoria (Tanzania Experience)

Abstract

A baseline study was carried out in October/November 1999 to assess the impacts of Livestock grazing on the fringing wetlands of Lake Victoria on the Tanzanian side. Two villages bordering the Western Corridor of the Serengeti National Park in the east and Lake Victoria in the west were selected. Lamadi and Mbalageti rivers drain them. The flood plains are utilized for livestock grazing and as a refuge of wild game during the dry season. The area has been experiencing a high influx of immigrant pastoral herds from Shinyanga region, which has resulted, into serious land degradations. Range conditions at Lamadi were rated fair with retrogressing range trend. The carrying capacity was estimated at 3.57 to 6.75 ha/LU, which were 5 overstocked. Range condition at Nyatwali was rated good and the dry season carrying capacity was estimated at 1.5 ha/LU. Immigrant pastoral herds in the study area accounted for 79% and 82% of the total herds at Nyatwali and Lamadi, respectively.