To ensure the long-term conservation of the environment and wildlife corridors, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA) has strengthened its collaboration with local communities living near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Together, they are tackling the spread of the invasive and destructive plant Parthenium hysterophorus (commonly known as carrot weed) which has begun to take root in some areas.
This community-driven approach is part of a national initiative to control invasive species across the country, particularly in protected areas.
It also seeks to safeguard critical ecological corridors, such as the Upper Kitete corridor, which connects the Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara, and Tarangire conservation areas.
Gregory Mtega, the First-Class Conservation Officer from the NCAA, who is spearheading the effort in Upper Kitete village alongside local experts, explained that the initiative to eradicate carrot weed has seen tremendous success.
This success is due to strong collaboration between the NCAA, the Karatu District Council, and the PAMS Foundation.
Mtega further shared that the effort is being expanded to other nearby villages in order to protect native vegetation, maintain vital grazing lands for livestock, and preserve wildlife habitats.
“We have implemented a participatory conservation education program for the communities living around the conservation area. Every year, NCAA provides free tree seedlings for villagers to plant on their lands. We also distribute beehives to improve their economic livelihoods and help mitigate wildlife conflicts. In addition to these efforts, we have actively involved the community in removing invasive plants to strengthen ecological resilience, improve grazing areas, and ensure sustainable conservation practices,” Mtega explained.
He also highlighted the dangerous nature of Parthenium hysterophorus, which reproduces at an alarming rate one plant can produce over 40,000 seeds.
The plant poses a significant threat to wildlife, livestock, and even the agriculture of surrounding communities.
As a result, the NCAA has committed substantial resources to combat the spread of the weed using various control methods.
Kornelio Lengai, the Wildlife Officer for the Karatu District Council, praised the partnership between NCAA and local communities, emphasizing that the invasive plant has become a major obstacle to food production and the livelihoods of the villagers living near the conservation area.
He believes that the collaboration between NCAA and various stakeholders is a promising step toward ensuring sustainable conservation practices for future generations.
Emanuel Siriri, a resident of Upper Kitete village, expressed his gratitude to the NCAA for continuing to provide education and involve local villagers in these efforts.
Siriri noted that the initiatives not only offer hope for the future but have also created economic opportunities for young people through involvement in controlling the invasive plant.
He also shared that by managing the plant, agricultural activities have improved, leading to higher crop yields and more abundant harvests.
This collaboration represents a forward-thinking model of how communities and conservation authorities can work together to safeguard the environment, improve livelihoods, and secure sustainable land use for generations to come.