Preserving Traditional Knowledge Through - 'Under The Tree School'
The “School Under the Tree” was designed to bring education directly to pastoralists and herders in their natural environment, recognizing that most of them have limited time or opportunity to attend formal school settings. This informal but impactful model of learning ensures that herders, livestock owners, and rangeland coordinators acquire essential knowledge on rangeland management while continuing with their daily responsibilities
For many years, pastoral communities in Northern Tanzania have watched their rangelands degrade. Once-lush grasslands have thinned, bare soil has spread, and invasive plants have pushed into pastures. At the same time, erratic rainfall patterns linked to climate change have made grazing less predictable. Although solutions exist such as rotational grazing, controlled herd movement, and improved land use planning these ideas rarely reach herders in ways that are practical or accessible.
To bridge this gap, UCRT introduced the “School Under the Tree” model, a mobile, field-based learning platform that brings training directly to pastoralists where they live and work for over 30 villages in three districts . The aim is simple but powerful: to make rangeland management knowledge practical, inclusive, and grounded in everyday herding life.
Learning in the Field
The first training session took place under the acacia trees. Herders sat in a circle, their cattle grazing nearby. Instead of lengthy lectures, facilitators encouraged open discussions. Elders described how the land had changed over the years. Young herders spoke of the growing challenges of moving cattle long distances. Together, they explored how controlled grazing (Enki Enki) and bunching livestock could help reverse degradation and make herding more efficient.
The “school” then moved to Monduli district . This time, the setting was a water point, where herders and their livestock had already gathered for the day. As they watched the animals drink, discussions turned to how herd movement affects grass recovery and land cover. One participant observed, “When we keep the animals together, the grass grows back better and it’s easier to protect them.” The connection between theory and daily practice became clear to everyone present.
Elders and younger herders came together, reflecting on how their grazing areas had changed over decades. Technical ideas were translated into simple language, ensuring even those with limited literacy could follow along and contribute. What emerged was not just a training session but a shared learning space where traditional knowledge and modern grazing strategies met.
Real Impact
Across the three villages, the “School Under the Tree” sessions sparked important shifts. Herders began to connect land management practices with the health of their livestock and the sustainability of their livelihoods. Many saw how rotational grazing can reduce bare soil, prevent overgrazing, and even lower the risk of livestock theft and losses.
“Before under the tree school training decision were made without our voices now with education we sit together to plan grazing, our elders guide us but every herder has a say”
- a youth from magadini Simanjiro.
“Here, we learn while watching our cows graze. It makes sense,”
- Young herder, Olchoronyori Village.
For many years, pastoral communities in Northern Tanzania have watched their rangelands degrade. Once-lush grasslands have thinned, bare soil has spread, and invasive plants have pushed into pastures. At the same time, erratic rainfall patterns linked to climate change have made grazing less predictable. Although solutions exist such as rotational grazing, controlled herd movement, and improved land use planning these ideas rarely reach herders in ways that are practical or accessible.
To bridge this gap, UCRT introduced the “School Under the Tree” model, a mobile, field-based learning platform that brings training directly to pastoralists where they live and work for over 30 villages in three districts . The aim is simple but powerful: to make rangeland management knowledge practical, inclusive, and grounded in everyday herding life.
Learning in the Field
The first training session took place under the acacia trees. Herders sat in a circle, their cattle grazing nearby. Instead of lengthy lectures, facilitators encouraged open discussions. Elders described how the land had changed over the years. Young herders spoke of the growing challenges of moving cattle long distances. Together, they explored how controlled grazing (Enki Enki) and bunching livestock could help reverse degradation and make herding more efficient.
The “school” then moved to Monduli district . This time, the setting was a water point, where herders and their livestock had already gathered for the day. As they watched the animals drink, discussions turned to how herd movement affects grass recovery and land cover. One participant observed, “When we keep the animals together, the grass grows back better and it’s easier to protect them.” The connection between theory and daily practice became clear to everyone present.
Elders and younger herders came together, reflecting on how their grazing areas had changed over decades. Technical ideas were translated into simple language, ensuring even those with limited literacy could follow along and contribute. What emerged was not just a training session but a shared learning space where traditional knowledge and modern grazing strategies met.
Real Impact
Across the three villages, the “School Under the Tree” sessions sparked important shifts. Herders began to connect land management practices with the health of their livestock and the sustainability of their livelihoods. Many saw how rotational grazing can reduce bare soil, prevent overgrazing, and even lower the risk of livestock theft and losses.
“Before under the tree school training decision were made without our voices now with education we sit together to plan grazing, our elders guide us but every herder has a say”
- a youth from magadini Simanjiro.
“Here, we learn while watching our cows graze. It makes sense,”
- Young herder, Olchoronyori Village.
