Economic Efficiency Of Selected Income Generating Activities In Burunge Wildlife Management Area In Manyara, Tanzania

ABSTRACT

Wildlife Management Areas have been proposed as the institutional mechanism for devolving management to the community level and creating local incentives for conservation. This study assesses the economic efficiency of selected income generated activities (IGAs) in Burunge Wildlife Management Area. Specifically, it was intended to describe the involvement of communities in selected IGAs, analyze costs and benefits associated with selected IGAs (Handcraft and Dress making), and assess the perception of the communities towards BurungeWMA.One hundred and ten households from Vilimavitatu, Mwada and Olaisitiwere selected through simple random sampling and surveyed using questionnaire composed of both open and closed ended questions.Secondary data from various sources were used to supplement the primary data. Information acquired was triangulated through key informants’ interviews, field observations and focused group discussions. Study findings show that 44 (40%) of the respondents were involved in IGAs such as dressmaking, wall mats, basket making.

Results revealthat handcraft is more profitable compare to dress making with a high NPV of 1582650.5/= means it makes a net positive economic contribution to society. The findings also revealed that attitudes of communities towards the B-WMA were quite negative because most of them are not happy with the management authorities. This is due to the fact that they do not receive benefits and yet they bear the costs of living with wildlife. In conclusion, community engaged more in handcraft than dress making because they enjoy, costs and benefits associated with different income generating activities vary and others are the same depending on the type of activities. Recommendations were made, such as sharing of income, compensation for the crop loss, conflict resolution and effective participation in management.