The Contribution Of Mangrove Forests To The Livelihoods Of Adjacent Communities In Tanga And Pangani Districts

ABSTRACT 

Mangrove ecosystems play crucial role in protection of coastlines. Apart from this most people living adjacent to these ecosystems depend on this resource to meet basic socio-economic needs and livelihoods. Though Joint Forest Management has been practiced in mangrove ecosystem for a significant period now little if any is quantitatively documented on the contribution of mangrove products to the livelihoods of communities. This study aimed at identifying and assessing the existing and potential mangrove products and their contribution to local people livelihoods in Tanga and Pangani Districts. Specifically the study assessed availability of the products, extent to which the products contribute to household income and other forest based goods. Socio-economic data were collected in Chongoleani, Machui, West Pangani and Kipumbwi villages through questionnaires and discussions with key informants. The Statistical Package for Social Science and Excel programs were used to analyse socio-economic data and Content and Structural-Functional Analysis techniques were used for qualitative data. Findings from the study showed, firewood was the major product obtained and accessed from mangrove ecosystems followed by mangrove poles, fish, bee products and crabs. The accessibility of the products is through permits which are obtained from the village environmental committees and District Mangrove Officer. Males earned an average income of about 1 704 000 Tshs per year and females earned 3 027 000 Tshs per year from trade in mangrove products. On the other hand the average income from other sources was reported to be 1 058 000 Tshs per year for males and 958 900 Tshs per year for females. It is concluded that mangrove ecosystem have moderate contribution to livelihood. The study recommends strengthening of local institutions and increasing people’s awareness on sustainable utilization of mangrove ecosystems in order to increase positive attitude on conservation and hence increase the availability of products, income and improve livelihoods.