Shortcomings of linkages between environmental conservation initiatives and poverty alleviation in Tanzania

There are few studies on poverty and the environment that have addressed the question of how measures geared towards solving environmental degradation can also be used as a means of combating poverty. This paper is a survey of conservation initiatives and interventions that can be used as entry points for addressing issues of poverty alleviation in Tanzania. Paradoxically, despite the fact that most of the population is living below the poverty line, there are many instances where poor households have not responded to such multipurpose interventions. This study establishes the factors behind this paradox and assesses the potential of such an approach.

The paper begins by analysing existing interventions including tree planting, agriculture, community management of resources and protected area approaches, and beekeeping. Data is compiled from three areas in Tanzania, using participatory rural appraisal methods, interviews and group discussions. The origins of these interventions, how they were packaged when they were first introduced, their organisational structure and management are examined. Next, the study establishes how far these interventions could be used to address environmental and social issues including poverty alleviation.

Finally, the authors establish explanations as to why the opportunities for multipurpose gains are not being more widely taken up, especially in poorer communities. Constraints on such interventions include:

• lack of participation and communication approaches
• under-representation of women - women are the key implementers of interventions, yet their participation in decision making is minimal
• transfer of technology – communities lack education and skills to effectively implement the interventions being introduced
• poor accessibility to markets – poor infrastructure constrains the marketing of farm produce and forest products from outside the village
• links between environmental health and productivity are not fully appreciated.

The authors conclude that the full value of land based- and conservation-related activities will only be recognised when all the stakeholders are aware of the benefits. Thus, village interventions are likely to contribute to poverty alleviation depending on how they are advocated.