Identification of suitable income generating activities to reduce pressure on Ruvu North Forest Reserve from surrounding communities

Abstract

A study aimed at identifying suitable Income Generating Activities (IGAs) for reducing pressure on Ruvu North Forest Reserve (RNFR) from surrounding communities was conducted in 2013. Four hamlets (Mwendapole, Msangani, Miswe and Kiromo) bordering RNFR were purposively selected for the study. Primary data were collected through Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), structured questionnaire, key informant interviews, direct/participant observations and secondary data through literature review. Quantitative data from structured questionnaires were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) while that from FGDs and key informant interviews were subjected to content analysis. It was found that 86.7% of respondents undertake subsistence farming. Illegal harvesting of forest products from RNFR is not uncommon. On average, people in Miswe use more firewood followed by Msangani, Kiromo and Mwendapole hamlets. Income realized from domestic IGAs ranged from TZS 170,000 to 262,000 per household per annum. Six existing and six potential IGAs in the study area are discussed. It was concluded that IGAs can make a big change in economic status of households around RNFR. Given resources and proper management, improvement of the existing IGAs and establishment of new IGAs can contribute significantly to enhanced conservation of RNFR.