CONTRIBUTION OF JGI REDD+PROJECT IN ADDRESSING DEFORESTATION, CLIMATE VARIABILITY AND PEOPLE’S LIVELIHOODS IN WESTERN TANZANIA: A CASE OF ILAGALA, KARAGO AND KIRANDO VILLAGES

Purpose: The study examined the contribution of REDD+ in addressing deforestation, climate variability and people’s livelihoods in three villages of Ilagala, Karago and Kirando, within the REDD+ Masito-Ugalla ecosystem in Uvinza District, Tanzania. Methodology: The methods used were household interviews, semi-structured interview, focus group discussions, field observations, analysis of meteorological data, as well as remote sensing and geographical information systems (GIS). A total of 101 households were randomly selected for the study. Results: The trend of the mean annual rainfall and rainfall deviations from the annual mean revealed the presence of climate variability. Majority of the respondents agreed that climate variability was happening in their area. Deforestation and forest degradation were also a problem in the area as evidenced by expansion of cultivation at the expense of other vegetation types and opening up of the closed woodlands. The findings further revealed that majority of respondents were aware about REDD+ objectives and that the project had provided conservation education to local communities and supported them to alleviate poverty through establishing entrepreneurship groups within the project area, each group dealing with a specific activity, including beekeeping and poultry. Majority of the respondents said they were able to support the education needs of their children as benefits accrued to them during REDD+ operation. The contribution of REDD+ project in minimizing deforestation, climate variability and improving people’s livelihoods was manifested through training of forest monitors and fire breakers and establishment of community projects. The REDD+ performance, however, was reported to be on average. Also due to its short operation period, REDD+ did not significantly contribute to people’s livelihoods.   Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: This study has provided important lessons on the importance and opportunities offered by REDD+ in addressing forest conservation and providing livelihood benefits to the local communities. Although REDD+ policies and projects are geared towards addressing climate change mitigation, if well designed, they can go a long way in alleviating poverty while at the same time conserving the forests. What is required is for nations to identify what the needs of the local communities and the desired benefits in the respective areas are and build into the REDD+ projects strategies that would adequately address those needs and provide the required benefits.