Biodiversity and Socio-Economic Assessment of the Kigosi Moyowosi – Burigi Chato Corridor

Project Description

THEDI, in collaboration with the College of African Wildlife Management (CAWM) – Mweka, was subcontracted to conduct a comprehensive biodiversity and socio-economic assessment within the Kigosi Moyowosi – Burigi Chato corridor. This initiative is a critical component of the USAID Tuhifadhi Maliasili project, a five-year program dedicated to preserving Tanzania’s iconic habitats and strengthening wildlife connectivity.

The Challenge: A Landscape at Risk
Tanzania’s unique ecosystems are under increasing pressure, with threatened species tripling in the last decade. The Kigosi Moyowosi – Burigi Chato corridor, a vital artery for elephants and large mammals, faces severe habitat fragmentation due to unsustainable land use and a lack of community awareness. To protect this corridor, high-resolution data on wildlife movement and human activity was urgently needed to guide conservation planning.

THEDI’s Strategic Intervention:
Leveraging our expertise in environmental management and community-centered approaches, THEDI led a multi-disciplinary study to characterize the landscape at a fine spatial scale. Our implementation strategy focused on three core pillars:

Scientific Mapping:
Utilizing GIS technology to produce detailed maps of habitat types, quality, and key wildlife resources like water sources and migration paths.

Biodiversity Documentation:
Recording tree species and wildlife indices (such as elephant dung) while identifying major ecological threats within the corridor.

Socio-Economic Integration:
Assessing land tenure, ownership, and existing economic activities in neighboring villages to understand the human-wildlife interface.
Impact and Outcomes

The findings from this assessment provide a vital baseline for USAID and the Government of Tanzania to improve habitat connectivity. By bridging the information gap, THEDI has empowered institutions like TAWIRI, TANAPA, and local District Councils with the evidence needed for effective policy-making and natural resource management. This project ensures that conservation efforts are not only scientifically sound but also inclusive of the communities whose livelihoods depend on these landscapes.