Communities perceptions regarding the impact of Hoima-Tanga crude oil pipeline on the loss of biodiversity in Swagaswaga Game Reserve, Tanzania

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate perceptions of communities surrounding the Swagaswaga Game Reserve regarding the impact of the proposed Hoima-Tanga crude oil pipeline on biodiversity loss. The pipeline will transect the game reserve and some of the neighbouring villages. The study involved 156 randomly selected respondents from four purposefully selected villages located at 0 to 10 km and 11 to 20 km from the game reserve. The respondents comprised 55 females and 101 males, aged between 20 and 70 years. Semi-structured questionnaire was used. Only 57% of the respondents were aware of the proposed project, and the majority of these respondents reside in villages located closer to the game reserve. Their major concern was loss of biodiversity, which was more frequently expressed by those living close to the game reserve (58.3%) than by those living further away (5%). Respondents also expressed concerns about the lack of clarity regarding land compensation. The latter was expressed significantly more frequently by respondents residing close to the game reserve. This study demonstrates the lack of community awareness about the project. The study concluded that, comprehensive community engagement in project planning coupled with technical capacity building will be a key to guaranteeing community involvement in conservation activities.

Strengthening tourism ethnocentrism in emerging tourism destinations

“…Past studies indicate that the development of tourism in Tanzania has been hindered by the low involvement of local residents, resulting in minimal support for the tourism sector (Amani, 2023c). Additionally, the Dodoma region boasts a wealth of potential resources for nature-based tourism, including the Swagaswaga Game Reserve, home to unique species in sub-Saharan Africa (Athumani et al, 2023;Nyakeko and Nyahongo, 2020). Moreover, the region is blessed with the Mkungunero Game Reserve, which is part of the Tarangire-Manyara ecosystem (Foley and Foley, 2022;John et al, 2020).…”