Population change and its implications to natural resources utilization: The case study of Nkasi district, Tanzania

This study examines population change and its implication to natural resources utilization in Nkasi district. It investigates population change from 1988-2002; means of livelihoods and their relation to natural resources utilization, measures for resources conservation and areas for improvement in resource management. The study involved collection of secondary and primary data. Secondary data were obtained from census reports from 1988-2002, district documentary reports region and district profiles. Primary data were obtained through interviews, discussion with key informants and field observations. Four villages were involved in the study and 160 heads of households were sample using simple random sampling method research findings show that the population of Nkasi district changed in significantly from 1988 to 2002. Percentages increased in the period was 93.3%, giving an annual growth rate of 4.5%. Within the study villages, population increased by 58.3% from 1988 to 2002 giving an annual growth rate of 3.2%. Region migration was not significant in the study villages. Only 5.0%were migrants from other region. Therefore population change was largely due to natural increase. The influence of population growth to natural resources utilization is shown by the means of livelihood which are demand for food, fuel wood, building materials and commercialization of natural resources product.The study recommends that measures to control population growth should be made, intensive land use practices be encouraged, bylaws to protect natural resources should be enforced and use of energy saving technologies should be encouraged