Browsing by Author "Kajembe, G. C."

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Community participation in the management of protected forest areas in East Africa: opportunities and challenges
(2006) Kajembe, G. C.; Kihiy, V.B.M.S.; Banana, A.Y.; Gombya-Ssembajjwe, W.; Ongugo, P.
There is a move in East Africa from centralized and state-driven forest management regimes towards decentralized and mainly community-based regimes. The paper points out some of the opportunities and challenges. Structural changes in forest policies are seen as a contributing reason that decentralization is more in tune with the prevailing ethos of governance. Similarly, economic and political crises have now discredited service delivery systems based on central bureaucracy, forcing theorists of development administration to shift their focus from hierarchy and control to participation and empowerment. Moreover, the accelerating retrenchment during the 1990s, often to comply with structural adjustment policies, occurred together with the realization that centrist management strategies need reformulation. Erosion of the legitimacy of local institutions has been cited in the paper as one of the challenges. Local institutions have no real authority to decide on the management of forest resources. Another challenge is with regard to the stratified communities. In all stratified communities, interests of some actors are represented only inadequately. Lack of political will at the centre to give powers to communities and grassroots organizations is also a challenge to community based forest management initiatives in the region. It is also important that benefits must be significant if the community is to go to the trouble of establishing and enforcing the rules about resource use. This begs the question on whether community based forest management programmes/projects in East Africa have sufficient value to stimulate community participation. This remains a puzzle. The paper concludes by pointing out that “Rural communities in the region are undergoing rapid social, economic, and political change, as the development and modernization process spreads and deepens”. Even if effective and viable user groups exist or can be put in place today, will they survive and persist in the face of modernization pressures? Much more need to be known about the institutional context in which users now find themselves and the type of support that will increase the probability of sustainable management of our forest resources.
Community perceptions on the impact of decentralised forest management on access to livelihood assets in the North Eastern And Central Tanzania
(Ethiopian Journal of Environmental Studies & Management, 2014) Mwambo, L.; Malimbwi, R. E.; Kajembe, G. C.
Community perceptions on the impact of decentralised forest management on access to livelihoods assets were assessed in north eastern and central Tanzania. Seven villages were selected from the montane and semi-arid conditions. In the montane, three villages; Goka, Sagara and Mavumo adjacent to Shagayu, Sagara and Shume-Magamba forests under Joint Forest Management (JFM), Community Based Forest Management (CBFM) and Centralised Management (CM) respectively were studied. In contrast, four villages namely Kwabaya, Kwamatuku, Pohama and Kweditilibe adjacent to Handeni Hill (JFM), Kwakirunga (CBFM), Mgori (CBFM) and Kiva Hill (CM) forests respectively were studied in semi-arid. Data were collected using semistructured questionnaires and the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 16.0 software was employed for data analysis. Decentralised management has to some extent facilitated and mediated access to forest related livelihood assets in the study villages. Presence of other projects and lack of baseline data however, made this study difficult to associate current access to livelihood assets with decentralised forest management. However, whether legally, or illegally people are using the forests to improve their livelihoods. Unapproved management plans and bylaws are a major governance problem facing implementation of decentralised forest management in Tanzania. Nevertheless, the two decentralised approaches (JFM and CBFM) have the potential to meet the general goals of improving forest resource condition, governance and livelihoods. Therefore further research to critically review strategies for improving forest governance and livelihoods is recommended.
Conflicts and their management in the use of Miombo woodlands in selected areas of Tanzania
(Tanzania Journal of Forestry and Nature Conservation, 2008) Mvena, Z. S.; Monela, G. C.; Kajembe, G. C.; Ngaga, Y. M.
Miombo woodlands are increasingly becoming major centres of conflicts due to a variety of causes such as growing populations of both humans and livestock. Research in the area of conflicts in the use of miombo woodlands is more of a recent phenomenon in the wake of these new challenges on natural resource use. This paper is based on research findings from three sites in Tanzania aimed at exploring the nature of conflicts related to the use of miombo woodlands and how these conflicts are managed or resolved. The findings show that the key players in these conflicts are at three levels involving the regulators, the commercial sector, and the local communities. Conflicts involving these parties are complex within and between these parties. Also these conflicts generally differ from site to site due to differences in the factors that generate these conflicts. Factors such as population pressure, economic activities, institutional arrangements, a changing value system and policies, poverty and general awareness on the part of both the local communities and outsiders greatly influence their nature and intensity. Although there are several avenues existing towards conflict management, our experiences from the three sites reveal that only two mechanisms are used across sites. The paper concludes by suggesting areas for further research and the need to have more dynamic policies that accommodate changing situations.
