Title: Community-based conservation in East Africa: a case study of Western Usambara Mountains, Tanzania

Authors: Melissa Elander, Augusta Blackstone, Chad Cleary, Heather Clogston, Michael Hallworth, Heidi Jardin, Jeannie Kornfeld, Kyle Parent, Zachary Johnson, Katherine Donahue, Leonard Reitsma

Addresses: Plymouth State University, Plymouth, New Hampshire, USA. ' Plymouth State University, Plymouth, New Hampshire, USA. ' Plymouth State University, Plymouth, New Hampshire, USA. ' Plymouth State University, Plymouth, New Hampshire, USA. ' Plymouth State University, Plymouth, New Hampshire, USA. ' Plymouth State University, Plymouth, New Hampshire, USA. ' Plymouth State University, Plymouth, New Hampshire, USA. ' Plymouth State University, Plymouth, New Hampshire, USA. ' Plymouth State University, Plymouth, New Hampshire, USA. ' Plymouth State University, Plymouth, New Hampshire, USA. ' Plymouth State University, Plymouth, New Hampshire, USA

Abstract: Multiple regions in East Africa face challenges due to increased rates of resource consumption and species extinction. We examined how well community-based conservation minimizes habitat loss for wildlife and marginalization of under-represented people. Using ecological field work and ethnographic techniques, we focused on how current land use in the Usambara Mountains, Tanzania, affects the ecology and social fabric of the area. We found low recruitment potential of non-native agricultural crops into adjacent forest reserves. We also found that certain agricultural practices that increase sustainability are slowly being integrated while others are still met with resistance. Communication between stakeholders has begun; however, without cooperation amongst key players the long-term future for wildlife and local people will be increasingly threatened as resource pressure intensifies.

Keywords: community-based conservation; East Africa; Tanzania; resource consumption; species extinction; ethnography; ecological field work; ecology; social fabric; agricultural practices; sustainability; agriculture; sustainable development; wildlife; local communities; resource pressure; resource management.

DOI: 10.1504/IER.2005.053943

Interdisciplinary Environmental Review, 2005 Vol.7 No.2, pp.60 - 75

Published online: 13 May 2013 *

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