By Our Reporter, Bariadi - Simiyu
The District Commissioner (DC) of Bariadi, Simon Simalenga, has strongly opposed the practice of some herders grazing their livestock in protected areas, especially the Maswa Game Reserve.
He stressed that Bariadi is not a safe place for people who break the law, engage in poaching, or ignore regulations set to protect the country’s resources.
Speaking to journalists on February 6, 2025, in Bariadi, Simalenga explained that grazing inside conservation areas causes serious harm to the environment and puts herders at risk due to dangerous wildlife. It also disrupts the ecosystem in these areas.
"I urge everyone in Bariadi, especially those near Maswa Game Reserve and Serengeti National Park, not to graze their animals in these areas. These places are not meant for livestock grazing," said Hon. Simalenga.
Beatus Maganja, a Public Relations Officer from the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA), also spoke to the residents of Halawa Village during an educational program.
He explained the dangers of grazing livestock in protected areas. He said that when wildlife and livestock compete for food and water, wildlife can lose their natural habitats, and some animals may move into human settlements, leading to conflicts between people and animals.
CI Lusato Masinde, an Educational Officer from TAWA, said that TAWA has been working to ensure the safety of people living in 32 villages around the reserve.
Between July 2024 and January 2025, they reached over 45,000 people, including students, with education on how to deal with dangerous wildlife.
Masinde also mentioned that TAWA uses tools like cold bombs, provided by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, to manage wildlife. As a result, conflicts with dangerous wildlife have been decreasing over time.
Residents of Halawa Village praised TAWA’s efforts in educating them about the dangers of grazing livestock in protected areas. They admitted that abandoning this practice has helped them avoid the costs of fines for animals caught inside the reserve.
"I had 30 cows that I used to graze in the Maswa reserve. When I was caught, I had to sell five cows to pay the fine for the rest.
I lost five cows just for grazing in the reserve," said Ngomanzito Lenhya, a resident of Halawa Village.
"Since then, I don’t want to graze in the reserve anymore. I’d rather take care of my 25 cows and build a better home for my family," added Ngomanzito.
