Plant diversity in agro-pastoral grasslands of Tanzania

Abstract

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.