Socio-economic factors influencing conservation and development trade-offs on Uluguru Mountains, Tanzania

Abstract

Given the reality that trade-offs are rules rather than exceptions there is a need to acknowledge them and assess how different groups of people influence conservation and development choices. This study was conducted on Uluguru Mountains to assess the socio-economic factors influencing conservation and development trade-offs. Specifically the study aimed to identify the major conservation and development trade-offs existing on Uluguru Mountains, assess the socio-economic factors that influence each of the identified conservation and development trade-offs and assess the perceptions of local communities toward conservation and development tradeoffs. Data were collected using questionnaire for household survey and checklists for focus group discussions and key informants were also employed. A random sample of 100 households representing 10% of all households in the study area was picked from Nyandira, Tchenzema and Kibuko villages. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and multinomial logistic analysis was also employed for inferential statistics. Results show that, tree planting, terracing, agroforestry, agriculture, schools and dispensaries were the major conservation and development trade-offs existing in the study area. Furthermore the study revealed that, land size and education level significantly influence conservation and development trade-offs on Uluguru Mountains. Also, it was revealed that most of projects in the area were integrating conservation and development. It is, therefore, concluded that, the major socio-economic factors that influence conservation and development trade-offs on Uluguru Mountains are education level and land size. Involvement of people in decision making and proper land use planning are recommended as appropriate ways of addressing conservation and development trade-offs in the area.