By The Special Writer
The indigenous, Hadzabe community, residing in Karatu District, Arusha region, is facing a dire situation as their traditional lands are being encroached upon by farmers and pastoralists.
This invasion is leading to severe food shortages and other critical needs for the Hadzabe community.
The Hadzabe, a community that survives by hunting wild animals, and gathering roots, fruits, and honey, now has only about 500 people remaining in the district. In a recent discussion with journalists visiting their area to learn about their traditional environmental conservation knowledge, community leaders expressed an urgent need for assistance.
This initiative is part of a project implemented by the Media Aid for Indigenous and Pastoralists Communities (MAIPAC), funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) through the UNDP’s Small Grants Programme and the Office of the Vice President - Environment.
Ng’washambi Kusombi, a leader of the Hadzabe community in Murusi camp, Qang’dend village, Baray ward, Karatu, highlighted that despite their traditional knowledge enabling them to preserve forests and water sources, their livelihood is now at risk.
Kusombi stated that farmers and pastoralists have invaded their lands, cultivating crops, rearing livestock, cutting down trees, and producing charcoal, which has greatly affected their ability to find food and other necessities.
"Previously, we could hunt wild animals nearby, but now we have to travel great distances. The fruits and roots we relied on have decreased because trees are being cut down for charcoal," Kusombi said.
He also mentioned that even honey, a staple food for the Wahadzabe, is becoming scarce as the trees they use for beekeeping are being taken over by the invaders.
"There are baobab trees that we used for beekeeping, but now we are told they are no longer ours, and we are forced to share the honey with those who claim ownership," Kusombi added.
He also revealed that some village leaders have been secretly selling their land, despite the district council acknowledging that the land belongs to the Wahadzabe, though they have not been given formal ownership documents.
Nyambulu Njegela, another community member, noted that wildlife has fled further away because of the environmental degradation caused by the invaders.
"We now travel long distances to hunt. We usually hunt one large animal and do not hunt again until the meat is finished, but now there are no animals nearby," Njegela said.
He emphasized that if the current situation is not controlled, their lives will be in jeopardy as even the caves they used to live in have been invaded by other communities.
Juliana Yohana pointed out the additional burden on women, who now have to walk long distances to fetch water, gather roots for food, and collect medicinal plants.
"We urgently need help to prevent further invasion of our land. We are facing severe hardships, our children go all day without water, there are no schools, and health facilities are very far away," Yohana pleaded.
MAIPAC Director Mussa Juma mentioned that through their project, they are gathering traditional knowledge, which will be compiled into a book.
They have discovered that the Wahadzabe community is at risk of extinction, and the government must intervene.
"This community has preserved the environment; they do not cut trees, farm, or produce charcoal. However, there are numerous invaders farming on their land, cutting trees for charcoal, and have been allocated land by village leaders," he said.
Through the GEF/UNDP project, they aim to disseminate this knowledge to the media to help communities preserve the environment, forests, and water sources.
Donata Kimaro, Head of the Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation Unit in Karatu District Council, stated that the council has begun addressing the land invasions affecting the Wahadzabe.
Kimaro mentioned that the council had already developed a land-use plan for the Wahadzabe community areas, but there are still challenges in understanding among some village leaders and residents.
Reginald Hallu, Karatu District Forest Officer, reported that the council has started arresting individuals invading Wahadzabe land, constructing buildings, farming, and producing charcoal illegally.
"We already have several cases involving people who invaded Wahadzabe land and started producing charcoal. Some have paid fines and left. We warn that it is forbidden to invade land designated for the Wahadzabe community," Hallu stated.
The Wahadzabe community continues to face significant challenges as their land and resources are encroached upon, threatening their traditional way of life and survival. Immediate intervention is needed to protect this Indigenous community and its unique heritage.
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