The role of ecotourism in improving rural livelihoods and conservation of forest resources on Uruguru Mountains, Morogoro Region, Tanzania

This study was conducted in Nughuts, Tandai and Tegetero villages, which are adjacent to the Uhuru Forest reserve in Uluguru Mountains, Morogoro region. The main objective of the study was to examine how ecotourism has contributed to forest resources conservation and wellbeing of the local people in Uhuru Mountains. The methodology used involved observations, interviews and discussions with local people and official of WCST in Morogoro Region. The findings of the study indicate that the communities have been benefiting from ecotourism activities enough income generated from selling of tree seedlings and local products to visitors. The income guided has been used in improve roads and there is a proposal to build a dispensary in Ughuru village. New people however have been employed in a small lodge at Tandai villages and others are employed as tour guide. Some of the villages are engaged in conservation activities such as agroforestry and preservation of catchment areas. Generally the study indicates that ecotourism has managed to reduce forest resources degradation, through introduction of conservation activities, provision of environmental education, introduction of penalties against bush life and provision of alternative sources of fuel wood. It has also helped in improving the living standards of the local people by providing employment and improvement of infrastructure. The study recommends that the government should sustain the ecotourism industry in Uluguru Mountains through improved infrastructure such as transport facilities and promoting ecotourism industry in this area. Also there is a need to increase local people awareness concerning the importance of forests.