Transforming Maasai Landscapes: Land Cover Changes and Their Implications for Pastoralism and Conservation
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Date
2025-02-03
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Research Square
Abstract
Land cover change, particularly in landscapes inhabited by pastoralist communities like the Maasai, is a growing concern
due to its environmental and socio-economic implications. The Maasai regions in Tanzania have experienced signi cant
land cover shifts in recent years, which can affect biodiversity, ecosystem services, and traditional livelihoods. Despite the
importance of these landscapes, there is limited understanding of how speci c land cover types, such as rangelands,
croplands, and tree cover, have changed over time, and what the drivers behind these changes are. To address this gap,
this study examines the extent and nature of land cover changes in Maasai landscapes between 2017 and 2023. The
study speci cally focuses on the conversion of rangelands to other land uses, such as tree cover, croplands, and built
areas, as well as the shifts from trees to cropland and built areas. By analyzing these trends, the study aims to provide
insights into the factors driving land cover change and their implications for land management in the region. The ndings
reveal substantial transitions, including the conversion of 451,514 hectares of rangeland to tree cover, 152,064 hectares to
cropland, and 10,181 hectares to built areas. These results highlight the urgent need for strategies that support
sustainable land use while considering the ecological and socio-economic importance of Maasai landscapes.
Sustainable Development Goals
This research article was published in the Research Square, 2025
Keywords
Land cover change, Rangeland conversion, Maasai landscapes, Agricultural expansion, Pastoralism, Sustainable land use