Tanzania considers lifting decade-old ban on wildlife trade

Tanzania is weighing the potential repeal of a 2016 ban on the export and trade of live wild animals, in what the government says is likely to deescalate rising human wildlife conflict. 

Government officials argue that a regulated revival of the trade could ease intensifying conflicts between people and wildlife while generating significant revenue for communities and the state.

Incidents of wildlife encroaching on human settlements have become more frequent, particularly in urban and peri-urban areas. Phone footage circulating in parts of the country shows monkeys raiding food stalls and residential properties, disrupting daily life and livelihoods.

"You really can't chase them away. The only thing you can do is try to secure your important items if possible. Other than protecting your belongings, there's no real way to defend yourself - even if you try to hit them, it doesn't help," Nassir Amani, a food vendor in Dar es Salaam said. 

The ban was put in place nearly ten years ago to curb rampant poaching and unsustainable exports. 

In rural northern Tanzania, tensions recently boiled over when villagers killed nearly 250 monkeys and baboons, claiming the animals had repeatedly destroyed crops and raided homes in search of food.

According to Tanzanian Minister of Tourism and Natural Resources Ashatu Kijaji, the country equally stands to gain significantly by lifting the ban.

"The government, through the president, has directed our ministry to address the challenges that led to the wildlife trade ban, so that instead of killing these baboons and monkeys, they can be sold to generate income and address the concerns raised by our citizens," he said.

Authorities estimate the country forfeited close to $1 billion in potential revenue from foreign buyers during the ban period. 

A temporary six-month lifting of the restriction in 2022 allowed traders to dispose of existing stock. 

With an estimated four million wild animals, one of the highest wildlife densities per square kilometer anywhere, Tanzania believes carefully managed trade could relieve pressure on human-populated areas and deliver economic benefits to surrounding communities.

Conservationists, however, caution that habitat loss remains the underlying driver of escalating conflicts. Approximately 400,000 hectares of forest are cleared each year to accommodate expanding agriculture and firewood collection.

Malcolm Ryan, a conservationist, explained the demographic pressure.

"In 2000, we were less than half the population we are now - fewer than 35 million people. Now we are 70 million, and of course we expand, we create more farming land, and we take wilderness away from the animals. So, it is actually us who are encroaching into the wilderness. Of course, we have to find a balance between humans and wildlife."

Opponents of reviving the trade, warn that even a regulated system risks reopening pathways for illegal trafficking and could jeopardize wildlife populations that underpin Tanzania's internationally renowned tourism industry, particularly safari tourism.

While the government appears inclined toward a limited, controlled approach, potentially targeting problem species such as baboons and monkeys, the long-term implications for conservation, community livelihoods, and economic development remain under intense debate.