INCORPORATION OF TRADITIONAL FOREST MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS IN THE CURRENT FOREST CONSERVATION PROGRAMMES

Abstract

This study explores the incorporation of Traditional Forest Management Systems (TFMS) in current forest conservation programmes in Rungwe District, Tanzania. The study draws from the political ecology approach to explain the unequal power relations that exist between the current forest conservation programmes and TFMS. It also draws on symbolic interactionism in explaining how forest management systems shape meanings that natural resource users have in the community. To accomplish its objectives, the study employed an exploratory research design and qualitative methodology using in-depth interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs) to obtain information from the natural resource users and data analysis was conducted using thematic analysis. The study findings indicate that TFMS exist in form of taboos, customary laws, rituals and forest patrols that act as means for ensuring proper forest management in the areas studied. Moreover, the incorporation of TFMS takes place through involvement of traditional leaders who serve as agents in the operation of the current forest conservation programmes in the local community. Furthermore, the unequal power relations between the current forest conservation programmes and TFMS have resulted in the dominance of the current programmes with new patterns of forest ownership and control of forest resources emerging that pose different challenges in forest management. On the whole, the incorporation of TFMS in the current forest conservation programmes is based on the nature and history of forest management in respective communities and has resulted in changing patterns of forest management. The study, therefore, recommends for better means of incorporating TFMS in forest management to ensure sustainable forest management.