Community livelihood changes and their implications on sustainable conservation of Kitulo national park ecosystem, Tanzania

M.Sc. DissertationThis study examined how the establishment of Kitulo National Park (NP) affected community livelihoods and its implications on sustainable conservation in Makete District Tanzania. Specifically, the study concentrated on community attitude towards establishment of Kitulo NP; documenting livelihood changes before and after Kitulo NP. Also, it focused on determining suitability of new livelihood options to the community after establishment of Kitulo NP and hence evaluating potential impacts of new livelihood options after establishment of Kitulo NP and their sustainability. A cross sectional research design and multi-stage sampling were adopted during data collection. Divisions, wards and villages were purposively selected. Checklist, direct observation and PRA techniques were also employed for data collection. Primary data were collected through a questionnaire which was administered to a sample of 120 household heads. Qualitative data were subjected to content analysis. Descriptive statistics and index scales were used to measure attitudes and perception of respondents towards establishment of Kitulo NP. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software was used to analyse quantitative data. Multiple regression models were developed to explore relationship between sustainability of Kitulo NP and changes of the livelihoods of adjacent communities after establishment of the park. Study revealed that adjacent communities would facilitate both sustainability of Kitulo NP and livelihoods of local communities. Establishment of Kitulo NP improved biodiversity conservation in the southern highlands of Tanzania. Furthermore it contributed in constructing development projects and enhancing livelihoods of neighbouring communities. It is recommended that conservation projects should be designed on appropriate and adequate incentive packages which will be suitable for motivating communities to participate effectively in conservation activities. Also it is recommended that there should be deliberate efforts to strengthen education, sensitization and awareness creation to adjacent communities before establishing conservation activities. Deliberate measures should be taken to design proper community and participatory strategies for establishment of conservation activities