TANZANIA

In 2016 the government of Tanzania banned the export of live wild animals for three years, partly because illegal permits were causing a massive loss of government income and resources. Now, three years later, the government is considering reviewing the Wildlife Conservation Act No. 5 of 2009, which would put in place a total ban on the export of live wild animals. 

Legal exports aren’t the only wildlife trade issue for Tanzania, however, with illegal hunting of wild animals and bushmeat poaching still presenting a significant problem.

What will we do?

We will investigate how to create and put in place sustainable trade policies, for both wildlife and people in Tanzania by: 

  • mapping the relevant trade policies in wildlife and agricultural commodities from exporting countries
  • analysing the interactions of policy frameworks between importing and exporting countries 
  • analysing existing trade governance and performance for wildlife and agricultural commodities (such as live animals, wild meat, and sugar)

The team will also draw on experience from the Congo Basin to conduct a country-specific study of wild meat trade. This will provide a better understanding of what drives domestic trade in wild meat – and how to improve sustainability. 

Comparing domestic, regional, and international trade in wild meat will tell us:

  • what is driving bushmeat hunting
  • how countries might be able to control how trade in their own natural goods might affect local biodiversity and livelihoods
  • if bans (temporary or permanent) have overall positive or negative impacts on livelihoods
  • what impact a more regulated trade system might have on wildlife and local people