Potential of REDD+ Initiatives in promotion of local communities’ livelihood: a case of Kilosa district
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Date
2012
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
The University of Dodoma
Abstract
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.
Description
Dissertation (MSC Natural Resources Management)
Keywords
REDD+, Forest conservation, Tanzania, Kilosa district, REDD+ initiatives, Local communities livelihood, REDD+ project, Strategies, Forest management, Reducing Emissions from Deforestration and Forest
Citation
Mswima, F.S. (2012). Potential of REDD+ Initiatives in promotion of local communities’ livelihood: a case of Kilosa district. Dodoma: The University of Dodoma