A resource management strategy for Lake Manyara catchment basin Tanzania

Semi-arid lands comprise about 36% of the world’s total land area. In Tanzania, semi-arid areas comprise one third of the land area in the central and north-eastern regions. The Lake Manyara Basin approximately 6942sq km in north-eastern arid lands (Masai Steppe) is of special concern because it is traditionally a livestock grazing and wildlife conservation area. The altitudinal range of the basin varies from 1000 to 1800 m. a.s.l. The climate is extremely seasonal, annual precipitation varies from 250-900 mm, in November to April. A large proportion of the basin is unsuitable for cropping under the existing technology and is sensitive to degradation.