Contribution of the civil society in conservation of the Uluguru Mountains, Morogoro, Tanzania

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the contribution of the civil society in the conservation of the Uluguru Mountains. The specific objectives were to (i) assess the type and number of civil societies and their conservation activities in the Uluguru Mountains, (ii) identify constraints to conservation efforts and (iii) assess perceptions of the community on the contribution of the civil society in conservation of the Uluguru Mountains. Structured questionnaires supplemented by Focus Group Discussions (FGD) were used to generate the necessary information; Secondary data were obtained from the Sokoine National Agricultural Library (SNAL). A total of 40 civil society organizations were identified to be operating in the Uluguru Mountains, out of which 27 (67%) were reported to be actively involved in conservation activities in different areas of the Uluguru Mountains. These activities range from tree planting for economic gains (fruits, ornamental and timber), soil erosion control and soil and water conservation. The most popular conservation activity in this area was tree planting and agroforestry. About 83% of the respondents are aware and plant trees and practice agroforestry for conservation. About 50% of the respondents felt that lack of education on the conservation of the Uluguru Mountains is the major constraint to conservation. About 58 % of respondents had the impression that the level of success of civil societies in conservation of the Uluguru Mountains was moderate. It is concluded that civil societies have a significant contribution towards conservation of the Uluguru Mountains though not well known by stakeholders. Further the major conservation activity seems to be tree planting. This study recommends updating and maintaining current inventory of Civil Society Groups working in the Ulugurus and strengthening conservation education to improve the conservation initiatives by the local people.