NCAA Focuses on Revitalizing the Engaruka Archaeological Site

The Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA) General Venance Mabeyo (retired), has directed the authority’s management to intensify efforts to improve the infrastructure at the Engaruka archaeological site, which holds a significant history of irrigation technology practiced in the region during the 14th to 18th centuries.

This technology is associated with the Iraqw and Sonjo communities who inhabited the Engaruka area during those eras.

Mabeyo stated that the Engaruka site, located on the periphery of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, is one of the historical sites under the stewardship of the NCAA, where the history reveals that the inhabitants of Engaruka during the 14th century utilized the area for the cultivation of various crops that thrived due to the abundance of water flowing from the northern highland forests within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

“The narratives about this site involve the activities carried out by the community that lived here, and the results of extensive research conducted in this area are housed in the National Museum. However, as the NCAA has been entrusted with this site, we are determined to enhance the infrastructure, including roads, modern sanitation facilities, offices, and visitor resting areas, to attract more tourists who can come and witness this captivating site and learn about the irrigation technology that was practiced, the crops that were cultivated, the community-based conservation efforts, and the cultural heritage and tools used in agriculture,” said Mabeyo.

The NCAA’s strategic focus on revitalizing the Engaruka site aligns with its broader mandate to preserve and promote the rich cultural and natural heritage within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. By improving the site’s infrastructure and visitor amenities, the authority aims to enhance the site’s accessibility and appeal, thereby increasing the number of tourists who can engage with the fascinating history and technological advancements of the Iraqw and Sonjo communities that once thrived in this remarkable region.

Mabeyo emphasized that the NCAA’s efforts to revitalize Engaruka are part of a comprehensive plan to showcase the diverse cultural and archaeological treasures within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, which is renowned for its outstanding universal value and has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The investment in the Engaruka site is expected to contribute to the overall preservation and promotion of Tanzania’s rich cultural heritage, while also providing economic opportunities for the local communities through increased tourism activities.

The NCAA’s commitment to the Engaruka site underscores the authority’s dedication to preserving the country’s archaeological and historical legacy, ensuring that these remarkable remnants of the past continue to educate and inspire visitors from around the world.