Contribution of Paddy Production to Household Income in Farmer-Managed Irrigation Scheme Communities in Iringa Rural and Kilombero Districts, Tanzania
(Journal of Agricultural Studies, 2018-05-09) Mosha, D. B.; Vedeld, P.; Katani, J. Z.; Kajembe, G. C.; Tarimo, A. K. P. R.
Irrigation reduces risks involved in agriculture and enables farming throughout the year. Improved irrigation systems enhance access to irrigation water. However, most smallholder farmers continue to use traditional irrigation schemes as if the difference in water use and crop yields between the two is insignificant. It seems essential to assess the paddy crop yield difference and its contribution to household incomes between traditional and semi-improved Farmer-Managed Irrigation Schemes (FMISs) in Iringa Rural and Kilombero districts in Tanzania. A cross-sectional research design was used in this study involving 48 key informants and 172 randomly selected households. Household survey using a structured questionnaire was the major method for data collection. Data from focus group discussions and key informants supplemented the information collected using household survey. The data were analyzed using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS). Results indicate that yield of paddy was higher in semi-improved schemes (2.5-3.6 tons/ha) compared to traditional irrigation schemes (2.2-2.9 tons/ha). This was attributed to the presence of improved water intake structures and existence of main canals, which facilitated an improved water supply to the irrigation fields. In spite of the poor and incomplete irrigation infrastructure, the paddy production contributed very significantly (73-80%) to the total annual household income of smallholder irrigators and somewhat more in the improved system than the traditional system. Other income sources are quite marginal in the study areas. The study recommends that the government should invest in irrigation infrastructure development to increase irrigation water use efficiency and increase agricultural values added.
Effective monitoring of decentralized forest resources in East Africa
(2000) Banana, A.Y.; Gombya-Ssembajjwe, W.; Bahati, J.; Kajembe, G. C.; Kihiyo, V.; Ongugo, P.
There is no doubt that state control of forest resources in many countries has proved to be ineffective in solving and halting the rate of deforestation. The financial and human resources available to government forest departments are inadequate to carry out the task of policing forested areas without the participation of local communities . However, the success of decentralizing resources to local communities depends on solving three puzzles; the problem of supplying new institutions, the problem of credible commitment and the problem of mutual monitoring. IFRI, studies in Uganda have known that monitoring and rule enforcement is very important for the success of decentralized forest resources (Banana and Gombya- Ssembajjwe 1999). Trying to understand how use-groups and /or communities have monitored their own conformance to their agreements as well as their conformance to the rules in the E. African region is the challenge of this study. The study revealed that an effective monitoring strategy involves having good incentives for the monitors and a mechanism to supervise or monitor the monitors themselves. Where effective was effective, there are few illegal activities, high basal area and the physical and biological condition of the CPR was expected to improve with time.
Empirical assessment of short-term preferences of tropical forages by crossbred bull calves
(Academic journals, 2007) Komwihangilo, D. M.; Lekule, F. P.; Mgheni, D. M.; Petersen, P. H.; Mtenga, L. A.; Kajembe, G. C.; Kurwijila, R. L.
