Revealed: How indigenous knowledge could transform disaster management in Tanzania

The study, titled: From Insights to Action: Everyday Humanitarianism in Tanzania, conducted over five years (2020-2025) in Dar es Salaam, Morogoro, Kigoma, and Arusha, underscores the pivotal role of communities in disaster management.

Researchers from the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), in collaboration with experts from Denmark, found that while Tanzania faces significant challenges in disaster preparedness, local knowledge remains underutilised.

Speaking recently while they unveiled the dissemination booklet to stakeholders, researchers said Tanzania's vulnerability to disasters such as floods, earthquakes, accidents, disease outbreaks, and building collapses necessitated a robust disaster management framework.

However, limited government resources and the complex role of local authorities leave communities at risk.

Legislative updates aimed at improving disaster management have been introduced, but awareness among the public and officials remains low, hampering effective implementation.

Coordinator of the study in the southern regions, Prof Herbert Hambati, from UDSM, emphasised the indispensable role of communities during disasters.

“The primary stakeholders in any disaster are the communities surrounding the affected areas. Yet, they are often overlooked or disregarded. This research has revealed that these individuals deserve recognition for risking their lives to assist victims before professionals arrive,” he said.

A striking example of this oversight occurred during the Precision Air plane crash in Lake Victoria in November 2022. Local fishermen used their boats and indigenous knowledge to rescue individuals before specialised rescue teams arrived.

Despite their critical contributions, only a few, such as a rescuer named ‘Majaliwa’, received media and government recognition, leaving many unsung heroes in the shadows.

Another researcher, Prof Hamudi Majamba, highlighted another issue: the bureaucratic barriers faced by citizens wishing to contribute financially or materially during disasters.

“Some individuals want to provide assistance, but they are told their contributions must go through specific channels, even when the government has not yet reached the affected area,” he noted.

The study also revealed that humanitarian responses in Tanzania are shaped by perceptions of deservingness, with citizens more inclined to help those deemed legitimate recipients of aid by authorities.

This dynamic often leaves certain vulnerable groups unsupported.

The lead facilitator of the research, Ms Lisa Richey, pointed out, “There’s a prevailing perception that humanitarianism is primarily the domain of outsiders or professionals. In reality, the first responders are often the people living near the disaster zones.”

These findings align with incidents such as the Kariakoo Market building collapse, where ordinary citizens volunteered to assist before professionals arrived. One rescuer shared his experience:

“We worked tirelessly and managed to save five people using our common sense. When the firefighters arrived, they implemented methods that we warned could pose additional dangers. Collaboration is essential to achieve the intended goal.”

Local government leader Juma Yohana from Kagera echoed this sentiment, emphasising the need for government mechanisms to recognise and promote indigenous knowledge systems.

“The government must ensure that disaster management committees at the lower levels have adequate resources and support to reinvigorate and rediscover these systems,” he said to The Citizen yesterday.

The report calls for a collaborative approach that integrates local knowledge and acknowledges the realities of Tanzanians’ daily lives in disaster-prone areas.

It suggests that international humanitarian actors should work closely with local government disaster committees rather than creating parallel structures.

Promoting and supporting indigenous knowledge systems can enhance disaster risk reduction and response efforts.

Furthermore, the study recommends that the government revise the New Disaster Management Policy to address these gaps and ensure effective, joint approaches by all stakeholders.

It also urges compliance with international and regional legal instruments to formally incorporate local humanitarian actors into disaster management systems.

Countries like India and Indonesia offer valuable lessons in recognising and incorporating indigenous knowledge into disaster management.

Both nations have successfully integrated community-driven approaches into their frameworks, leading to more resilient responses and better outcomes during disasters.

A member of the Research Committee Board, Mr Adam Kimbisa, stressed the importance of educating Tanzanians about different types of disasters and appropriate response methods.

 “We lack awareness, are often unprepared, and respond impulsively. This must change to ensure better disaster management,” he said.

The study concludes by highlighting the need for a cultural shift in how Tanzania values everyday humanitarianism.

By bridging the gap between formal and informal humanitarian practices, Tanzania can build a more inclusive and effective disaster management system.