"The Ideas Corner"

Animal husbandry and the Uluguru Mountains

Abstract

The readers, particularly those familiar with the conditions encountered in various tropical regions are encouraged to pose questions which need to be considered or to indicate the problems which are awaiting solutions. The so called first impression questions are also invited. They often bring the fresh and fruitful thoughts.

Animal husbandry and the Uluguru Mountains

It is a common knowledge that the steep slopes of the Uluguru Hills are used mainly for horticulture and to a lesser extent for the cultivation of other crops. The methods used to this purpose result in the clearing of land from the soil conserving vegetation and in the subsquent erosion. The similar problems are known also in the other hilly areas as, for instance, in the Pare Mountains, where the soil is already greatly damaged. The native vegetation of Uluguru is lavish and includes many grasses. Has ever an attempt been made to introduce to these mountains a cattle breed adapted to high altitudes, such as say - Siementhaler?. If this can be successful much of the erosion will be stopped and the population may obtain an alternative means of sustaining and feeding itself. Could this be done?