Short-term preference studies were carried out with growing calves based on diets of local grass forages found in Turiani division, Morogoro, Tanzania. Four intact crossbred male calves aged 7 - 8 months and weighing 82.75 kg were used. Four grass species were provided either singly [Panicum maximum (T1), Panicum trichocladum (T2), Pennisetum purpureum (T3) and Rottboelia cochinchinensis (T4)] or in combinations of two forages in equal proportions [P. maximum + P. trichocladum (M1), P. maximum + R. cochinchinensis (M2), P. trichocladum + R. cochinchinensis (M3) and P. purpureum + P. trichocladum (M4)]. The single grass species and mixtures were respectively fed for four days. Animals were simultaneously observed while each animal was feeding on one of the four treatments in sequential periods of 15 min each in random orders (1, 2, 3 and 4) every test-day. The amounts of herbage eaten were estimated by differences between offered and left feed. The intake rate of 15.72 gDM/min, bite rate of 5.31 bites/min and bite mass of 3.11 g/bite for T3 was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than other single grass forages. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) between intake rate of T1 (9.78 g/min) and T2 (9.36 g/min). Total DM intake of M3 and M4 of 224.54 and 232.52 g/15 min respectively were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than that of M1 and M2. All grass mixtures had bite mass significantly different (P < 0.05) from each other although that of 3.34 gDM/bite M4 was the highest thus suggesting that whether singly or in mixture P. purpureum was the most preferred grass forage in the study area. It is concluded that in order to optimize DM intake farmers should consider the type of grasses and their level of inclusion in grass mixture depending on their preference by cattle
Empowering communities to manage natural resources: where does the new power lie? A case study of Duru – Haitemba, Babati, Tanzania
(SUA, 2000) Kajembe, G. C.; Monela, G. C.
Recent approaches to community – based natural resource management appear diverse as their varied implementing agencies and natural resource settings; yet they rest on a set of common assumptions about community, natural resources and the relationship between them. This paper focuses on power relations between actors and how these set the framework for resource management in Duru – Haitemba. As one of the few remain ing tracts of miombo woodlands, Duru – Haitemba woodlands had been targeted for gazettement. However the exercise faced “local discontent”. The discontent has its origin in the “generalised narrative”. Before the coming of colonial powers the community lived in balanced harmony with nature. But when this harmony was disrupted, it led to disequilibria and hence degradation. A range of factors may be called to account, including: technological change; the breakdown of traditional authority; social change; urban aspirations and the intrusion of inappropriate state policies. What is required is to bring community and environment back into harmony. This requires either the discovery and rebuilding of traditional collective resource management institutions or their replacement by new ones. At the local level there are two factions competing for power: the elites and the traditionalists. The primary concern of traditionalists is “ritual”. Elites tend to hijack community based processes and forcefully occupying the political space opened by decentralization. Besides of the power struggles at the micro level another challenge is on the part of the government leadership at the macro level. Government officials usually have very mixed feelings about community actions. Increasingly though, these officials have come to realize that community action can substitute for the expensive need to put government officials into the field. The paper points out the fact that, community-based natural resource management seems plausible way to cut down public costs of managing resources. However, it remains an arena of power struggle between three actors: Local Communities, Field Agents and Supervisors. This “triangle” of relationships constitute the social arena marking out the actual “locale” of community based natural resource management in Duru – Haitemba.
The extension and communication programme for the east Usambara catchment forest project
(Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, Tanzania Forestry and Beekeeping Division, 1994) Kajembe, G. C.; Mwaseba, D.
The extension and communication programme consultancy was commissioned by the East Usambara Catchment Forest Project (EUCFP). The terms of reference have an overall objective of developing a means of communication which can help the project present its objectives and ideas to the local people and enlist their cooperation as a way of sustaining the project activities. Specific objectives of the study includes: Identifying felt needs of the farmers; proposing extension packages which can meet the felt needs of the people so as to solicit their cooperation in safeguarding the forest reserves; identifying appropriate extension methods which can be used to reach these people; and to propose a training programme which can promote genuine participation of both extension agents and the general public.
Forest cover changes, stocking and removals under different decentralized forest management regimes in Tanzania
(Forest Research Ins, 2013) Mongo, C.; Kashaigili, J. J.; Malimbwi, R. E.; Kajembe, G. C.; Katani, J.; Eid, T.
