Pastoralists Embrace Soil Carbon after listening to experts!

Organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in collaboration with the Arusha Regional Secretariat and local stakeholders, the two-day event focused on sustainable rangeland management, land rights, and emerging economic opportunities for pastoralists. The conference aimed to celebrate the vital role rangelands play in Tanzania's economy, culture, and ecosystem health, while opening dialogue on how communities can benefit from their conservation.                 

One of the most engaging sessions was led by Richard Ndaskoi, Project Coordinator for Soils for the Future Tanzania (SftFTZ). Moving beyond theory to practical demonstration, Ndaskoi explained how healthy rangelands naturally capture and store carbon in the soil when grazing is well planned, how that carbon is scientifically measured, and how it can be converted into carbon credits that generate income for villages.

Drawing on SftFTZ's work in villages such as Kimokouwa, he showed how community-designed grazing calendars, block demarcation, and village-led governance not only restore degraded pastures but also build the soil carbon bank. His presentation drew questions from participants, particularly on the difference between soil carbon and forest carbon.

"Forest carbon comes from carbon stored in trees, trunks, branches and roots, while soil carbon comes from carbon stored underground in rangelands, grasslands and farmlands, built up through roots and organic matter when rangelands are managed well," Ndaskoi explained.

He added that in pastoral systems like Longido and Monduli, soil is the primary carbon (sink) bank.

Powerful testimonies came from the pastoralists themselves. Ms. Esupat  Ngulupa Laiser from Kimokouwa Village said she had initially opposed the carbon project out of fear for community land.

"I initially resisted the carbon project, but after learning from the practical demonstration, I am now confident that the project is beneficial to pastoral communities."

Similar sentiments were shared by Ms. Esther Lothi Lazer from Ranchi Village, whose village had previously declined to join the project due to misinformation.

"Our village did not join the project because we feared it. Now the misconceptions are gone and our village community is ready to join," she said.

According to SftFTZ, the testimonies reinforce its approach: pastoralists remain the titleholders and decision-makers.