Joint Forest Management In Chome Catchment Forest Reserve, Tanzania: The Role Of Socio-Economic And Institutional Factors In Determining Sustainable Forest Conservation

This study was conducted in Chome Catchment Forest Reserve, South Pare Mountains, Tanzania to assess the role of ecological, socio-economic and institutional factors in determining successful implementation of the Joint Forest Management approach. Data were collected through participatory rural appraisal techniques, household questionnaire surveys and key informant interviews. Data on timber resources were based on existing inventories and direct observations. It was observed that the volume of timber resources in the forest is among the highest known for the Eastern Arc forests. Over 72% of this volume consists of high value timber species, making this resource an extremely desirable option for income generation. Household income is at par with other Eastern Arc areas but existing land scarcity is relatively higher. Household plot sizes tend to be as small as (>0.44 ha) with population density of about 13 persons ha-1. Farm plot fragmentation through inheritance is also high. Limited livelihood options, high timber demands and poor resources accessibility are the major drivers of illegal timber harvesting in the reserve by adjacent communities. Illegal timber harvesting was estimated at 100.7 thousand m3 per annum between 1998 and 2001. The implementation of joint forest management, centered on Village Environmental Councils, lacks clear guidelines on institutional responsibilities and duties leading to its failure. A number of other factors including corruption, policing difficulties and inadequate benefit sharing contribute to management failure. It is recommended that joint forest management be developed and implemented in a holistic framework which promotes alternative livelihood options; reduce dependency on forest-based income and strength institutional structures through legal frameworks. It is proposed that the forest sector expand its management approach through adopting a multi-disciplinary approach which incorporates external sectors, particularly agriculture. TJFNC Vol. 76 2007: pp. 1-1