The government has paid TZS171.4 million to 469 residents in Bariadi District, Simiyu Region, to compensate for losses caused by dangerous and destructive wildlife, including damage to crops.
The payments, made during the 2024/25 and 2025/26 financial years, are part of efforts to ease the economic burden on communities living alongside wildlife and reduce tensions arising from human-wildlife conflicts.
Deputy Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism Hamad Hassan Chande said the government was also strengthening its response to wildlife that enters farms and residential areas.
He said the government was increasing the number of wildlife rangers and constructing two ranger posts in Duma and Nyansosi villages to enable officers to respond more quickly to incidents.
“The government continues to take measures to protect people and their property from dangerous and destructive wildlife, including strengthening the presence and capacity of wildlife rangers,” Mr Chande said.»
The two ranger posts will be equipped with two vehicles and three motorcycles, giving officers better mobility when responding to reports of wildlife entering villages and farmland.
The move is significant in an area where many households depend on agriculture for food and income, meaning crop destruction can have a direct impact on household livelihoods.
Mr Chande said the government was also working with communities to improve their ability to deal with wildlife encounters through awareness campaigns and training.
Through the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA), the ministry provides communities with education on precautions to take when dangerous or destructive animals enter populated areas.
Village Game Scouts (VGS) are also being trained on how to respond to wildlife incidents, including those involving elephants.
“We continue to educate communities and train Village Game Scouts on the appropriate measures to take when dealing with dangerous and destructive wildlife,” he said.
The minister urged residents to work closely with conservation officials by reporting wildlife incursions and following guidance from trained personnel instead of confronting dangerous animals themselves.
He said cooperation between communities and conservation authorities was essential to reducing conflicts while protecting the country's natural resources.
“I urge citizens to cooperate with conservation officers in managing our forest and wildlife resources because these resources also support the growth and development of other sectors, including agriculture,” Mr Chande said.
The compensation payments come as the government seeks to balance wildlife conservation with the interests of communities living close to protected areas.
For affected households, compensation provides some relief after losing crops or other property, but the longer-term challenge remains preventing wildlife from repeatedly entering farms and settlements.
The construction of ranger posts, provision of transport and training of Village Game Scouts are therefore intended to improve early response and reduce damage before conflicts escalate.
The government says stronger community cooperation, faster intervention and continued conservation education will be key to reducing the cost of human-wildlife conflict while ensuring communities continue to benefit from the country's wildlife resources.