Are traditional institutions effective in regulating forest use and sustaining forest resources? experience from Nyumba-Nitu, Southern Highlands, Tanzania

Abstract

Tanzania is among countries challenged by deforestation. Policies responsible for management of forests in the country have changed since pre-independence to-date mainly to address deforestation. The National Forest Policy of 1998 and Forest Act Cap 323 [R.E. 2002] both promote
participatory forest management through which traditional institutions are officially recognized. This study investigated the effectiveness of traditional institutions in forest management. The study used Nyumba-Nitu Traditional Forest Reserve (NTFR) as a case study and monitored tree and shrub species diversity and stand stocking. Generally, results reveal that traditional institutions are accepted and receive high respect by public at local level. This is because traditional institutional frameworks take care interest of local people. Access and user rights to NTFR are granted by ritual leaders. The study found that forest stocking was not statistically different between surveys carried out in 2002 and 2009. Similarly,
results on forest stocking depict an inverse J-shaped curve (size class  distribution)  which is a sign of stable stand characterized by regeneration and active recruitment of trees and shrubs. This is due to regulated access and forest use. The study concludes that traditional institutions are effective in controlling forest use and sustaining forest resources.

Key words: Nyumba-Nitu - traditional institutions – forest use - forest stocking - species diversity