The role of Village Land Forest Reserves in the implementation of Land Use Plans: experience from the REDD+ initiative, Tanzania

Abstract

The role of Village Participatory Land Use Plans (VPLUPs) and associated Village Land Forest Reserves (VLFRs) under the REDD+ initiative is a fairly new concept with limited information on the success of its implementation. This study examined community perceptions of VPLUPs as well as their perceptions of the inclusion of VLFRs in these plans in the Kilosa district of Tanzania. A mixed method research design, which integrates participatory community mapping (PCM), focus group discussions (FGDs), key informant interviews (KIIs), direct observations and household interviews were applied. Results indicated a significant involvement of the respondents (84%) in the process of implementation of VPLUPs, especially in meetings (95%). A significant majority (91%) favoured the inclusion of VLFRs in VPLUPs. Most of the respondents (85%) were satisfied with the implementation process of VPLUPs and most (94%) were willing to adhere to VPLUPs initiatives. Both challenges to and supportive factors for the implementation of VPLUPs were identified by the respondents. Due to the current high levels of participation in the initiative and potentially agreeable outcomes, it is concluded that VPLUPs and VLFRs might contribute to sustainable implementation of the REDD+ initiative.

Do Community Perceptions of Forest Management and Conservation Vary Across Wealth Groups? The Case of the Kilosa REDD + Initiative in Tanzania

“…The possible reason could be attributed to the participation of all wealth categories in the REDD+ implementation activities. This argument is supported by Vatn et al, (2017) and Uisso et al, (2018) in the same study area who claimed that the implementation of the REDD+ initiative in the Kilosa District was fairly transparent and inclusive as every member of the community (including wealth groups) was invited to participate in the process. This common perception is important and necessary for achieving collective actions and a common goal of the REDD+ initiative.…”

“…Whereas previous forest management and conservation have mostly been analysed at the village or community level in Tanzania and elsewhere (Raphael, and Swai, 2009;Phiri et al, 2012;Tesfaye et al, 2012;Turyahabwe et al, 2013;Treue et al, 2014;Siraj et al, 2016;Uisso et al, 2019), the analyses encompassing wealth groups/strata are limited. In previous studies in the area (Uisso et al, 2018;Uisso et al, 2019) we focused on the role of Village Land Forest Reserves (VLFRs) in the implementation of land use plans, forest management and conservation before and after the implementation of land use plan. The question remains on how community perceive forest management and conservation across wealth groups under the intervention of VPLUPs in the REDD+ initiative.…”

Do the perceptions of community on forest management and conservation vary across wealth groups? The case of the Kilosa REDD+ initiative in Tanzania

“…Whereas previous forest management and conservation have mostly been analysed at the village or community level in Tanzania and elsewhere (Raphael, and Swai, 2009;Phiri et al, 2012;Tesfaye et al, 2012;Turyahabwe et al, 2013;Treue et al, 2014;Siraj et al, 2016;Uisso et al, 2019), the analyses encompassing wealth groups/strata are limited. In previous studies in the area (Uisso et al, 2018;Uisso et al, 2019) we focused on the role of Village Land Forest Reserves (VLFRs) in the implementation of land use plans, forest management and conservation before and after the implementation of land use plan. The question remains on how community perceive forest management and conservation across wealth groups under the intervention of VPLUPs in the REDD+ initiative.…”