Narco ranches Invaders should be removed

By Editor

Editorial Cartoon

Tanzania is best known as being the second country in Africa having the highest number of cattle, led by Ethiopia. However, the 20 million plus cattle are mainly kept by individual households who use traditional technologies or ways.

 

As a result the cattle do not yield large amounts of milk and their meat is not up to required standards for exports. On the other hand, most livestock keepers regard the cattle as a sign of wealth and use it in traditional customs and norms, such as paying dowry for their sons who want to get married.

 

It was partly to move out of this traditional way of raising cattle that the government established a number of ranches which would raise cattle by using modern and scientific methods. Most of the cattle from these ranches were reared for export and some to showcase local livestock keepers to adopt the methods. 

 

To oversee these ranches, the government formed the National Ranching Company (NARCO). But lately it has been at loggerheads with villagers near its ranches, particularly in West Kilimanjaro, who have invaded it and established farms.

 

The dispute has drawn the attention of the minister for Livestock and Fisheries Development, Dr Titus Kamani, who has ordered Kilimanjaro and Arusha regional authorities to deal with it and resolve it amicably.

 

It is well-known that land is a big problem in the two regions as there are more people than the available land area. As a matter of fact, people hailing from these regions, especially the former, are scattered all over Tanzania. They are settled in urban and rural areas of every region and district, because they cannot find space in the areas of their ancestors.

 

Not that this is bad, because for one thing they are industrious and adept at doing business. For another, they make the indigenous people learn from them how to make a living. But, more importantly, their mixing with local people erases the problem of tribalism which is deep-rooted in some of our neighbouring countries.  

 

As such, while we support the advice made by Dr Kamani that authorities in Siha District should find a way of solving the dispute, we suggest that immediate steps should be taken to remove any villagers who have encroached the boundary of West Kilimanjaro ranch.

 

This is because the ranch boundaries were legally demarcated, and so by their act the villagers were going against the law. Tanzania is a vast country, and these people could be taken elsewhere to start a new life. In any case, this would not be the first time for people to be moved to other areas.

 

Many of their colleagues are scattered all over the country, and they lead their lives as if nothing has happened. 

 

Like Dr Kamani, we are also concerned that the boundary conflict that has been facing the ranch, research centre and villagers has scared away potential investors.

 

The West Kilimanjaro Ranch could increase its beef cattle, even for the export market, but its potential cannot be tapped with its boundaries not well demarcated and poor quality products.

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN