Are we getting there? Evidence of decentralized forest management from the Tanzanian Miombo woodlands
Abstract
Based on a village study in Tanzania, the effects of decentralized forest management on forest conservation, rural livelihoods and good governance are evaluated. Tree growth is estimated to exceed harvest, and forest utilization appears effectively controlled. Forest revenues cover the costs of management and finance local public services, but the underlying taxes and regulations have made the poorest worse off. Governance outcomes are also ambiguous. Revenues are administered transparently, but village leaders are coercive toward forest dependent minorities. The case provides a rare example of how decentralized forest management works in Africa when meaningful powers are devolved to local communities.
Citation
Lund, J. F., & Treue, T. (2008). Are we getting there? Evidence of decentralized forest management from the Tanzanian Miombo woodlands. World Development, 36(12), 2780-2800.Publisher
University of Nairobi, Wangari Maathai Institute for Peace and Environmental Studies
Subject
AfricaTanzania
decentralized forest management
participatory forest management
poverty
forest conservation
governance