Traditional Utilization of Aquatic Resources in Eastern Arc Catchments of Tanzania

Agnes G Kapinga,Abimbola Sangodoyin,Olayinka O Ogunkoya

doi:10.4236/nr.2019.105011

Abstract

Aquatic resources are vital for human well-being particularly to rural communities that largely depend onthem for livelihood. Currently, it appears that pressure from human activities related to utilization has impacted negatively on catchment management, particularly of the aquatic resources. This study focuses on the aquatic resources found in the Eastern Arc Catchments of Tanzania which include Upper Zigi and Lower Mngeta. The study employs catchment community participatory mapping approach so as to elucidate how man interacts with and modifies the aquatic environment, the impacts of their behavior, and the responses to changes which occur. The aim of the research is to realize a more comprehensive understanding of water resource management from a cultural, social, economic, political, and biological perspective and facilitate sustainable socio-hydrological interaction model. The study found that there are some similarities and differences in aquatic resources management and utilization among communities. Also, it established that there are more aquatic resources in Lower Mngeta catchment than in Upper Zigi catchment. The study found out that the manner of utilization of aquatic resources depends on their availability, levels of skills, knowledge, and beliefs among members of the communities of the catchments. It was also found that the traditional cultural structures that regulated aquatic resource utilization are weakening at an alarming rate due to factors such as modernization and the establishment of the formal institution. Weak traditional structures contribute in many ways to mismanagement and destruction of aquatic resources. The study recommends that ecological database should not only focus on the resources stock, but also on the dynamics of resources utilization. This would lead identification of appropriate local actors with knowledge and skills and cultural advantage who can be involved in planning and management of these important resources. It would also help to reverse the negative impact already experienced, promote sustainable practices and eventually guarantee theavailability of adequate aquatic resources for the present and future generation.

Highlights

Background of the StudyPeople are an integral part of the environment of their dwelling places and their activities affect the productive status of these places
This study focuses on the aquatic resources found in the Eastern Arc Catchments of Tanzania which include Upper Zigi and Lower Mngeta
River and pond habitats are more valued by Ndamba ethnic group in Lower Mngeta catchment because they are associated with their mode of subsistence and cultural beliefs unlike ethnic groups in Upper Zigi catchment who mostly value river habitats mostly because of their cultural belief

Summary

Introduction

Background of the StudyPeople are an integral part of the environment of their dwelling places and their activities affect the productive status of these places. Where such places are catchment areas, their productive status affects people’s lives as well [1] In recent years, it appears that pressure from human activities has impacted negatively on natural resources management, and more so, the management of aquatic resources [2]. The linkages between man and aquatic resources have evolved over time and are complicated [3] [4] The complexity of these connections may differ from one society, climatic zone and region to another due to factors such as catchment hydrology, population dynamics, socio-economic systems including culture, institutions, water-related economic activities, ecosystem services [5] [6] [7] [8] [9], and climate change pattern and characteristics [10]. It is universally known and accepted that the aquatic ecosystem is crucial for nourishing human life and vice versa [11]

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