Maasai communities adapt with tree planting and new livelihoods amid drought in Tanzania

An NGO in Tanzania is helping Maasai pastoralists adapt to climate change through tree planting, water management and diverse income-generating activities.

Naomi Achieng' reports for Mongabay.

In short:

• The Tanzania Conservation and Community Empowerment Initiative (TACCEI) works with Maasai pastoralists in the Simanjiro district to plant trees, conserve water and develop policies that address climate change.
• Drought conditions have decimated livestock in the region, pushing residents to adopt alternative livelihoods like vegetable farming, beekeeping and crafting.
• TACCEI has planted over 30,000 trees, including native and fruit varieties, to curb erosion and provide long-term income sources for villagers.

Key quote:

“We witnessed poor living conditions due to climate change, including drought, lack of rainfall, severe water shortages, and scarcity of food and pasture for both people and livestock.”

— Kone Medukenya, Terrat village chair

Why this matters:

With intensifying droughts in East Africa, pastoralist communities are forced to diversify to survive. Efforts like TACCEI’s support sustainability, helping reduce deforestation and soil erosion while building economic resilience in vulnerable communities.

Related: Maasai pastoralists turn to fish farming as drought decimates cattle