Ecological Effects And Community Perception Of Cattle Grazing In Miombo Woodlands In Kilosa District, Tanzania

ABSTRACT 

The study was conducted in Kilosa District to assess ecological effects and community perception of cattle grazing in Miombo woodlands. The ecological study conducted within Ihombwe village Community Based Forest Management (CBFM). Soil samples collected for analysis of soil physical and chemical properties before and after cattle grazing within 30 plots. Circular plots design used for inventories and all plants, trees with height ≥ 1cm, coppices and root sprouts were identified and measured to species level. Results showed that, in high grazing intensity there was a decrease of plant species composition after cattle grazing at p < 0.01 significance level. Other results showed that, there was significant decrease in trees species seedlings, coppices and root sprouts regeneration in high grazing intensity after cattle grazing at p < 0.01, p < 0.05 and p < 0.01 significance level respectively. Furthermore, results showed that an average bulk density changed from 1.41- 1.48g/cm3 , soil pH decreased from 6.01 – 5.84 in high grazing intensity after cattle grazing. Ihombwe and Ulaya Mbuyuni village were used for socio-economic study. A total of 357 respondents and 4 key informants were interviewed. Approximately 80% of respondents agreed that grazing cattle in Miombo woodlands have negative ecological effects and have socio-economic benefits to local communities. Estimated 95% of livestock keepers were willing to pay for cattle grazing in Miombo woodlands. Generally, the results showed that, light grazing have no significance effect in Miombo woodlands compared to high grazing. The study recommends that, central and local government could allow light grazing of cattle in forests with participatory management approaches like CBFM since it has no detrimental ecological effects and should set up a legislation that can regulate grazing and set up affordable price for grazing in Miombo woodlands since majority have willingness to pay.