Browsing by Author "Mswima, Fredy S"

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Potential of REDD+ Initiatives in promotion of local communities’ livelihood: a case of Kilosa district
    (The University of Dodoma, 2012) Mswima, Fredy S
    REDD+ is a climate change mitigation measures aimed at enhancing forests for carbon storage and generation of reward to local community. “Making REDD+ Work for Communities and Forest Conservation in Tanzania” is a pilot project implemented in Kilosa site by Tanzania Forest Conservation Group and Tanzania Community Forest Conservation Network. Although REDD+ has promoted Participatory Forest Management in its approach, still potential on local communities‟ livelihood is questionable. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the potential of REDD+ initiatives in promotion of local communities‟ livelihood. Specifically the study aimed at investigating the strategies used in implementation of REDD+ project; participation of local communities on REDD+ project; local communities‟ forest resource governance and REDD+ benefits to local communities. Data was collected from 103 household respondents i.e. 5% of the total households in the study area; six FGDs from each village using a focus group discussion guide and ten key informants were consulted. Moreover, participatory resource assessment and participant observation were used in data gathering. Quantitative data was analyzed by using SPSS computer software and “content analysis technique” for analyzing qualitative data. Several TFCG/MJUMITA facilitated REDD+ strategies were noted in the study area i.e. Establishment and enforcement of forest conservation by-laws and agricultural improvement initiatives and establishment village of land use plans and support for new income generating activities. Local communities were decision making machinery in REDD+ pilot project. REDD+ initiatives are still in their early stages and have not been able to achieve improvement of local communities‟ livelihood. However, participatory approaches adopted by TFCG/MJUMITA in REDD+ initiatives are potential to local communities to responsibly utilize their resources. Likewise upon successful adoption by villagers the diversified socio-economic activities such improved agriculture and sustainable harvesting of forest resources are likely to promote income and indirectly improve human useful environmental services such as reduced soil erosion, water flow from the forest, biodiversity richness, microclimate modification, improved wildlife habitat, fresh air from forest, important sink for carbon dioxide and forest scenery. REDD+ initiatives require concerted efforts from wide range of stakeholders and legal framework in improving the local communities‟ livelihood.