Residents in Tanzania’s Kilombero district are increasingly converting water sources into agricultural land, a practice that threatens the region’s water security and environmental sustainability.The Kilombero Valley, a critical area for water conservation, faces encroachment by farming activities that disrupt natural ecosystems.

Local authorities and environmental experts warn that clearing wetlands, riverbanks, and other water catchment areas for farmland risks depleting water supplies and harming biodiversity.

The region’s floodplains and wetlands are vital for regulating water flow in the Rufiji River basin, supporting agriculture, fishing, and hydroelectric power.

Destruction of vegetation around water sources leads to soil erosion, reduced water quality, and diminished water retention, causing floods during rains and shortages during dry periods.While rice cultivation drives agricultural expansion, the long-term environmental and economic costs are significant.

Authorities urge stricter enforcement of environmental laws and sustainable land use practices to balance agricultural needs with conservation efforts.