The Impact of Human Migration on Land Degradation in Mpanda District, Katavi Region in Tanzania

Abstract

The study on the impact of human migration on land degradation was conducted infiveselected wards of Mpanda district. Over the years, human population has been increasing in Mpanda district. The increase in population have changed land usesystems that have caused a reduced land cover and subsequent land degradation. Themain objective of this study was to examine the relationship between the increase inhuman population and land degradation over a period of 30 years from 1985 to 2015.Specific objectives of the study sought to: determine the extent of land degradationemanating from human activities, to assess the relationship between and humanactivities on land use and land cover changes, to assess and describe the types of landconservation and management measures that are practiced in Mpanda district. Toachieve these objectives, the study utilized three land-sat satellite imageries (1985 TM,2000 ETM and 2015 ETM+) that were processed and analyzed using GIS software toproduce GIS maps to detect and quantify land cover changes in Mpanda district duringthe years: from 1985, and 2000 to 2015. A field observation and household survey wasalso carried out in the study area to identify the activities that are responsible for landuse changes and degradation. The results showed that since the 1985 to 20015,Mpanda district has experienced a rapid growth in human population density during 30years since 1985. The growing trend of the population and consequent demand forfood, energy, and area for settlement and agriculture have considerably altered landuse practices, reduced natural vegetation cover stratum and severely caused landdegradation at large. In order to correct this anomaly,the local population can besensitized on the importance of growing trees and seedlings can be planted innurseries for onward transmission to these lands. Similarly, pastoralist can beencouraged to practice zero grazing in a bid to manage grazing lands. The movementof people with their livestock should also be restricted to control the rate of vegetationgrowth. Such measures will prevent land exhaustion that is a constant threat to thebiodiversity of the environment.