By the end of the last century many countries including Tanzania moved from centralised towards decentralised forest management but little empirical evidence exists on how such changes have influenced forest conditions. The objective of this study was to provide insights on how decentralised approaches might influence forest resource conditions. Forest cover analyses from satellite images (1993, 2000 and 2009) and systematic sample plot inventories (2009) in two state forest reserves under joint forest management (JFM) and two village forest reserves under community-based forest management (CBFM) in Babati District, Tanzania were carried out. Based on the results, it was not possible to claim that the decentralised management had been successful in improving forest conditions. Proportions of closed woodland decreased significantly over time (from over 80 to 50-60% under JFM and from around 70 to almost 0% under CBFM. In all forests, numbers of régénérants were high, but proportions of larger trees were low and levels of removals (legal and illegal) were relatively high. In general the situation under JFM was better than under CBFM. Results of this study can be used by policymakers to assess the influence of decentralised forest management in Tanzania.
The impact of community-based forest management and joint forest management on the forest resource base and local people’s livelihoods: Case studies from Tanzania
(CASS/PLAAS, 2006) Kajembe, G. C.; Nduwamungu, j.; Luoga, E.J.
In recent years, there has been a move in eastern and southern African countries from centralised and state-driven management of natural resources towards decentralised and people-centred based regimes. In Tanzania, the inception of the 1998 national forest policy has led to institutionalisation of community-based forest management (CBFM) and joint forest management (JFM). A number of years later, it is worth assessing the impact of this policy on the resource base and people’s livelihoods. This paper uses two case studies of forest reserves under participatory forest management to explore this issue. Secondary data was gathered from various studies conducted in those two forest reserves. In addition to the analysis carried out by the various authors, further analysis involving content and structural analysis and synthesis of documented information was done. The results of the study revealed that CBFM at Duru-Haitemba had a positive impact on the resource base and people’s livelihoods – the forest is healthier than before and people are satisfied with the products they collect from the forests. On the other hand, the impact of JFM at Kwizu Forest Reserve has not yet produced desirable results since illegal activities are still rampant and, apparently, forest exploitation has increased instead of decreasing. The reasons behind the success at Duru-Haitemba and relative failure at Kwizu are varied, but are most probably linked to ownership of resources and law enforcement. Clear definition of rights, returns and responsibilities and adequate incentives are important for sustainability of people-centred management of natural resources.
Impact of decentralised forest management on forest resource conditions in Tanzania
(Forests, Trees and Livelihoods, 2012) Mbwambo, L.; Eid, T.; Malimbwi, R. E.; Zahabu, E.; Kajembe, G. C.; Luoga, E.
Impacts of decentralised forest management on forest resource changes were assessed. Six contrasting forest reserves regarding management regimes, that is, Joint Forest Management (JFM; in National Forest Reserves, owned by the State), Community Based Forest Management (CBFM; in village lands or general lands), and ordinary centralized state management, were selected. The forest resources were assessed by means of systematic sample plot inventories. Number of stems, basal area, volume, biomass, and carbon ha21 were compared with results from previous studies in the same reserves. Harvesting activities were also assessed as part of the sample plot inventories. In general, the results were somewhat ambiguous regarding the impacts of different management regimes. There was, however, some empirical evidence indicating that JFM and CBFM performed better than the ordinary state management, although uncontrolled exploitation of the forest has continued under decentralised forest management in the studied forests. The two regimes are promising forest decentralisation models for Tanzania, but more research is needed to understand the functions of different governance structures and how they may facilitate sustainability in both forest use and livelihoods.
Impact of indigenous-based interventions on land conservation: A case study of a soil conservation and agroforestry project, Arumeru district, Tanzania
(John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., 2005) Kajembe, G. C.; Julius, F.; Nduwamungu, J.; Mtakwa, P. W.; Nyange, D. A.
Land degradation has been identified as a serious problem in Tanzania since the 1920s. Among the factors normally cited as contributing to land degradation are deforestation, overgrazing and inappropriate farming practices. Several attempts by the government to arrest the problem have been based on top-down approaches. Indigenous-based interventions are among the alternative practices adopted by the Soil Conservation and Agroforestry Project in Arumeru District, Tanzania. The main objective of this study was to assess the impact of the indigenous-based interventions on land conservation. More specifically the study intended to assess farmers’ perception of land degradation, the adoption rate of indigenous-based interventions, the impact of those interventions, and lastly the sustainability of those interventions. Data for the study were collected through Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) techniques and a questionnaire survey. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 1 ) was used to analyse quantitative data and Content and Structural-Functional Analyses were used for qualitative data. The study found that the rate of land degradation was perceived by respondents to be rather severe. The study also revealed that indigenous-based interventions, which require minimal labour and capital, have been highly adopted by many farmers while labour/capital intensive ones have been taken up by fewer farmers. In general, indigenous-based interventions appear to have eased farm operations and contributed towards increased crop yield, improved soil fertility and increased income. Success in some of the indigenous interventions warrants their wider promotion beyond the project area. Copyright # 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of joint forest management on Handeni hill forest reserve and adjacent communities in Tanga, Tanzania
(2005) Kajembe, G. C.; Mohamed, B.S.; Luoga, E. J.
