Procurement gap in tender processing and contract execution, the case of Tanzania government agencies and local authorities

This study examines the community perceptions on determinants and consequences of forest resources degradation in Namtumbo district. The study was guided by four specific objectives namely, to assess the extent of forest resources degradation, to identify community perceptions on the determinants responsible for forest resources degradation, to determine the consequences of forest resources degradation on the environment and people's livelihoods, to suggestpolicy measures for sustainable forest resources management. The study was done in Suluti and Likuyu Sekamaganga villages. The data were collected through questionnaires, in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, observation and analysis of satellite images. Chi square test (x2) was used to test the relationship between variables. The data have been presented in the form of tables and figures. Qualitative data have been presented in the form of descriptions. The findings show that about 1,735 ha (4.8%) of the forest/woodlands in the studied wards are lost per annum. The main on-site factors for forest resources degradation include: agriculture, energy needs, lumbering and brick burning. Others are settlement expansion, bush fires, mining, local brewing and overgrazing. The underlying factors include poverty, lack of local community participation in decision making and rapid population increase. The study noted that the district was experiencing rapid population growth rate of 3.4% per annum which was above the national average of 2.9%. The growing population impacts negatively on the forest resources. Environmental impacts noted include tree species loss, destruction of water catchment areas and climate change. Livelihoods impacts included increased poverty, food insecurity, loss of medicinal plant species and fuel wood scarcity. The study recommends mitigation measures such as population growth control, poverty eradication, environmental education and participatory forest management to rescue forest resources.