Contribution of Joint Forest Management in Improving Conservation and Local Livelihood in Rufiji District, Tanzania

Abstract

This paper attempts to explore the contribution of Joint Forest Management in improving conservation<br />and local livelihood in Rufiji District. The study was carried in three villages (Mkupuka, Mangwi and<br />Muyuyu). Household survey, key informants interviews, focus group discussions, and archive<br />information were used to collect data. A total of 90 households, 10 key informants, and 9 Focus Group<br />Discussion members were involved. Results indicate that 57% of the respondents had the view that<br />local communities around Ngumburuni Forest Reserve did not realize direct benefits from JFM<br />practices. Findings have also revealed that 82.2% of the respondents perceived the increased trend of<br />deforestation after the introduction of JFM, a feature that does not promise sustainability of the forest<br />reserve. Findings indicate that challenges hindered effective management of forest reserve include the<br />increase of human population, expanding agriculture, and insufficient fund. The study concludes that,<br />JFM has failed to show substantial contributions towards enhancing conservation and livelihood of<br />local communities in the study area. It is recommended that for sustainable management of the forest<br />resources there is a need to strengthen the JFM in improving conservation and enhancing local<br />livelihood through conservation awareness, involvement of the local community in implementation of<br />the JFM strategies, to ensure equal distribution of benefits realized from forest conservation, and<br />strengthening patrol of the forest resources.