Most forests in Tanzania have been managed under state ownership regime but have been faced with enormous pressure leading to degradation. Joint Forest Management (JFM) was introduced in 1998 aiming at improving conditions of forest reserves and livelihood of the adjacent communities, one of which being the Handeni Hill Forest Reserve in north eastern Tanzania. Data were collected in 2001 and 2004 on forest inventory and socio-economic attributes of the adjacent communities. Comparisons were done to determine significant changes on forest conditions and livelihood. The study showed a non-significant positive impact on basal area (m 2 /ha), and volume (m 3 /ha), but had no impact on improving farming productivity. There were positive trends on reduced wood energy consumption, increased tree planting and promotion of non wood forest products (NWFPs). The realized benefit stream has positively influenced villagers on acceptance and participation in JFM related activities. It is concluded that a period of 3 years was not long enough to show a significant impact on the forest conditions and livelihood. It is recommended that more efforts are needed to strengthen JFM and more long term studies are needed to monitor the performance of JFM.
Indigenous technical knowledge as reflected in the management of natural resources in Tanzania
(FAO, 1999-06) Kajembe, G. C.; Zahabu, E.; Mwenduwa, M.
In the broad sense, natural resource management can be defined as taking a firm decision about future of any area of resources, applying it and monitoring the application (Rietbergen 1993). It is widely accepted that natural resources should be managed to meet the social, economic, ecological, cultural and spiritual needs of present and future generations. Much of these benefits should be geared towards the local communities. Local communities surrounding natural resources should be the first hand beneficiaries to know the resource better than outsiders, and should have, therefore a great role to play in resources management. Within natural resource management systems, Indigenous Technical Knowledge (ITK) embraces people's knowledge of tools and techniques for the assessment, acquisition, transformation, and utilisation of resources which are specific to the particular location. ITK can encompass
Influence of forest land tenure regimes on forest condition in Uluguru mountains, Tanzania
(African Journals Online (AJOL), 2012-06) Kitula, M. H.; Kajembe, G. C.; Zahabu, E.; Luoga, E. J.; Katani, J. Z.; Ngowi, S. E.; Eid, T.
The paper scrutinizes the current wave of forest land tenure reforms since the inception of the new forest policy in 1998. It explores which type of forestland tenure regime had more positive influence on forest condition in the Uluguru Mountains, Tanzania. The assessment was done with reference to vegetation types of montane and miombo woodlands. The study showed that for the montane vegetation, state regime (Uluguru Nature Reserve) had higher stocking (volume 1,233m3/ha; basal area 78m2/ha; density 777 stems/ha) and tree species diversity (H’ 3.48) compared to communal regime (Chief Kingalu Sacred Forest) which had low stocking (volume 798m3/ha; basal area 49m2/ha; density 1,020 stems/ha) and tree species diversity (H’ 3.21). For the miombo vegetation, corporate/private regime (Tangeni Roman Catholic Church Forest Reserve) had higher stocking (volume 122m3/ha; basal area 27m2/ha and density 2,573 stems/ha) and tree species diversity (H’ 2.60) compared to communal regime (Misumba Village Land Forest Reserve) which had low stocking (volume 23m3/ha; basal area 10.8m2/ha and density 4,200 stems/ha) and tree species diversity (H’ 3.53). The study concludes that state regime represented by Uluguru Nature Reserve showed improved forest condition compared to communal tenure regime (Chief Kingalu Sacred Forest) for the montane vegetation type while private regime (Tangeni Roman Catholic Church Forest Reserve) was more effective in conservation than communal regime (Misumba Village Land Forest Reserve). The study recommends that sustainable management of forests could not be addressed by tenure reforms in the forestry sector alone, but requires 'cross-sectoral', 'inter-disciplinary' and 'participatory' approach along with secure tenure. Moreover, it is essential that an in-depth forest inventory is conducted at predetermined intervals to quantify stocking of tree, shrub species and forest disturbances to understand the level of resource extraction for each tenure regime. Key words: Tenure regimes, reforms, forest condition, Uluguru Mountains, Tanzania.
