The Tanzanian government, through the Minister
for Natural Resources and Tourism, Khamis Kagasheki, is moving forward with a
plan of taking 1,500 square kilometres which are essential dry season grazing
land for the Maasai of Loliondo in Ngorongoro District.
The main
economic activity and source of livelihood of the people of Loliondo is
pastoralism – moving livestock between seasonal grazing areas - that compared
to other land uses is relatively compatible with wildlife – and this is a major
reason that their land is so sought after by the tourism industry and the Government.
In 1959 all
people were evicted from the vast Serengeti by the British Government for the
purpose of establishing the National Park. Among them the Maasai that were
moved to Ngorongoro Conservation Area and also to Loliondo. Contrary to
promises the Tanzanian government has continued with a greedy eye on lands that
it wants for the exclusive use of hunting and photographic tourism. Currently
this greed is focused on a corridor of land in Loliondo Division of Ngorongoro
District.
