Butterfly farming for conservation and improving local livelihoods: the case of Amani butterfly project, Muheza district, Tanga region

Butterfly farming is the breeding of butterfly pupae for sale to butterfly houses, exhibitors and natural museums. The farming of butterflies in Amani begun in 2002 as a Tanzania Forest Conservation Group initiative to directly generate income to the community so as to enhance conservation of forest resources, which were otherwise threatened from over exploitation. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative research designs. Data and information were obtained through administration of questionnaires to 122 butterfly and non-butterfly farmers. Remarkable developments have been recorded by the butterfly farmers in Amani. Over 250 rural households derive their livelihoods from the forest through butterfly farming. Improvements in food security, primary health care and education have been recorded. The average month per capita income of a dedicated and organized butterfly farmer was about TZS 94,000 in 2013. Not only had this happened but, more butterfly farmers had planted trees and attended environmental meetings than non-butterfly farmers. This study recommends the creation of local livestock and dead stock markets for butterflies. Moreover, it recommends efforts to be undertaken to encourage eco-tourists to visit the project area so as to increase cash incomes. There is also a need to promote capacity building activities for butterfly farmers to enable them to run the proposed butterfly cooperative effectively.