Forest ecosystem services and livelihood of communities around Shume-Magamba forest reserve, Lushoto, Tanzania
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Date
2012
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Sokoine University of Agriculture
Abstract
This study was conducted to assess the potential of forest ecosystem services to the
livelihood of communities around Shume-Magamba Forest Reserve in Lushoto
District, Tanzania. Data collection involved use of questionnaire survey, focus group
discussion and researcher’s observation to acquire primary information. Data were
analysed both qualitatively and quantitatively using the Statistical Package for Social
Science (SPSS) computer software tool. Results revealed that, provisioning services
(i.e. water, firewood, medicinal plants, food and building materials) were mostly
recognised by local communities as the service provided by forest ecosystem
followed by cultural services (i.e. tourism and spiritual areas). Provisioning services
played greater role in people’s livelihoods by generating subsistence income for
sustaining rural communities. The income generated (66%) by both men and women
from provisioning services were highly used to cater for food, health and education.
There was no significant difference at probability level 5% between gender and
income generated from provisioning services to household livelihood in the study
area. Findings showed that, task of conserving forest ecosystem to derive services
involved both men and women. Men were mainly involved in forest protection and
tree planting conservation aspects while women involved in law enforcement thus
attaining sustainable forest ecosystem utilization. Fire incidences, planting crops near
to water sources and illegal timber harvesting were observed to be the main
constraints towards sustainable use of forest ecosystem services. It is concluded that,
communities in the study area were highly uncertain on the potentials of forest
ecosystem services to the livelihood, but in actual fact ecosystem services provide
both direct and indirect benefits for household livelihoods though the income
generated is low. The study recommends that, further research is needed to quantify
what is in the field regarding forest ecosystem services and having formal market to
ensure its sustainability.
Description
Dissertation
Keywords
Forest ecosystem, Ecosystem services, Livelihood, Shume-Magamba, Magamba forest reserve