Efforts of Mwalimu Nyerere towards Natural Resources Governance: A Reflection of Wildlife Management in Tanzania

Abstract

This article unveils the historical context of wildlife management in Tanzania. In particular, the article attempts to synthesise the pivotal  role of Mwalimu Nyerere in wildlife management in Tanzania. Shortly after the independence, Tanganyika (now United Republic of  Tanzania) admitted the vital role, which wildlife resources could donate to national economic growth. realising this, the first Prime  Minister of Republic of Tanganyika Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere championed conservation of wildlife and spearheaded tourism  development. Through Arusha manifesto on wildlife and nature conservation on the eve of Tanzania’s independence, Nyerere set the  stage upon which the future of wildlife conservation, protection and policies guiding nature conservation could be based. The Manifesto  was adopted and used by other African nations as a guide on wildlife conservation. It is over fifty (50) years since the Manifesto was put  in place, and thus, it is imperative to know whether Nyerere’s perspectives on natural resources governance paved the way towards  sustainable wildlife management in Tanzania.