Browsing by Author "Mkhai, Emmanuel Marco"

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    Access to and use of information for forest management among communities surrounding Kazimzumbwi and Pugu forest reserves, Tanzania
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 2018) Mkhai, Emmanuel Marco
    The main objective of this study was to examine how local communities access and use information for forest management. The study was undertaken in communities around Kazimzumbwi and Pugu Forest Reserves, Kisarawe District, Coastal Region, Tanzania. The study examined different sources of information consulted by local communities to access information for forest management. Additionally, Participatory Forest Management (PFM) activities and their significance to the local communities around forest management. Mixed research approach was used in conducting research. Kisarawe, Pugu Kajiungeni and Kimani (neighboring Kazimzumbwi Forest Preserve) and Kola, Kazimzumbwi, Kifuru and Maguruwe (neighbouring Pugu Forest Reserve) villages were selected purposively because of their proximity to the forest reserves. The data were collected through questionnaire from 282 respondents, interviews from 18 respondents using interview guide, two focus group (7 participants in each group) discussions and observation. Purposive sampling technique was used for selecting key informants and villages while stratified and simple random sampling techniques were used for selecting community members. The findings revealed that there is poor access to and use of information for forest management due to unharmonised policies from different ministries, unsupportive working environment for the leadership, and inadequate support from forest officers. Other factors contributing to inaccessibility of forest information included poor information infrastructure and poverty in most villages. The findings indicate that generally access to and use of information was significantly influenced by unharmonised policies from different ministries, poor infrastructure as well as cultural, demographic, economic, educational and social factors. This study recommends provision of up-to-date information for forest management, identifying alternative sources of income in the villages and government’s cooperation with communities in forest management through Participatory Forest Management.