Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Rangeland Governance in Northern Tanzania

Abstract

The article examines the role of indigenous knowledge (IK) systems in the governanceof common-property rangeland resources among pastoral communities in NorthernTanzania. It draws on the political ecology approach to examine the role and state ofindigenous knowledge on rangeland governance in the changing socio-cultural, politicaland ecological context. It employs qualitative methodology to capture the narrativesfrom the indigenous people. Using purposive (non-probability strategy) technique, thestudy obtained a sample of 50 interviews and life histories combined, and four focusgroup discussions from four research sites. Findings indicate that forms of indigenousknowledge €”such as rangeland rituals and cosmologies, rangeland zonation, livestocktaxonomy, water communism and pastoral mobility €”regulate and maintain aharmonious relationship between indigenous people and the wider ecosystem. Thearticle concludes that IK should be recognized as an integral component of local resourcegovernance. Also, indigenous rangeland cooperatives should be formed to help thesustainability of IK systems and settling emerging rangeland disputes.  Keywords: indigenous knowledge, rangelands, common-property resources, pastoralism,political ecology.