1.3 Major Environmental Problems in Tanzania

1.3.1 Land Degradation

Human impacts on deforestation, soil erosion, overgrazing, and degradation of water resources and loss of biodiversity have all resulted into land degradation. Poor agricultural practices such as shifting cultivation, lack of crop rotation practices, lack of agricultural technology and land husbandry techniques exacerbate the problem.

Liviga (1999), contends that the effects of overstocking, which are localized, give rise to serious degradation in places such as Shinyanga and Mbulu where livestock units have exceeded the carrying capacity. This situation is seen as a good indicator of each of capacity for the decentralized institutions at the local level to enforce laws and instruments which are meant to ensure sound environmental management.

1.3.2 Pollution Management and Urbanization

Pollution is a major problem in urban areas of Tanzania. Improper treatment and disposal of solid and liquid wastes are the major contributors to urban area pollution. The combined results of these problems are that both air and water have been contaminated with pollutants, which are detrimental to human health. In Dar es Salaam, for example, less than 5% of the population is connected to a sewage system. Where a sewage system exists, raw sewage is discharged directly into the Indian Ocean without prior treatment. Thus a workable water supply and sewage treatment is needed for the urban areas.

1.3.3 Agricultural and Range Land Resources Management

Agriculture and rangeland resources are the backbone of Tanzania's economy. It is estimated that about 55% of the land could be used for agriculture and over 51% for pastoral lands. However, only about six percent of the agricultural land is cultivated with the practice of shifting cultivation which causes deforestation and land degradation on the pastoral land. Lake Manyara basin, Geita Gold Mines, Usangu Wetlands and Ngorongoro Conservation areas have been affected the most by inadequate control and land management.

The main cause for these problems is due to lack of proper instruments of enforcement of the existing legislation, policy and by-laws by local authorities. Again where the mandates of central and local institutions on environmental management are weak, conflicting and confusing; enforcement of laws and implementation plans becomes difficult if not impossible.

1.3.4 Management of Forest Resources

Forest resources provide both direct products and by -products. The forest reserves are also linked with agriculture, beekeeping, energy, water uses and biodiversity. It is estimated that fuel wood and agricultural residues account for 92% of the total energy consumption in the country. As a result, the mismanagement of fuel resources significantly contributes to deforestation and environmental degradation. Hence, highlighting the central and local governmental institutions inability o solve the problem.

1.3.5 Management of Wildlife Resources

Tanzania is one of the few countries with vast number of wildlife resources. For example, Tanzania's "protected areas" cover about 25% of the total land (Nshala: 1999). The protected land is comprised of national parks, game reserves, game controlled areas and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Unfortunately, communities living around these protected areas do not benefit from the wildlife industry. They live in uncertain conditions visited by persistent attacks by the wild animals and destruction of their crops. This has resulted in an antagonistic relationship between the wildlife authorities and the local populace. Local communities resort to activities like poaching to gain access to and benefits from the wildlife and other natural resources. This is a direct result of the central government excluding local communities from wildlife management.

1.3.6 Management of Mineral Resources

With respect to mineral resources, a Joint Appraisal Mission Report (1999) noted conflicting authorities on matters regarding mineral prospecting and mining. Additionally, local authorities have a minimal role in the mineral resource management process, despite the fact that mineral depletion is occurring in the local communities area. Any attempts made by local authorities to make by-laws imposing mineral levy such kind of by-laws have been met with an "outcry of double taxation" by mineral concessionaires against both the central government and the local authorities.

The Tanzanian economy depends upon mineral resources for a major source of its revenues. However, mineral exploitation is often done without regard to environmental and social impacts. Thus the Mining Act of 1998 addressed this problem and required mining companies to conduct environmental impact assessments. Mining activities a major cause of environmental degradation by deforestation, destruction of habitat, loss of biodiversity and general damage to the land.