RE: FIREARMS FOR A FARMER IN TANZANIA

[Wheels]

What are the Tanzania laws on owning/ using a handgun while farming?

If legal and available, a 357 magnum revolver is a versatile tool to have, on your person to deal with a sudden encounter with feral animals, that may attack and kill your livestock.
I understand the not wanting the “Western cowboy “ look, but the revolver is damn handy when a “wild “ dog of any type tries to kill a calf, lamb, ewe. On a farm setting it’s most versatile.

All suggestions for the other weapons make sense, especially the 12 gauge shotgun, 30-06, and 22 RF rifle.

I don't know where the laws currently stand but it is a time consuming effort to get a new gun imported. Easier if you buy a gun already in country. Handguns used to be harder to get than long guns. All firearms must be registered yearly. My knowledge of the subject is a few years old.

Regarding hunting for citizens, apx. five years ago President Magafuli stopped all hunting by citizens (unless you buy a license like foreigners) due to poaching being out of control. Unfortunately Magafuli passed away. Not sure where the law stands now. As far as hunting meat is concerned it definitely happens. Usually at night with a spotlight and without a license. Regarding predators threatening livestock, killing them is usually ignored, either by gun, snare or poison.