The role of co-operatives in reducing Greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing sinks through land use, land-use change and forestry in Tanzania
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Date
2019
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Sokoine University of Agriculture
Abstract
This thesis contributes to the literature by exploring the role of co-operatives in reducing
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and enhancing sinks through land use, land use change
and forestry (LULUCF) in agroforestry systems and miombo woodlands in Moshi and
Urambo districts respectively. Specifically, the study sought to examine the drivers of
land use and land use-change and their implications on GHG emissions and carbon sinks,
to explore co-operatives‟ actions or lack thereof linked to greenhouse emissions and
carbon removals through LULUCF, to estimate the contribution of co-operatives in
enhancing carbon storage through community carbon enhancement activities in
agroforestry and miombo woodlands ecosystems and to examine how the co-operative
business model may apply to carbon trading with special emphasis on community carbon
enhancement activities. A sample of 297 households was systematically selected in 16
villages from which data on land use and land-use change were collected using
questionnaire survey and remote sensing. Land use change was analysed by interpretation
of satellite images. Binary logistic regression analysis was undertaken to explore
co-operatives‟ activities or lack thereof linked to carbon emissions and carbon sinks.
The contribution of co-operatives in enhancing carbon storage was determined by
comparing the proportion of carbon stocks in the land use systems with co-operatives‟
activities to total carbon stock.
The study showed that intensive farming, establishment of woodlots, use of energy
efficient stoves, agroforestry practices, tree planting, and conservation of natural forests
were important drivers of land use and land use changes. Co-operative actions
significantly linked to carbon emissions and carbon removals through LULUCF were
marketing of agricultural products, supply of agricultural inputs, provision of agro-credits and extension services, promotion of agroforestry practices and supply of improved seeds.
Quantitatively co-operatives‟ actions contributed significantly to 76% of the existing
carbon stock per hectare in agroforestry systems and 31% of the total carbon stocks per
hectare in the miombo woodlands. The results further indicated that farmers through co-
operatives‟ activities generate tradable carbon credits, a commodity that can be traded
through co-operatives. The study concludes that co-operatives‟ actions have apparently
high potential to mitigate GHG emissions and enhance carbon sinks through LULUCF
sector. The co-operatives business model offers a framework for smallholder famers to
come together as a strong entity to gain collective bargaining power to achieve benefits in
terms of creating avenues for marketing carbon credits generated through activities with
co-operative actions.
The study recommends that vigorous knowledge on co-operatives‟ agricultural practices
that
reduce
emissions
and
enhance
carbon
stocks
through
training
and
environmental/climate change extension services by different stakeholders. Efforts to
mitigate climate change through LULUCF sector should be built on co-operatives‟
activities. It further recommends that co-operatives need additional support to effectively
engage in carbon trading in terms of technical expertise and calls for awareness creation
for smallholder farmers to recognize new opportunities in carbon trade.
Description
A Thesis 2019
Keywords
Soil ph, Co-operatives contribution, Common bean, Zinc concentration, Agroforestry systems