Management of natural forests and impact of redd+ pilot project initiatives in addressing rural community livelihoods the case of Milola Magharibi and Milola B villages in Lindi

The objective of this study was to assess the management of natural forests in MilolaMagharibi and Milola B villages and Impact of REDD+ Pilot Project initiatives on Community Livelihoods. Purposive sampling technique was used to select various categories of people for sample with consideration to who could provide the best information to achieve the objectives of the study. Different methods and techniques were also used to collect information/data. Those were literature review, focus group discussion, key informant interviews, participatory field observation/transect walks and household questionnaires. All these methods were guided by checklist of issues relevant to the study. Findings from the study revealed that, many aspects of ecological functions of natural forests and livelihood systems have similar nature in both villages but different strategies in promoting them. Management aspects of natural forest resources in Milola B have not shown the anticipated strategies in assisting poor people to achieving development goals through sustainable and equitable use of their available forest resources compared to MilolaMagharibi where there were natural resources’ by-laws, remarkable land use plan and effective VNRC who regularly patrol the reserved forest areas. It has also revealed that REDD+ Pilot Project initiatives, has a significant contribution to local community livelihoods in MilolaMagharibi village based on natural resources management aspects and socio-economic issues. REDD+ project was not operating in Milola B.The study has recommended that, in order to achieve quality supervision and consciousness in management aspects, the MNRT and the Local Governments in collaboration with the TPP should support awareness raising programs from the grass root on sustainable natural resources utilization and management, and on investment aspects. Also they should enforce and subsidize conservation agriculture for principle crops cultivated in both villages while encourage tree planting activities of any kind of leguminous tree species under agro-forestry practice. This will minimize the rate of deforestation caused by shifting cultivation.