Hunting for the Benefits of Joint Forest Management in the Eastern Afromontane Biodiversity Hotspot: Effects on Bushmeat Hunters and Wildlife in the Udzungwa Mountains

Abstract

Summary Based on a 7 year temporal comparison, the effect of joint forest management (JFM) in the New Dabaga Ulangambi Forest Reserve in the Udzungwa Mountains, Tanzania is evaluated. Using bushmeat hunting as an indicator, conservation outcomes, livelihoods effects, and changes in governance are analyzed. Results show that JFM effectively reduced bushmeat hunting thus facilitating wildlife recovery but with negative consequences for hunters’ livelihoods. Problematic governance outcomes stemming from poor design and implementation of JFM furthermore undermined hunters’ willingness to comply with wildlife management rules. In combination, results suggest that JFM can work as intended if fundamental governance problems are adequately addressed.