Thu. Feb 6th, 2025

Assessing the Sustainability of Kilongo Forest Reserve under Community-Based Management in Wangingómbe District, Njombe Region, Tanzania : This Article is Published in the Asian Journal of Environment & Ecology

forest reserve

Over the past three decades, community forest management regimes, which involve collaborative decision-making for forest resource management, have been the dominant form of forest management in the global south. Among other things, this management regime has been associated with improving both forest conditions and community livelihoods. Recent studies, however, indicate that forests under community-based forest management (CBFM) are decreasing, subjecting them to degradation and complete land use change. This study, therefore, assesses the sustainability of Kilongo Forest Reserve under CBFM in Wangingómbe District, Njombe Region, Tanzania. Data was collected from 90 heads of Kilongo Sub-Village households in the study village of Masaulwa using probability and non-probability approaches through structured interviews, in-depth interviews, and documentary reviews. The results showed that Kilongo Forest Reserve conditions improved noticeably over the 20-year period under CBFM through increased forest density, tree height, and undergrowth diversity. This was due to the existence of rules and regulations, as well as villagers’ involvement in forest management. However, with the exception of the increased harvests of honey, the results demonstrate that the improved forest conditions did not significantly improve the livelihoods of the villagers. This is because the trees were not mature enough to produce timber. On the other hand, the forest reserve faced the challenge of animals passing through or grazing within the forest, as well as illegal harvesting of forest resources. It was also noted that the presence of numerous actors, multiple power centres, a village environmental management committee (VEMC) that was neither accountable to the villagers nor under their control, and the unequal distribution of benefits all compromised the effectiveness of Kilongo Forest Reserve. This study concludes that Kilongo Forest Reserve management under CBFM is not sustainable. Thus, to ensure the sustainability of Kilongo Forest Reserve under CBFM, there should be a complete decentralisation in the governance of the forest reserve, and the villagers should reduce their reliance on wood for energy by enabling them to use alternative sources of energy.

Author(s) Details:

Laison S. Kaganga
Department of Geography, St. Augustine University of Tanzania, Mwanza, Tanzania.


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Recent Global Research Developments in Sustainability of Kilongo Forest Reserve under Community Management

Biodiversity Conservation: NFRs in Tanzania are home to a significant number of endemic species. A study published in PLOS ONE found that these reserves contain at least 178 of Tanzania’s 242 endemic vertebrate species and 553 endemic plant taxa [1] . This highlights the importance of NFRs in preserving unique biodiversity.

Management Effectiveness: Research indicates that the management effectiveness of NFRs has been improving, especially with the support of donor funds. This has led to measurable reductions in critical threats such as illegal logging and hunting [1] .

Ecotourism and Revenue Generation: The development of income-generating activities like ecotourism is crucial for the sustainability of NFRs. Studies suggest that increased tourism and diversified revenue generation can help in managing and conserving these reserves [2] .

Climate Change Mitigation: NFRs play a vital role in mitigating climate change impacts. They act as carbon sinks and help in maintaining ecological balance. Research published in bioRxiv emphasizes the need for continued investment in these areas to combat climate change [3] .

Community Involvement: Involving local communities in the management of NFRs is essential for their success. Studies have shown that community participation leads to better conservation outcomes and helps in addressing issues like illegal activities and habitat destruction [4] .

References

  1. Ract C, Burgess ND, Dinesen L, Sumbi P, Malugu I, Latham J, et al. (2024) Nature Forest Reserves in Tanzania and their importance for conservation. PLoS ONE 19(2): e0281408. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0281408

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