25 Kibwe/Kingalu Road, Forest Hill Area, P.O. Box 6053, 67109 Morogoro, Tanzania eamcef@easternarc.or.tz

How Traditional Cultural Groups Are Leading Environmental Conservation in Tanzania

Traditional cultural groups in environmental conservation are proving to be powerful agents of change in Tanzania. Groups like Fagilia Mazingira, Zimamoto, and Mbuta have turned their artistic talents into tools for environmental education and advocacy, blending tradition with sustainability. Originally known for their vibrant Sangula and Lizombe dances in Kilombero District, Morogoro Region, Fagilia Mazingira and Zimamoto transitioned from entertainment to conservation with support from EAMCEF, Association Mazingira, and TANAPA.

Through targeted training, media exposure, and resource support, these traditional cultural groups in environmental conservation gained new skills and platforms to engage communities. Their performances now include messages on forest protection, wildlife preservation, and climate awareness, reaching wider audiences and generating income through cultural tourism.

In Same District, Kilimanjaro Region, the Mbuta Cultural Group also embraced this shift. Previously limited in reach, they faced the challenge of widespread illegal logging around Chome Nature Forest Reserve. With training and advocacy from EAMCEF, Mbuta expanded their influence using songs and plays to promote forest conservation, changing attitudes and behaviors in their community.

Teacher Uzehel Emmanuel Mchome of the Nguta Cultural Group emphasized the power of experiential learning: “With EAMCEF’s support, we visited Shengena Forest and saw its wildlife firsthand. This inspired us to build a traditional home and use songs, plays, and performances to educate the community.”

These stories highlight how traditional cultural groups in environmental conservation are bridging the gap between heritage and sustainability. By creatively incorporating environmental messages into cultural expressions, they inspire communities to value natural resources while preserving cultural identity. Traditional cultural groups in environmental conservation continue to play a vital role in fostering awareness, protecting biodiversity, and building climate resilience across regions.

Story Details

  • Location:
    Sangula Village, Kilombero District and Mvaa Village, Same District
  • District Surrounding Forest:
    Udzungwa Mountains National Park and Chome Nature Forest Reserve

KEY DATA

  • 9 groups were formed.
  • 9 protected areas were supported.
  • 225 community members were engaged.
  • TZS 65 million in income was generated.

Founded in 2018 with 15 members, Fagilia Mazingira now has 25. Initially performing for entertainment, we shifted focus in 2020 after partnering with Association Mazingira, using songs, dances, and tree-planting education to promote conservation. Despite challenges like limited storage for our products, we’ve received 30 invitations, including from TANAPA, to raise awareness about preserving culture and the environment.

Deodatus Leonard Ngalama

“Formed in 2016 with 20 members, Zimamoto focuses on preserving Tanzanian culture and reducing poverty. Partnering with Association Mazingira and TANAPA, we received training in agriculture, livestock farming, and traditional crafts, saving over 1.8 million shillings. Despite challenges like limited space to display our products, we educate the community on combating deforestation and poaching in the Kilombero Nature Forest Reserve.

Leon Hilary Kinoga

With EAMCEF’s support, we received training in Same on forest preservation and visited Shengena Forest, experiencing its unique wildlife. This inspired us to build our traditional home and use songs, plays, and performances to educate and encourage the community to protect the environment.

Uzehel Emmanuel Mchome

Related

Back To Top