College of African Wildlife Management (CAWM), Mweka is a renowned training institution in Tanzania dedicated to wildlife management, conservation, and environmental protection. It was established in 1963 and is located in Mweka, near Mount Kilimanjaro. The college operates under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism and has earned regional and international recognition for its role in training wildlife professionals from Africa and beyond.
The primary mandate of CAWM is to provide professional training in wildlife management and related fields. The college offers a wide range of programs at certificate, diploma, bachelor’s degree, and postgraduate levels. These programs cover areas such as wildlife management, law enforcement, conservation biology, ecology, tourism management, and environmental studies. Training at CAWM combines strong theoretical foundations with intensive practical fieldwork, ensuring graduates acquire the skills and discipline required to manage wildlife resources effectively.
CAWM plays a critical role in supporting wildlife conservation in Tanzania and other African countries. Many of its graduates serve as wildlife officers, park rangers, conservation managers, researchers, and policymakers in national parks, game reserves, wildlife authorities, and conservation organizations. Through this human resource development, the college contributes directly to the protection of biodiversity and the sustainable management of ecosystems.
In addition to training, CAWM is actively involved in research and consultancy. Academic staff and students conduct research on wildlife populations, human–wildlife interactions, habitat management, and conservation strategies. Research findings support evidence-based decision-making and help address emerging conservation challenges such as poaching, climate change, habitat loss, and human–wildlife conflict.
The college also emphasizes discipline, leadership, and ethics as core components of its training philosophy. Students undergo rigorous paramilitary-style training that prepares them for the demanding nature of wildlife law enforcement and field operations. This approach instills professionalism, teamwork, and resilience, which are essential qualities for wildlife managers.
Overall, the College of African Wildlife Management, Mweka is a cornerstone institution in wildlife conservation and environmental management. By producing skilled professionals, advancing research, and promoting sustainable conservation practices, CAWM continues to play a vital role in safeguarding Africa’s wildlife heritage for present and future generations.