The Vital Role of Indigenous Livestock in Agroecology
Including livestock as a central element in agroecological practices is
necessary for several reasons:
1. Genetic Diversity and Resilience: Indigenous breeds, such as cattle,
goats, and poultry, are highly adapted to local environments and resistant to
diseases and climate stressors. For example, the Maasai cattle and Sukuma cattle
in Tanzania are well-suited to dry conditions and diseases prevalent in the
region. Their genetic makeup ensures that they can endure harsh climatic
changes, providing resilience to the local farming systems.
2. Economic and Nutritional Value: Livestock are an essential source of
food—providing milk, meat, eggs, and other products crucial for both nutritional
security and economic livelihoods. Indigenous poultry breeds, such as the local
chicken in Tanzania, are more resilient and provide a sustainable source of
income. These animals are often more nutritious than industrial breeds, offering
greater health benefits to local communities.
3. Cultural Significance: Livestock are deeply woven into the fabric of
cultural practices in many Tanzanian communities. For instance, Maasai cattle
are more than just a source of food; they symbolize cultural identity, social
status, and even participate in traditional ceremonies. Protecting these breeds
ensures the preservation of cultural heritage.
4. Sustainability and Soil Health: Livestock play a critical role in
maintaining soil fertility. Manure from indigenous cattle and other livestock
can be used as a natural fertilizer, reducing the need for chemical inputs.
Moreover, animals contribute to the ecological balance by preventing overgrazing
and supporting biodiversity through rotational grazing and integration with
agroforestry systems.
BRIDGE – COMMUNITY and Its Role in Livestock Conservation
BRIDGE – COMMUNITY is dedicated to the conservation of indigenous livestock and
their genetic resources in Tanzania. This organization is helping to ensure that
these breeds are preserved and that the communities dependent on them can
continue to thrive. Their initiatives promote genetic resource conservation and
sustainable livestock management practices, enhancing food sovereignty and
securing the livelihoods of many rural families.
Key Contributions of BRIDGE –
COMMUNITY:
1. Genetic Resource Conservation: By promoting the conservation of
indigenous livestock breeds, BRIDGE – COMMUNITY works to maintain genetic
diversity, helping local breeds adapt to evolving environmental challenges like
climate change and disease outbreaks.
2. Supporting Sustainable Practices: Through education on sustainable
grazing, water conservation, and agroforestry integration, BRIDGE – COMMUNITY is
helping farmers manage their livestock in ways that reduce environmental impact
while improving productivity.
3. Cultural Preservation: The organization
recognizes that preserving indigenous livestock breeds is closely tied to
maintaining cultural identity and heritage. BRIDGE – COMMUNITY actively supports
the cultural role that livestock play in community life.
4. Economic Support: By advocating for local breeds, the organization
ensures that livestock farmers can maintain a viable source of income through
the sale of animal products and services, thus strengthening local economies.
Livestock Species at Risk: A Threat to Biodiversity and Food Security
Tanzania
is home to several indigenous livestock species that are facing the risk of
extinction due to genetic erosion, environmental pressures, and crossbreeding
with non-indigenous breeds. These species are integral to the ecological,
cultural, and economic fabric of rural communities, yet they are under severe
threat. Some of the endangered livestock breeds include:
1. Tanzania Shorthorn Zebu: This breed is adapted to harsh climates and
diseases but is increasingly being replaced by industrialized cattle breeds. It
remains vital for pastoralist communities that rely on its resilience and
productivity.
2. Mpwapwa Cattle: Known for their disease resistance,
particularly to tick-borne diseases, these cattle are highly prized but are
under threat due to crossbreeding and modern farming practices.
3. Sukuma and Maasai Cattle: These cattle breeds are well adapted to the
semi-arid climate of Tanzania's southern and northern regions. They are
essential for the livelihoods of pastoralist communities and play a central role
in social and cultural practices. However, the encroachment of industrialized
farming and hybridization with exotic breeds is putting their future at risk.
4. Goats and Sheep: Indigenous breeds like the Tanzania Blackhead sheep
and Pemba goats are particularly resilient to local diseases and drought. They
are important for both food security and income generation. However, the
increasing popularity of non-native breeds threatens their genetic integrity.
5. Local Poultry (Chickens, Ducks, Guinea pig and Pigeons): Local
chickens, for example, are better adapt to the local environment and require
fewer inputs than exotic breeds. They are also preferred for their nutritional
value and taste. However, their numbers are dwindling due to the rise of
industrial poultry farming.
6. Donkeys: Often overlooked in livestock
discussions, donkeys are crucial for transport in rural areas and provide
essential labor for farming communities. However, they suffer from neglect and
poor husbandry, and their role in traditional farming systems is being
marginalized.
Indigenous Livestock: A Strategy for Sustainable Agriculture
The preservation of indigenous livestock breeds is not just a matter of
safeguarding biodiversity; it is also essential for building resilient
agricultural systems. As agroecology emphasizes biodiversity, it is equally
important to protect the genetic diversity within livestock populations. These
breeds provide:
• Climate Resilience: Many indigenous livestock breeds, such as the
Tanzania Shorthorn Zebu and Maasai cattle, are adapted to local climatic
conditions, making them more resilient to climate change impacts like drought
and heat stress.
• Disease Resistance: Indigenous breeds have developed
natural resistance to local diseases. For example, Mpwapwa cattle are less
susceptible to diseases such as tick-borne fever, which is a significant concern
in tropical regions.
• Nutritional Security: Livestock products such as
milk, meat, eggs, and leather are essential for food security, particularly in
rural communities. Indigenous poultry and small ruminants like goats and sheep
play a key role in providing accessible and nutritious food sources.
• Cultural Heritage: Indigenous livestock are integral to the cultural
identity of many Tanzanian communities. Protecting these breeds helps preserve
traditions and customs linked to livestock management, breeding practices, and
ceremonial use.
Challenges to Indigenous Livestock Conservation
Despite the many benefits of conserving indigenous livestock breeds, several
challenges remain:
1. Climate Change: Increasing temperatures, unpredictable rainfall, and
extreme weather events threaten pasture availability and water sources, which
are essential for livestock survival.
2. Land Use Conflicts: Competition
for land between agricultural expansion, town and residence expansion, national
par k and game reserves expansion and grazing areas is displacing pastoralist
communities and their livestock.
3. Market Access: Limited access to
markets prevents smallholder farmers from selling their livestock products,
reducing income and discouraging the conservation of indigenous breeds.
4. Disease Outbreaks: The prevalence of diseases such as foot-and-mouth
disease, brucellosis, Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), Newcastle disease etc,
poses significant threats to the health and productivity of livestock.
5. Policy Gaps: Lack of governmental support in legal frameworks for the
conservation of indigenous livestock breeds and sustainable livestock practices
hinders efforts to preserve these important genetic resources. .
