Factors Influencing Community Participation in Forest Resources Management in Rau Forest Reserve Moshi Municipality

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.