Perceived Impact Of Climate Variability On Availability And Utilisation Of Non-Wood Forest Products Among Rural Households In Bahi District, Tanzania

ABSTRACT

Climate variability is currently one of the greatest environmental challenges facing humankind, whereby increased temperature and changing rainfall patterns are predicted to impact upon livelihoods in Tanzania. This study highlights the perceived impact of climate variability on availability and utilization of non-wood forest products (NWFPs) among rural households around the East Chenene Forest Reserve in Bahi District, Dodoma Region. The main objective of the study was to examine rural peoples’ attitude on the impact of climate variability on availability and utilization of NWFPs. Specifically, the study focused on: (i) assessing the perceived changes in climate that happened in Eastern Chinene Forest (Mtungutu) from 1993 to 2013, (ii) identifying changes in NWFPs available in East Chenene Forest Reserve (Mtungutu) and (iii) assessing utilization of NWFPs among households in the face of climate variability. Participatory Research Approach mainly focusing on group discussions (FGD) and non-participatory approach; and household questionnaire survey were used to collect data. The Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS), both descriptive and inferential statistical were used to analyse the data collected through the questionnaire survey. Content analysis was used to analyse the data collected through FGD and key informants (KIs). The rural communities living near East Chenene Forest Reserve perceived that there was impact of climate variability on availability and utilization of NWFPs. They indicated that NWFPs decreased especially mushrooms, honey, wild animals, wild rope, and weaving materials. However, other NWFPs available, such as wild fruits (baobab and tamarindus indica), thatch grasses and wild vegetables were not badly affected by climate variability. Communities living around the Forest rely more on NWFPs for food, health and income especially during severe droughts and floods as compared to the past 20 years. In conclusion, climate variability iii has affected the availability and utilization of NWFPs among rural communities in Bahi. There is a need for both private and government environmental activists to provide education and training on the impact of climate variability on NWFPs sustainable utilization.