REDD+ piloting process in the Zanzibar Islands, Tanzania: The assessment of the community perceptions and attitudes
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Date
2014-09-17
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Bahir Dar University
Abstract
Introduction of REDD+ initiatives in Tanzania underwent a series of preparation activities
including launching and implementation the National REDD+ pilot projects. While the piloting
have now lasted for four years the local communities awareness, perceptions and their
attitudes towards these initiatives have not been adequately studied in Tanzania. This study
therefore was carried out to assess the community perception and determine social
sustainability of REDD+ initiatives in anzibar Islands. Specifically the study aims to determine
the levels of community awareness, perception, participation and attitudes towards this
initiative. Five Shehia (Villages) which are Kumbaurembo, Muyuni C, Mtende, Chuchumile and
Hanyegwamchana were involved in the study. Data were collected through key informant
interviews, focus group discussions and household questionnaire survey. Content analysis was
used to analyse qualitative information from focus group discussions and in depth interviews,
while indexes were used to determine the levels of community participation, awareness and
attitudes. Findings revealed a high level of community awareness (63.3%) with moderately high
level of participation as shown by 4 .8%. Results show a favourable attitude of about %
despite the low levels of education, over dependence of forest resources and small size of land
holdings that would be expected to affect communities perception, attitudes. The study
concludes that communities in anzibar islands have positive attitude and perceptions on
conservation initieatives which is a good indicator for sustainability of REDD+ initiatives.
However, in a bid to sustain the communities continued involvement, there should be continued
capacitation of the communities to be in full control of their resources as well as ensuring
equitable benefit sharing.
Description
This article is available at http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ejesm.v7i5.8
Keywords
REDD+, Community perception, Attitudes, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Community awareness, Community participation, Community attitudes