Is Joint Forest Management providing attractive Incentives to Local Communities? Empirical Evidence from Uluguru and Udzungwa Mountain Forests, Tanzania
(2014-06) Sangeda, A. Z.; Kajembe, G. C.
Weak incentives for communities are reported as the primary cause of the high failure rate of Joint Forest Management (JFM) regimes. Reports have indicated that JFM does not pay under protected forests. On the contrary, this paper argues that JFM provides a number of existing and potential incentives to communities living adjacent to forests to facilitate their effective management. The study was conducted in Uluguru and Udzungwa Mountains within the Eastern Arc Mountains in Tanzania. Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) tools and a questionnaire were used to gather information while content analysis and descriptive statistics were used to analyse qualitative and quantitative statistics respectively. Existing incentives included; income from tourists and researchers, availability of basic needs obtained by conserving the forest, other climate regulation services, environmental awards, sale of forest products and equipment confiscated from culprits, and individual gain paid for providing various services related to managing the forest. Potential incentives were perceived to include; income from REDD payments, payment from water users, hunting rights, alternative income generating projects for households, working equipment, presence of a forestry staff on station, study tours . for Village Natural Resources Committee members and income from other ecosystem services. The study concludes that JFM remains attractive to communities living adjacent to these forests due to a good number of existing incentives and perceived benefits. Communities and practitioners are urged to explore additional unexplored opportunities including ecotourism and beekeeping to expand the spectrum of incentives, making JFM more attractive for rural communities living around them.
Potentials of non wood forest products in household food security in Tanzania: the role of gender based local knowledge
(2000) Kajembe, G. C.; Mwenduwa, M.I.; Mgoo, J.S.; Ramadhani, H.
This study was undertaken to synthesize existing information on the role of gender-based local knowledge in utilization of wild foods and other non-wood forest products for household food security in Tanzania. The study aimed at generating useful knowledge for advocacy, policy making and training. The specific objectives of this study were firstly, to assess issues of accessibility and dependency on wild foods and other non-wood forest products for household food security in the country, secondly, to examine the difference between women’s and men’s local knowledge with regard to collection, processing and utilization of wild foods and other non-wood forest products, and thirdly, to identify potentials and problems/threats with regard to availability of non-wood forest products for household food security. Literature from different authorities was critically synthesized to achieve the study objectives. The available information shows that there exists a wide range of wild foods and non-wood forest products, which are important for household food security. Non-wood forest products contribute through direct consumption of harvested wild foods and indirectly through income generation. The study revealed that there exists ascribed local knowledge between men and women on selection, preparation, utilization, storage and even consumption of wild foods. Furthermore, the study has revealed that non-wood forest products are of vital importance as tools for coping with food shortage and famines. The nutritive value of most wild foods is good and sometimes better than domesticated expensive foods. Despite of all the positive attributes of non-wood forest products, sustainable use of these resources is faced with problems of deforestation, lack of proper forest management regimes and non-homogeneity of non-wood forest products users. However, there exist some opportunities to improve the use of non-wood forest products for sustainable household food security; such as the diversification of forest management systems to incorporate locally valuable non-wood forest products, encouraging fruit trees growing in farms, providing market support and supporting small scale forest based enterprises. From this study it can be concluded that gender based local knowledge is a central issue in the selection, collection and preparation of wild foods. While women are very much knowledgeable about direct food consumption activities, men are more knowledgeable and responsible with income generating non-wood forest products. Furthermore, it can be concluded that the nutritive value of wild foods is substantial and can be used as substitute to the expensive domesticated food items. It is further concluded that increasing pressure of modernization is a problem facing expansion of non-wood forest products for household food security. From the findings of this study, it is recommended that the government, non- governmental organizations and individuals should target women when committing themselves to household food security. It is further recommended that there should be policy interventions to sensitize people on the use of wild foods as substitutes for the domestic ones. Nutritive values for different wild food items be assessed and used to improve food and nutrition security. It is also recommended that detailed study be conducted on local knowledge before it is lost through mordenisation. Last but not least quantification of the contribution of non- wood forest products in food security equation should be done.
