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President Samia Suluhu Hassan has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to tackling the growing problem of dangerous and destructive wildlife that threatens communities across Tanzania.
Addressing residents in Lushoto town, she assured them that authorities are working on long-term solutions to protect people, property, and livelihoods.
“We are continuously increasing the number of wildlife officers and exploring different ways to keep destructive animals at bay, including using drones,” President Samia stated.
In addition to deploying more rangers, the President directed the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism to review compensation regulations for people affected by wildlife incidents. The goal is to ensure that those who suffer losses due to animal attacks or destruction receive fair and timely financial support.
The Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA) has already begun implementing various strategies to address these issues. One of the key initiatives includes fitting tracking collars on elephants to monitor their movements in real-time. This allows wildlife officers to intervene quickly if the animals approach human settlements, reducing the risk of conflicts.
TAWA has also trained and equipped Village Game Scouts (VGS), a group of local youth dedicated to helping control wildlife-related threats in their communities. By involving residents in conservation efforts, the government aims to create a cooperative approach to handling human-wildlife conflicts.
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To further improve communication and response times, TAWA has introduced motorcycles fitted with loudspeakers. These mobile units allow authorities to quickly relay important information to communities in remote areas, helping people stay alert and prepared for potential wildlife encounters.
The government is also focusing on improving infrastructure for wildlife officers. Housing facilities are being built in key areas, including Nditi and Ngumbu villages in Nachingwea and Liwale districts. This ensures that officers are stationed close to high-risk areas and can respond swiftly to incidents.
President Samia’s emphasis on using technology, such as drones, marks a shift towards modern, non-invasive wildlife management techniques. Drones provide a cost-effective and efficient way to track and deter dangerous animals, complementing traditional patrols and intervention methods.
Several government leaders attended the President’s address, including Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism, Ambassador Dr. Pindi Chana, Deputy Minister Dunstan Kitandula, and Permanent Secretary Hassan Abbasi. Their presence highlighted the government’s unified approach in addressing human-wildlife conflicts and ensuring safety for all citizens.
Through these combined efforts—ranging from increased manpower and improved infrastructure to technological innovation and community involvement—the government is striving to create a safe environment where humans and wildlife can coexist without conflict.
