An economic evaluation of the forest resources management project in Mwanza region, Tanzania.
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Date
2001
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Sokoine University of Agriculture
Abstract
This study was conducted in Mwanza Region covering Magu, Misungwi and kwimba
districts. The objective of the study was to perform an economic evaluation of the
Forest Resources management project (FRMP) in order to examine the projects’
economic efficiency in utilising resources. The study employed multi-stage sampling
technique in which purposive sampling was done to select districts and villages based
data was obtained through questionnaire and informal surveys to the sampled
households, forest extension agents in the project area and buyers of trees for
construction poles. Secondary data was obtained from projects’ reports and records.
Linear regression and Cost Benefits Analysis (CBA) were used to analyse the
information extracted. Results indicated that about 91.6% of the households in the
surveyed villages planted trees in their farms. Of these, 51.8% planted trees for
fuelwood and sale of poles; 22.9% planted trees for poles, fuelwood, windbreak and
shade whereas 16.9% planted trees primarily for construction poles and timber. Also,
about 50.6% of the households had constructed improved wood stoves. Of the socioeconomic
factors involved in the regression model, family size, farm size, distance to
the source of fuelwood and education had positive influence to the number of trees
planted per household, while Age and number of livestock had a negative correlation.
The project was economically with a net present value of about 4383.6 millions Tshs
at the discount rate of 10% per annum in a period of 20 years. The return on
on the performance of the project and ease of communication of the areas. Primary
investment was about 41.5%. Sensitivity analysis indicated that the project’s net
present value would fall to zero when benefits were reduced by about 69.2%.
Finally, the study has come up with the following recommendations:
• More efforts should be made to invest in native and drought resistant tree species
so as to increase supplies from tree planting in the area.
• Credit facilities need to be established to help farmers conduct other economic
activities such as Beekeeping in order to generate income.
Introduction of water harvesting technique through simple technologies in order
to increase water supply in the area
To sensitise and educate farmers to be self-reliant in situations where they are
have ability to stand for themselves.
Explore ways of growing o trees in rural areas more efficiently and effectively in
association with Livestock.
o More efforts to establish property rights regime is needed in order to promote
investment in tree planting and management of natural woodlands
Description
Dissertation
Keywords
Economic evaluation, Forest resources, Planted trees, Fuelwood