Potential Of Redd+ Initiatives In Promotion Of Local Communities’ Livelihood: A Case Of Kilosa District

ABSTRACT

REDD+ is a climate change mitigation measures aimed at enhancing forests for

carbon storage and generation of reward to local community. “Making REDD+

Work for Communities and Forest Conservation in Tanzania” is a pilot project

implemented in Kilosa site by Tanzania Forest Conservation Group and Tanzania

Community Forest Conservation Network. Although REDD+ has promoted

Participatory Forest Management in its approach, still potential on local

communities‟ livelihood is questionable. The main purpose of this study was to

investigate the potential of REDD+ initiatives in promotion of local communities‟

livelihood. Specifically the study aimed at investigating the strategies used in

implementation of REDD+ project; participation of local communities on REDD+

project; local communities‟ forest resource governance and REDD+ benefits to local

communities. Data was collected from 103 household respondents i.e. 5% of the

total households in the study area; six FGDs from each village using a focus group

discussion guide and ten key informants were consulted. Moreover, participatory

resource assessment and participant observation were used in data gathering.

Quantitative data was analyzed by using SPSS computer software and “content

analysis technique” for analyzing qualitative data.

Several TFCG/MJUMITA facilitated REDD+ strategies were noted in the study area

i.e. Establishment and enforcement of forest conservation by-laws and agricultural

improvement initiatives and establishment village of land use plans and support for

new income generating activities. Local communities were decision making

machinery in REDD+ pilot project. REDD+ initiatives are still in their early stages

and have not been able to achieve improvement of local communities‟ livelihood.

However, participatory approaches adopted by TFCG/MJUMITA in REDD+