The Jali Ardhi project, funded by the UK government Global Challenges research fund through the Natural Environment Research Council, explores the complex impact of soil erosion on east Africa.
Gullies dissect the landscape, making it difficult for people to walk between communities and move livestock.
Fragile crossing points become dangerous.
In an attempt to stop the destruction of the bridge, locals have tried to stabilise it with chopped branches.
Lake Manyara national park is a hotspot for biodiversity as it supports more than 400 species of birds, big land mammals and aquatic fauna.
This fragile ecosystem attracts more than 150,000 tourists every year, creating livelihoods for many local people.
But increased siltation and pollution is threatening the preservation of this Unesco Man and Biosphere site.
Soil erosion impacts on communities at local and global levels.
The interdisciplinary ‘Jali ardhi’ research programme (led by Plymouth University in collaboration with the Nelson Mandela African Institution for Science and Technology, the University of Exeter, Schumacher College and the International Water Management Institute) seeks to deliver new insights to support solutions to this global challenge.
most viewed