Rungwe district in Mbeya region is amongst the many areas in Tanzania which until recently have
remained terra incognita in terms of ecological and archaeological research. Systematic archaeological
investigations, based on heritage management and conservation have not been undertaken.
In due regard, we decided to carry out the first systematic survey, documentation and recording of
the heritage resources of this district. Our investigations emphasized public participation in the
management and conservation of heritage resources with the involvement of local people the
central focus. We were also motivated by the desire to launch community outreach programmes
and establish the “Cultural-Ecological Research and Scientific Information Centre” in Masoko-Kisiba
Ward. There were several meetings with the local people and the village officials to discuss
plans. It was decided that the establishment of the deemed scientific and information centre
would abide with the existing conservation laws in order to effectively address the strategies for
protection, conservation and management of both natural and cultural heritage resources.