REDD++ piloting process in the Zanzibar Islands, Tanzania: The assessment of the community's perceptions and attitudes

Introduction of REDD+ initiatives in Tanzania underwent a series of preparation activities including launching and implementation the National REDD+ pilot projects. While the piloting have now lasted for four years the local communities’ awareness, perceptions and their attitudes towards these initiatives have not been adequately studied in Tanzania. This study therefore was carried out to assess the community perception and determine social sustainability of REDD+ initiatives in Zanzibar Islands. Specifically the study aims to determine the levels of community awareness, perception, participation and attitudes towards this initiative. Five Shehia (Villages) which are Kumbaurembo, Muyuni C, Mtende, Chuchumile and Hanyegwamchana were involved in the study. Data were collected through key informant interviews, focus group discussions and household questionnaire survey. Content analysis was used to analyse qualitative information from focus group discussions and in depth interviews, while indexes were used to determine the levels of community participation, awareness and attitudes. Findings revealed a high level of community awareness (63.3%) with moderately high level of participation as shown by 47.8%. Results show a favourable attitude of about 77% despite the low levels of education, over dependence of forest resources and small size of land holdings that would be expected to affect communities’ perception, attitudes. The study concludes that communities in Zanzibar islands have positive attitude and perceptions on conservation initieatives which is a good indicator for sustainability of REDD+ initiatives. However, in a bid to sustain the communities’ continued involvement, there should be continued capacitation of the communities to be in full control of their resources as well as ensuring equitable benefit sharing.  Key Words: REDD+, Community perception, Attitudes, Zanzibar, Tanzani

Tree species diversity under pastoral and farming systems in Kilosa District, Tanzania

Loss of tree diversity through improper land use practices such as overgrazing and poor farming practices in tropical areas and other natural ecosystems is one of today's most worrying environmental problems. This study was conducted to assess the impact of farming and pastoralism on tree species diversity in two forests each owned and managed by pastoral and farming communities in Kilosa District. Household survey solicited information on perceptions of local communities on drivers that influenced tree stocking and diversity of their forests. A forest inventory was conducted involving twenty circular in each system plots laid along two transects. In each plot, trees and shrubs with DBH > 5 cm were measured for DBH and height. A total of 48 different species were recorded out of which 75%were tree species and 25% shrubs species. The forest under pastoral system had a Shannon - Wiener Index (H’) of 3.13 as opposed to farming system with an index of 2.05. Average stocking for the forest under pastoral system was 235 stem ha-1, whereas that of farming system was 209 stem ha-1. Basal areas of 13m2ha-1 and 6m2 ha-l were recorded for forests under pastoral and farming systems respectively. Standing volume showed the same tendency where 216m3ha-1 was recorded from the forest under pastoral system as opposed to 100.12 m3ha-1 from the other forest. The high loss of species diversity and stocks particularly in the forest under farming system were attributed to anthropogenic disturbances including cutting trees for farm expansion, charcoal making and house construction. Although the assessment on the community perception on the loss of tree diversity in the area showed conflicting interests between the two societies each blaming activities of each community as major causes of forest degradation. This calls for more enforcement of rules and regulations and tree planting in degraded areas predominantly in the farming communities. The study further revealed that the existing tensions over land resource ownership between the two communities of farmers and pastoralists may be contributing factors of unsustainable use of tree species and other forest resources. It is recommended that interventions should be done to settle conflicts over land resource ownership and management between the two villages as well control proliferation and dominance of Acacia nilotica as a way to improve pasture and improve species diversity in the area. Key words: Tree stocking - rules and regulations - anthropogenic disturbance

Productivity and cost analysis of feller buncher at Sao Hill Forest Plantations, Tanzania

Timber harvesting operations in Tanzania are changing from  semi-mechanized and labour intensive methods to fully mechanized operations. To be cost effective, such operations must be carefully plannedand controlled. This requires detailed information on every aspect of timber harvesting machines. This study was therefore designed to analyze the productivity and costs of using feller bunchers for timber harvesting at Sao Hill Forest Plantations. Productivity studies were performed during clear felling operations. Continuous time study technique using snap-back timing method was used for data collection on productive and delay times. Supplementary cost data was obtained from records at the logging  department of Mufindi Paper Mill Company. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel spreadsheet to determine productivity and costs as a function of stand variables and terrain factors. Results showed that, the feller buncher production rates ranged from 16.5m3/h to 80 m3/h when the tree sizes (Dbh) varied from 11cm to 32cm respectively. Further results showed that productivity and costs were highly affected by the moving distances of the feller buncher from a tree to tree. Overall, the distance and the tree size had significant influence on the productivity and costs thefeller buncher. The unit felling cost for feller buncher averaged 2,075 TZS/ m3. The study concludes that, the higher initial capital investment of feller buncher felling could be paid off by higher hourly production. Key words: Timber harvesting, labour, semimechanization, Tanzania

Bird's nesting success and eggs predation within Arusa National Park, Arusha, Tanzania

Nesting success and eggs predation is among the factors that affect the population dynamics of bird species. The study was carried out to determine predation impact on selected bird species population in Arusha National Park, Arusha, Tanzania. Specifically the study assessed the potential predators to ground (Scaly Francolin) and (Ruppell’s Robin- Chat, Striped-cheeked Greenbul, Tambourine Dove and Tropical Boubou) to establish if nesting success and eggs predation vary with habitat fragments types and nesting heights. Artificial nests were constructed in three different heights, and both artificial and true eggs were put on the nests in eleven habitat fragments and their associated forests. Identification of predators was obtained indirectly through punched signs left by predators on artificial and true eggs. Observation was done daily and data were analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively. The study showed no significant difference in predation effect on eggs in glade versus glade edge X2 = 3.08, Df = 1, P > 0 .05, glade edge versus forest interior X2 = 0.04, Df = 1, P > 0 .05, while glade versus forest interior showed to differ significantly X2 = 0.08, Df =1, P 0 .05 in level 1, X2 = 3.81, Df = 2, P > 0.05 at level 2 and X2 = 0.67, Df = 2, P > 0. 05 at level 3. The percentage egg failure was 41.54 % with predation effects contributing 92% of the total impact, followed by floods 5% and trampling 3%. Although habitat predation varied among habitat types and vertical levels, the type of predators did not vary. However, among predators rodents contributed the highest level of predation effects. Nesting failure was a result of predation, trampling and flooding with the later two affecting more the ground nester birds’ species.Key words: Predators, birds’ population, edge effects, Tanzani

Strategic power and power struggles in the national REDD+ governance process in Tanzania: any effect on its legitimacy?

Tanzania is currently undertaking a number of initiatives related to the development of national REDD+ governance structures. These initiatives, among others, include process to establish a national REDD+ Trust Fund (NRTF) and the National Carbon Monitoring Centre (NCMC). In this paper, the on-going national REDD+ governance structure establishment processes at both local and national levels are analysed. The study focused on REDD+ governance process, the participating actors, power and power struggle and its effects on the political legitimacy underlying the REDD+ governance process. The study was undertaken through intensive review of literature and relevant reports and documents, and dialogue with actors involved in the process. It was found that while REDD+ governance continues to evolve, some non-economic actors are transforming themselves into economic actors and ‘Power brokers’ in order to enhance their position in protecting their interests during the process. It was noted as well that strategic power and power struggles are emerging as part of the evolving processes at both local and national levels. The study concludes that strategic intervention/decision was required to facilitate smooth process and avoid the stalemate that can be caused by emerging power struggles in the national REDD+ governance structure development process.Key words: Tanzania, REDD+; governance structures; institutions; actors; power struggles; and legitimac