Ranching for bush meat

The recent legalization of wildlife ranching in 2020 in Tanzania opened up an intriguing avenue for discussion that could further reshape the conservation landscape across the African continent. Tanzania joins the ranks of other African nations such as Kenya and South Africa that opted for ranching to accelerate wildlife conservation efforts amid rising illegal meat selling and poaching. Also included in the Wildlife Regulations of 2020 is the lawful selling of game meat through licensed facilities or butcheries to enable Tanzanians to have access to consumer-safe wild meat. While the topic of wildlife trade often invokes concerns about illegal poaching and threats to biodiversity, a thoughtful approach to regulated and sustainable trade holds the potential to benefit not just local economies but also the efforts of conservationists who have long been dedicated to safeguarding Africa’s rich natural heritage.

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), an initiative of the African Union has created the biggest trading bloc signed by 54 countries to create a unified continental goods and services market composed of about 1.3 billion African consumers. Annex 7 of the agreement that established the AfCFTA is based on the World Trade Organization Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement on taking relevant measures sit protect animals within a member’s Territory. The legalization of ranching and game meat selling are welcome measures to protect wildlife in Tanzania while driving sector contribution to GDP growth. Before the legalization of meat selling, statistics showed that about 2,000 tonnes of ill-gotten bust meat were seized annually in Tanzania valued at $50 million with about 11,838 illegal hunters arrested between 2016 and 2020 in Tanzania. The exporting of wildlife products in Tanzania, including meat and leather, across Africa therefore emerges as an opportunity that conservationists should keenly explore under the AfCFTA.

Bushmeat: Benefits for Conservationists and Communities

Conservationists in Tanzania and other East African countries are notable champions of preserving the unique ecosystem and wildlife species. Their efforts are often hindered by challenges of funds and insufficient community engagement. Here in the AfCFTA ranching legalization PROVIDES an opportunity by harnessing the potential of legal wildlife trade, where conservationists can secure sustainable financing mechanisms for their projects, bolster community involvement, and incentivize the protection of wildlife habitats. The question for conservationists and policymakers within Tanzania and other ranching nations in Africa, therefore is, can the inclusion of wild meat export in African trade in animals and animal products under the AfCFTA generate benefits for the continent towards listing communities out of poverty?

The ability to trade wildlife products legally and sustainably within a regulated framework offers numerous benefits. Wild hunting is primarily practiced for food, traditional local medicine, ornamental purposes, and traditional Chinese medicine in Tanzania as per a 2021 study by traffic.org. Additionally, the bushmeat trade is driven by the need for financial gain, traditional reasons, and the consideration of meat to be cheaper, healthier, and nutritious providing a value proposition for international exports. The recent legalization of ranching is a gateway to dealing with challenges in access to meat in Tanzania including enhancing meat supplier and availability, reduced seizures during law enforcement, and enhanced safety and health.

A call for Sanity and sanitization

The ability to trade wildlife products internationally legally and sustainably within a regulated framework offers numerous benefits to conservationists in Tanzania. First, the sale of animal products consumed for various reasons can generate revenue streams that directly contribute to funding conservation initiatives undertaken in the country towards supporting biodiversity and the protection of species. Revenues from the responsible sale of meat and hides among other products can be channeled into anti-poaching efforts, habitat restoration, and community development projects. It is therefore necessary that conservationists demonstrate the economic value of intact ecosystems and thriving wildlife populations to garner wider support and mobilize resources for their efforts.

“The ability to trade wildlife products legally and sustainably within a regulated framework offers numerous benefits.”

Engaging local communities in wildlife trade can foster a sense of ownership and empowerment. When communities see direct economic benefits from wildlife conservation efforts, they become invested in safeguarding their natural surroundings. This shift in perspective can lead to the creation of community-led conservation initiatives, which are often more sustainable and effective in the long run. Local communities, recognizing the importance of preserving their unique wildlife resources, can become natural allies in the fight against illegal poaching and habitat destruction.

Critics of wildlife trade often raise concerns about the impact on biodiversity and the potential for overexploitation. However, under a regulated and sustainable trade framework, these risks can be mitigated. Science-based quotas and careful monitoring can ensure that trade remains within ecologically viable limits. Additionally, the revenue generated from legal wildlife trade can be reinvested into scientific research, monitoring systems, and conservation education programs, further enhancing the understanding of wildlife populations and their ecosystems.

A holistic approach to sustainable wildlife trade requires collaboration among governments, conservation organizations, local communities, and businesses. By aligning their efforts, stakeholders can design trade policies that prioritize ecological sustainability, human well-being, and economic growth. Certification systems that attest to the ethical and ecological sourcing of wildlife products can provide consumers with confidence in the origins of the products they purchase. This, in turn, can create a market demand for responsibly sourced wildlife products, encouraging businesses to engage in conservation-friendly practices.

The legalization of wildlife ranching in Tanzania unveils a new chapter in African conservation—one that conservationists should embrace with cautious optimism. The potential for exporting Tanzanian wildlife products across the continent, especially under the AfCFTA framework, offers an opportunity to enhance conservation efforts in innovative ways. By engaging local communities, securing sustainable funding sources, and aligning with ethical business practices, conservationists can leverage the power of trade for the greater good. The path ahead demands vigilance in preventing overexploitation and ensuring ecological integrity, but with careful planning and collaboration, sustainable wildlife trade has the potential to become a cornerstone of conservation efforts in Africa, fostering a harmonious coexistence between thriving economies and thriving ecosystems.