Conflict between cattle keepers and surrounding community

A survey on the conflict between cattle keepers and surrounding communities was conducted at Maili Mbili-Chinangali street in Dodoma Municipality between December, 2010 and January 2011 to find out conflicts resulted by cattle keepers, as well as to assess factors for incompatible land use in the study area. 100m X 1000m [10hectares] transect walk was employed from Maili Mbili seasonal stream bridge to the end of Chinangali street. Questionnaire forms were used to collect data including three cattle keepers and three non-cattle keepers. Also, direct observation was applied whereby any revealed cattle were identified, counted and recorded. Digital camera was used to take photographs. The found cattle huts were recorded and photographed. Computer packages including micro soft excel, micro-soft word programs and calculator were used during data compilation and analysis. A total of 55 cows and 31 goats were identified. The total available hectares were 10, an indication that at least nine cattle occupy one hectare and practically one cow needs 3.2 hectares, while for the goat 1.2 hectares are required (see Table 1). There were a deficit of more than 70% for both cows and cattle (see Table 1). The factors for the conflicts were poor implementation of laws and bylaws by the government, low education to the community as well as poverty. Resources allocation has to be planned to avoid unnecessary conflicts for sustainable development. It is recommended that town planners and government as a whole should rely on the best quality of land use; also, more research is encouraged to find out the best solution for the existing communities conflicts.