Analysis of the contribution of private sector payments for watershed services conservation in Tanzania: a case of East Usambara mountain- Muheza district, Tanga.
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Date
2016
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
University of Dar es Salaam
Abstract
Zigi River Catchment in East Usambara was degraded due to economic activities of the upstream land owners which impacted negatively on water availability and water quality downstream. Previously command and control instruments were used for watershed management. However, through this intervention, upstream land people showed low willingness in improving watershed management due to various reasons but mainly lack of economic incentives. This led to thinking alternative watershed management interventions among them is the Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES). PES is considered a voluntary alternative policy instrument for conservation of ecosystem services worldwide. Payment for Watershed Services (PWS) the subset of PES; aims at improving watershed management by upstream land users through modifying their land use practices whereby downstream water users have to pay upstream land managers for provision of watershed services (water quality and flow). The purpose of this study was to investigate the contribution of private sector in Payment for Watershed Services in Tanga Region. Downstream users in Tanga Region include a large number of private sector including Tanga Cement Co. Ltd, Tanga Fresh Ltd, Maweni Limestone Limited, Arthi River Mining Company, Tanga Pharmaceutical and Plastics Ltd, Mradi wa Maji Mlingano, Rosmin Secondary School and others. These industries consume a big quantity of water in the region. But how significant has had the contribution of private sector towards watershed conservation? This study was an attempt to respond to this key question. Data were collected through literature review, household interviews, direct observation, Key Informant Interviews (KII) and interviews with private sector managers. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS and results were presented in the form of tables and figures. Qualitative data were analyzed using Content Analysis. Findings show little participation and willingness to participate in PWS by large scale private sector. This is mainly a result of low awareness among private sector entrepreneurs on the link between upstream activities and water quality and flow downstream. Also as private sector investors, are not clear on how this could benefit them individually and avoid rent seeking. It is recommended that environmental education on PES should be provided to private sectors operators for them to participate in PWS. Also, laws and regulations should be formulated and enforced to ensure smooth running of PWS.
Description
Available in print form, East Africana Collection, Dr. Wilbert Chagula Library, Class mark (THS EAF QH541.15.E25M69)
Keywords
Payments for ecosystem services, Ecosystem services, Biodiversity conservation, East Usambara mountain, Muheza district, Tanga, Tanzania
Citation
Mnyambo, G. (2016). Analysis of the contribution of private sector payments for watershed services conservation in Tanzania: a case of East Usambara mountain- Muheza district, Tanga. Master dissertation, University of Dar es Salaam.