assessment of community participation in natural resource exploitation and management: the case of natural gas in Songosongo, Kilwa district, Tanzania.

This study aimed at assessing community participation in natural gas exploitation and management in Songosongo Island Kilwa District. The study was undertaken to assess community awareness; the approaches used to involve the communities; to examine the involvement of stakeholders and to assess challenges and benefits of natural gas exploitation management. Data were collected through questionnaires survey. key informants interviews and focus group discussions. A proportion of 8% from 759 households were included in the questionnaire interviews. A total of 61 respondents, 16 members of two focus group discussions and 12 key informants were selected to generate data for the study. The findings showed that, 80% of the respondents were aware of the availability of natural gas. On aspect of participation, 8% participated in decision making pertaining to natural gas exploitation; 20% participated in low wage employment opportunities while 72% did not participate. Several stakeholders were involved in natural gas exploitation and management. However, several challenges like environmental pollution and low level of education were reported. It is recommended that, community participation requires awareness raising on the issues of natural gas through formal ways like seminars and community meetings. The government should upgrade the community in aspects of capital. technology and consider bottom up participatory approach. In addition local companies should join with the foreign companies to harmonize their capitals and technology. Priorities to local people in provision of services such as catering services. security guards and cleanliness are to be considered while long term plan like provision of requisite skills and capital increasing to Tanzanians should put into consideration. I he companies involved in natural gas sector should increase the improvement of community social services including water supply in order to improve the health ui the community.