TITLE:
Drivers of Land Cover Dynamics for Pugu and Kazimuzumbwi Forest Reserves in Kisarawe, Tanzania
AUTHORS:
Makarius Victor Mdemu, Marco Mathias Burra
KEYWORDS:
Climate Change and Variability, Driver, Forest Reserve, Land Cover Dynamics, Peri-Urban
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Forestry,
Vol.6 No.5,
August
31,
2016
ABSTRACT: Forests that are close to growing
urban centres have been subject to constant deforestation and degradation from
various factors. This study assesses the drivers of land cover dynamics in Pugu
and Kazimzumbwi forest reserves in the context of urban and peri-urban
expansion of Dar es Salaam for the past three decades. The study adopted review
of relevant literature and household survey from three settlements surrounding
the forest reserves. One hundred and fifty (150) households were collected from
Buyuni, Chanika and Masaki in Ilala and Kisarawe and administered with
semi-structured questionnaire to collect information on migration, use of
forest products by communities and perception on climate change and
variability. SPSS computer program was used to analyse the questionnaire data
while tables and graphs were adopted for presentation of the results.
Rural-urban and internal urban migration in Dar es Salaam was identified as one
of the primary drivers of land cover dynamics in peri-urban areas and adjoining
environments. The migration was intensified by push drivers which include urban
growth, market of land and reliance on forest product among community members
as source of their livelihoods. The increased rainfall variability accompanied
with high temperature has contributed to frequent droughts which compromises
rainfed agriculture. Thus, the successful conservation of the forest will
require strengthened enforcement of protection measures supported with
introduction of alternative livelihood strategies for majority of poor
community members.