Masters Theses

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Browsing Masters Theses by Author "Alavaisha, Edmond"

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    Potential of mangrove forests for carbon market for Geza and Mtimbwani communities in Tanga, Tanzania
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 2015) Alavaisha, Edmond
    Mangroves offer important goods and services, including mitigation of climate change due to their high capacity for carbon sequestration and stocking. However, they are one of the most threatened ecosystems facing rapid degradation. Socio-economic and ecological surveys were done to assess the socio-ecological aspects of mangroves in Geza and Mtimbwani communities of Tanga, Tanzania to define their potential for carbon projects. Socio-economic surveys involved use of key informant interviews, focus group discussions and household questionnaires. Inventory of mangrove forests was conducted in Bongoa and Ngole River estuarine mangroves in Geza and Mtimbwani respectively to characterise forest stand structure and estimate carbon pools. Content analysis and multiple linear regression were used to establish the influence of socio-economic factors on exploitation of mangrove resources. Forest structure and carbon pools were estimated using available mangrove forest inventory protocols and laboratory procedures. Results indicated that major threats to mangroves are cutting for firewood and building poles. Key socio-economic factors that significantly (p<0.05) influenced exploitation of mangrove resources were income, age and level of education for Geza, and proximity from the resources and income for Mtimbwani. Six common mangrove species were identified with Avicennia marina (Forsk.) Vierh and Rhizophora mucronata Lamarck dominating in all sites. Forest stand density and basal area were 1740 stems ha-1 and 17.21 m2 for Geza and 2334 stems ha-1 and 30.27 m2 for Mtimbwani. Total ecosystem carbon stocks were 414.64 Mg C ha-1 for Geza and 684.99 Mg C ha-1 for Mtimbwani. These findings indicate that the two mangrove forest communities would be suitable for carbon projects as a conservation strategy because of their potential for high carbon stocks. Obtained data provide the needed baseline for monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) to support the carbon projects.