Assessment of benefit sharing mechanism in community based natural resources management; a case of mbarang'andu wildlife Management Area in Tanzania

Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) have been widely used as community based approach in natural resources management in Tanzania and other African countries. In that regard, this study assesses the effectiveness of the Benefit Sharing Mechanism (BSM) in WMAs taking Mbarang'andu WMA in Namtumbo district in Tanzania as a case study. Data were collected through questionnaires, focus group discussion and field observation. The analysis is guided by three basic elements namely actors( leaders), Communities and resources which are presumed to be the main drivers of the effectiveness of BSM. These elements are also considered very important in conservation of WMAs. In a nut shell, the study findings revealed that the current BSM is effective because communities benefit directly in various ways, such as, employment as Village Game Scouts (VGS) and rangers. Also communities benefit indirectly through social services provided like construction of classrooms and desks, health centers, water points and village offices. There has been decreasingly engagement of communities in decision making process regarding the WMA regarding the WMA. Further the surrounding communities are not fully satisfied with the amount of revenue they get and they recommended for changes in the revenue sharing percentages. It is therefore recommended that the BSM policy be reviewed; accountability and transparency in the WMA operation and more involvement of communities in decision making should be encouraged.