The Karatu District Security Committee, led by District Commissioner Dr. Lameck Karanga, recently met with members of the Hadzabe community—renowned for their traditional bushmeat expertise—and local artisans from the Datoga tribe in Eyasi, Karatu District.
The meeting aimed to strengthen collaboration between communities known for their cultural practices within the Ngorongoro Lengai area.
The Hadzabe, a community deeply respected for preserving indigenous traditions, regard monkey meat as a delicacy and an integral part of their cultural identity.
Meanwhile, the Datoga continue to practice ancient metalworking techniques, producing traditional crafts that are both functional and culturally significant.
Both communities reside within the Ngorongoro Lengai Geopark, a transboundary area spanning Karatu, Ngorongoro, and Monduli districts.
The Geopark is recognized globally by UNESCO for its geological, ecological, and cultural heritage.
Addressing the communities, Dr. Karanga commended them for maintaining their traditional practices while serving as examples of peace and harmony in the region.
He urged them to continue being models for other communities, assuring them that the government will support cultural preservation and enhance tourism initiatives in the area.
Joas Makwati, Deputy Commissioner for Conservation, Tourism, and Community Development at the Ngorongoro Conservation Authority, noted that the Geopark project benefits both residents within and outside the protected area.
Local livelihoods, including livestock keeping, hunting, and small-scale farming, rely on sustainable access to water and the conservation of the Ngorongoro ecosystem.
The Hadzabe are particularly famed for their expertise in preparing and roasting monkey meat, a practice that has drawn domestic and international visitors keen to experience the cultural delicacy.
According to the Hadzabe, properly roasted monkey meat acquires a unique flavor due to the animal’s diet of wild roots, fruits, and plants, which also imparts nutritional benefits believed to enhance immunity and overall health.
The meeting highlighted the intersection of cultural heritage, sustainable resource use, and tourism potential, reinforcing the importance of integrating indigenous knowledge and traditional practices into local development strategies.