Abstract:
Global supply of wildlife and forest resourcesproducts is increasingly strained by illegal activities.Incorporate of law enforcement to reduce illegal activities in Protected Areais increasing. There is considerable debate on effectiveness of law enforcement to deliver conservation outcomes. Explore the factors influencing effectiveness of law enforcement in JUHIBU and JUHIBEKO in Babati and Kondoa districts was pertinent. A total of 150 households and 52 law enforcement staff were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaire.Illegal activities and patrol effortsbetween 2012 and 2014 were collected. Non-parametric statistics, paired t-test and ordered logistic regression model were used for data analysis. A total of 159 patrol trips were conducted on foot and vehicle, each trip lasted for 16 to 20 days and ranged from 2 to 4 trips per month with an average of 12 to 17 villages scouts. Investmenton patrol efforts were significantly higher in JUHIBU (67%) than JUHIBEKO (32.37%).Illegal activities detected werelivestock grazing,charcoal production, hunting, farming and 167 poachers were arrested between 2012 and 2014. Mean illegal activities detected were not significantly different between JUHIBU and JUHIBEKO (Z = - 0.746, p =0. 456). Patrol effortsin JUHIBU and JUHIBEKO were negativelyand positively correlatedwith illegal activities respectively. Management effectiveness was significantly higher in JUHIBU (48%) than JUHIBEKO (34%). Poor implementation of budget, politics, and low cooperation from regulatory bodiesbreak down the chain of law enforcement.Punishment, transparency and experience significantlypositive influenced the effectiveness of law enforcement. Community participation and law enforcement organ is likely to improve the condition of wildlife and forest. Working environment for game scouts and forest guards should be improved through provision of patrol gears, salary, rewards, health insurance and job contract. Enhanced prosecution units, intelligence network, practice of good governance and benefits sharingis highly encouraged.
