Effectivenesws of community participation in forest resource management and poverty reduction in Suledo forest, Kiteto district, Tanzania

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Date
2010
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Dar es Salaam
Abstract
This study was undertaken in Suledo forest to assess effectiveness of community participation in forest resource management and its impact on poverty reduction with a gender perspective. Community Based Forest Management (CBFM) has become an important concept within the Tanzania's forestry sector, following the approval of National Forest Policy in 1998, the enactment of Forest Act in 2002 and CBFM guidelines. Suledo forest is among forests in Tanzania that are considered to be well managed under the CBFM approach. Multiple research methods were used for collection and triangulation of data, including literature review, household interviews using a structured questionnaire; institutional and key informant interviews; transect walks and observations, and focus group discussions. Two villages adjacent to the Suledo forest were studied and a total of 125 households were interviewed. Findings of the study revealed that villagers were willing to participate in forest management, but seemed to be only partially involved. It was learnt that community members were not involved during implementation and monitoring stages of the Suledo forest under the CBFM approach. Gender equity was not adequately implemented despite its emphasis in CBFM. Concerning poverty reduction, it was found that the main sources of income for the community adjacent Suledo forest were agriculture, livestock keeping and petty trade. The study recommends that responsible organs should ensure sustainability of forest resource management in the Suledo area. Finally, gender equity should be addressed to ensure involvement of both men and women in forest management.
Description
Available in print form, EAF collection, Dr. Wilbert Chagula Library, class mark (THS EAF SD242.T34N93 )
Keywords
Forest management, Poverty reduction, Suledo forest, Kiteto district, Tanzania
Citation
Nyeme, L ( 2010 ) Effectivenesws of community participation in forest resource management and poverty reduction in Suledo forest, Kiteto district, Tanzania, Masters dissertation, University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam.