Challenges facing the management and conservation of Olduvai Gorge / palaeo anthropological site, Tanzania

Abstract

This study focused on determining the management and conservation challenges facing Olduvai Gorge palaeoanthropological site. The basic question to be answered was, "What conservation problems arise from user conflicts and the inadequate funding allocated by the government?" The objective ofthe study was to explain measures through which the site can be improved so as to change it from the current pathetic condition to a more attractive entity to researchers, tourists, students and the general public, hence leading to improved environment for more national income. The targeted population has been the site administration staff, the surrounding community, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA) and the Antiquities Department (AD). Data were collected using key informant interviews, direct observation, structured interviews and secondary sources. The main findings included acute gorge erosion caused by livestock grazing and accelerated by rain and wind (as natural causes), and a high degree of vandalism and theft made to the gorge locality structures. This research recommends that the community be more involved in discussion with the management concerning measures to minimize conservation problems at the site. Moreover, adequate and timely funding for both the management matters and conservation activities should be allocated to the site keeping in mind that it is a government fund generating institution.