Trees, Forests and People (Dec 2022)
Incentives and disincentives of mangrove conservation on local livelihoods in the Rufiji Delta, Tanzania
Abstract
Considering local communities’ perceptions on the role of conservation measures on their socio-economic wellbeing is important for assessing effectiveness and success of conservation measures. In this study, four themes - social impacts of conservation, legitimacy of conservation governance, acceptability of conservation management and ecological outcomes of conservation were studied in the Rufiji Delta, Tanzania. The themes constituted detailed basic issues as disincentives and incentives of conservation measures to be evaluated to improve conservation policy and practice. Social research methods including, focus group discussions, key informant interviews, household semi-structured interviews and; participant and non-participant observations were used to gather data. For comparison purpose, the delta was divided into three blocks; Northern delta (ND), Central delta (CD) and Southern delta (SD). Results suggest that local communities across the three blocks had mixed perceptions on the impacts of conservation to their livelihoods. Majority of respondents in all the three blocks acknowledged that mangrove conservation is important for enhancing livelihood sustainability, with 82%, 73.3% and 82.2% for ND, CD and SD respectively. Amongst of the four themes, legitimacy of conservation governance issues was cited mostly to significantly predict perceptions of conservation impacts on local livelihoods in both delta blocks. Results suggest that recognition of community inclusion, respect, encouragement and appreciation of their interests and priorities are keys for sustainable conservation which implies that good governance structures incentivise communities towards conservation. Further, it may be suggesting that, responsible government authorities and other stakeholders should emphasize governance systems to be inclusive, by involving locals in decision making, management of resources and all issues regarding the conservation of the delta.