Power struggles in the management and utilization of Suledo village land forest reserve, Kiteto district, Tanzania
(African Journals Online, 2013) Magessa, K.; Mbeyale, G. E.; Kajembe, G. C.; Katani, J. Z.
Contestation among stakeholders with varying interests is common in most rural areas involving over utilization of natural resources important for livelihood which often results into power struggles. This paper presents a power struggle situation in SULEDO Village Land Forest Reserve, Kiteto district, Tanzania where contestation among stakeholders has emerged with the increase of the value of the forest resources and lack of equity in the utilization of the resources. A total of 25 stakeholders involved in the management and utilization of SULEDO VLFR were identified along with their roles and interactions in the management of SULEDO VLFR. Stakeholders identified were categorized into three groups namely regulators, facilitators and users. Likewise, three categories of power were identified namely strategic, institutional and structural. Strategic power was found to be dominant. Results showed different power struggles among stakeholders whereby power struggle between Zonal Environmental Committee and SULEDO villages was found to be dominant and resulted into resource use conflicts. It was concluded that Community Based Forest Management remains a complex and contested arena, comprising many stakeholders with different powers, varied and conflicting interests. But what is important is to have a proper guidance of the processes and improving communication among key players.
REDD+ piloting in Tanzania: The village as an arena for defining and defending local and national interests
(Tanzania Journal of Forestry and Nature Conservation, 2016-12) Kajembe, G. C.; Silayo, D. A.; Mombo, F. M.; Abdallah, J. M.; Maliondo, S. M. S.
Tanzania is among countries earmarked for piloting REDD+ activities in order to inform the global community through lessons learned for sustainable implementation of this programme. This study was carried out to assess the REDD+ piloting process in Tanzania with reference to the village as an arena for defining and defending local and national interests. Social interface approach was used for data collection. The study revealed ambiguity in forest tenure security as a major constraint in the implementation of REDD+. Among the actors in the process, NGOs were found to serve as power brokers between state agencies and local communities. The governance structures at village level play a key role in regulating forest use and implementation of any project. Since communities have a higher trust on their village governments, the villages remain core area for protecting interests of REDD+ and conservation initiatives in the country. Similarly, clear and secure land tenure and forest user rights are critical ingredients for the success of REDD+ initiatives.
Reflections on evolving water management institutions and institutional bricolage: a case of irrigation schemes in Iringa Rural and Kilombero districts, Tanzania
(IWA, 2016) Mosha, D. B.; Vedeld, P.; Kajembe, G. C.; Tarimo, A. K. P. R.; Katani, J. Z.
Over the past 40þ years, evolution of water institutions responsible for allocation and distribution of water has been enormous. This paper analyzes the evolution of both formal and informal water management institutions and how they affect today’s processes of allocating and distributing water in farmer-managed irrigation schemes (FMISs). It also assesses how farmers translate and modify introduced formal institutions in the rights of the existing informal institution while trying to solve water management challenges based on the local conditions. In-depth and focus group data for the study were collected using a checklist of questions administered to 40 informants, one group discussion per village in Itunundu, Mboliboli, Mkula and Magombera villages, Tanzania. The basic argument of this paper is that water institutions have changed over time. Drawing from study findings, the evolution process of water institutions might be understood as an outcome of the government efforts to address emerging challenges with respect to increasing water demand and multi-use. However, institutional evolution is accompanied by some negatives outcomes, as they weaken social norms and threaten sound water management. The experiences from the irrigation schemes highlight the need to include locally evolved institutions while re-crafting formal institutions. Such interventions may well have significant outcomes for efficient, equity and power relations among water users.