Abstract:
The study centred on investigating factors influencing community participation in forest
resources management in Rau Forest Reserve within Moshi municipality. Specifically, it
examines the influence of age and gender for residents who participate in forest resources
management. Moreover, it explores the relationship between proximity to forest and
community participation in forest resources management and lastly, it examines the challenges
facing communities in forest resources management. The study used interview, documentary
reviews and observations as tools for data collection. The study has found that women are
more involved in management activities as they perceive forest resource a provider of the
necessary needs for their domestic use. It has been affirmed that youth are reluctant to
participate in managing and protecting forest resources. Living near the forest is an
opportunity as there are personal benefits. People living near the forest reserve are more
conscious to take part in securing the forest than those living far away. However, challenges
exist. The noted challenges on side of the community including the bureaucracy involved in
securing permission to carry out activities in the forest like bee-keeping and harvesting animal
feeds. On the other hand, the management encounters the challenge of people going to the
forest and harvesting the resources illegally. Community participation in the management of
forest resources is essential in forest conservation. More effort to increase understanding of
conservation issues and awareness of the sort of activities that can be undertaken is important.
The following is also recommended that communities surrounding the Rau Forest Reserve
need more education on forest, increase the communication between the management and the
community.
