Assessment of human, livestock and wildlife interactions in relation to water use: a case of Ngorongoro conservation area.

Human, livestock and wildlife interactions in the NCA have existed for many decades. Local people in NCA, notably, the Maasai and Datoga are pastoralists. Water sharing among human, livestock and wildlife is one of the major aspect of interactions. This study was carried out in three villages of Endulen, Meshili and Nainokanoka. The aim was to assess the status of water availability for people, livestock and wild life, also to ascertain the existing water related conflicts including causes and effects and to evaluate the effectiveness of traditional water conservation practices in NCA. The selection of Endulen, Meshili and Nainokanoka villages was based on the agro- climatic condition of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area which is characterized by: relatively cool highland condition represented by Nainokanoka village; intermediate zone, represented by Endulen village; and lowland area represented by Meshili village. It was revealed from the study that variation of water availability was based on the available sources and the received amount of rain annually. During dry seasons water sources decrease followed by drying up of temporal sources such as rivers, springs and dams. Such a pattern decreases water volume of reliable sources and leads to competition over water use and ultimately water use conflicts among people, livestock and wildlife arise. Drivers for the observed conflicts were mainly associated with population increases (immigrants and natural increases) and investments in tourism facilities (hotels, lodges and campsites). Within the three study villages, there are traditional measures in place to ensure peaceful and sustainable water use. These measures have been, and still are being helpful in ensuring reliable supply of water though some challenges arises in the implementation among members of the communities.