The role of co-operatives in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing sinks through land use, land-use change and forestry in Tanzania

Abstract

This thesis contributes to the literature by exploring the role of co-operatives in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and enhancing sinks through land use, land use change and forestry (LULUCF) in agroforestry systems and miombo woodlands in Moshi and Urambo districts respectively. Specifically, the study sought to examine the drivers of land use and land use-change and their implications on GHG emissions and carbon sinks, to explore co-operatives‟ actions or lack thereof linked to greenhouse emissions and carbon removals through LULUCF, to estimate the contribution of co-operatives in enhancing carbon storage through community carbon enhancement activities in agroforestry and miombo woodlands ecosystems and to examine how the co-operative business model may apply to carbon trading with special emphasis on community carbon enhancement activities. A sample of 297 households was systematically selected in 16 villages from which data on land use and land-use change were collected using questionnaire survey and remote sensing. Land use change was analysed by interpretation of satellite images. Binary logistic regression analysis was undertaken to explore co-operatives‟ activities or lack thereof linked to carbon emissions and carbon sinks. The contribution of co-operatives in enhancing carbon storage was determined by comparing the proportion of carbon stocks in the land use systems with co-operatives activities to total carbon stock. The study showed that intensive farming, establishment of woodlots, use of energy efficient stoves, agroforestry practices, tree planting, and conservation of natural forests were important drivers of land use and land use changes. Co-operative actions significantly linked to carbon emissions and carbon removals through LULUCF were marketing of agricultural products, supply of agricultural inputs, provision of agro-credits iii and extension services, promotion of agroforestry practices and supply of improved seeds. Quantitatively co-operatives‟ actions contributed significantly to 76% of the existing carbon stock per hectare in agroforestry systems and 31% of the total carbon stocks per hectare in the miombo woodlands. The results further indicated that farmers through cooperatives‟ activities generate tradable carbon credits, a commodity that can be traded through co-operatives. The study concludes that co-operatives‟ actions have apparently high potential to mitigate GHG emissions and enhance carbon sinks through LULUCF sector. The co-operatives business model offers a framework for smallholder famers to come together as a strong entity to gain collective bargaining power to achieve benefits in terms of creating avenues for marketing carbon credits generated through activities with co-operative actions. The study recommends that vigorous knowledge on co-operatives‟ agricultural practices that reduce emissions and enhance carbon stocks through training and environmental/climate change extension services by different stakeholders. Efforts to mitigate climate change through LULUCF sector should be built on co-operatives‟ activities. It further recommends that co-operatives need additional support to effectively engage in carbon trading in terms of technical expertise and calls for awareness creation for smallholder farmers to recognize new opportunities in carbon trade.