Can Conservation and Development be Coupled among Pastoral People? An Examination of the Maasai of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania

One of the new paradigms in sub-Saharan Africa is that conservation of natural resources can be coupled with human development. This paper addresses this paradigm and its application to the Maasai who live in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Tanzania. The assertion is that environmental conservation has been achieved but the Maasai have suffered serious economic and nutritional declines. The evidence is the increasing number of pastoralists who are unable to support themselves and the extent of malnutrition in the population. These trends among the Maasai are not unique and can also be evidenced through pastoral regions of East Africa. Discussion focuses on background information on environmental conservation and human development in East Africa the current situation in northern Tanzania and conclusions and recommendations for an action plan. The results were based on an analysis of data from the census survey conducted in 1987 an aerial survey and fieldwork in 1989 an opportunistic sample of herd owners and a nutritional survey in 1987. Findings indicate that livestock production is declining 16% of children <5 years are malnourished and 41% are undernourished. The nutritional survey was conducted just after the rainy season and probably reflects the seasonal minimum rather than maximum. The average adult Body Mass Index suggested acceptable nutritional levels but further examination revealed 12% of males and 15% of females were probably malnourished. The findings support the findings of Arhem Rodgers and Homewood. This analysis suggests a different cause: the lack of livestock to sell. Authorities blame the declines on Maasai mismanagement while the Maasai blame the restrictions on grazing prevention of burning and ban on agriculture. An examination of conditions in the larger region suggests that economic declines have been occurring over the past 20 years and are exacerbated by the lack of employment opportunities. Bans on agriculture were based on myths and not on the importance to the Maasai diets. Recommendations are to explain the findings within a regional context to evaluate policy to determine on what factual basis it rests to reduce tensions between pastoralists and conservationists and to provide alternative sources of income. Nine specific development interventions are indicated which stress community participation in development and conservation approaches.