Sigala, Atuhombye2022-03-032022-03-032021Sigala, A. (2021). Land use land cover changes, water quality and locals’ involvement in conserving Kihansi spray toads (Nectophrynoides asperginis), in Kihansi Tanzania (Master's Dissertation). The University of Dodoma, Dodomahttp://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12661/3434Dissertation (MSc Biodiversity Conservation)Biodiversity hotspot areas host global potential for the conservation of wildlife species particularly those that are endemic and critically endangered. This study focused at assessing the land use land cover change (LULCC) of Kihansi catchment and adjacent areas, water quality along the Kihansi River and the involvementof local communities on the conservation of the Kihansi spray toads (KST)(Nectophrynoides asperginis). Landsat images were used to classify and monitor LULCC for 25 years from 1995 to 2020. Also, water quality of KihansiRiver was assessed in terms of pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen (DO), temperature, total dissolved solids (TDS). Semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect data from the respondents from three adjacent villages namely: Mgugwe, Udagaji and Ukami. Settlements and agricultural land increased by 26.23% and 3.7%, respectively. On the other hand, forest land decreased by a rate of 1.2% per yearbetween 1995 and the year 2020.Cultivation of crops such as paddy and maize were the dominant socio-economic activity (p<0.05). Significant variation for water quality variables was observed (p<0.05) for temperature (Mean ± S.E=25.34±0.31oC), pH (Mean ± S.E.=6.88±0.03) and DO (Mean± S.E. =5.41±0.03 mg/L) among the three sampled zones while human activities such as agriculture significantly influenced water quality (p<0.05). About 98.9% (n=361) of local communities wereheard about KST and the variation across villages was significant (p<0.05). Also 46.03% (n=168) have seen the toads although only 27. 67% (n=101) were able to identify the toads through their physical features. Human activities influence LULCC of KC thereby threatening the KC ecosystem and KST due to habitat loss. Ifnoproper measures are taken for management of the Kihansi River continued increase of TDS from human activitieswilldecreases DO in water, thismay threaten sustainabilityofthe re-introduced toads.This study provides baseline information for land use planning in KC and adjacent areas that consider sustainable conservation of the re-introduced KST which includes establishment of buffer zone around the catchment. It also calls for proper management of the Kihansi River through involvement of local communities to ensure sustainability of the re-introduced KST.Local communities should be involved in conservation activities like habitat restoration and research activities on the re-introduced KST throughconservation education, and outreach programs.enBiodiversityWildlife speciesConservationWater qualityLand useLand coverNectophrynoides asperginisHabitat restorationDissertation