Soil conservation in Kondoa, Tanzania: the case of the rangi people in the HADO area

Abstract

A current evaluation of some of the effects of soil conservation project (HADO) in a semi-arid area of Tanzania is presented. The project covers 125 600 ha, of which 10 000 had been reclaimed by March, 1983. The study entailed macroscopic and microscopic perspectives. On a macroscopic plane, the project seems to have regulated water flow as manifested by both increase in the discharge at Ntomoko and by the absence of floods in low-lying villages. Increases in both plant and animal biomass have also been recorded. On a microscopic plane, there are contradictions emanating from the Rangi people, such as the practice of terracing, tree planting and selective cutting of trees alongside shifting cultivation and use of fire. This suggests that, where popular participation forms the basis of the conservation process, rapid changes in attitudes and conservation practices should not be expected. The need for intersectoral co-operation is implied. Short-interval periodic evaluations are advocated as means of project monitoring. Evaluation criteria should be standardized so as to secure comparability.