Wildlife Utilisation and Livelihood in Village Land

This study examines the competing interests of actors in wildlife resource and the implication of wildlife utilisation for local livelihood in EWMA in Longido District, Arusha region - Tanzania. The findings in this study reveal that, despite a considerable part of the income going into individuals' pockets, there are significant benefits realized by villagers from photographic tourism investors. The study also finds out that, although community members have been excluded in decision-making process which results in conflicts, the majority perceive the CBC programme positively. They still hope that things might be rectified and derive more benefits from their natural resources as expected. The study further recommends that all impediments, including lack of community involvement, corruption and inadequate awareness of WMA, should be addressed immediately by the responsible ministry in collaboration with the community members. The study recommends that DW works together with the respective conservation NGOs, the District Council and representatives from villages forming EWMA in planning of the benefit sharing scheme which will satisfy local people's needs and expectations.

Auteur

Sospeter Charlesis currently a Lecturer at Saint Augustine University of Tanzania. He lectures Geography and Natural Resources Management courses. He has a B.A.with Education (Geography and Political Science)and MSc. (Natural Resource Assessment and Management) obtained in 2006 and 2009 respectively from the University of Dar es Salaam.