The Impact Of Redd + Project On Local Community’s Livelihood: A Case Study Of Kondoa District

ABSTRACT

This study is entitled as “The impact of REDD+ project on community livelihoods”

which was conducted in Kondoa District, in two selected villages namely; Kolo and

Mnenia. Data were collected using a questionnaire survey, Focus Group Discussion

and Interviews. Eighty respondents and four key informants were involved in the

study. Quantitative data were analyzed by using Statistical Package for Social

Sciences (SPSS) software version 16, and content analysis was used for qualitative

information. The findings from this study revealed that, 95% of the respondents were

aware of the REDD+ project in their villages, and they were involved in patrols,

formulating village by laws and by attending meetings and seminars, that were

linked to forest protection. It was further observed that, REDD+ project has

contributed to the sum amount of between Tsh 14,429,022 and 12,000,000 Tsh from

carbon sales, improved agricultural production and an access of non timber products

in the study area. In addition, more income generation activities had been introduced

to the villagers in improving their livelihoods. The challenges faced by the REDD+

project were identified as HADO experience, illegal wood harvest, insufficient of

patrolling gears and REDD+ not well understood by many. The study concludes, that

REDD+ is a viable option to climate change mitigation, adaptation initiatives and

poverty reduction. Therefore, in order to make REDD+ effective, then more options

of income generating activities such as eco-tourism, fish farming and poetry

keeping, as a way of improving peoples livelihoods should be introduced in the

study area. In addition community member‟s participation should be strengthened by

an intensive consultation and education, not only in implementation but also in

planning and designing strategies for REDD+ project.