Community Perception towards Community-Based Forest Management (CBFM): A Case of Kilindi District, Tanzania

Abstract

Community-based forest management (CBFM) entails a paradigm shift in the management of forest resources whereby local  communities are closely integrated in the management of forests on their land. This article is based on the study conducted in selected  villages of Kilindi district. It assessed the perceptions of local communities over the performance of CBFM in selected villages. Two case  study villages namely Kwamwande and Balang’a were purposely selected for this study. The study revealed that the establishment of  CBFM approach has improved the mechanism for conflicts resolution on the use of forest products. This has been possible due to improved forest management in both villages. In a related way, CBFM has improved forest governance, since this model emphasize more  on transparency and accountability in managing forest resources. Furthermore, through this approach, well-defined boundaries of  village forests have been achieved. Lastly, since the inception of this approach local communities have been complying with rules and  regulations regarding forest management. The article recommends that community participation in forests management is crucial in attaining sustainable forests utilization to any community. Thus, local communities should be at the center of decision making process  concerning the conservation and utilization of forest resources at local level.