Forest resource use conflicts as a consequence of pseudo- devolution of power: a case study of Pugu and Kazimzumbwi forest reserves, Tanzania
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Date
2009
Authors
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Publisher
Sokoine University of Agriculture
Abstract
The Pugu and Kazimzumbwi forest reserves are among the 83 lowland coastal forests in
Tanzania. The decentralization of these reserves can be called pseudo-devolution, because
system does not allow for full participation of local government and villagers. This study
intended to asses the devolution of power in historical perspective and the factors
underlying it; identify types of forest resource use conflicts exist and factors underlying
them; and asses existing and potential conflict resolution mechanisms. Qualitative data
were analyzed using content and structural-functional analyses while quantitative data
were analyzed using SPSS. For inferential statistical analysis, factors underlying forest
resource use conflicts between users and regulators were quantified. The study found two
types of forest resource use conflicts: between users and regulators and among users. Users
and regulators conflict was reported as the major one and pseudo-devolution of power was
among the major underlying factors. Perception on pseudo-devolution of power was found
to have positive regression coefficient of 2.696 and significant (P=0.013) and high odd
ratio of 14.813. Distance from resource base to market was also positive and significant
(P=0.027). Ethnicity, education level, household size, and farm size had positive regression
coefficient but not significant. The factors found to reduce forest resource use conflicts
included distance from homestead to reserves which was negative and significant
(P=0.017) and duration of residence which was negative but not significant (P=0.316).
Furthermore the study found formal existing conflict resolution mechanisms include
primary and district courts and potential formal conflict resolution mechanisms including
JFMA. Informal potential conflicts resolution mechanisms include elders and religious
groups. The study concludes that, forest resource use conflicts are largely a consequence of
pseudo-devolution of power. Lastly, the study recommends, the need for full devolution of
power, creating alternative income sources, operationalizing potential conflicts resolution
mechanisms and institutional mix in management of natural resources.
Description
Keywords
Forest reserves, Conflict resolution, Conflict resolution mechanisim, Kazimzumbwi forest reserve, Pugu forest reserve