Participatory forest management and the reduction of deforestation and forest degradation: a case of Nyamwage forest in Rufiji district, Tanzania

This study was undertaken in Nyamwage Village Land Forest Reserve to assess the contribution of PFM in reducing deforestation and forest degradation. The study aimed at exploring forest management practices before and after the establishment of PFM and assessing its contribution to the reduction of deforestation and forest degradation and its challenges. It involved the collection of both quantitative and qualitative data from primary and secondary sources whereby 67 respondents were interviewed during household survey. Despite some challenges facing PFM, the study observed that PFM brought substantial positive impacts toward improving forest conditions. PFM in Nyamwage village influenced the reduction of disturbance and illegal activities in the forest reserves. Satellite images showed the decrease of the cultivated land and settlement area in the forest reserve after PFM. Illegal harvesting of logs; forest fires; and excessive cutting of trees for timber, charcoal, firewood and pole have declined. A reduction of the disturbances stimulated an increase in environmental goods and services including an increase in aesthetic value, water discharge, forest products and fodder. It was concluded that PFM is one of the best ways of increasing efficiency of forest governance and its management so as to reduce deforestation and forest degradation. Nevertheless, the study recommended the following: an increase of local community awareness on PFM practices, strengthening of local institution’s capacity for better attainment of PFM goals in conservation, effective flow of communication and improved networking system among stakeholders and practitioners for PFM to be more effective.