Livelihood diversification and implications on sustainable forest resources management in Tanzania: a case study of Kikole and Kisangi village in Kilwa district

The study was conducted in Kisangi and Kikole village in Kilwa district with the aim of providing an in-depth understanding to livelihood diversification and its implications on sustainable management of forest resources. The study analysed the socio-economic characteristics of villagers in the study areas, factors affecting livelihood patterns, challenges facing household members in their daily livelihood activities. Structured and semi-structured interviews were done to collect data from household members; government officials and experts while secondary data were obtained from published and unpublished sources. Data were then systematically analysed using qualitative and quantitative analysis. Study findings show that farming (mainly through shifting cultivation) to be a primary livelihood activity in the study villages and more important farming mainly through shifting cultivation practice is the dominant livelihood that brings most income to the household members. Shifting cultivation was found cause serious degradation of forest resources due to excessive clearance of farmland being done regularly when farmers move to new farm lands to avoid fast growing weeds. Farmers face several challenges including limited access to farm inputs such as fertilizers, limited use of improved seeds, pesticides, wild animals and lack of agricultural extension services. Study findings show limited engagement of study population in alternative livelihood activity particularly on forest-based livelihood despite availability of forest resources in the study areas. This study recommends intervention in this through education, training and awareness raising to village community members to showcase locally available opportunities of forest based livelihood that will improve their livelihood particularly household incomes and how this will influence sustainable management of locally available forest resources.