Factors Influencing Effectiveness Of Joint Forest Management Approach In Conservation And Management Of Forest Reserves: A Case Of Kimboza Forest Reserve In Morogoro, Tanzania

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the factors influencing the effectiveness of Joint Forest Management (JFM) approach in conservation and management of forest reserves in Tanzania, using Kimboza forest reserve as a case study. The study specifically intended to examine the response of community towards JFM approach, to investigate benefits to the community due to their involvement in JFM and to determine factors influencing local people’s participation in JFM for conserving and managing forest reserves.

Data for this study were obtained from a representative sample of 126 heads of household using structured and semi structured interviews, focused group discussion and observations. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze data using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software. Chi-square was used to test relationship between socio-economic characteristics and participation in JFM. Data was cross tabulated to compare category of responses. Weighted mean was calculated to establish the levels of participation, awareness and adherence to rules and regulations.

The results indicated that during establishment of JFM which has four steps, respondents were aware of the first two stage of village assembly (73.7 %) and formation of village environment committee (60.5 %). Results also revealed that with exception of firewood, majority of community members are not benefiting from JFM as expected. The findings also reveal that sex, awareness of JFM, satisfaction with JFM, location, training, tradition believes and membership in environment committee significantly (P < 0.05) influence community’s participation in JFM related activities.

The study recommends the government to increase frequency of training to local community members for increased awareness of JFM. Implementation of JFM should ensure equitable distribution of JFM benefits which could increase community satisfaction and hence more participation.