Analysis of drivers and agents of deforestation and forest Degradation in masito forests, Kigoma, Tanzania
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Date
2016
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Abstract
A study to assess the direct and indirect drivers and agents of deforestation and forest degradation
was carried out in Masito forests in Kigoma Region. Several methodologies were deployed
including review of key literature, focused group discussions, household level interviews and
review of “smart phones” database of disturbance incidences in the forests. Results revealed that
despite forest protection measures taken by the government and other actors for purposes of
REDD+ carbon trade, deforestation and forest degradation are problems that are being
experienced in the study area. Evidence of deforestation and degradation were provided through
change detection data, forest disturbance incidences and community perception on the drivers of
deforestation and degradation. The main drivers of deforestation and degradation were
characterized to fall into direct drivers and indirect drivers. The demand for land and forests
resources was responsible for a number of direct drivers. Indirect drivers were perceived to entail
underlying causes of deforestation and degradation forming a complex interaction of socio-
economic, political, cultural and technological variables that cause deforestation and
degradation. Characterization of the main agents of deforestation and degradation revealed that
human actors in various capacities and functions have served as agents. The assessment of
leakage risks revealed that the risk of shifting destructive activities to non-REDD+ project
villages was mitigated. In order to address the drivers and sustaining the REDD+, the study
recommends the need to address forest tenure; provision of alternatives to the agents of
deforestation and degradation, extension support to non-REDD+ villages for capacity building in
forest protection; and ensuring that the process of REDD+ piloting is finalized to the level that
communities finally sell carbon to get tangible benefits.
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Journal Article
Keywords
Carbon trade, Deforestation, Degradation, Drivers, Masito forests, Smart phones, Tanzania