The Influence of artisanal and Small-Scale gold mining on tree species within the Bukombe-Mbogwe Forest Reserve, Mbogwe District, Tanzania
| dc.contributor.author | Pancrace, P. | |
| dc.contributor.author | Salanga, R. J. | |
| dc.contributor.author | Lalika, M. C. S. | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2024-05-10T17:59:40Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2024-05-10T17:59:40Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2022-06-26 | |
| dc.description | The sub Saharan Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities (SJSSH) | |
| dc.description.abstract | Bukombe-Mbogwe Forest Reserve (BMFR) has witnessed a consistent decline in its tree species, a phenomenon exacerbated by the presence of Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining (ASGM) activities in the district. This research sought to comprehensively investigate the variations in tree species within the forest reserve and the neighbouring villages attributable to ASGM operations. A total of 138 participants were selected through random sampling, consisting of 120 individuals who responded to a questionnaire survey and 18 participants who engaged in key informant interviews. The study employed a multi-method approach, incorporating participant observations, three focus group discussions (representing each village), and thorough literature reviews. Qualitative data underwent content analysis, while descriptive analysis was employed for quantitative data, with Microsoft Excel utilized for data presentation. The findings unequivocally indicate a decline in the abundance of forest tree species after the initiation of ASGM activities. The Pterocarpus chrysothrix (Mkurungu) species is on the brink of extinction, closely followed by the Brachystegia microphylla (Mgela) and Afzella quenzensis (Mkora) species. Alarming findings reveal that environmental training remains woefully inadequate, with 78% of respondents attesting to a lack of training, while only 22% reported receiving some form of training. Equally concerning is the inefficacy of mine closure plans, with a mere 1.7% possessing restoration strategies, 24.1% intending to undertake tree planting initiatives, and a staggering 74.2% having no concrete plans in place. In light of these dire outcomes, it is apparent that ASGM activities have cast a deleterious impact on the preservation of forest tree species within the BMFR. Urgent measures are imperative to bolster protection against human incursions into the BMFR, fostering an environment conducive to natural regeneration. Moreover, the establishment of a comprehensive environmental management plan tailored to the BMFR is an indispensable requisite to mitigate the adverse effects of ASGM and restore the balance of this vital ecosystem. | |
| dc.identifier.citation | https://www.ajol.info/index.php/tjfnc/article/view/233115 | |
| dc.identifier.issn | 2619-8894 | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://www.suaire.sua.ac.tz/handle/123456789/6086 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | College of Social Sciences and Humanities, Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), Morogoro-Tanzania | |
| dc.subject | Bukombe-Mbogwe forest reserve | |
| dc.subject | Artisanal and small-scale | |
| dc.subject | Gold mining | |
| dc.subject | Tree species decline | |
| dc.subject | Restoration strategies | |
| dc.subject | Ecosystem restoration | |
| dc.subject | Biodiversity conservation | |
| dc.title | The Influence of artisanal and Small-Scale gold mining on tree species within the Bukombe-Mbogwe Forest Reserve, Mbogwe District, Tanzania | |
| dc.type | Article |