Prospects of implementing redd+ in the context of Tanzania’s community based forest management (CBFM) and joint forest management (JFM) the case of Duru-Haitemba and Ufiome forests in Babati district, Manyara region

This study analysed the prospects of REDD+ project implementation in the context of Tanzanian Community Based Forest Management (CBFM) and Joint Forest Management (JFM) context in Duru- HaitembaVillage Land Forest (DHVLFR) and Ufiome Forest Reserve (UFR) in Babati District, Manyara region. Specific objectives were to examine forest cover changes of the two forests, identify key drivers for deforestation and forest degradation,analyse the performance of CBFM and JFM in addressing the drivers and to examine challenges and opportunities for REDD+ implementation in DHVLFR and UFR. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Respondents were sampled by using probability and non – probability sampling techniques, basing on 10% sampling intensity to obtain 69 respondents out of the 690 total households in the study villages. Data were collected by using remote sensing and GIS techniques, questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussions, direct field observation and participatory mapping. This study found that there were noticeable deforestation and forestation across the study area. It was found that deforestation and forest degradation are linked to search for fuel and encroachment due to agricultural and livestock keeping and illegal timber harvesting activities. It was also found that there has been gradual increase of cultivated land and woodland since 1990s to 2013. The cultivated land increased from 629 ha in 1990 to about 1199ha in 2013, while the woodland expanded from 454ha in 1990 to 468ha in 2013 in Kwaraa Village. This study found that the performance of JFM and CBFM in addressing drivers is relatively good. It was found that the two villages are implementing by-laws, frequent patrols and already had village Land use plans. It was further found that there are several opportunities and challenges associated with the implementation of CBFM and JFM. Some of the opportunities are existence of policy and legal frameworks, community participation in forest management, financial management system and benefit sharing mechanism. Other opportunities were a sense of accountability and transparency. Challenges identified by respondents were unfair benefit sharing, low level of awareness and corruption. The study concluded that DHVLFR and UFR are potential for the prospects of REDD+ project as they have set benchmark requirements for REDD+ implementation. The study recommends that transparency and accountability, improve benefit sharing mechanism, information and awareness rising to villagers is essential for the effective implementation of REDD+ in Babati district.