Abstract:
Mangrove ecosystem consists of several habitats, which attract numerous stakeholders
with regard to utilization and management. However, information about stakeholders
conflicting interests, institutional performance and types of resource-use conflicts over
mangrove resources is inadequate. This study was designed to analyse stakeholders and
institutional performance in the use and management of mangrove resources. The study
was conducted in the Rufiji Delta and Floodplain. Socio-economic data were collected
through Participatory Rural Appraisal approaches and household surveys. Ecological data
were collected and analysed through Geographical Information System technique. Five
logistic regression models were developed to analyse factors underlying institutional
performance and resource-use conflicts. Sixteen areas of conflicting interests that occurred
among stakeholders were identified which were rooted in institutional and socio-economic
perspectives. Despite the shift in the management of mangrove forests from state control to
participatory approach, mangroves were declining mainly as results of stakeholders
conflicting interests. Also, the study showed that performance of Village Natural
Resources Committees (VNRCs) and Mangrove Management Project (MMP) in governing
mangrove forests was relatively poor. Factor constrained performances of VNRCs and
MMP were residence duration, restrictions on harvesting mangrove resources, demand for
resources, family size, poor coordination of stakeholders, illegal activities, unawareness of
resource extinctions, inequity and perceived prolonged drought. Main resource-use
conflicts were location, scale and tenure. Factors significantly increased conflicts of
location include distance, unemployment and crop diseases. Conflicts of scale were
significantly increased by desire for economic gains and age of a respondent. Factors
including lack of extension contacts and awareness training significantly increased
conflicts of tenure. Negotiation and mediation were two major mechanisms used in
managing conflicts. In conclusion, most resource-use conflicts which arose fromoverlapping mandates were unresolved and mechanisms for their management were
lacking. The study recommends the need for organising multi-sectoral forum after every
two years for mitigating cross-sectoral conflicting interests to ensure sustainable
management of mangrove resources.
